Of the countless vehicles featured in Star Wars, the Tantive IV definitely belongs in the growing Starship Collection. After all, the famed Rebel Blockade Runner was the first vehicle shown in the original movie and its midi-scale recreation, 75376 Tantive IV, looks excellent.
Similar to other sets from the series, I think the proportions of the model seem accurate and there is plenty of detail included, matching the brilliant 75244 Tantive IV in some areas. Unfortunately, the price of £69.99, $79.99 or €79.99 is a major concern.
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Last year saw the introduction of 75355 X-wing Starfighter, which paid deliberate tribute to one of the two original Ultimate Collector Series sets, 7191 X-wing Fighter. The old-fashioned 7181 TIE Interceptor receives similar treatment this year, updated as 75382 TIE Interceptor.
The original design is remarkably dated, but its modern equivalent looks fantastic in official images, aiming to replicate the TIE Interceptor's spherical cockpit more faithfully than any other TIE-series model. Furthermore, the designer has paid particular attention to detailing, which has definitely proven worthwhile.
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Star Wars subjects are sometimes produced at multiple scales concurrently, but one version is usually intended primarily for play and the other for display. 75379 R2-D2 therefore seems fairly unusual, given its notable similarities to 75308 R2-D2, launched in 2021.
This model is clearly smaller than its precursor and less expensive too, although it seems very functional and surprisingly detailed, comparing favourably with the larger model. Moreover, this set contains an outstanding anniversary minifigure, as Darth Malak from Knights of the Old Republic makes his LEGO debut!
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LEGO has produced numerous versions of the sinister Sith Infiltrator, despite its limited screen time in The Phantom Menace. I would presume the Scimitar's famous owner has influenced the variety of designs, although none have achieved particular accuracy.
75383 Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator therefore has an opportunity to improve on previous models. While the standard of detail certainly seems superior, the shape of the fuselage remains problematic, based on official images. However, other angles are maybe more complementary and there are some excellent minifigures too.
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The circumstances of Grogu's rescue from the Jedi Temple were revealed in The Mandalorian season three and are portrayed in 75378 BARC Speeder Escape. Some superb minifigures are included here, notably featuring swordmaster Kelleran Beq.
However, as so often seems to be the case currently, the price is reason for concern. £24.99, $29.99 or €29.99 feels expensive for a set containing a mere BARC speeder, even one with a sidecar, but perhaps the minifigures will justify the price.
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7778 Midi-scale Millennium Falcon was released in 2009 and instituted the short-lived midi-scale series. Fifteen years later, the impressive 75375 Millennium Falcon returns to the iconic YT-1300 freighter at this scale, albeit consisting of nearly three times the pieces of its predecessor!
The designer has definitely put those additional pieces to good use, as the model appears stunningly detailed and accurate to the onscreen vehicle. The texture across the fuselage looks great and the proportions seem excellent too, which is a feature past versions of the Millennium Falcon have often struggled with.
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The newly-titled Starship Collection provides fantastic potential, as this series can seemingly be adapted for many vehicle types and subjects missing from the LEGO Star Wars range before now. 75377 Invisible Hand neatly encapsulates these qualities.
I am delighted to see General Grievous' famed flagship finally portrayed in LEGO form and this model of the Providence-class Dreadnought looks excellent, thanks in part to its varied colours, which make a nice change from previous midi-scale designs. Also, this set is more affordable than others in the series, so should have every advantage!
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The opening sequence of Star Wars is definitely among the most famous scenes from the entire saga, establishing its tone and numerous classic characters. LEGO has therefore produced many versions of the Tantive IV, always focused on its exterior.
75387 Boarding the Tantive IV transports the action inside, recreating the Tantive IV's famous interior with impressive accuracy. However, the minifigures are perhaps the highlight here, as seven are provided, including the much-anticipated anniversary ARC Trooper Fives!
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Incredibly, the standard Phase II Clone Trooper has only appeared in six sets and the latest was produced in 2014. 75372 Clone Trooper & Battle Droid Battle Pack is thus an appealing prospect and features three standard Clone Troopers, as well as a red-armoured Shock Trooper.
Moreover, this Battle Pack reintroduces the Super Battle Droid, which has been missing for almost as long as the Clone Trooper! Between a fantastic minifigure selection and vehicles aligned with the Republic and Separatists, there is plenty to appreciate here.
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LEGO obviously considers the AAT an interesting subject for microscale models. After all, the tank has already appeared in three Advent Calendars and two polybags. 30680 AAT is the third.
The vehicle looks remarkably detailed for its size and its release is fitting, for the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace.
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Twenty years after the original minifigure-scale TIE Bomber was released, LEGO finally revisited the classic vessel in January. 75348 Mandalorian Fang Fighter vs. TIE Interceptor revisits another celebrated TIE-series vehicle, with the famously agile TIE/in Interceptor!
6206 TIE Interceptor arrived in 2006, providing ample opportunity for major improvements this time. The designer has seemingly obliged, while the Fang Fighter also has considerable potential, recreating the memorable Mandalorian starfighter designed for Star Wars Rebels.
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Ten years have passed since the last minifigure-scale Republic Gunship was released and there has been significant demand for a new version recently. 75354 Coruscant Guard Gunship thus seems interesting, although this colour scheme was unexpected.
The vibrant livery of the Coruscant Guard looks excellent, but some have reasonably queried whether such a little-known design was a good choice. Also, this vehicle is smaller than its immediate predecessors, which may compromise its accuracy. Nevertheless, the return of a minifigure-scale Republic Gunship is very welcome.
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The formidable Venator-class Star Destroyer has become a popular symbol of the Clone Wars and appears across the animated series. This warship therefore provides ideal material for an Ultimate Collector Series recreation, hence the significant demand for such a model.
75367 Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser has certainly been well-received and looks truly spectacular in official images. The sheer size of the model is striking and the exterior seems extraordinarily detailed, hopefully fulfilling the potential of such impressive source material.
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Advent Calendars have provided an opportunity to acquire seasonal Star Wars minifigures since 2011. The festive Star Wars range expands this year to include the unusual 40658 Millennium Falcon Holiday Diorama, taking inspiration from the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special.
While the minifigures are obviously inviting, the seasonal Millennium Falcon diorama appears interesting as well. This model captures details usually missing from LEGO renditions of the iconic YT-1300 freighter and I think the colourful Christmas decorations look lovely.
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The classic E-wing escort starfighter was created as the successor to the T-65B X-wing starfighter in Star Wars Legends, also providing inspiration for 75018 Jek-14's Stealth Starfighter. Finally, the memorable vessel has made its long-awaited live action debut in Ahsoka!
75364 New Republic E-wing vs. Shin Hati's Starfighter pairs the E-wing with Shin Hati's heavy starfighter and these two vehicles look fantastic together! Their equivalent sizes are ideal for play and the minifigure selection is also appealing, particularly for the three provided villains.
This review is spoiler free.
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The much-anticipated Ahsoka series has begun, providing inspiration for three interesting sets. 75362 Ahsoka's T-6 Jedi Shuttle is the smallest, although perhaps contains the most desirable minifigures, including Ahsoka Tano herself and Sabine Wren.
Furthermore, the returning shuttle has definite potential to impress, hopefully improving upon 7931 T-6 Jedi Shuttle from 2011. The exterior looks stunning in official images, but I do harbour concerns about the interior, as well as the underside of the wing, not visible in any of the images from LEGO.
This review is spoiler free.
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Star Wars Rebels was launched in 2014 and the Ghost, a reliable VCX-100 light freighter, formed an integral part of the animated series. Now this celebrated vessel is returning for the upcoming Ahsoka series on Disney+, providing inspiration for 75357 Ghost & Phantom II.
This 1394-piece rendition of the transport looks spectacular in official images, cleverly incorporating the Phantom II shuttle and including an extensive interior. Taking these factors into consideration, as well as the desirable characters provided, I think this could be among the best Star Wars sets released this year!
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Darth Vader is potentially the most recognisable character in cinema history, so should translate brilliantly to a mech. After all, these vehicles are best when emphasising famous features of their respective pilots, which bodes extremely well for 75368 Darth Vader Mech.
I was accordingly surprised when Darth Vader's mech was revealed, as its design seems notably bland. The printed chest console and lightsaber look good, but the model otherwise appears to lack personality. However, the availability of Darth Vader in an inexpensive set is appealing.
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars originally culminated in 2014, focusing on Yoda's deep exploration of the Force during the series finale. This unusual story arc also introduces Yoda's specialised Jedi starfighter, modified for the Jedi Grand Master's famously small stature.
I adore these episodes, but was surprised when LEGO produced 75168 Yoda's Jedi Starfighter in 2017 and am confused by its return this year, as 75360 Yoda's Jedi Starfighter. While some improvements have been made, there seems to be little demand for this vehicle, especially at the price of £29.99, $34.99 or €34.99.
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Din Djarin acquired a new vehicle in The Book of Boba Fett, which definitely warrants its position within the ongoing Microfighters series. 75363 The Mandalorian N-1 Starfighter Microfighter is thus a welcome addition to the range, especially with two characters included.
However, the presence of both Din Djarin and Grogu has seemingly affected the price, which has risen to £12.99, $15.99 or €15.99. Compared with the superb 75344 Boba Fett's Starship Microfighter, which cost £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99 in January, this N-1 Starfighter feels expensive.
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