REVIEW: 70751 Templeof Airjitsu

[Aanchir]

But these are licensed sets.

So? Licenses can change a set's cost to the LEGO Group, but not its material and play value for the consumer. So if those licensed sets are worth $200 to the consumer, I don't see why this one wouldn't be.

Plus, the "10 cents per piece" threshold for good value is generally one that I've seen AFOLs agree on for LEGO in general, not just for licensed sets. The Ultra Agents Mission HQ and Battle for Ninjago City both have a very similar price per piece. And plenty of non-licensed sets like Arctic Base Camp, Sydney Opera House, Town Square, and Maula's Ice Mammoth Stomper actually have a worse price per piece.

[Iron Moose]

My copy has a misprint in the instructions. Page 146, step 8 from bag 5: the blue parts are printed as purple. This continues in steps 9 and 11, and is correctly rendered (in blue) in steps 10 and 12. Very odd.

[CaptainToad]

So? Licenses can change a set's cost to the LEGO Group, but not its material and play value for the consumer. So if those licensed sets are worth $200 to the consumer, I don't see why this one wouldn't be.

Plus, the "10 cents per piece" threshold for good value is generally one that I've seen AFOLs agree on for LEGO in general, not just for licensed sets. The Ultra Agents Mission HQ and Battle for Ninjago City both have a very similar price per piece. And plenty of non-licensed sets like Arctic Base Camp, Sydney Opera House, Town Square, and Maula's Ice Mammoth Stomper actually have a worse price per piece.

I guess the difference is that consumers understand that licenced sets need to be more expensive as there is a licencence involved that needs to be paid. Non-licenced sets are known to be cheaper (think about some of the creator sets - tower bridge with about 4000 parts is comparably cheap) and I guess thats the main reason why people complain. Personally I, too, think this set is overpriced with about the same number (or less) than the detectives office it is much more expensive.

Maybe the price for lego is going up in general - wouldnt be surprised. As far as the agents and ninjago city sets are concerned - OK, true, but these are much smaller sets and people expect to pay a little less money per piece when they buy bigger sets.

When I first saw the pics online I knew I wanted this set and ordered it on day one - no matter if its overpriced or not - I kinda struggled though - if it had been modestly priced like the modulars it would have been a no-brainer to me.. The other thing is that I will need to buy it a second time in the long run (probaby) as I want the temple to be closed and not half open :( - hopefully they will put it on sale or offer double vip points.

Still, its an amazing build!!! Cant wait to build it myself and create a diorama afterwards

Edited August 22, 2015 by CaptainToad

[ogelivation]

I just built this yesterday. Overall I love it, the colour scheme, the build techniques, the new pieces (new to me, anyway) and the details.

I know nothing at all about Ninjago and only bought the temple because, well, it's a temple and I don't have any Asian-inspired Lego. So I don't understand or like the modern elements such as the "Cole's Stuff" crate and the tourists but these are easily removed.

I do think the bridge is a let down. I would love to have a nicely built footbridge (in any genre) but this one seems like it's pieced together from leftover scraps. It doesn't match the level of detail of the rest of the set. I also find the trees funky (not in a good way). I like the new leaf colours but don't like the tree construction.

I'm used to building modulars and this set went together in a really odd way. That is, compared with modulars where you can see what you're doing as you do it, the three buildings of this set started out with several layers of apparently random bricks and tiles. Of course it all comes together in the end, but it's a strange feeling to stick random parts all over the base plate with no idea why you're doing it.

The shadow theatre is really cute! I do wish it was easier to access so you can change out the scene, but this isn't a modular where the layers are meant to come apart.

Edited September 4, 2015 by ogelivation

[merman]

Can someone please give me the number of the instruction booklet? I have been waiting forever for Lego to put them online...

[Blackheart Brit]

I saw this built at my local Lego store and the temple roof is very incredible. It looks very Japanese and a cool build as well. Very good looking set.