Thoughts about 75169 Duel on Naboo

[VaderFan2187]

Hello everyone! Today I will be sharing my thoughts on 75169 Duel on Naboo Photos are from brickset.com.

I have yet to purchase this but I am sure that I will.

Here is the box…

Let's begin with the minifigures, arguably the main draw of the set…

Qui-Gon Jinn is my favorite minifigure in this set. I do not have him yet, so he is good to have. The lack of a cape is excusable in my opinion as none of the characters in this scene were wearing their capes at the duel near the reactor shaft. I like the grey highlights on Qui-Gon's beard and his alternate face. The only complaints I have are that some of the printing isn't the best (the torso part which shows Qui-Gon's overly tanned skin and the leg printing).

Obi-Wan Kenobi is my second-favorite minifigure in this set. I also do not have a Padawan Obi-Wan, so this is welcome. I stand by the fact that LEGO should make a new hairpiece for Padawans, as Obi-Wan's hairpiece in this set is grossly inaccurate. I do like his face and robe printing, however, but the same skin tan problem is present here.

Darth Maul is definitely my least favorite minifigure in the set. His front torso, back torso, and leg printing are all excellent, and I like the Zabrak horn headpiece, but his face is awful. I know they were going for a grimace, but it ends up looking like a crazy Joker-like maniacal grin.

On to the main build next…

Does look like quite a mess, doesn't it? I wouldn't want this set if not for the awesome minifigures. Here, the play features are all visible, the Technic beam for the laser gate, the plasma purification chamber, and the reactor shaft with the catapult's lever jutting out.

Laser Gate Function…

Push the axle in, door opens. Pull the axle out, door closes. Simple enough. However, the laser gate is really inaccurate in my opinion and a drop-down, solid brick-built trans red panel would look better. Despite this, the play feature definitely works well.

Here is the plasma purification chamber. It is really tiny compared to the humongous columns present in the scene. The clear piece can open and the plasma can be removed, however, it is evidently not too easy as the cockpit bubble cannot be opened too much. There is also a golden grille piece next to it. I personally feel the pink and the gold clutter up the appearance and color scheme of the set, though others may beg to differ.

See? THOSE are the purification chambers. The LEGO one looks really tiny in comparison.

There is a clear 6x6 radar dish piece to simulate a hole, but flicking the lever enables Obi-Wan to jump up… or at least it should. Check out JANGBRiCKS' attempt at it (though Maul's lightsaber did block the way for Obi-Wan to jump out in his review):

The price…

… is $24.99, which provides good value for just over 200 pieces.

Verdict: 

So, do I like this set? Yes. I already said I want to get it. But why do I like this set? It is solely because of the figures. The build, whilst okay, isn't really all that great, and looks kind of messy to me. Therefore, in my opinion, you should get this if you want the minifigures. If you don't want the figures, I think this deserves a pass.

But what do you guys think? Let me know in a reply

Edited January 27, 2017 by VaderFan2187

[FishW]

I'd pretty much agree with everything you said! Qui-gon is nice. I have no complaints and I don't own him yet, so it will be a nice addition for sure. I don't own a Padwan Obi-Wan, but I can't say I'm impressed really. As you stated the hair piece needs an upgrade, and I really don't like that braid printed. Still decent. I like the Maul, sure his minifigure head is a little wonky, but I really don't mind it. He seems like a decent minifigure. I have an older versions so it'll be nice to upgrade. The set is a little bit of a mess I agree. No walkway to get up to the platform so I guess force jump lol. I wish the gate slid open to the side, and was maybe a clear plate so it was more accurate, but it's alright. One thing I wish was included would be just a little block that Obi-Wan could grip for when he falls. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the clear dish at the bottom in a review. I'd say the play feature it I'd suppose to be kind of fails, but I do like it kind of having a bottom. The wall is a little weird, but it adds something to it. I could see myself taking it off and I feel like that would maybe help the set a bit. I think the plasma thing it adds some color and I can already picture Maul force throwing it at Obi-Wan. So is it $20 USD, seems like a pretty good price? I haven't seen any prices yet(not that I've really been looking though) but I'm curious to know the prices for this wave. If there is a place that has them I'd love to see it 

[VaderFan2187]

53 minutes ago, FishW said:

So is it $20 USD, seems like a pretty good price? 

Oops, it's actually $25 apparently, as brickset's CapnRex101 said in his review 

Quote

although the limitations imposed by the low price point of £19.99 or $24.99 must be considered.

Also, there's a trans red stud for Obi Wan to hold on to, albeit slightly off to the side. 

[QwikBricks]

Here's my thoughts after opening the box:

 

[TheRacker]

Definitely getting this just for the minifigs because I don't have any of these characters yet.  I'll probably wait until it's around $18 on amazon though, don't want to pay full price for it.