Review: 71794 Lloyd and Arin's Ninja Team Mechs
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO has produced countless mechs and their frequency has increased substantially in recent years. However, a single mech is presumably no longer enough, as two mechs are combined as one vehicle in the spectacular 71794 Lloyd and Arin's Ninja Team Mechs!
The concept is evidently outlandish, but I think the result appears impressive, particularly since the characters of Lloyd and Arin's respective mechs seem completely different. However, there are just five minifigures and no vehicle for the Imperium characters, so I harbour concerns about the price of £74.99, $79.99 or €84.99.
Summary
71794 Lloyd and Arin's Ninja Team Mechs, 764 pieces.
£74.99 / $79.99 / €84.99 | 9.8p/10.5c/11.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Lloyd and Arin's mechs are brilliant, especially when combined, but lack proper opposition
- Two outstanding mechs
- Clever combination function
- Appealing ronin styling of Lloyd's mech
- Highly articulated when separate
- Limited articulation when mechs are combined
- No opposing vehicle
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
The ninja traditionally don new robes at the beginning of each season and Dragons Rising is no exception. Lloyd therefore includes new head and shoulder wrap elements, which are shared across the team. I dislike the obvious seam between these pieces, but the moulded detail is excellent. Also, the bright green and dark green colours look nice and these were a surprise, as the colour seems closer to the standard green in official images.
Arin includes the same fabric wrap around his shoulders, with sheaths for his weapons on the back. His head wrap is unique though, dual-moulded with pearl gold horns, which are an odd addition. Nevertheless, certain features to differentiate Arin from the established ninja seem appropriate and his gi is distinctive as well, recalling the classic DX attire from the first year of NINJAGO.
The orange dragon wrapped around Arin's robes looks fantastic and the character's name is written in Ninjargon on his back. Both minifigures also display their initial on their torso, which has become a common feature recently. Lloyd and Arin are equipped with two pearl gold katana and Arin also carries his grappling hook, represented by a flexible rubber piece.
The totalitarian realm of Imperium is heavily reliant on dragon power, so the nation maintains a contingent of dragon hunters, known as the Claws of Imperium. Rapton is among its leading members and is immediately identifiable by his golden visor, which looks splendid. I like the white hair element as well, making its debut appearance in this colour.
Rapton wears bulky shoulder armour, with a stud available on the back. The torso underneath is impressively detailed, featuring intricate metallic gold armour panels and orange patterns on the front and back. The legs look superb too, especially with those orange lines continuing between both components.
Both the Imperium Claw General and Imperium Guard Commander are dressed identically to Rapton from the neck down, which is unusual for NINJAGO. However, I think such uniformity works well for characters affiliated with Imperium, as the society encourages conformity and Rapton is merely an elevated member of the Claw Hunters.
The two minifigures do include specialised heads and helmets though. The Claw General wears a golden faceplate beneath his helmet, reminiscent of the Chitauri from Marvel and contrasting nicely with the black helmet. The angular shape of this part complements the shoulder armour, unlike the Guard Commander's round helmet, although I like them both. The latter seems quite versatile, so could doubtless be used elsewhere.
When compared with the animated guards, this minifigure's helmet should rest higher on the head, rather than obscuring the cyclopean design beneath. This is easily resolved though, by placing a 1x1 round plate between the two pieces. Two of the Imperium minifigures are armed with brilliant dual-moulded swords, while the guard wields a brick-built staff.
The Completed Model
Almost fifty NINJAGO mechs have been produced since the theme began. Thankfully though, the designers continue to innovate and this addition to the range represents a clear departure from prior examples. Strange though it sounds, the mech is influenced by traditional Japanese garb, between the conical hat, enormous spaulders and wooden sandals.
Of course, this vehicle's most important feature is the presence of a second mech, strapped on the bigger mech's chest. The combination is effective, especially because of their contrasting colours, but this seriously compromises the articulation. The hip joints, for example, can only move a short distance when Arin's vehicle is attached across the torso and thighs, so there is little opportunity for action poses.
The head is reminiscent of 70658 Oni Titan, featuring a 10x10 dish, which is likely intended to represent a conical hat. I love this bold shape and the robotic eye underneath is interesting, given the cockpit is located immediately beneath this sensor. However, there is reason for needing an additional eye to scan the environment, as you will see.
Arin's mech protrudes significantly from the torso of the larger mech, which could be considered awkward. Even so, I applaud the committal to this concept and I think it works, simply because the combination is so unusual! Also, the stickered Technic panels, representing spaulders or perhaps a cloak, partially wrap around Arin's vehicle, which improves the cohesion of the entire mech.
Lloyd and Arin can both fit inside their respective mechs when they are combined, although I think Lloyd's vision would be severely restricted by the novice ninja in front. This is where the aforementioned robotic eye becomes necessary, as I can imagine Lloyd activating a camera for a better view of his surroundings.
Pearl gold chains link the Technic panels with Arin's mech and these look superb, even though they are not really needed to secure the mech. On the other hand, these chains do keep the shoulders back, which is helpful because the arms are the only section of the smaller mech without any connection to its larger counterpart.
I think the arms look reasonable hanging down the sides of Arin's mech, as presented in these photos, although you might wish to remove the golden swords. Clips are thus provided on the back, either to store these blades or Lloyd's minifigure-scale katana, as he cannot wear them when piloting the mech.
The leg connection is basic, but ingenuously so, as the feet slot through loops on the knees of Lloyd's vehicle. I like the creativity of the design and these feel quite secure, although there is still a degree of movement possible, so the larger mech's hip articulation does not completely vanish.
Separating the mechs is easy. After detaching the chains, the torsos are only connected via a single Technic pin and the legs can be removed from their loops. Removing the smaller mech obviously changes the proportions of Lloyd's vehicle substantially, although I am pleased with their individual appearances, as well as their combined design.
Lloyd's mech reaches a height of 29cm, so is similar in scale to the recent Titan mechs. In this configuration, the torso becomes thinner and the whole model appears more spindly, although the changing profile is a positive feature, in my opinion. Additionally, the colour scheme of dark green and pearl gold looks marvellous, alongside those dark orange panels.
Once the companion mech is removed, the articulation improves greatly as well. Beyond the better hip motion, the waist can swivel and this vehicle also includes articulated knees, which are always an exciting addition! The panels around the shoulders sometimes obstruct the arm movement, but I am otherwise pleased with the range of achievable poses.
Without Arin's mech in front, the cockpit is remarkably exposed. There is an obvious gap in the centre and the Technic pin hole also appears awkward. Both issues could probably have been resolved by adding a folding panel to reinforce the frontal armour, but I am unsure how such a feature could be implemented in the space available.
The body is constructed similarly to 71785 Jay's Titan Mech, as the lower section is angled in relation to the upper torso. The waspish waist shape is interesting and complements the bulky thighs, but this building technique leaves click hinges visible from behind. I am unconcerned by them though, as exposed actuators are only to be expected on a mech.
As mentioned already, the Technic panels protecting the arms obstruct their motion, although functional shoulder, elbow and wrist joints remain underneath. Fortunately, each panel is only attached using a single ball joint behind the shoulders, shown above, so the armour can move aside easily. Even so, arranging the panels is awkward when adjusting the arms and I think this could be frustrating during play.
The model carries a huge naginata, measuring 43cm long. The golden blade mounted at one end looks splendid and I like the red element at the other, even though its colour conflicts with the rest of the mech. Some unexpected colours appear on the legs as well, including a range of dark tan pieces and wooden sandals, known as geta. The supports underneath give the mech an unfamiliar, but appealing, stance.
Moreover, the integration of traditional features feels appropriate, particularly since the word 'ronin' is written in Ninjargon on the spaulders, so that historic influence was clearly intended. The narrowing of the legs is equally effective and there are no unsightly Technic pieces or odd colours found on the back either.
Like its driver, Arin's mech is predominantly flame yellowish orange. Dark accents are included though, maintaining a connection with Lloyd's vehicle. This model is similar to the EVO mechs launched last year, so measures 13cm in height and even incorporates the chest armour from the comparable NEXO Knights Battle Suits, albeit as knee protectors in this instance.
The articulation also matches the EVO mechs, as the arms and legs are assembled around the static limb elements created for these sets. Ball joints at the shoulders, wrists, hips and ankles provide a good range of motion for display, nonetheless. In addition, the large knee protectors disguise the knees' fixed position to some extent, so you can achieve relatively dynamic poses.
A decorated dragon head is mounted on the chest, featuring printed eyes and Arin's initial. The element introduces an unusual shape, but distinguishes Arin's mech from others of comparable size. Furthermore, the black armour plates attached above the shoulders look superb and seem very functional, protecting the minifigure's head on both sides.
Arin stands on a pair of studs inside the cockpit, but there are no controls, unfortunately. Also, the minifigure obstructs the chest panel slightly, so a gap is visible between this panel and the shoulders. While not ideal, the troublesome 2x2 inverted curved slope is required to secure the dragon head, which I consider a worthy compromise.
The shape of the knees is excellent, completing the front of the mech perfectly. The reverse is less attractive, lacking detail and including an unsightly reddish brown Technic 2x4 brick with a blue Technic pin. Again, these are necessary to combine the two mechs, but their colours really detract from the back, which is a shame because the colour scheme on the front is faultless.
Overall
Given the sheer number of mechs developed for NINJAGO, the vehicles could easily become repetitive. 71794 Lloyd and Arin's Ninja Team Mechs is anything but, thankfully, as the models' combination function is ingenious and I think they look incredible, either combined or displayed separately. Both mechs possess their own style, but also work surprisingly well together.
The articulation is disappointing when the mechs are combined, although I think this issue was unavoidable. Additionally, the minifigure selection could perhaps be improved because none of the supplied characters are exclusive. However, more important is the omission of an Imperium vehicle, as one should undoubtedly be provided, for the price of £74.99, $79.99 or €84.99. The set remains impressive, nonetheless.
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22 comments on this article
That's just a green Keetongu.
Hooray, finally more mechs.
@xboxtravis7992 said:
"That's just a green Keetongu."
My thoughts exactly haha!
Thanks Cap!
These are going to look great in my display case, and even better when I finish building a semi-permanent area for big mech battle scenes.
Neggos will always snipe about 'too many mechs' but as you said, these are pretty inventive and sufficiently different looks wise. Also, TLG group makes sets for a new group of fans every year or two, so repeated themes are not a problem to the target audience (nor to me, who has most of the mechs to date).
Now I kinda want to see if I can't give that mech a red Tengu-mask with a gigantic nose. And since it's Lego - I probably can!
@xboxtravis7992 said:
"That's just a green Keetongu."
And with the smaller mech strapped on it’s even predominately yellow! Someone designing this set was definitely a fan
CapnRex is truly the hardest working man on Brickset. Thanks for the recent bunch of splendid reviews!
Thanks Capn!
this is my 4th comment on this post, doesnt seem to be working so apologies if my others are showing up and im just repeating myself, but none of mine are appearing on my end.
Personally I love this set, the concept, the execution, the build itself looks incredible. I love how it looks like a dragon poking his head out of the mechs "poncho". But the price is pretty high, not liking that. there definetly should have been another hover chariot for the claws, or instead of the one black claw general there should have been 2 of the gold claws that are the regular goons, as the black ones dont even appear in the show and the gold ones only come in 2 sets.
Wow, a mech that actually has four fingers? This build looks so good, I really like the detail of the traditional geta Lloyds mech is wearing. Might pick this one up
Pit droid mech
No opposing vehicle is a plus.
I don't like mechs--especially not humanoid mechs. Except for this one, which is bloody brilliant. Not quite clear why the second mech is a wingless wyvern--but maybe the shoulder armor of the ronin mech can act as wings for the combined mech? Of course, that makes me need all the more to buy the set in order to try my theory out....
And I *love* the ronin's feet, with their big toes and detailed geta! As I said before, brilliant!
If they'd only managed to work in that baby dragon, I might not need another Ninjago set from this wave, which is pretty unusual. Well, maybe not; the Lava Dragon is also a pretty sweet model, and again doesn't have the baby....
Then again, that's what Bricks and Pieces, or Bricklink, is for.
@xboxtravis7992: I think you mean Greentongu. Which is what I will be calling this set from now on.
I must say I'm not a fan of these new hoods. Semi-repeating the idea of Prime Empire with the weird eyes on one side and the normal face on the other was something that I found fitting for that season, but unnececcary now. I am yet to start watching the series, but I hope (but don't expect) Rapton to turn out being Krux from Hands of Time.
One incredible mech and a 4+ baby mech for the little brother as a bonus.
Pretty stellar set! I like how it works both as an exo-suit and a combining mech.
Also love the Keetongu vibe. Aarin's mech is even 'keetorange'!
Lloyd: gets second giant original exclusive mech in less than five years.
Cole and Kai: eye mech set that they were forced to share for no reason related to plot.
Zane: looks at giant mech that's just an upscaled version of his previous mech.
I don't buy Ninjago generally, but the mechs over the last couple of years have been an exception - all really well built.
Someone give Lego the license to Battletech or Robotech, lol.
I'm glad that we're getting more Dragons Rising set reviews here at Brickset but this set is disappointing. The concept of sandals for a mech is so cool but here I think they just look weird. Also bound to cause stability issues.
The figures are great but I would have preferred the golden-armoured villain variants instead.
Arin's EVO-esque mech looks awesome, but I'm unsure of its connection with the Lloyd's mech which looks like a green pit droid with wack arms. The long spear thing also looks awkward and I think it should have been a sword instead.
May I also add that Arin's mech's knee protectors are actually cockpit elements designed for the NEXO Knights Battle Suits and were later used for the Marvel mechs. They were never used for EVO mechs which instead had a specialised element designed for them.
I hate those red pins, there are alternatives for that!
Otherwise, I was quite torn about the set when I first saw it. It's very different in style, which is okay but something put me off. The head might be the biggest offender here, although it does fit the overall traditional style. The 'cape' around the shoulders is nice and that we get a naginata instead of the 300th sword is a step in the right direction. I don't understand why Lloyd's cockpit is so open at the front, a bracket or a plate could easily fix that, no?
On the other hand, Arin's mech is pretty cool, except for the brown 2x4 brick at the back.. Really, was there no way to make this a bit more pleasing to the eye? Also, the villain minifigs are pretty awesome.
So, all in all a solid set, no wow-factor, tho. But I am a big supporter of any form of combining robots, e.g. I will probably buy this at a discount.
@SearchlightRG said:
"Zane: looks at giant mech that's just an upscaled version of his previous mech."
"Dedede is already perfect..."
@Andrusi said:
" @SearchlightRG said:
"Zane: looks at giant mech that's just an upscaled version of his previous mech."
"Dedede is already perfect...""
What does the penguin king from Kirby have to do with this?