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Matt Hein / Reviews / Space | |
| Space Models and Star Wars Review Page. Welcome to the Space and Star Wars Review Page! Here, I have a nice comprehensive review for each set, so If you need advice on what to buy, and what not to buy, check this out (or, if you’re here for the sole purpose of reading reviews, that’s fine too. :) And now, for some Reviews! Set Name: Blacktron Renegade Rating: 10/10 Overall Model: 2/2 Parts Selection: 2/2 Color Scheme: 2/2 Function: 2/2 Alternate Models: 2/2 My take: Ah, the Blacktron Renegade...one of the more interesting sets on the Lego market today, due to its oddly enigmatic assymetrical design, and its dark, moreover sinister look, as compared to the dull gray color scheme of classic space, which was beginning to grow old at the time, and the need for something new. This new concept was called Blacktron. The blacktron renegade has many interesting features not found in the average set, which included an awesome, yet sinister black and yellow scheme, and a killer design, not to mention those mysterious blacktron pilots. There are lots of functions on the set includeing opening canopies, detachable cockpits, and the ever useful storage compartments, with a few robots to boot. What makes this set innovative, however, was its break away from modularity and its new feel for the space era. The theme utilized a lot of interesting old parts, in a new way, giving it a more advanced feel than its predecessors. Not to mention that, and of course, its awesome use for alternate models, giving almost infinite building possibilities, and the potential for modification. What’s truly great about this set is its potential for universal building, not just space models. Parts from this set could easily be integrated into a castle model, or even an airplane. Bionicle and Jack stone sets, with their limited parts assortment, can’t even begin to compare to the them we all enjoy. That theme is Blacktron. Set Name: Rebel Hunter Rating 9/10 Overall Model 2/2 Parts Selection 2/2 Color Scheme 2/2 Function 2/2 Alternate Models 1/2 My take: The rebel hunter, yet another great model from the early 1990’s that seemed to be more than just the hallmark of the space police theme. In fact, this model was probably one of the highlighted models hailing from the series, (besides the Galactic Mediator). Hosting a killer design, an innovative holding cell, and an intriguing stance for its wings. Although its color scheme is not nearly as flashy as its early SP I predacessors, the Rebel Hunter holds well in design as well as function, proving its position on the rating charts. Although lacking in complete modularity (there is a hint of it in the holding cell release), the rebel hunter makes up more for it in compromise with its excellent design. The parts selection in the rebel hunter is decent, but is partially lacking in basic bricks and plates, but is easily made up with a plethora of useful parts, including a blacktron minifig, plenty of transparent elements, etc. Alternate models however, are a difficult task to accomplish with this set, particularly with the lack of plates and such, but some killer designs can still be accomplished. Overall, the rebel hunter is a great set to buy for the space theme, but it is reccommended that this set be kept in one piece. Great for display, but otherwise, it is particularly fragile. Enigmatic, yes, but a work of art? That’s to debate... I reccommend this set to anyone who needs something flashy, yet contemporary for their display shelf. Nice overall model, but for parts, multiple copies may be needed... Set Name: X-Wing Fighter Rating: 10/10 Overall Model: 2/2 Parts Selection: 2/2 Color Scheme: 2/2 Function: 2/2 Alternate Models: 2/2 I would definitely have to say that the X wing Fighter was one of the highlights of Lego’s 1999 fiscal year, aside from the nearly legendary Snowspeeder set, but what exactly defines a masterpiece? Is it design? Flexability? Proportionate scale? The answer, all of the above. What is definitely intriguing about the X Wing fighter, is that the star wars series was an entirely new concept by lego, who had just started in their pioneering concept to immortalize the star wars creations in Lego. What really makes this set great, however, is its break from definite modularity to form something entirely contemporary, a new concept compared to older models, that stuck to the “traditional feel” of Lego, which was of course, modular. Although traditional design are still on the forefront of collectors priorities, this new concept completely changed the entire outlook, to pave way for the new era of sets. Although the model is relatively stable, it comes with a variety of new parts, including a few unique elements to boot, and is even decked out with the new thruster elements (which serve well for mecha and rocket creations as well), and a new style of windshield, which is particularly useful for comtemporary space styled creations that break away from the traditional stance. Although the function is somewhat hidden in this model, it does not entirely take away from the building experience (hey! It’s a spaceship, already! what function do you expect besides opening canopies and storage facilities?) Okay, so the wings could have folded, or boosters extended, but then it wouldn’t be an X wing anymore, would it? Aside from this concept, the set functions well for alternate building, hosting a wide array of useful parts, and pieces, to build, say, a dual thruster docking ship, or even a small scale attack flghter, but multiple models may be needed for those who aspire to greater creations, but at a set so good as this, you might wish to keep it in one piece and let it sit on your display shelf. The overall take: The 1999 Star Wars line redefined an era of Lego, and changed its overall stance on building. Whether it was changed for the better or the worse? That’s for the connoisseur to decide. Definitely among one of the greatest models for the Star Wars era yet, but If you want more, purchase a Snow Speeder, in multiple copies, of course! You will not live to regret it... Set Name: Space Patroller Rating: 10/10 Overall Model: 2/2 Parts Selection: 2/2 Color Scheme: 2/2 Function: 2/2 Alternate Models: 2/2 The 918 has to be one of the foremost original models from the Lego Company in all of its history, and proves to those space afficionados of the wrong turn space has taken today. But of all of the qualifications of a great model, Function, Lust, Design, Flexability, and the overall concept, the 918 hits every mark perfectly, with dead on accuracy. What makes this set so great compared to other space models? Is it because many collector have a fit of nostalgia over such fond reminscence of their earlier model collections? No...the answer is the entire classic space concept, and the introduction of minifugures. The 918 exhibits many characteristics of a great model, including a killer design, with the ever eminent classic space logo, the torpedo type craft, and of course, the modular outlook, with the ability to dock on other larger models. With all of this said, the 918 hits a bulls eye with the function, an opening cockpit, two cargo doors in the rear compartment to store extra parts, or even an extra crew member or droid, and of course, the coherent ability to draw hawk like model collectors in ever large crowds. But enough said about function, the color scheme also hits the mark quite well, with the mysterious blue and grey outlook, which adds a touch of austerity, yet a militaristic feel to the overall model, and the parts selection is stellar, including a wide variety of useful elements, including logos, transparent plates, wings, and of course, the ever important basic bricks. With all of this said, the 918 perfectly demonstrates the beginning of a prosporous era for the space theme, and of course, an inspiration for later models to come... Seriously, though. Although these sets are wildly popular on Ebay and bricklink, the concept of getting your hands on one may be tough, so you’ll need a thick wallet. The average 918 sells for around $75. With all of that said, though, It’s a great overall model, and rightfully so. Highly reccommended.) Set Name: Cosmic Fleet Voyager Rating: 10/10 Overall Model: 2/2 Parts Selection: 2/2 Color Scheme: 2/2 Function: 2/2 Alternate Models: 2/2 Yet another perfect example of the golden era of classic space, the Cosmic Fleet Voyager is gracefully remniscent of the genius blacktron design, of course, with a classic space twist. The design is timeless, a medley of science fiction goodness, lego designer ingenuity, and the present theme that it doesn’t take weapons armed to the teeth to create a true space cruiser. But aside from this, what makes the Voyager so great? Is it the seemingly unprecedented design? The sinister yet attractive blue white color scheme, or is is simply the sentimentality of collectors, as they look towards the more modernized lego with lament? The answer, the entire concept. The Cosmic Fleet Voyager helped to define an era when lego space was still in its infancy, and helped to establish a concept now all but shunned by Lego today you don’t need all specialized parts to build a great ship. Loads of basic bricks and plates abounded, which made it possible to tear apart ths ship, and rebuild it into anything possible, which is nearly impossible to do today, given overspecialized parts, and a lack of bricks in the newer models. Anyway, this set is a great compliment to your collection, so if you encounter one, make sure to pick it up, but first, check your wallet, this set may set you back a few. However, if money does not permit, I suggest picking up a Battrax Either way, with one of those to adorn your shelf, you won’t regret it. In my opinion, this is one of the bestspace sets you can get for your money, and it was a key factor in defining a theme that would later be called classic space. They don’t call it classic for nothing, now do they? Very highly reccommended! Items of Interest... |
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