NINJA Review: 6033 Treasure Transport

[def]

In the late 90's, I was a 20-something working at Toys R Us. At that time, like a healthy man, I was concerned with girls, weekends, and girls. Still, I could enjoy Star Wars fever, that was bubbling in anticipation of the Phantom Menace. Around that time, I started acquiring Star Wars Lego. It had my heart. The other stuff was 'for kids'. But was it? I majored in art history, world and Western, and Lego's ventures into the world's ethnic cultures was fascinating to me. It was a far cry from the Lego I'd grown up with, and really increased my respect for the company. The Adventurers line was the most obvious example, with the Aztec, Egyptian and Chinese motifs, but with its own line, Ninja was striking. This was the first set I got. Can it live up to such a long introduction?

Set#: 6033

Name:　Treasure Transport

Theme:　Castle/Ninja

Year: 1998

Pieces: 54

Minifigs: 3: Ninja - Gray, Ninja - Robber, Brown, Ninja - Robber, Green

MSP: $6

Peeron

Brickset

Bricklink

The booklet

Just a simple little booklet, a dozen pages, with an identical photo to the box cover.

The build is simple enough, just a few pieces at a time. It's over before it's begun!

The Pieces

Not that many, but they come together well. Interestingly though, compared to similar mini sets I've gotten in Castle or Star Wars, the pieces come together into a much more useful whole. And, of course, it wouldn't be a "def" review if I didn't miss something and then realize after I'd put my photo set up away A 3x2 dark grey piece is missing from this pic.

The mini-figs are great. They all appeared in other sets, but for a little set this size, three different figures with three different faces is amazing. The details are great; the ninja's shuriken, the robbers' tattered clothes, and the stubble on the face of the grizzled robber on the right.

As detailed as the fronts are, the backs are inversely plain.

The Finished Product

The ninja's hiding spot is decent, but not outstanding. The greenery is good, but the square bricks aren't particularly rocky. Points for using two colors to flesh out the rocks though.

I really don't understand this blue pole. I suppose it is just to increase posability, but the color is jarring. If it were a 'rock' color, it would still seem strange, so perhaps this is supposed to be like a blue screen effect. Just pretend you can't see it.

The titular treasure transport is fantastic. The colors are distinctly Asian, the stickers on the doors add nice detailing, the chain actually prevents the door from opening even though it's loose.

The flag flutters nicely in the breeze.

The sword placement is really unique, in that half a stud height. They fit snugly, but not too tight. I've never seen this before or since.

Inside, the Lego loot is stored.

The Final Verdict

On a narrow winding road, a ninja encounters his target.

Design: 9/10 The transport is a perfectly designed piece, the rocks slightly less. The two make a great vignette, and is the kind of thing an AFOL would be able to get away with on their work station in their office. Legos, ninjas... this really could be a gateway set for an adult in their dark ages.

Build: 6/10 The transport is a quick and simple build, but it's elegant.

Playability: 8/10 The set comes with a narrative built in. I really like these kind of sets.

Minifigures: 10/10 Three different figures for under $10, maybe $10 in 2010 dollars. Totally satisfying.

Price: 10/10 I'm satisfied with that price.

Overall: 9/10 This set is simple, but it achieves what it sets out to do exceptionally. The transport is an example of stellar Lego design. With standard pieces, it captures its subject perfectly. While I can't say it's a must have, I don't think I'd be disappointed with this set at twice the price (Lord knows I've shelled out cash on Lego that wasn't as satisfying as this set). If you get a chance...

And now some stills from the film 山の盗難 <The Mountain Robbery> c.1973.

[WhiteFang]

Excellent review filled with great pictures of superb illustration. Love the photo editing that you are trying to depict down there. Now I understand why you took certain shots!

I didn't have a chance to own this set though, but seeing such a small set with 3 outstanding minifigs especially the red guard that looks like a robber with a pirate looking face, is something that is quite uncommon in most sets unlike the other 2 minifigs. Overall, this set is a great set to start with your Ninja Collection and the way the transporter does to their treasure, have certainly demostrate some nice touch in its design.

Love it, and you made me want to look for it now!

[Legorski]

Awesome Review on an Awesome Set. 8D

[The Penguin]

Great review! )

Ah-h, I remember that set. That's one of those sets that I've always wanted but never got. The figs ar great and the crate is a nice touch.

As for the blue rod/stick..... Well, I think it may resemble water. Say, a brook among the rocks. )

Thanks for bringing me back to those good old days! )

Good day, ladies and gentlemen! )

[Big Cam]

That teaser pic is my favorite!! Also your action shots are just awesome.

I love this set, I really wish i could have got this, if I was into LEGO when this was out, I'd buy multiples for sure.

Outstanding from me!

[Clone OPatra]

Thanks for the review, this was one of the many small Ninja sets that I got back in the day. I forgot that this set even came with those rocks, all I remember was the carrier. Splendid intro shot and parting shots.

Just as a hint, you do know that you can put the blade of the sword in the clip on the Ninja's wrap, and then the sword won't come down so far? I believe this was the way LEGO intended, since it makes the Ninjas look much better from front and back with the handle at the level of their heads and the sword not almost hitting the ground.

[WhiteFang]

Just as a hint, you do know that you can put the blade of the sword in the clip on the Ninja's wrap, and then the sword won't come down so far? I believe this was the way LEGO intended, since it makes the Ninjas look much better from front and back with the handle at the level of their heads and the sword not almost hitting the ground.

Clonie is right. You could adjust it slightly upwards to make the Ninja Minifig, to stand in a less awkard position.

I don't have an example of its back, but it probably will give you a good idea of how the katana should hold without touching the ground,

[def]

Thanks for the review, this was one of the many small Ninja sets that I got back in the day. I forgot that this set even came with those rocks, all I remember was the carrier. Splendid intro shot and parting shots.

Thanks. You're definitely one of the reviewers with an eye for reviews, so I take that as a compliment

Clonie is right. You could adjust it slightly upwards to make the Ninja Minifig, to stand in a less awkard position.

Does he really look that awkward?

But seriously, you and Clonie are right, it fits more naturally above the hilt then below it. I'll take that into account for the other Ninja review I plan to do Appreciated.

[Clone OPatra]

Does he really look that awkward?

He doesn't look too awkward with the hilt in the clip, he just looks better with the blade in the clip instead.

And of course I do think all your shots are splendid, just the intro and ending shots are especially superb. You've always been the best at those photoshopped action shots in your reviews (like the zooming starships). It's really a great way to end!