LEGO Ronin: Epic Airship Battle Review

Get ready for takeoff, LEGO fans! We're soaring into the thrilling world of the LEGO Ninjago 70735 Ronin R.E.X. set, a truly epic LEGO adventure waiting to unfold. This isn't just another LEGO set; it's a ticket to a world of ninjas, airships, and breathtaking battles high above the clouds. Prepare for an immersive experience that will test your building skills and ignite your imagination!

Unboxing and Initial Impressions: A Treasure Trove Awaits

Opening the box feels like unearthing a treasure chest brimming with LEGO bricks! Multiple bags overflow with an exciting array of pieces, each promising a step closer to the magnificent airship. The instruction manual, whilst detailed, is surprisingly easy to follow, making the building process approachable for younger builders (though a little adult assistance might be appreciated). The sheer volume of vibrant LEGO pieces alone is enough to get you excited!

Building the Ronin R.E.X.: A 2-in-1 Masterpiece Takes Flight

This isn't merely a LEGO build; it’s a transformative 2-in-1 masterpiece! You'll construct the formidable Ronin R.E.X. airship, a sight to behold, and then, with clever maneuvering, transform it into a sleek, detachable fighter jet. This dual functionality significantly extends the playability of the set, offering a strategic advantage during intense ninja battles. The transformation itself is surprisingly smooth and satisfying, adding another layer of engagement to the experience.

Each LEGO brick clicks into place with that satisfying 'snap,' creating a solid and sturdy structure. The design's ingenuity shines through, intuitively guiding you through the process, making it feel less like assembling bricks and more like engineering a real-life, albeit miniature, airship! Notice the fantastic details – the detailed cockpit, the adjustable engines that seem to roar to life as you angle them, and the cleverly hidden weapon storage compartments. Isn't that clever?

Minifigure Mania: Meet the Ninjago Elite!

But the bricks aren't the only stars here! The set boasts four incredibly detailed minifigures: Kai, the fiery ninja; Ronin, the enigmatic warrior; the menacing Scythe Master Ghoultar; and the spectral Ghost Ninja Attila. Each minifigure is a small work of art, brilliantly capturing their personalities and roles in the Ninjago saga. These aren't just tiny plastic figures; they're miniature heroes (and villains!) ready to command your epic battles! How many hours could you spend with these minifigures creating incredible scenes?

Soaring into Action: Playability Beyond Compare

The real adventure begins post-construction! With its adjustable engines, the Ronin R.E.X. airship comes alive, allowing you to effortlessly navigate imaginary skies. The set’s inclusion of a rip-cord-activated flyer adds a new dimension of excitement, seamlessly integrating thrilling aerial combat scenarios into your playtime. Launching the Skreemer (the small, speedy fighter) intensifies the excitement; you can stage epic sky battles or even transform the scene into a nail-biting rescue mission. The design encourages imaginative play; the possibilities are limitless.

A Balanced Perspective: Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses

As with any LEGO set, the Ronin R.E.X. has its highlights and areas where it could improve. The extraordinarily detailed minifigures and accessories are a huge plus, adding significantly to the playability. The transformative 2-in-1 design is also a massive strength offering diverse playtime options. However, the intricate build might slightly challenge younger builders, possibly making collaboration with an adult necessary. Furthermore, pricing is slightly higher than some other Ninjago sets of comparable size — but worth it for its features.

The Verdict: A Must-Have for LEGO Ninjago Enthusiasts

The Ronin R.E.X. delivers on all fronts: playability, design, and franchise alignment. The complex structure may challenge younger builders, but the reward is a rewarding build and countless hours of imaginative play. This isn't just a toy; it's a piece of Ninjago history, a springboard for endless adventures, and a fantastic addition to any LEGO collection. It's robust design and fun features provide significant replay value. Is it worth the investment? An absolute yes! Prepare for an unforgettable LEGO adventure!

Building the Ronin R.E.X.: A Stage-by-Stage Guide

This isn't a simple build; it's an epic construction project! This 547-piece set requires patience and careful attention to detail. Let's break down the building process into manageable stages. The extensive instruction manual (https://lego.brickinstructions.com/lego_instructions/set/70735/Ronin_R.E.X.) guides you through each step, but a strategic approach can make the process smoother.

1. Laying the Foundation (Bags 1-3): These initial stages focus on building the core structure—the airship's robust body. Take your time, ensuring each brick is securely placed. This forms the solid base for the more intricate components.

2. Adding Power and Flight (Bags 4-6): The powerful, adjustable engines take center stage here. Once attached, they dramatically transform the airship's appearance and functionality. The wings follow, adding to the magnificent scale of this aerial masterpiece.

3. Intricate Details and Final Touches (Bags 7-9): These final stages add the incredibly detailed cockpit and finishing touches, antennas, weaponry, and other intricate details. This is the final push to transform the assembled pieces into the impressive completed model.

This approach, combined with the detailed instructions, makes the build manageable and satisfying. Remember, patience is key!

Comparing the Ronin R.E.X. to Other Ninjago Sets

Compared to other Ninjago sets in the same size range, the Ronin R.E.X. shines through its detail and play features. While the price point is slightly higher, the exceptional design and immersive playability justify the cost. It's a considerable investment, yet the rewarding build and superb play experience make it well worth it.