Review: 75359 332nd Ahsoka's Clone Trooper Battle Pack
Posted by CapnRex101,
Battle Packs containing Clone Troopers are ever-popular, providing huge army building potential. 75359 332nd Ahsoka's Clone Trooper Battle Pack is therefore an impressive prospect, particularly given these Clone Troopers' decisive role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
While the minifigures are undoubtedly the highlight, I think the Swamp Speeder looks great too, which has not always been the case for Battle Pack vehicles. However, the cost of Battle Packs also continues to rise over time, now reaching an expensive £18.99, $19.99 or €20.99.
Summary
75359 332nd Ahsoka's Clone Trooper Battle Pack, 108 pieces.
£18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99 | 17.6p/18.5c/19.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Featuring superb minifigures and a surprisingly detailed vehicle, this is a great Battle Pack
- Impressive minifigures
- Brilliant Swamp Speeder
- Quite expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Upon detaching from the 501st Legion, the 332nd Company is led by Ahsoka Tano, the newly-promoted Commander Rex and Captain Vaughn. The latter character makes his debut here, featuring an orange visor and pattern across his helmet, inspired by Ahsoka's facial markings. Ideally, the pattern would continue onto the visor, but this element has not been printed before. Also, the minifigure lacks a stripe on the chin.
This helmet therefore only differs from the standard Clone Troopers because of the visor. The torso, on the other hand, is unique. An accurate rank indicator appears on the front, while the reverse includes a printed jetpack, very similar to that worn by Commander Cody. In general, named characters are best avoided in Battle Packs, but Captain Vaughn is unlikely to appear elsewhere, so is welcome here.
A trio of 332nd Company Clone Troopers joins their commanding officer. These minifigures wear the same helmet as Vaughn, although lacking his visor, so showing the decoration more clearly. The white bands interrupting the orange patterns are unfortunate, but likely unavoidable, as similar gaps appear beside the ridge on all Clone Trooper helmets.
75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers introduced a torso with blue highlights a couple of years ago, which remains in use here. The design looks perfect and I like the corresponding details found on the knee armour as well. All four troopers feature the same head, unsurprisingly, but their accessories do vary, as two minifigures sport jetpacks. Three standard blasters and the larger rifle are also provided.
An updated helmet was produced for Phase II Clone Troopers in 2022, so they accommodate accessories. These holes have affected the shape of the helmet, which is less rounded than before. Initially, I found the update quite jarring and I still prefer the 332nd Company Clone Trooper from 75283 AAT (Armoured Assault Tank), but the revised helmet is growing on me.
The Completed Model
In addition to their traditional blasters, the Clone Troopers are equipped with a mounted stud shooter. Although perhaps not necessary, this is a good inclusion for play, able to rotate on its four-legged base. This weapon reminds me a little of the mortars occasionally deployed during The Clone Wars, so perhaps that was a source of inspiration.
The versatile Infantry Support Platform, better known as the Swamp Speeder, has appeared in several LEGO sets. This model resembles the speeder in 75035 Kashyyyk Troopers, although its size has increased. Whereas the previous rendition was considered impressive for a Battle Pack vehicle, I think this Swamp Speeder is appealing under any circumstances.
A pair of movable stud shooters are located at the front, where laser cannons are placed on the vehicle onscreen. These are integrated nicely and the shape of the central frame is much more accurate here than on the model from 2014. Furthermore, the armour panels make perfect use of the 3x3 quarter dishes introduced last year, protecting seats for two minifigures.
Both minifigures' weapons can be stored behind the seats, attached to the engine. Sadly, this engine can no longer rotate, but it looks splendid. I particularly like how a bracket is integrated between the engine and the frame, closing a potential gap. The scattered blue accents are also attractive and most of these elements are common in different colours, so the vehicle could be adapted for other legions.
Overall
In many respects, 75359 332nd Ahsoka's Clone Trooper Battle Pack is an exemplary Battle Pack! The minifigure selection is excellent and avoids focusing too much on officers or other characters unsuitable for army building. Captain Vaughn is not ideal, but closely resembles the standard troopers, so could be demoted to perform another role during play.
Additionally, the Swamp Speeder is remarkably accurate, given its scale. The engine is static and there are no controls on board, but this model is essentially faultless otherwise. The price does feel relatively expensive though, at £18.99, $19.99 or €20.99. Ultimately, I consider this a worthwhile purchase, but any duplicates should probably wait for a discount.
142 likes
51 comments on this article
Yeah I was planning on starting a clone army,but since star wars is so so expensive (and mediocre) I ditched that Idea to buy other themes.
We have had up to 3 price increases for different reasons, some of which have already passed and Lego has continued to have a positive balance, even so prices have not dropped, it is incomprehensible. Everything is overpriced.
Definitely planning on getting this one. As much as I like the clone troopers though, I don't really have anyone for them to fight! We need a battle droid battle pack soon.
Oh, the days when you could get a battle back for less then £10.
Yeah, LEGO is clearly pushing me out of the hobby themselves, this might be the last year I am due to costs.
Thank you for the early review @CapnRex101, excellent stuff as always!
I just wondered whether the undersides of the swamp speeder are formed using "just" the black plates we see in the pictures provided, or if any clear pieces are added to obtain a hovering-effect?
Would be great if you could add a photo of the underside of the speeder to the review.
I watched all of clone wars and I can't distinguish a 501st from a 332nd trooper and who fought where for who.... I always wonder who those army building people are and how big of a bubble that is. This looks like a fun little (way too costly build), but the need to collect them all doesn't land with me.
@The_Cellarer said:
"Thank you for the early review @CapnRex101, excellent stuff as always!
I just wondered whether the undersides of the swamp speeder are formed using "just" the black plates we see in the pictures provided, or if any clear pieces are added to obtain a hovering-effect?
Would be great if you could add a photo of the underside of the speeder to the review."
There are no trans-clear sliders or other pieces underneath, but those would have been a good addition.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @The_Cellarer said:
"Thank you for the early review @CapnRex101, excellent stuff as always!
I just wondered whether the undersides of the swamp speeder are formed using "just" the black plates we see in the pictures provided, or if any clear pieces are added to obtain a hovering-effect?
Would be great if you could add a photo of the underside of the speeder to the review."
There are no trans-clear sliders or other pieces underneath, but those would have been a good addition."
Okay, that is slightly unfortunate. Appreciate the quick reply!
Negative people will be negative— overpriced as hell? Yes. Also a 332nd Clone Trooper Battle Pack after waiting forever for one? Also yes. Maybe I’m just strangely grateful because this was rumored to be a $30 set of the same size and piece count…
That speeder actually looks really sleek! Whenever this thing goes for 30% off, I'ma get a few!
I know people get tired of the "But the price! THE PRICE!!" comments on sets, but it's unavoidable. Value prospect in a set DOES matter, even to people who can easily afford it - even wealthy people don't like feeling ripped off.
Really feels like this set could have easily come with TWO of those little speeders, or 2 additional troopers.
Probably will get a couple when released, then wait to see if it drops to pick up a couple more.
Maybe, maybe, maybe…
But, as always, I will buy one…
I will buy one for sure since I missed out on the 332nd before, maybe I will buy another (since it's now not the outrageous price they were planning on before ugh), but at a discount ofc.
@Brickulator93 said:
"Oh, the days when you could get a battle back for less then £10. "
And when a loaf of bread was 80p and not £1.40
I don't think Lego is going to want to do a single Battlepack anymore in this day and age that is appealing. All the troopers have been made once (painting legion colors on clones isn't or shouldn't be revolutionary) and we aren't allowed to go back to confederacy droids for example. All aliens are allegedly prohibitively expensive so never ever more obscure Ewoks, Gungans, ROTS Wookiees and other more of the interesting armies that could be built that aren't repeating """""boring""""" armored designs. And even if there were no production hang ups, the sets wouldn't tie in to any modern media so remain unviable allegedly. New media never offers armybuilding options, or at least Lego hopes it doesn't because they can extend those into normal sets with far larger price tags like the Dark Trooper pack. Even if they were to do Imperial Beskar Commandos, they would never come with the t-shirt arms and double molded legs that they need.
I bought 75345 last week with a discount. I'll do the same with this.
This is a great battle pack. I wish the captain was more distinct, but our Cap'n is undoubtedly correct that individuals in battle packs defeat the purpose.
Yes, the price is double what it was when I got into this hobby. Nevertheless, if you are patient, and good, sets like this still reach the $12 range in the US around Christmas or after.
I usually buy one of these because I really 'NEED' it. Then, I get a half dozen more when they're half-off.
I understand and commiserate with the price-griping. But, there are ways....
In regards to pricing, the Collectible Minifigures are priced at $4.99 each in the USA, and often include army building characters. Considering this, the price feels much better with this set as we are being offered much more in the way of an attractive model.
I’ll likely be getting only one, I don’t care much for the 332nd and especially not Vaughn (he doesn’t do anything). It’s great for those who want it, and it’s pretty hard to distinguish the helmets with the holes from the ones without it at a glance. Really over saturated with 501st though, hoping for something new with the next battlepack
Ahsoka is missing…
$5 per figure, and comes with a free advent calendar model. I've seen worse deals.
@sjr60 said:
" @Brickulator93 said:
"Oh, the days when you could get a battle back for less then £10. "
And when a loaf of bread was 80p and not £1.40"
That's late stage capitalism and greedflation for you. It's not even a Lego problem, it's a corporation problem. They want to charge more and more for goods and services while employing less people for stagnant wages. In Lego's case I'm wondering why the worst price excesses are focused in the +4 age sets? 60346, 75332, 76263, 76264, sheesh!
@Jupiter said:
"Ahsoka is missing…"
No she’s not. There’s nothing worst than a battle pack with a named character. Its probably the only thing me and the whining “kid” from Florida with a YouTube channel agree on. In that context, I don’t like that Vaughn is there.
I’m also a little tired with 501st Battle pack and I’m the target audience. We need a CIS battle pack! Soon!
It’s a relief that it didn’t end up with the rumored $27 price tag. With LEGO’s increasing prices for Star Wars sets (and just LEGO as a whole), a $27 battle pack didn’t seem that far fetched. I will definitely get at least one of these
I don’t get all the we have too many 501st sets comments. Yes, they may have come from the 501st, but these are not the clones led by Anakin, these are Ahsoka’s troopers, and up until this point we’ve only been able to get them in a single regular set, so for those of us who want an army of them this is a much needed set.
As for the price, I don’t think Lego started inflation, but I think it affects them the same way it affects everyone else. Yes, it’s unfortunate and prices have doubled over the past few years, but that’s simply life these days. The cost of eating at a restaurant has also doubled, yet I still do that. It will go on sale at some point soon, probably Black Friday, so unless you have zero patience, you will get it cheaper.
@alfred_the_buttler said:
"As for the price, I don’t think Lego started inflation, but I think it affects them the same way it affects everyone else. Yes, it’s unfortunate and prices have doubled over the past few years, but that’s simply life these days."
Exactly. There seem to be those who believe that Lego exists in an inflation immune bubble. The same simple folks who think that if inflation goes down, the price of Lego should go down (rather than the reality that it just won't rise quite as quickly).
Yes, it's a shame when Lego prices increase, but there are other far more vital things that have had much steeper price rises.
@WemWem said:
"I know people get tired of the "But the price! THE PRICE!!" comments on sets, but it's unavoidable. Value prospect in a set DOES matter, even to people who can easily afford it - even wealthy people don't like feeling ripped off.
Really feels like this set could have easily come with TWO of those little speeders, or 2 additional troopers. "
Exactly. Can I currently afford to buy about 5 of these at full retail price? Yes. But that doesn't mean I need to, or should be paying that much. Definitely will be buying about 3 once they go on 20-30% off, as with a lot of my LEGO purchases these days.
I like the Vaughn minifigure but he should have a printed visor, stripe on the chin of his helmet, and a gray undersuit.
The set looks great! I might try and pick one up at some point on discount. It's a shame they aren't including macros in all clone battlepacks. Hopefully they visit CIS and other clone legions besides 501st.
@Graqwild said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Brickulator93 said:
"Oh, the days when you could get a battle back for less then £10. "
And when a loaf of bread was 80p and not £1.40"
That's late stage capitalism and greedflation for you. It's not even a Lego problem, it's a corporation problem. They want to charge more and more for goods and services while employing less people for stagnant wages. In Lego's case I'm wondering why the worst price excesses are focused in the +4 age sets? 60346, 75332, 76263, 76264, sheesh!"
Oh, I think Lego is especially well-versed in the dark arts of greedflation!
The focus on +4 is to get the youngin's used to being fleeced early so hopefully they'll complain less when they're on AFOL sites and still being fleeced. ;)
This is a great little Battle Pack, the troopers look great. Will definitely pick up a couple.
I do like that Swamp Speeder. Two such nacelles flanking a single seat, a longer, tapered snout, you've got yourself a decent Starcraft Vulture.
Which was always a complete waste of resources, but it was certainly cool.
@eiffel006 said:
" @Jupiter said:
"Ahsoka is missing…"
No she’s not. There’s nothing worst than a battle pack with a named character. Its probably the only thing me and the whining “kid” from Florida with a YouTube channel agree on. In that context, I don’t like that Vaughn is there.
I’m also a little tired with 501st Battle pack and I’m the target audience. We need a CIS battle pack! Soon! "
I laughed a drink out my nose when I read, "whining 'kid' from Florida with a YouTube channel."
I suppose you mean @mandrproductions
He's also too much of a fast-talking, money-flaunting FLA boy. His style reminds me of that character from Robocop, "I'd buy that for a dollar!"
But, you gotta give him some credit. His production values are good and he's got a nice smile.
@StyleCounselor said:
"The focus on +4 is to get the youngin's used to being fleeced early …."
What are you talking about? When you’re four years old, all LEGO sets are free.
Price has gone up commensurate with other stuff. 2 pints of milk used to be 90p at Tesco. Now it's £1.25.
@eiffel006:
The Ep5 Bounty Hunter battle pack was nothing but named characters, and I don’t think anyone was complaining about being able to scoop up most of the group in a small, affordable set vs having to buy half a dozen $200+ sets to pick them up one by one. It’s all in context. An army builder battle pack with a single named character leaves you with a pile of Uniques. A battle pack with only one generic character feels really abusive, unless you can scoop up piles of that lone minifig on PAB (doubtful). But all named isn’t any worse than all generic. It just means you don’t need to buy that one in bulk.
Anyways, I don’t recall anyone complaining that Benny got included with his Space Squad, which is basically equivalent to what we have here.
Overpriced per piece but still $5 per minifigure and they're great minifigures.
@eiffel006 said:
" @Jupiter said:
"Ahsoka is missing…"
No she’s not. There’s nothing worst than a battle pack with a named character. Its probably the only thing me and the whining “kid” from Florida with a YouTube channel agree on. In that context, I don’t like that Vaughn is there.
I’m also a little tired with 501st Battle pack and I’m the target audience. We need a CIS battle pack! Soon!
"
I think that it is unfair to describe @mandrpoductions as whiny.
No disrespect intended to you or anyone else but I think that someone has to nitpick LEGO’s decisions.
Sure he might be a little bit “much” but someone has to push LEGO as a company to make some more careful decisions regarding LEGO Star Wars. We can all agree that (even if you don’t think he should be in this set) Captain Vaughn’s figure should have been more detailed.
LEGO will eventually fix little things like that if the fan base gets mad about pretty much everything.
@mandrproductions’ methods and beliefs may not be the same as yours or anyone else’s, but in the end the reason he cares so much and is the way he is- is because he cares about LEGO Star Wars.
@PurpleDave said:
" @eiffel006:
The Ep5 Bounty Hunter battle pack was nothing but named characters, and I don’t think anyone was complaining about being able to scoop up most of the group in a small, affordable set vs having to buy half a dozen $200+ sets to pick them up one by one. It’s all in context. An army builder battle pack with a single named character leaves you with a pile of Uniques. A battle pack with only one generic character feels really abusive, unless you can scoop up piles of that lone minifig on PAB (doubtful). But all named isn’t any worse than all generic. It just means you don’t need to buy that one in bulk.
Anyways, I don’t recall anyone complaining that Benny got included with his Space Squad, which is basically equivalent to what we have here."
How many people do you know of who wanted an army of colorful astronauts?
@LegoMartian27 said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @eiffel006:
The Ep5 Bounty Hunter battle pack was nothing but named characters, and I don’t think anyone was complaining about being able to scoop up most of the group in a small, affordable set vs having to buy half a dozen $200+ sets to pick them up one by one. It’s all in context. An army builder battle pack with a single named character leaves you with a pile of Uniques. A battle pack with only one generic character feels really abusive, unless you can scoop up piles of that lone minifig on PAB (doubtful). But all named isn’t any worse than all generic. It just means you don’t need to buy that one in bulk.
Anyways, I don’t recall anyone complaining that Benny got included with his Space Squad, which is basically equivalent to what we have here."
How many people do you know of who wanted an army of colorful astronauts?"
Oh, all the Classic Space folks did.
@LegoMartian27 said:
"How many people do you know of who wanted an army of colorful astronauts?"
In a word…yes.
@iwybs said:
" @LegoMartian27 said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @eiffel006:
The Ep5 Bounty Hunter battle pack was nothing but named characters, and I don’t think anyone was complaining about being able to scoop up most of the group in a small, affordable set vs having to buy half a dozen $200+ sets to pick them up one by one. It’s all in context. An army builder battle pack with a single named character leaves you with a pile of Uniques. A battle pack with only one generic character feels really abusive, unless you can scoop up piles of that lone minifig on PAB (doubtful). But all named isn’t any worse than all generic. It just means you don’t need to buy that one in bulk.
Anyways, I don’t recall anyone complaining that Benny got included with his Space Squad, which is basically equivalent to what we have here."
How many people do you know of who wanted an army of colorful astronauts?"
Oh, all the Classic Space folks did."
I didn't complain at the time, but I am a bit annoyed now that even though we got an unbroken chinstrap blue helmet in 71708 we still (That I know of) haven't got a new properly printed blue classic space torso. Meaning that any army building with 70841 results in a lot of broken blue helmets and intentionally worn torso prints.
@LegoMartian27 said:
" @eiffel006 said:
" @Jupiter said:
"Ahsoka is missing…"
No she’s not. There’s nothing worst than a battle pack with a named character. Its probably the only thing me and the whining “kid” from Florida with a YouTube channel agree on. In that context, I don’t like that Vaughn is there.
I’m also a little tired with 501st Battle pack and I’m the target audience. We need a CIS battle pack! Soon!
"
I think that it is unfair to describe @mandrpoductions as whiny.
No disrespect intended to you or anyone else but I think that someone has to nitpick LEGO’s decisions.
Sure he might be a little bit “much” but someone has to push LEGO as a company to make some more careful decisions regarding LEGO Star Wars. We can all agree that (even if you don’t think he should be in this set) Captain Vaughn’s figure should have been more detailed.
LEGO will eventually fix little things like that if the fan base gets mad about pretty much everything.
@mandrproductions ’ methods and beliefs may not be the same as yours or anyone else’s, but in the end the reason he cares so much and is the way he is- is because he cares about LEGO Star Wars."
I think he's not critical enough! I'm sure it's like most sites. At some level, even subconscious, they are ALL concerned about their LAN status. There's a reason why Lego sends out free product, and it ain't to be nice!
No, unfortunately, the 'whininess' is simply the timbre of his voice and the style of his delivery. I don't hate it. Yet, I also rarely seek it out. That's because he flaunts too much. Videos from young kids tend to be like gansta rap, it's all about how much you have and how cool you are, not about the issues at hand.
If I'm going to watch a Lego review video, I prefer the soothing sounds of JANG. Besides, he buys his own Lego. True objectivity - if such can be said to exist.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @LegoMartian27 said:
" @eiffel006 said:
" @Jupiter said:
"Ahsoka is missing…"
No she’s not. There’s nothing worst than a battle pack with a named character. Its probably the only thing me and the whining “kid” from Florida with a YouTube channel agree on.
"
I think that it is unfair to describe @mandrpoductions as whiny.
No, unfortunately, the 'whininess' is simply the timbre of his voice and the style of his delivery. I don't hate it. Yet, I also rarely seek it out. That's because he flaunts too much. Videos from young kids tend to be like gansta rap, it's all about how much you have and how cool you are, not about the issues at hand.
"
I agree. (Sorry I misunderstood your original meaning of “whiny”) he does definitely have a tone and a style that can be… offputting for some.
"
@https://brickset.com/profile/iwybs
@PurpleDave
I didn’t realize there was such a demand!
@StyleCounselor:
People claim that these reviews are bought and paid for all the time because the sets are free, but there have been some that were scathingly critical and I don't see any signs that their supply has dried up. On the other hand, the Youtube crowd have monetized their reviews. More views equals more money. In order to make it in that game, they have to publish before RLFM sites are cleared to do so, which cuts them off from free product. But if you've got the views, the Youtube checks will pay to get this stuff shipped to you ASAP. And one thing that helps drive views is to rile up your viewers. It works all the time with radio talk shows. Notice how nobody who regularly namedrops a Youtube reviewer ends up showering praise on the majority of new sets. Instead, they keep hammering on a few arbitrary metrics that are difficult, if not impossible, to disprove (the easier to get riled up by, since it's easy to rebuff any attempts to point out the flawed logic).
So, if you think RLFM sites give biased reviews, why would you trust someone else who gets paid based on views?
@PurpleDave said:
" @StyleCounselor:
People claim that these reviews are bought and paid for all the time because the sets are free, but there have been some that were scathingly critical and I don't see any signs that their supply has dried up. On the other hand, the Youtube crowd have monetized their reviews. More views equals more money. In order to make it in that game, they have to publish before RLFM sites are cleared to do so, which cuts them off from free product. But if you've got the views, the Youtube checks will pay to get this stuff shipped to you ASAP. And one thing that helps drive views is to rile up your viewers. It works all the time with radio talk shows. Notice how nobody who regularly namedrops a Youtube reviewer ends up showering praise on the majority of new sets. Instead, they keep hammering on a few arbitrary metrics that are difficult, if not impossible, to disprove (the easier to get riled up by, since it's easy to rebuff any attempts to point out the flawed logic).
So, if you think RLFM sites give biased reviews, why would you trust someone else who gets paid based on views?"
I don't. I read and watch Lego reviews to see for myself what looks good, and to be entertained. I find the BS Comment section to be quite elucidating- and no one can claim that we're on the take (at least not all of us).
I also find that I tend to share similar opinions with CapnRex101 and JANG. Moreover, I appreciate the intelligent and measured manner in which they provide their opinions. I also really like BrothersBrick reviews. Of course, if I want to know more about parts, you can't beat NewElementary.
That said, you are absolutely correct in that all people working to make a buck off promoting Lego are in some sense beholden to the company and the industry for their compensation. So, all of them, regardless of how they obtain their Lego, are biased in that they want their jobs to continue. They want people to care enough about Lego to keep visiting their sites. Thus, strictly speaking, none of them can be 'trusted' to be objective.
@graymattr said:
"Overpriced per piece but still $5 per minifigure and they're great minifigures. "
This. Especially since this Ahsoka trooper was only in one other set and there was only one of them. That figure sells for more on it's own than the cost of this battle pack, so getting them this way is a steal comparatively.
I have absolutely no desire from anything from TCW. I think is weird that the troops would paint their armor to match her face markings.
And this would have been the perfect time to give us Muunilinst 10 battle pack. You know, actually celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Clone Wars, with something from the Clone Wars Multimedia Project. Who's 20th anniversary it actually is. But noooo we get the 20th anniversary logo plastered in sets inspired by TCW....
@sjr60 said:
" @Brickulator93 said:
"Oh, the days when you could get a battle back for less then £10. "
And when a loaf of bread was 80p and not £1.40"
But you need bread to eat, not LEGO....When a set exceeds $800, there's an issue with cost for a toy. I understand its for collectors and adults, but really? There are limits and Lego has exceeded mine. I will be stopping after this year.