REVIEW: 2172 Nya

[r1chard]

Lego 2172 is one of the Ninjago spinner sets released this year, 2011.

This is the only spinner set, so far, that includes a female minifigure.

Number: 2172

Name: Nya

Theme: Ninjago

Year Released: 2011

Pieces: 21

Minifigs: 1

Price: US $9.99 / UK £7.49 / CA $12.99

Links: Brickset Bricklink

Packaging

The set is packaged in a blister pack, and you can easily see the contents.

The spinner and the card collection each has their own compartment, while the bag of pieces and instruction sheet are in another slot.

I think this type of packaging suits this particular theme since it is geared towards kids (ages 6-14).

Seeing the contents themselves (pieces, cards, and the colorful spinner) would be more appealing than getting just a small box.

Cards

The card collection is tightly sealed. Here you could see the front of the card featuring Nya, as well as the back design of the cards.

I did not open it as I don't have any intention of playing with these cards. I like the choice of the red ninja (Kai) on the back of the cards.

I guess the aim of this theme is for kids to collect as many Ninjago characters as they can (and therefore accumulate these cards as well).

Note that one has to have at least 2 spinners in order to play. But of course, the more the merrier.

Pieces

The packaging says 21 pieces, go figure.

The gold-color blades are flexible. The gray 2x2 circle goes to the bottom of the spinner, allowing it to spin. The red bricks become the card stand.

I like that they made the spinners in different color for different characters, and that each character has unique golden piece of weapon.

Instruction Sheet

This is just a section in the instruction sheet, but nonetheless shows where certain pieces go, such as assembling the minifigure, weapons, and the spinner.

The right side shows how to start the spinner, and also how to place the cards on the stand. Check out Lego's website for the whole instruction sheet.

Minifigure: NYA

Now for the main reason why I got this set.

I generally like East Asian themes and minifigures (Kimono Girl, Sumo Wrestler, Samurai Warrior), so this minifig is a must for me.

I could also see Nya as a civilian in City sets when she's not in Ninja-mode, maybe waiting tables in a Chinese restaurant.

This minifigure has a dual face. This one is the pretty face.

The printing in the torso and the legs are great. No back printing though.

And here's the ninja face, which I like better that the other face.

Nya in Action

Now in the spinner, Nya has to extend her weapons to hit her opponents. Apparently, this is the only spinner set that I have right now.

I'm planning to get Lord Garmadon soon once it is released.

Video/Demo

Here's how to start the spinner. I only used as little force as I can using my fingers so it will not go far, away from the camera. Of course, if you apply bigger force then the spinner will be more stable on its spin. However the challenge here is to control the direction of the spin and hit the opponent's spinner.

Conclusion

Design 7/10 - There's not much to say really about design. The spinner is not bad at all, and works well.

Parts 7/10 - Maybe another interesting weapon would be nice. The gold-color blade doesn't interest me. But you do get 2 light saber handles.

Build 6/10 - There is nothing to build. The spinner comes pre-assembled but I can't imagine it coming with all the screws and a screwdriver.

Minifigs 9/10 - The reason why I got this set is because of the minifig, nothing else. And this is the cheapest set to get Nya. Plus points for the printed torso and legs, and also the ninja face.

Playability 8/10 - I think kids will love this set. Especially that it comes with collectible cards. The spinner, of course, provides all this playability. Though you need to buy another spinner set or get the set with 2 spinners.

Price 3/10 - I got this 40%-off the regular price C$12.99, so no complaints. But I will not buy it more than that. I say C$12.99 is over priced. I don't think the cards, and the spinner would cost too much. I suggest get it when it goes on sale. A lot of these spinners set are just sitting on the shelf.

Overall 40/60 - I guess the price is too much eh. I must admit, I used to ignore this Ninjago theme but now starting to gain some interest into it, specially with the minifigures (Nya, Sensei Wu, Lord Garmadon). If we disregard the price for just a moment and look at this set in terms of the other aspects such as playability, design, and parts, then I would say it is a good set. As I said, kids will love go crazy with the spinner.

Edited July 6, 2011 by r1chard