The Fezter Posted August 11, 2015 Enjoy the ultimate LEGO® NINJAGO™ building experience as you construct the majestic Temple of Airjitzu and surrounding village! The highly detailed Temple building has many delightful architectural features including Oriental–style decorated windows and sliding doors. The intricate wooden-frame-style walls of the nearby Blacksmiths and beautiful curved roofs of the Smugglers Market will also test your LEGO building skills. And with every Ninja included in one set for the first time, plus loads of other key characters, you can role-play all your favorite NINJAGO adventures. Take tea in the reception area of the Temple, practice your Ninja moves in the training room or join Wu in his study to read or paint. Discover the Ninja glider upstairs at the Blacksmith’s workshop, cross the bridge guarded by the stone dragons and seek out hidden treasure at the Smugglers’ Market. Then turn off the lights in your room to watch the Temple’s illuminated spinning shadow theater! Includes 12 minifigures with assorted weapons: Lloyd, Kai, Jay, Zane, Cole, Nya, Wu, Misako, Dareth, Postman, Jesper and Claire. I'm going to start by first apologising for the pictures that will be following this review, as i'm preparing to move so the bodged white background I was using previously has been discarded as I'll be purchasing a proper photo box once settled in. But with that out the way, one go to...the Temple of Airjitsu!! Product number : 70751 Pieces count : 2028 Price : £169.99 Figure count : 12 (!!) Is this the first time a Lego own brand theme has received a D2C set? Honest question as I have no idea. It does seem an interesting venture, considering the fact that Ninjago is primarily aimed towards the younger builders. With a TV series and the odd couple of video game tie-ins involved, the theme definitely has a multi level presence, but enough to appeal to older builders? Labelled as a 14+ set, I can see a lot of parents having a christmas fluff building this set with the risk of it being pulled apart again notice at all. When I first saw the images for this set, it immediately reminded me of the Japanese Architecture set that had been uploaded to Ideas. It ended upping turned down, but did that choice then result in this set? If so, it's a very clever idea to do so. But how does it shape up against the likes of the Modular series of the UCS sets of Star Wars and Super Heroes? Lets find out. BOX The front of the box shares the same style as those of the Star Wars UCS sets, which helps to set it apart from the normal Ninjago sets. The back of the box gives the usual insights into the features of the set, such as the shadow theatre, fireworks cart and the little ninja glider making a cameo from the original ninja theme. The top of the box displays all the figures included, with them indifferent poses and their names labelled underneath. BAGS We get thirteen numbered bags (note the different style of numbering on the bags), plus one bag with three dark tan plates, two red technic flexi rods, two moulded rock formations, and the plastic screen that features in the shadow theatre. The Instruction booklet, once again bound in the same style as recent UCS sets, is packaged within a plastic bag to keep the pages undamaged, along with the sticker sheet (which I must admit I forgot to take a picture of). The instruction book has ten pages at the beginning that cover the story of Ninjago so far, plus character bio's for the figures included, and some behind-the-scenes info covering the design the set, the designers and more. THE BUILD As I go through the builds of each bag, I will show a picture containing elements which I feel are interesting or believe are featured in a new colour. BAG ONE Animals are always a bonus in any set, and intros one we get two chickens. Also included are 1x2x2 pale green bricks, 1x2x5 pale green bricks, and the 8x8 light blue plate. The base of the Smuggler's Market is complete, with the walls built up, and its wares, bread, fish, and fruit, are on display. BAG TWO The classic flower stalk appears in olive green for the first time I believe, and the droid arms also new in gold. The spear was featured previously in a Lord of the Rings/Hobbit set. At this point I also want to say how, for a 14+ set, I was quite surprised by the fact that most steps are only adding about two to three pieces. Seems like quite a low number to me. The Smuggler's Market complete. It just screams Japanese Architecture, and is very close to what I remember the Ideas set being. The treasure chest hidden under the sloping roof section's are obviously what give this building its name. I feel it's the better of the two outbuildings. BAG THREE AND FOUR Not sure about the following element, I feel it may have featured in this colour in Santa's Workshop. (Maybe someone can confirm this?) (Totally forgot too take pictures between Bag 3 and 4, I get really forgetful during these big builds) The Blacksmiths is nearly as good as the Smuggler's Market, nearly. The build technique follows the style of modulars, but the interior feels a little bare. The foliage surrounding the side is a nice touch though and adds character to the set as a whole. Plus I love the simple technique used to create the lamp in the far corner seen in the last picture. (It's one of the gold fez pieces with a clip element and a harpoon gun) BAG FIVE Only one piece again for this bag, a 6x6 round plate in light blue. The base of the Airjitsu Temple. The light blue round plate at the front is the start of the fountain at the base of the stairs. At the back you can see the first part of the shadow theatre being built. BAG SIX Quite a few bits of note in this bag. 1x2x5 brick in light tan, 3x3 curved brick in caramel, a light brick with orange bulb, and an ornamental wheel in gold, previously seen in both Disney Princess and a previous Ninjago set. Bag Six builds up the stairs that will lead to the Temple entrance, plus finishes off the Shadow Theatre, which is very effective with the light brick, and is pretty mesmerising to watch when you spin the micro figures inside. BAG SEVEN Yes, these door panels and window panes are indeed printed! No need to worry about misaligned stickers or fingerprints left on transparent stickers. We also get some of the rings from LotR and a beard piece in grey, nostrum if its a new moulding or not. The first floor of the Temple complete. The door panels slide inside of grooved plates,and they are held very tightly in place. BAG EIGHT No parts of any recognition in this bag, so onto the completed build section. The dojo training floor. The attack dummy is nice little build, plus the weapon station is simple but effective. BAG NINE This again contains a number of the small window panes that are printed. The second floor of the Temple is built up, and the base of the third floor takes shape. BAG TEN The third floor is the study room, with a painting area, and a small book case holder. BAG ELEVEN Here comes one of the bigger surprises in the build, the inclusion of train wheels. Surely this is the first time such an inclusion of this element has occurred in a non train related set? We also get a 1x1 trans. green tile with computer chip printed on it, only the second time since the Ultra Agents set. The gold book and paint palette have been seen a few times before. The roof again oozes that Japanese styling, and the attic is nice little touch that could easily have been left blank. BAG TWELVE Bag Twelve adds some more roof detail, completing the Temple with the separate roof edging. The build technique for the edging is very nice and compact. BAG THIRTEEN And here we are at the last bag. One of the new 6-stud shooters is included, plus the little dragon from Harry Potter makes a reappearance. The last few details are added, such as the glorious little fishing bridge, the fireworks cart, and the ninja glider. FIGURES Lets start with the ninja To me, these are the best ninja outfits throughout the life time of the theme. The black is perfectly accented by the colours of each ninja. One thing I did notice is that Kai appears to of earned a few more scars on his face, the last I remember seeing he only had the one covering his eye. Anyone able to confirm the new scars as canon? Zane again has two faces, and is the only figure in this set to have a dual face. The other seven figures are all exclusive to this set except for Nya, who wears this outfit in City of Stixx. We finally get Misako, yet to have Garmadon accompany her requires the Ninja DBX. CONCLUSION This set is very enjoyable, and with a build time of around 6-7 hours, will keep you going for most of the afternoon. The techniques definitely aren't anything drastically new, but they're neither boring or uninteresting. And whats more, it makes a brilliant set piece. This set would pair very well with the Fire Temple and The Battle of Ninjago City. And to give you a sense of its size.... All comments and questions are welcome after this review, and I hope that it will be good source of information for anyone considering purchasing this set. If anyone wants to see any other areas the set or figures, please feel free to ask, I will have the model with me for another couple of days before I have to take it in for display. Thanks for reading, Fezter out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CM4Sci Posted August 11, 2015 First of all, how'd you get this set so early? Second, no, it's not the first, I know Monster Fighters had a Haunted House set. Awesome review! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
obsidianheart Posted August 11, 2015 This is a really impressive building. Thanks for the review! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cooper ace Posted August 11, 2015 Awesome review, what's in the box of Cole's stuff? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Legocity2713 Posted August 11, 2015 (edited) ^This Anyway, thanks for the very well done review, nice to see things up close. :thumbup: Edited August 11, 2015 by Legocity2713 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lordofdragonss Posted August 11, 2015 (edited) Photos could be better, but thanks for showin us some lovely details! Shame Misako has not printed hairpiece... Edited August 11, 2015 by Lordofdragonss Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed3n Posted August 11, 2015 Amazing set, awesome review! Still on the fence about whether to buy or not. There are many good sets out this year. The only thing that bug me is that the temple is not closed. If it was a complete temple that you can open (like the haunted house), I will buy it in a heartbeat. I guess Lego tends to do this so that people can buy 2 sets and complete the temple. Take the Orthanc tower for example. Anyway, might still get it because it's a beautiful displace piece nevertheless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Exetrius Posted August 11, 2015 Thank you for your review! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Fezter Posted August 11, 2015 First of all, how'd you get this set so early? Second, no, it's not the first, I know Monster Fighters had a Haunted House set. Awesome review! I work for Lego so got to build it for the shop display. Can never say no to homework when it's Lego Awesome review, what's in the box of Cole's stuff? Just a camera and a hair brush, guess this plays into his character. Photos could be better, but thanks for showin us some lovely details! Shame Misako has not printed hairpiece... Yeah, really sorry about the quality of some photographs, some were taken at night so they looked ok on the camera display but turned out a bit naff. Silly me decided to pack the tripod away so shots were all done handheld. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
averagej0ey Posted August 11, 2015 Could you give a measurement of the base of the full build? Mainly like diagonally across the whole thing. I guess it's about a 40 stud square with one corner cut off? I like this set, but not sure where I can fit it. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cooper ace Posted August 11, 2015 Thanks for the answer! :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lind Whisperer Posted August 12, 2015 Thanks for the review! Very informative! Any chance we could get a brief video of the puppet theater in action? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gamejutzu Posted August 12, 2015 Are hairpieces included? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ceroknight Posted August 12, 2015 What a brilliant and beautiful set! I was 'meh' at first but seeing your pictures, I must admit it's very impressive Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cooldude00 Posted August 12, 2015 wow... this looks great.. is this out 15 or 18 Aug for VIP members? guess i best make a trip down .... if only wall-e was released on same day as well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darthzane321 Posted August 16, 2015 nice review really liked the figs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Fezter Posted August 16, 2015 Could you give a measurement of the base of the full build? Mainly like diagonally across the whole thing. I guess it's about a 40 stud square with one corner cut off? I like this set, but not sure where I can fit it. Thanks Unfortunately I had to get the set in but if I remember correctly the footprint of the set is around 40+ studs diagonally. Are hairpieces included? They're not which I must admit I was disappointed about. wow... this looks great.. is this out 15 or 18 Aug for VIP members? guess i best make a trip down .... if only wall-e was released on same day as well Yep 18th of August. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheLegGodt Posted August 18, 2015 So today.s the 18th of August and it's not up yet on the S@H? Am I being impatient or has the VIP release date changed? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Fezter Posted August 18, 2015 (edited) VIP release is still the same date. Could be it just hasn't been updated yet. The UK website has it available as long as you're logged in when looking at the page. Edited August 18, 2015 by The Fezter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheLegGodt Posted August 18, 2015 Yeah it showed up about an hour after my post. Received the email about it around 11 pm this evening. Mine is ordered and paid, can't wait! Still have the Simpsons store to finish first though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr.Cogg Posted August 18, 2015 It's a great looking set, but is it worth $200 ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lyichir Posted August 18, 2015 It's a great looking set, but is it worth $200 ? With 2000 pieces, including a fair number of large plates and a veritable bounty of minifigures, I would say so. There are several current sets at that price point (such as the UCS TIE Fighter and Tumbler) that offer far fewer parts and figs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogelivation Posted August 18, 2015 This is available today for Aussie VIP customers on the Lego S@H site: A$299 (which sounds bad but it's actually US$219 on today's exchange rate). Urghh! I *really* want it but just placed a big order with them last week... *Thinking up excuses to justify it* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CET23 Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) Lego has been using that scared version of Kai's face since the beginning of the theme, but when they started making the tv show they left the scars off of his character model (probably to make him look more likable). You probably are more familiar with the tv show version and that is why you thought it has been changed. Awesome review Edited August 20, 2015 by CET23 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parsom Posted August 21, 2015 With 2000 pieces, including a fair number of large plates and a veritable bounty of minifigures, I would say so. There are several current sets at that price point (such as the UCS TIE Fighter and Tumbler) that offer far fewer parts and figs. But these are licensed sets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
