For most fans, seeing the trailer for a new “Star Wars” movie is what gets them most excited for its release. And I’ll admit, the most recent “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” trailer got me pumped. But LEGO revealing their lineup for the movie–that has me champing at the bit for the December release. Happily, the LEGO sets will be out September 30th. So I have four weeks to save my pennies. Okay, dollars. Okay, twenties and fifties. Here’s what’s on the way:
Imperial Assault Hovertank 75152, $29.99
Help Chirrut battle the Imperial Assault Hovertank as it patrols the streets. This tough urban patrol vehicle has a two-minifigure cockpit and a rotating and elevating turret gun with spring-loaded shooters to target enemies of the Empire. And if the rebel forces hide out of sight, open the storage container, grab the blasters and play out your own mini urban battles!
AT-ST Walker 75153, $39.99
Go on the hunt for Baze and the Rebel Trooper aboard the All Terrain Scout Transport. Open the top hatch, load up the AT-ST Driver and move the legs to speed into action. When you’ve tracked them down, turn the wheel to rotate the top and prepare to fire the spring-loaded shooters! Can Baze and the trooper escape the advancing AT-ST? That’s for you to decide…
TIE Striker 75154, $69.99
Prepare for launch with the amazing TIE Striker, the Empire’s atmospheric patrol fighter! Open the minifigure cockpit from the top or front and put in the TIE Pilot. Help the Imperial ground crew member put supplies in the rear hold and arm the spring-loaded shooters. Then adjust the huge wings and launch into the skies in search of rebels!
Rebel U-Wing Fighter 75155, $79.99
Open the cockpit and place the U-Wing Pilot in his seat. Fire up the engines and launch into the sky. Keep a lookout below with the transparent window, and when you spot the enemy, fire the front spring-loaded shooters mounted in the side doors. You can even fold the wings back for a bigger model!
Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle 75156, $89.99
When a tough transport ship is needed, Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle is the perfect choice. Put him into the pilot seat, open out the thick-armor plating and seat the Death Troopers. Lower the ramp and check the blasters are secured, then arm the spring-loaded shooters and seal the hull for takeoff. Raise the landing skids, lower the wings for flight mode and set off on another dangerous mission!
Sergeant Jyn Erso 75119, $24.99
This tough Rebel soldier has everything she needs to take on the Empire. Build the figure, load the blaster rifle, put her in a battle pose and fire the spring-loaded shooter! Then grab the truncheons and turn the wheel to activate the arm-swinging battle function. Jyn Erso is ready to bring the battle to the Empire!
K-2SO 75120, $24.99
Once an Imperial security droid, K-2SO is now ready to fight for the Rebel Alliance. Build the droid, then push the button to the side to swing each arm or push it straight to swing both at the same time! The powerful K-2SO has the strength and skill to take on the Empire!
Imperial Death Trooper 75121, $24.99
Elite soldiers of the Imperial Intelligence, Death Troopers are the Empire’s most imposing enforcers and bodyguards! Build the trooper, grab the blaster pistol from the holster or fire the blaster rifle with spring-loaded shooter. Then put him in a battle pose and get ready to defend the Empire!
These are some solid sets–partially because “Rogue One” designers pushed the Star Wars design universe a bit further than “The Force Awakens” did. I love that we’re getting a U-Wing Fighter, I like the Hovertank, and the TIE Striker might be my favorite variant on the classic TIE. The minifigure selection seems to cover the breadth of what we’ve seen in the movie so far, although I’d love to get a small “army builder” set that has some of those Shoretroopers (Beachtroopers?) too. Plus Mon Mothma somewhere, somehow. The larger buildable figures are more hit and miss for me, although that K-2SO will be coming home with me. These will be out September 30 — watch for reviews of the sets on Big Shiny Robot from yours truly!