Microfighters Series 1

75028 Clone Turbo Tank

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.18 Construction: 4.5 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 4.5 X-factor: 4.0 Overall: 17 Set release date: 2014 top Lego index

The assembled tank perfectly captures the cute SD (Super Deformed) nature of the Microfighters series, and the Clone Trooper Minifigure is a great addition to anyone's Lego Star Wars collection. Although there aren't any unique parts in the set, it has a good range of useful parts. I also like how the bricks are put together (on 5 different planes no less!), and how some of the parts are creatively used (e.g. Minifigure binoculars are used for the front guns). Initially I was a bit reluctant and picked up this set just to complete the series - I'm not a big fan of the Turbo Tank's design after all! However, this set quickly grew on me. I'm also surprised at the set's playability - it is still taken out of the Lego box and wheeled around in battle!

75029 AAT

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.18 Construction: 4.0 Parts Value: 3.5 Play Value: 1.5 X-factor: 4.0 Overall: 13.0 Set release date: 2014 top Lego index

Just like the Turbo Tank, the AAT captures the cute SD look of the Microfighters series. It is also one of the two sets that motivated me into collecting the Star Wars Microfighters series in the first place! I really like the look of the AAT in the movies, and I jumped at the chance to have one in my collection. However, disappointment soon set in. The AAT was my first experience with the Lego Battle Droid design, and they're just no-where near as well constructed, pose-able, or fun as the standard Lego Minifigures are. On top of that, they are frustrating to pose or place on other Lego sets - especially in confined spaces. Nevertheless, my youngest daughter sometimes poses and plays with the Battle Droids like they're dogs - a fitting and creative interpretation of them! The AAT itself is extremely well proportioned, and accurately replicates what we see in the movie in the Microfighter format. It's a great shelf ornament - you don't really have to worry about the kids making a mess trying to get at it, as my kids hardly ever take it out. On top of that, the parts used in the flick-missiles and their placement on the tank see them getting endlessly knocked off when the AAT is put back in the Lego box. If you're not a completionist, you can probably pass on this set.

75030 Millennium Falcon

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.20 Construction: 5 Parts Value: 5 Play Value: 5 X-factor: 5 Overall: 20 Set release date: 2014 top Lego index

This was the other set that motivated me to start collecting the Microfighters series. How can you resist a childhood dream of having a Lego Millennium Falcon? The set accurately replicates the proportions of the ship, and has a surprising number of gimmicks that replicate things from the movies. It's also neat how they included detail bricks that double as handholds for Minifigures! As far as the set design goes, only the flick missiles are out of place. Nevertheless, in the context of a toy, they are well placed, and sturdy - in fact, the whole set is one of the more sturdier ones in the Microfighters line. I don't think it has every had to be resembled after being put into and taken out of the Lego toy box. There are quite a few unique or limited release parts in this set, and although I prefer to keep it assembled, you may find them useful in other creations. Ultimately, this set is a must have. Despite its age and numerous additional Lego sets, this is the one set that is played with EVERY time the kids come to the man cave and ask to play with daddy's Lego. It's play value is off the charts!

75031 TIE Interceptor

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.20 Construction: 3.5 Parts Value: 4 Play Value: 4.5 X-factor: 4.5 Overall: 16.5 Set release date: 2014 top Lego index

The TIE Interceptor is another excellent set to add to one's collection. This time, the Flick missiles are appropriately placed, and replicate the actual fighter's blasters quite well. I really liked the creative use of parts (Minifigure binoculars as the sensors/guns on the tips of the wings), and the pilot minifigure and clear part for the fighter's windscreen are almost worth the price of the set, alone! Alas, the construction isn't the most robust, with parts almost regularly come off when its put into the Lego box. Sadly, the internal structure isn't up to the same standard as the other sets in the Microfigure line - when taking the pilot out, almost half the time, the brick used as the pilot's seat comes out still attached to the pilot! That said, this set has one big thing going in its favour: due to the way the wings are attached to the central pod, they can be arranged in an almost endless series of combinations. Making this one a bit more fun than the other sets in the line.

75032 X-Wing Fighter

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.21 Construction: 4.5 Parts Value: 4.5 Play Value: 5 X-factor: 4.5 Overall: 18.5 Set release date: 2014 top Lego index

The original trilogy X-Wing Fighter is a fun set. It accurately replicates the forms and functions of the X-wing in the Microfighter format. Having this set is like satisfying another childhood dream - although in the SD format. It's also one of those sets that the kids almost always bring out of the Lego box and played with. The main drawbacks are: - the Flick missiles ARE the wingtip lasers - although hey make the set more accurate, it makes for an odd looking fighter after they are fired! - the shortness of the wings - admittedly something that wasn't even apparent until this set was put next to the Resistance X-Wing Fighter Microfighter. - the difficulty in disassembling the angled parts that compose the cockpit - only a problem if someone is regularly disassembling the set. Nevertheless, the Flick missiles have a very sturdy construction, and they rarely come off or fall apart when the set is put into the Lego box. Aside from the fighter itself, the pilot Minifigure and R2 unit head are must have pieces. It's a shame that parts to make an R2 body to go with the R2 head aren't readily available.

75033 Star Destroyer

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.21 Construction: 5.0 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 5.0 X-factor: 4.0 Overall: 18.0 Set release date: 2014 top Lego index

The Microfighter Star Destroyer is a wonderful addition to anyone's Lego. This one is also accurately proportioned, and although the Flick missiles alter the form somewhat, they're placement and colouring does grow on you. This set is also almost always taken out of the Lego box and played with. While assembling the set, I was blown away by the creativity in the arrangement of the bricks. The Star Destroyer is built on two planes (horizontal and vertical), and the way the two come together and reinforce each other is quite refreshing and inspiring. Also, the parts used in the set are all relatively common, so if you're Lego collection is large enough, you may find that you have enough to make your own destroyer! Despite the Star Destroyer not selling as well as the other sets in Series 1 in Japan (at the local stores, it had a price point a couple of hundred yen less than the other sets within 6 months of release), I'm almost regretting not picking up another one or two. Much more than the other sets in Series 1, this is the set needed for army building - especially if you want to reenact some of the famous scenes with the Star Destroyers and the Millennium Falcon! The officer Minifigure is also a very good addition to anyone's Lego Star Wars collection - oddly enough, it's not that readily available in the other OT Star Wars sets!

Microfighters Series 2

75072 ARC-170 Starfighter

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.21 Construction: 4.0 Parts Value: 3.5 Play Value: 3.5 X-factor: 3.0 Overall: 14.0 Set release date: 2015 top Lego index

Compared to Series 1, the construction of the ARC Starfighter seems pretty straightforward, with next to no parts assembled in any plane other than the standard build (bottom to top). How they recreated the S-Foils is pretty neat - though the result is mixed, as the upper pair are relatively prone to popping off. Perhaps the greatest drawback to this set is that with the S-Foils deployed, there isn't really a large solid place on the rear of the fighter to hold on to when swooshing it around. The set relatively accurately replicates the shape of the on-screen fighter, and I really liked that they had three clear 1-stud angled pieces to simulate the three pilots in the on-screen fighter. The Flick missiles are placed at the bottom rear, and are visually out of the way from most angles. However, they contribute to making it hard to hold onto from the rear - this set is a bit more 'handle with care' than the other sets in the Microfighter series. Overall, it's a good addition to anyone's Star Wars Lego collection, but due to the ARC Fighter not being one of the iconic Star Wars vehicles, its play value is significantly less than the X-Fighter and TIE Fighter sets.

75073 Vulture Droid

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.21 Construction: 4.0 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 3.5 X-factor: 4.5 Overall: 16.0 Set release date: 2015 top Lego index

The Microfighter sets recreates the Vulture Droid as accurately as the scale allows, and although it doesn't really transform, the pivoting wings does allow it to 'walk'. It also always brings a smile to my face that the Battle Droid that comes with the set is relegated to hanging on for dear life at the back! The set has quite a few unique parts. Its construction is fairly straightforward, with a few creative uses of parts e.g. Technic joints being used as wing blasters/pivot joint restraints. The Flick missiles are tucked out of the way on the bottom, and their holders provide a stable place for holding the Droid when whooshing it around. Personally, I think its a nifty design, and I jumped at the opportunity of owning a Vulture Droid Lego set. However, the kids don't get as much of a kick out of it, and it hardly ever leaves the Lego box, unless there's a prequel series themed battle in the works! And although the Battle Droid makes perfect sense as the Minifigure included in the set, Series 2 had me rolling my eyes saying, "not another Battle Droid"...

75074 Snowspeeder

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.21 Construction: 4.5 Parts Value: 4.5 Play Value: 4.5 X-factor: 5.0 Overall: 18.5 Set release date: 2015 top Lego index

The Microfighter Snowspeeder is an excellent addition to anyone's Star Wars Lego collection. It accurately replicates the vehicle in the movie - and that's not in the SD format (aside from the cockpit/Minifigure size)! This set has a superior amount of detail in it, and the way the designers got the angled wings allows for some creative wing placement, on par with the Series 1 TIE Fighter. The Flick missiles are tucked away on the bottom rear of the wings, and aren't visible from most angles. In fact, their placement turns them into the fighter's 'landing gear' - giving the set a good amount of stability. Due to it being a niche fighter (limited to ground engagements), it doesn't get out of the Lego box as much as the more iconic fighter designs, but it is always in active play rotation. It is also an excellent set to put on display. Highly recommended.

75075 AT-AT

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.21 Construction: 4.0 Parts Value: 4.5 Play Value: 4.5 X-factor: 5.0 Overall: 18.0 Set release date: 2015 top Lego index

This is probably the cutest vehicle in the Series 2 lineup. It's also the one with the most motion. It both fairly accurate represents the AT-AT in the Microfighter format, and is one of the more SD sets. Using Minifigure wrenches for the ankles is a stroke of genius, and although the head doesn't have as much mobility as the legs, it is still neat and fun. Alas, due to the structure, the upper legs are relatively weak, and prone to falling off during more rigorous play. The Minifigure perched on top and the Flick missiles may be a turnoff for some, but on the other hand, my youngest daughter has referred to the Microfighter AT-AT as a 'horse' - thereby making it one of the better horses in the Lego lineup (speaking in terms of moving parts). With or without the Minifigure sitting on top, this is an excellent addition to anyone's Star Wars Lego collection.

75076 Republic Gunship

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.21 Construction: 4.0 Parts Value: 4.5 Play Value: 3.5 X-factor: 5.0 Overall: 17.0 Set release date: 2015 top Lego index

The Republic Gunship is another in the Microfighters lineup that fulfils a childhood dream. It accurately recreates the vehicle in the SD Microfighter form, and the parts have a decent range of movement, allowing for some creativity in the wing placement. Another highlight is the possibility of having the troop doors in an open or closed position However, I'm not a fan of the neon green bricks in the fuselage, and I found that if constructed as per the instructions, the wings don't have a great enough downward cant to accurately portray the film version of the vehicle. I solved it be swapping the white and grey parts under the troop doors, thereby moving the offending parts out of the wings way. The set is a good addition to a display collection, but despite it being one of the iconic vehicles to emerge from the prequel series, it just doesn't get played with that much.

75077 Homing Spider Droid

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.23 Construction: 3.5 Parts Value: 4.5 Play Value: 2.0 X-factor: 4.0 Overall: 14.0 Set release date: 2015 top Lego index

When I picked this set up, I immediately thought, "not another Battle Droid Minifigure!" Despite it making perfect sense for this set, I feel that Series 2 had one too many. Ah well, at least it has a large blaster, and it can act as a leader of the other Droids or something due to its different colouring... and the seat on the top of the Homing Spider Droid itself is kind of cute, in an SD sort of way. There are quite a few unique or limited parts in the set. However, some parts - especially the legs - were a bit fiddly to put together, and it may be a challenge for younger builders. The legs do move, but their limited range of movement is a source of frustration - unlike the AT-AT, this thing just can't be posed! The set comes with only a single Flick missile, but as it is a larger than normal one that replicates the bottom baster on the Homing Spider Droid, it's a refreshing change that doesn't feel like it is an extraneous addition tacked onto the bottom of the set. Overall, despite its limited range of motion, the Homing Spider Droid is a neat addition to ones Star Wars Lego collection. Alas, other than prequel series themed 'battles', it doesn't get out of the Lego box that often, and is probably best kept as a display model. If you're not a completionist or a fan of the design, it's probably best to pass on it.

Microfighters Series 3

75125 Resistance X-Wing Fighter

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.25 Construction: 4.5 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 4.5 X-factor: 5.0 Overall: 18.0 Set release date: 2016 top Lego index

The Resistance X-Wing Fighter fixes some of the problems with 2014's X-Wing Fighter Microfighter. It's much sturdier, and has a slightly higher degree of completion - in that the rear end of the fighter is finished off (the 2014 X-Wing just had a 2-stud plate hole in the back). Perhaps the best change is that the wings are a bit longer, giving the Resistance X-Wing Microfighter a better stance. There are a few limited release parts in the set, and some parts are a bit tricky or fiddly to assemble - so it may be a bit frustrating for younger builders. The Flick missiles suffer the same problem as 2014's X-Wing. The colour scheme is nicely balanced, and the detail on the Minifigure -especially the helmet- is astounding. Even though it isn't always taken out of the Lego box, it is fairly regularly played with. Especially in tandem with the 2014 X-Wing. The set is a great investment as either a toy or a display model.

75126 First Order Snowspeeder

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.27 Construction: 4.0 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 4.0 X-factor: 4.5 Overall: 16.5 Set release date: 2016 top Lego index

I quite like this set. Probably because it's a unique set in the entire Lego Star Wars lineup: something from the movies, that doesn't appear in the movies (at the time of writing). And we get a New Order Snow Trooper Minifigure to boot. For some, that may be worth more than the accompanying Microfighter! Assembly is fairly straightforward. I found some of the parts to be a bit fiddly when putting them together - and if they're a tad difficult for an adult to assemble, it's probably very difficult for a younger Lego enthusiast. There are quite a few useful parts in this set. A few are not so readily available in other sets. Nevertheless, for the range of parts in classic space grey, it's a very nice set. Alas, it doesn't get pulled out of the Lego box and played with that often. A shame, really, as it is a very sturdy set, that looks really nice, too. So nice, in fact, that I've had it out on display on the bookshelf since I got it (well, when the kids aren't playing with it).

75127 The Ghost

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.27 Construction: 4.5 Parts Value: 4.5 Play Value: 5.0 X-factor: 5.0 Overall: 19.0 Set release date: 2016 top Lego index

The Ghost is a nice, solid set that is on par with the Millennium Falcon. It gets the overall shape and details down, and comes with a main character - not a generic character like the majority of the other Microfighters. I'm not a fan of the ship's design, but it is a neat addition to one's Star Wars Lego collection. On the other hand, my kids are big fans of the series, and they positively love this set. These days, i's even more active in their play than the Millennium Falcon is! I really like how the designers incorporated the escape pods. Especially how they fairly easily detach from the Microfighter. The seat is another interesting part of the set - at Christmas, my son got the MicroMachines Phantom toy. It nestles snuggly behind the seated Hera Minifigure. Later, I built the Phantom out of spare parts based on the instructions for the 5002939 Phantom set, and it too fits (although the Minifigure has to be removed). If you are the person you are getting this set for are a big fan of the Star Wars Rebels series, this is an excellent set to get. The only real drawback to the set is that there are a few parts that can be a bit tricky to put together.

75128 TIE Advanced Prototype

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.27 Construction: 4.5 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 4.0 X-factor: 3.5 Overall: 16.0 Set release date: 2016 top Lego index

A decent set, that is nice and solidly built. It fixes a bunch of the problems with 2014's TIE Interceptor, but at the same time, it's no where near as dynamic and, how shall I put it, allowing for interesting, creative wing positions. Nevertheless, it's a good set if you want to inexpensively build up an Imperial army complete with TIE Fighter air support! The set has quite a few unique or rare parts - just like the 2014 set -, and those pieces and the Minifigure alone may make the set worthwhile for some. The curved plates that stick out from the rear make a great place to hold onto when swooshing the set around. I appreciate that, but at the same time, I prefer the more streamlined look of the regular TIE Fighter. The only really major drawback to the set is that the wings are easily pushed out of position - all the more so with aggressive play and heavy landings (the bottom wing tips serve as landing gear). Not a problem if you keep the set on display, mind you.

75129 Wookie Gunship

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.27 Construction: 5.0 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 3.5 X-factor: 5.0 Overall: 17.5 Set release date: 2016 top Lego index

In all honesty, I got this one for the Wookie. Yes, the Microfighter is pretty good, but having a Wookie Minifigure with a crossbow is awesome-sauce. The Microfighter is fairly straightforward, with only a few less common parts. I can't really comment on how accurately it replicates the Wookie Gunship from the series (not a follower of Star Wars Rebels), but the Lego version is pretty fun. The way the wings are attached give it a range of creative flexibility in their positioning - along with movable nose guns and a hatch at the back. The set has a nice colour scheme that is really set off by the neon-green warhead tipped Flick missiles. Perhaps the set's greatest drawback is the relative obscurity of the vehicle it is modelled after. But ultimately that doesn't matter, because you get a Wookie Minifigure with this set!

75130 AT-DP

Review by: Aaron Sketchley Reviewed on: 2016.03.27 Construction: 3.5 Parts Value: 4.0 Play Value: 3.0 X-factor: 4.0 Overall: 14.5 Set release date: 2016 top Lego index

I was really looking forward to the AT-DT Microfighter before assembling it - Star Wars is one of the few non-Japanese entities that does mecha right, and I was jumping at the chance to own a two-legged walker. Alas, just like the walker in the Geonosis Troopers, it was disappointing. Assembly is really straightforward. However, the way the joints in the legs are assembled has lead to hours of frustration - it's really hard to find a good pose for the walker when it is on display. When played with? I don't know how my kids manage! Nevertheless, it is an excellent set to put in an Empire themed display, and despite the posing difficulties, it is a really solidly built set.