DuckBricks

Hello All! I just picked up two new Ninjago Hands of Time sets - Dragon Forge and Samurai VXL, and wanted to share a pictorial review. The set contains six minifigures (All new to 2017) and a large, brick-built figure, costs $79.99 in the US, and contains 1,137 pieces not counting spares. Minifigures The set contains six figures - from left to right, there's Ray, Maya, Kai, Nya, Commander Raggmunk, and Slackjaw. All the figures are great and I love the fact that we are getting more and more metallic torsos - in this case gunmetal - but it really is a shame that Ray doesn't have the stunning metallic torso that debuted in Episode 40: Spellbound in a flashback. It's especially unfortunate the metallic highlights are gone, as this wave has a strange abundance of metallic torsos even for foot soldiers, so I'm not sure why this particular outfit wasn't made, especially as Maya has the exact same outfit she wore in the flashback. Removing all headgear, weapons, and accessories, we see that all the figures have alternate faces - Ray and Maya have scared expressions, and Ray gains a headband, Kai and Nya have normal faces (nut new expressions!) compared to their powered-up elemental Fusion faces, and the two Vermillion get slightly different faces - Slackjaw appears to be winking in his. What do I think of Kai and Nya's new faces? As far as the show is concerned, Nya's face is very similar to her previous Samurai X face that debuted in the Ninja DBX, which is fine and pretty accurate to the show. As for Kai's face, there's something about it I can't quite put my finger on, but something about it seems off compared to the show, besides the obvious scar difference. Perhaps it looks a tad too much like an expression Jay would make... As for Ray and Maya, the alt faces are nice, but I wish they had been angry/fighting faces instead - it would work in their captured situation, and that way, you could use the expressions in battle as well. Unfortunately, neither face really works for battle - the other sides are too calm and relaxed. Additionally, you can view the alternate faces with headgear here. Also, you can see Kai and Nya's new regular faces with hair and the new Fusion faces with hair. Build The set is composed of 8 bags, as you can see, and it also comes with instructions with a cardboard backing as per the usual in larger sets like these. There is a sticker sheet included as well. Here's a link to an image of the the built contents of every bag: Bag 1 Bag 2 Bag 3 Bag 4 Bag 5 Bag 6 Bag 7 Bag 8 New/Interesting Parts There are a number of new and recolored parts for 2017 here - the most obvious being the new weapons, armor, snakes, and of course the Hand of Time. The snakes, armor, weapons, and the Hand of Time will be covered in-depth in my review of Samurai VXL up soon, but for now, we can highlight a very nice selection of Apollo studs: The Elementally colored extras are great for bringing the elements to life in the hands of the characters, as you can see. Why so many extra trans-blue Apollo studs, you ask? Well, that's because they're ammo for a special play feature - but we'll get to that later. Model 1: Buffmillion The final character to showcase is Buffmillion, one of the new brick-built Vermillion figures. Since I built Samurai VXL first, to be honest I didn't have too high hopes for this guy - the brick-built figure in VXL was plagued with stability issues and a jumbled color palette. However, I was fortunately surprised with Buffmillion and he is really growing on me - he is completely stable due to the bend in his tail which actually looks more realistic (for a massive cluster of snakes in a suit of armor). The use of bigfig arms are great, and they really make him look... well... buff. (Sorry, I couldn't resist ). The only unfortunate thing is the color of axles, which wreak havoc on the color scheme (a problem Bionicle fans are very aware of). Also, the black Technic element holding the tentacles together stands out as well and is a break from the usually cohesive flow. Overall, though, this is a really great figure and a step-up from his counterpart in Samurai VXL. What I really want to see is how he is handled in the show - I can't think of how he will translate to the screen. I guess we will find out next month... Comparison Photos 1, 2, 3 Model 2: Hydro-Pyro Dragon Kai and Nya's Fusion Dragon is the latest addition to the growing dragon lineup. It's about the size of Jay and Nya's Hydro-Electric Dragon and uses a similar wing design to boot. There's a lot to like about this model, but a lot to dislike as well. I'll start out with some Pros: 1.) The Split design is very unique and hasn't really been seen before in any dragon, not even the previous Fusion Dragon which was really marketed as solely a lightning dragon. 2.) I especially like the backside of the model highlighting a fire/water swirl pattern using the relatively new shorter angled plate elements. This motif is seen throughout the set and looks really good here. It's simple but elegant. 3.) Leg Variety - Compared to some other dragons in the line with no variety in the leg shaping at all (Looking at you, Master Wu Dragon), this contrast between hind and front legs is a welcome breath of fresh air, although it isn't without its problems. Cons: 1.) Figure placement is really, really awkward. Most dragons have a decent enough saddle to seat the figures on, with some better than others. For this dragon, an attempt at a semblance of a saddle occurs with the brown elements under the top of the dragon, but the figures are raised so high up that the brown pieces don't even help. Nya has it a bit better as it's not as obvious how high she is due to the crossbow cannon, but for Kai it is very noticeable. 2.) Having very short back legs and very long front legs make posing a bit of a struggle. 3.) Every Ninjago dragon since Zane's has brought something new to the table, be it a NPU for the head build or a new type of wing. This dragon feels like a bit of a step back. The heads are way too generic and simple, and we've seen the wings before in Jay's Elemental Dragon. The only unique thing it has is the fusion aspect, which is alright but not a standout. Play Features The only play feature the dragon has is a single stud-firing crossbow. The only real interest here is the lovely trans-medium blue Apollo stud ammo, which I'm sure will come in handy. Finally, here's a shot of all Ninjago dragons together on the same shelf for comparison purposes. Model 3: Blacksmith Workshop Ray and Maya's Blacksmith shop is easily one of if not the best blacksmith shop Lego has ever produced. Comparing it to the most recent one in Ninjago in 2011, this new one is leaps and bounds ahead of the old shop. Unfortunately, this is a model that is very photogenic from certain angles only, and looking at it from the top, back, or sides when it is splayed out makes it a lot less appealing. Pros 1.) I love, love, love how the archway entrance was done. The slanting pillars were done well - simple, but effective. The crossed sword logo comes together nicely as well. 2.) The interior is filled with many interesting and accurate features, and even has small printed sushi roles that debuted in the Friends line. Also, note that really nice and re-usable rug sticker. 3.) The play features are all great, and I'll cover them more in-depth in a bit. Cons 1.) When viewed from other angles, especially the top and when it is opened up, the image kinda falls apart - especially because there wasn't the set budget to give it a roof. To be fair, the set was only $79.99, so you win some, you lose some... 2.) The geared play feature, which we are about to get to, features several large, four-tooth gears which jam a lot. Almost every few seconds a lot. Play Features There are two main play features in the set, both of which are closely related to each other. In addition, there are other smaller secondary play features. Lift up the stairs and pull out a shelf holding this mysterious bladed weapon. What is its purpose? We shall see... Now comes something I have never seen before in a LEGO set - and I like how new and innovative it is. See that exposed Technic pin under the fire? Stick the blade into the grooves of the pin and rotate, revealing four different beautiful stickered patterns on the column. Nya: Fusion Dragon: Blacksmith Emblem: Kai: Additionally, there is a minor play feature: Lift up the bench and underneath is yet another collectable ninja card sticker. This time, it's Samurai X. Also, this isn't really a play feature, but the abundance of weapons such as this neat copper Uruk-Hai sword is great. Summary For $79.99 (US), Dragon Forge has really good value for its price. I appreciate the all-new figures, although Ray could have been done a bit better, and Buffmillion is growing on me. The dragon is good, if not great as it brings pretty much nothing new to the table. The shop is much better, and I love the door shaping. Overall, here's my rating chart for this set: Value: 4.5/5 Figure Selection: 4/5 Dragon: 2.5/5 Shop: 4/5 Part Selection: 3.5/5 Playability: 4.5/5 Total: 23/30 "Above Average" PS - This is pretty much my first review ever, so please go easy on me but do give constructive criticism. Thank you!

Opened up the amazing Dragon Forge - typing up the review now.

Here's everything - that's how I got it! :)

You have to ask a Target employee to get it from the back room. Anyways, there's a new awesome NK spread in the manual for Samurai VXL!

Just built the VXL! Will post a full pictorial review tomorrow night-ish. Love the steering - it reminds me of one of my favorite childhood sets - the Space Police Spy Trak. $50 is a bit steep though, especially in comparison to the magnificent $80 Forge... edit: Manual Pics And the car itself:

Yup, bought in the States. (Washington) Agreed. I do like how the armor meshes with the helmet, but it hampers reusability.

Update: DF is $80 and SVXl is $50. (ignore bottom prices, I just took this on a random shelf) Someone wanted armor analysis, so here's the Vermillion one. Decided to open just VXL before Christmas, where Nya has no new face, but both Kai and Nya have new faces in the Forge. New Faces: Armor and helmet:

Yeah, just use brickseek and see if it is in stock near you. You may get lucky like me!

Prices are normal - saving them for Christmas so I can't post out of box pics until then - sorry...

Most of the sets are out at my local Target (Redmond, Washington) along with other themes! Going to head out to get them later...

On the way to pick up Dragon Forge and Samurai VXL at Target! They seem to be in stock.

I'm sure that TT Games cares, but their Twitter is likely flooded with complaints like these. Thus, I'm contacting Customer Service directly.

Follow up: sets are in stores!

Not sure if everyone has this issue, but on XBox 360 I can't proceed past a certain point in the Fantastic Beasts Level because my game freezes at the exact same point every time...

My Target (Redmond, Washington) is purportedly getting most of the 2017 sets including the rest of the Batman Movie sets this weekend. I assume other Targets have similar ship dates. I'd use Brickseek if I were you to look for the ones you want...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO®-KNIGHTS-Ultimate-Factivity-Collection/dp/0241280257/ This link has some new info about the next season in the preview pics, stating that Roguls hold a Forbidden Power inside of them and Jestro wants to unleash "Graveler." Just saw the full season on the CN app using my TV credentials. Really liked the finale and am looking forward to next season.

PSA: My Target (Redmond, WA) is getting the Ninjago HoT wave of sets and most of the other 2017 releases this coming weekend. My Target usually gets stuff late, so I would recommend using Brickseek to find the sets you want. DPCIs: 204-00-1926 NINJAGO The Vermillion Attack204-00-1927 Desert Lightning204-00-1928 Destiny's Shadow204-00-1929 Vermillion Invader204-00-1930 Samurai VXL204-00-1931 Dawn of Iron Doom 204-00-1932 Dragon Forge

I know there was a rumor floating around about the Doctor showing up in the next Lego Movie - if he does make a cameo appearance, that would be awesome! There's a likely chance now that's Daleks have shown up...

Weren't Connectables supposed to be out this year? What happened to them?

1.) No, they were evil as ever 2.) They were glowing purple and transformed when the ninja touched them. They ALL turned gold and white, even Cole's Rock Roader, so maybe he gave it a paint job before DoD. The resemblance to the Ultra Sonic Raider is unexplained. 3.) maybe, but that would confuse a LOT of Ninjago fans who didn't read the books. I suggest you buy the books - they're really great and everyone's support will allow something special like this to happen again.

Sure! It would be nice if you were to buy the books though- not only is the art excellent, but it supports Ninjago as well. Anyway, here's a summary: Part I Misako and Ronin were sent by Wu to investigate disturbances in the ocean - fishermen have been disappearing and the wrecks of their boats have been washing up on shore without them. Mistake and Ronin land on the Dark Island, discover something that isn't clear to the reader yet, and sail back in a hurry, talking about how they need to warn Wu and the ninja. Before they can return, they are ambushed by a mysterious black ship, sent from the Dark Island to capture them. Misako and Ronin vanish and their boat washed up ashore, at it is discovered by Wu. Aboard the wreck, Zane analyzes that the damage was made by cannon fire, and Wu find a warning letter telling him to stay away from the Dark Island. Ignoring the letter, the ninja and Wu load up the Bounty and fly to the island. Wu loads up a large, mysterious package, but the ninja don't question what it is. On the way there, the Bounty is struck by a vicious storm, scattering the ninja. Kai finds himself alone on a desert on Dark Island. Jay and Nya end up together (of course) on the beach. Wu and Lloyd find each other quickly and find the remains of the Bounty, which can no longer fly, but sail. Zane and Cole land on the slopes of a snowy mountain adjacent to an active volcano. Jay and Nya soon stumble across a group of pirates while walking along the shore. They, of course, instantly recognize them as Nadakhan's crew, but fear that the rest of the team will have no idea what they're up against, as they have no memories of Skybound. As they fight the pirates, Ronin appears, who had escaped from the pirates in search of the ninja with the help of his new mech he had created from scrap at a pirate camp, the Ronin MEC. Thus, once the pirates are defeated, the three set off into the jungle to find the others. Part II Elsewhere, Lloyd and Wu sail down the River of Darkness in the Jankikai Jungle. Dark Matter-possessed gorillas and mosquitoes hound them, and finally, Lloyd succumbs to the Dark Matter, uses his powers to injure and kill the infected animals following them. Wu, concerned, tries to reason with Lloyd, whose eyes are now glowing purple. Lloyd abandons Wu, saying that his mother must be found - and Wu is only slowing him down. Meanwhile, in the mountains of the Dark Island, Zane and Cole stumble upon a Dark Matter mine, and find Misako and several fishermen working as slaves to mine the Dark Matter. When they rush down to save them, they find that exposure to the matter has corrupted them, turning them against the ninja. Just as Cole and Zane are about to be captured, Lloyd shows up, releasing his rage on the pirates and fishermen, eyes still glowing purple. Zane and Cole shake him out of his trance, and he begins to regret leaving Wu all alone. However, they continue on and Lloyd uses his elemental energy to free Misako's mind from the Dark Matter, but not before she calls some guards. Dogshank and Monkey Wretch appear, but when MW sees how easily Dogshank is defeated, he defects to the ninja out of fear, promising to lead them to some vehicles he made for the pirates if they promise not to hurt him. (Zane can speak robot primate). As Zane, Cole, Lloyd, Misako, and Monkey wretch approach the vehicles, they are discovered by Ronin, Jay, and Nya, who had been trekking through the jungle looking for them. The united team steals some vehicles (Ultra Stealth Raider and Titanium Tumbler) and they battle the remaining pirates. Flintlocke calls off the attack, saying they have enough Dark Matter that their master needed, the the pirates disappear with the ninja in pursuit. Meanwhile, Wu, still alone, begins to hallucinate, the Dark Matter playing tricks on his mind. A dark manifestation of himself appears and they have a vicious fight on the Bounty. Finally, when Wu accepts that the darkness is part of him, it vanishes and Wu awakes, finding himself at the mouth of an ominous cave. Upon entering, he finds the ghostly form of none other than Clouse, who explains to Wu that because he couldn't find the Teapot of Tyran, he released the next best thing: Nadakhan's crew. Using black magic to open portals to other realms, he freed the crew in exchange for their loyalty. His plan is to cover the only source of light on the island - the Temple of Light - with massive amounts of Dark Matter, upsetting the balance and bringing darkness to Ninjago. Just as Wu attacks, Clouse escapes in the Misfortune's Keep, leaving Wu to be discovered by Cole in the Raider Jet. Part III Kai, delirious from lack of water in the desert, is found by a group of pirates in the Rock Roader, where he is captured. Cole, however, finds Kai and scares away the pirates, freeing him and giving him a motorbike. With the whole team reunited, there is a big vehicle battle in the desert, which the ninja win. Clouse, however, takes advantage of the distraction to cover the Temple of Light in Dark Matter, beginning the process of sending Darkness to Ninjago Island. Just as the ninja appear at the Temple, Wu reveals what was in the crate: the Golden Mech! He had commissioned Borg to repair it after it's destruction in episode 26. Wu and Clouse begin an epic Mech Battle, where Wu is victorious. As Clouse is sucked into the underworld (he had died disgracefully in battle) the ninja send the pirates to jail and sail back to Ninjago.

Wow! I'll have to try that. Thanks for the tip! I totally believe you - I was just really surprised. Thanks!

Wait what this doesn't work for pretty much everyone else... right guys?

Going crazy with all these recolors - the MOCcing possibilities just keep expanding!

Darn it! I really wanted that moustache!