Review: 75386 Paz Vizsla and Moff Gideon Battle
Posted by CapnRex101,
The conclusion of The Mandalorian season three saw Moff Gideon's return, residing beneath the surface of Mandalore and heavily armoured to match his base of operations. 75386 Paz Vizsla and Moff Gideon Battle therefore introduces an exclusive Moff Gideon minifigure!
Paz Vizsla has also received an update since the character debuted in 75319 The Armourer's Mandalorian Forge and faces two new Imperial Praetorian Guards. On that basis, the minifigure selection seems exceptional and I think the model looks good too, reflecting the location from the television series.
Summary
75386 Paz Vizsla and Moff Gideon Battle, 289 pieces.
£34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99 | 12.1p/13.8c/13.8c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Four fantastic minifigures elevate this set, although the door is reasonably detailed
- Exceptional minifigures
- Accurate door design
- Satisfying play set
- Limited turret movement
- Potential for something more interesting under the turret
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Since his introduction in season one, Paz Vizsla has become increasingly vital to the story of The Mandalorian. I am therefore glad to see this character in minifigure form again, especially because some changes have been made since 75319 The Armourer's Mandalorian Forge was released. The original minifigure is pictured on the left in this image.
The new minifigure's helmet features sharper lines and more defined cheek plates, with some noticeable improvements in the quality of printing. These small adjustments help to distinguish Paz's helmet from his fellow Mandalorians. Furthermore, the jetpack no longer includes a clip to store Paz's heavy blaster, but the minifigures are otherwise all but identical.
I am somewhat surprised by this, partly because I think there is a strong case for Paz Vizsla being predominantly dark blue rather than sand blue. On the other hand, the detailing on the torso and legs is superb, including plenty of metallic silver battle damage and accurate yellow accents. Similarly, the large chest armour component looks good, while a plain black head is appropriate for Paz, who never removes his helmet onscreen.
Of course, the character is also known for his large jetpack and M-55 repeating blaster, both of which are included. This version of the blaster is much more detailed than its predecessor, with a trans-orange 1x1 plate forming its overheating barrels. The weapon cannot actually be held in both hands, but it looks great when properly posed. However, a knife and energy shield should be supplied as well.
Although cruelly disrespectful of Mandalorian culture, Moff Gideon recognises the strength of Mandalorian armour, so wears his own version. The colour combination of black and red looks marvellous in LEGO form and I love the new helmet, including accurate horn-like details on top, as well as an intimidating red visor.
The detail across Gideon's torso and legs is excellent too, featuring occasional red and silver highlights. Ideally, the minifigure would have printed arms to match the likes of Din Djarin and Bo-Katan from 75361 Spider Tank, although Moff Gideon still looks brilliant without them. Also, this figure includes a new double-sided head, showing suitably smug and angry expressions.
A hair element is provided too, so you can display Moff Gideon with his helmet removed. The villain is equipped with a jetpack, re-using the part developed for First Order Jet Troopers and matching his Imperial Commandos from 75373 Ambush on Mandalore Battle Pack, but lacks a cape or any other accessories, unfortunately. A brick-built electrostaff would have sufficed.
A small group of Imperial Praetorian Guards are deployed to bolster Moff Gideon's forces on Mandalore and two are present here. These warriors combine features of the red-clad Imperial Royal Guard with their eventual First Order successors, wearing distinctive helmets with narrow visors, seemingly influenced by Mandalorian designs.
The general shape of these elements is accurate, but I think their visors should be positioned slightly lower, bringing the eye slits to a more appropriate level. Additionally, the guards would benefit from separate shoulder armour, like the First Order Praetorian Guards, as well as fabric robes around their waists. Despite these potential improvements, I am generally satisfied with the guards and their energy-infused weapons are perfect.
The Completed Model
Paz Vizsla's memorable stand against Moff Gideon's forces takes place by the entrance to a cavernous hangar and this rendition of the setting is easily recognisable. The distinctive door and light fixtures correspond with the series and I like the combination of Imperial architecture with natural rocky surfaces, again reflecting the onscreen location.
Clips are available at either end of the model, ready to connect 75373 Ambush on Mandalore Battle Pack. This option is certainly welcome, but I find the combination pretty underwhelming, due primarily to the lacklustre structure from the smaller set. Moreover, there are gaps between the two sets, which could have been avoided with further refinement of the Battle Pack model.
A trans-red light is positioned on the left of the entrance, based on similar light fixtures briefly visible in the television series. This is an odd inclusion, but there is limited space for anything more substantial. I like the printed console beside the door though, as well as the tiled pattern on the floor, mixing light and dark bluish grey elements.
The door is assembled sideways and finished with tiles on this side. The trapezoidal windows look superb and match the source material, while the stickered lights above are also accurate and typical of Imperial bases. With that in mind, I wonder whether these tiles could have been printed and later re-used, but stickers are fine.
Sadly, there is no geared mechanism to open and close this door, but you can raise it using a small ball joint on top and a simple Technic mechanism holds it open. Moreover, the container beside the door opens to reveal a printed thermal detonator inside. An identical box is found in 75373 Ambush on Mandalore Battle Pack, further ensuring the two sets are cohesive.
A stud shooter turret is mounted above the entrance, including a reddish brown 2x2 plate with two studs to seat a minifigure. The turret rotates and looks reasonable, but it cannot tilt up and down, which is an obvious problem for play because the stud shooters cannot target characters gathered around the door.
However, I like the storage for extra ammunition underneath the turret, which can be removed and placed at ground level, if you choose. The back of the model is evidently nowhere near as detailed as the front, but only the Technic lever supporting the door looks especially awkward to me, thanks in part to some conspicuous tan pieces.
There were various options for the empty space underneath the turret, such as Moff Gideon's laboratory, the control station where R5-D4 battles mouse droids or perhaps a prison. Instead, we find a single stickered interface, which is disappointing. I do like the sticker though, warning of the incoming light cruiser! In addition, the clip to store a weapon is useful.
Overall
Unsurprisingly, the minifigures are the highlight of 75386 Paz Vizsla and Moff Gideon Battle. Both titular characters are extremely popular and their minifigures are impressive, especially given Gideon's new helmet. The two Praetorian Guards are also appealing, but really needed separate shoulder armour elements, in my opinion.
I am satisfied with the minifigures' environment too. While the turret's inability to raise and lower is frustrating, the door looks excellent and this model is generally quite detailed. Admittedly, it is rather small for the price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99, but taking the impressive minifigures into consideration and their inherent broad appeal, I would recommend this set.
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47 comments on this article
When you consider the connections to this year’s battle pack, I think there’s potential for a very respectable LEGO scene here. Definitely something I’ll be picking up in the future, although I’d forgotten Moff Gideon lost his moustache in this season.
Pro: great parts pack.
Con: $40.
I should have enough spare parts to make that heavy gun, though.
RIP everyone trying to sell Paz for crazy prices. I'm glad I can pick up the Moff too.
It's really hard to see twice the value of BP in this set. Sure, the build is far more substantial, but it's still only 4 figures. 75372 is similar value in my eyes and it's 10 bucks/euros less. A third praetorian guard should be included for accuracy and getting that value closer to what they're asking for.
I thought this set would be coming with an Ammo belt to connect Vizslas weapon with the backpack since the piece used on the M-Tron CMF looks like it was specifically developed for Paz.
It's alright for what it is but it also looks more like a 20-30$ range build. I guess there isn't much they can do anymore to keep prices low but things like this and adding 1€ each year since the change to 19,99 pricetag of battlepacks is unnerving. At some point it really does become more viable to just 3d print your own helmets and do decals, maybe even a UV printer.
40? OMG... Gold is starting to seem cheaper to me than buying a Lego.
Another Star Wars sets that need 20% off at the very least to be worth it.
Way, way too small for $40. $30 would have been much more reasonable. Easy pass at full price, on discount I might consider it.
I like it, I will be getting it. Just not sure I see $40 of value here, I think $35 would have been a better price point for this one.
£35 does seem like a lot of money for a wall...
I'd love a Moff Gideon minifig but I think I'll hold out for his folding TIE.
€40 is a bit much for this. I think the obsession with Star Wars minifigures over an actual nice build is kind of impacting on some sets, like this one.
From the picture, the original Paz Vizsla minifigure has sand blue printed on the crotch, whereas the new one is gray, and the battle damage on his left leg looks smaller compared to the new figure. Also, I'm not sure if it's a printing error, but the original figure is also missing the black printing on the buttons on the pouches on his belt.
That new headpiece for Moff Gideon is great, and the slightly smirking reverse would also suit Gus Fring perfectly.
People say the current prices are due to the fact that Lego is already thinking of discounts but seeing those prices is still painful. $40 means this set will be R$400 in Brazil and unlike the US and the EU, disconts on Lego are very rare and usually limited from 5% to 15% only. The set looks nice, but for that price is just too little.
@bananaworld said:
"
£35 does seem like a lot of money for a wall...
I'd love a Moff Gideon minifig but I think I'll hold out for his folding TIE."
Yes, Lego SW has clearly hit a wall. Apparently, the only way forward they can see is with very, very expensive space lights/stripper poles.
Let me help. LISTEN TO THE CAP'N!!! And me!! And every other SW fan!! Give us cool figures- capes, kamas, molds, whatever is needed to represent a figure.
Moff is good. The wall is bad. The price is worse. Those Praetorian Guards are a joke. They look silly. Moff not having his weapon and cape is ridiculous. The wall of shame is ridiculous. Two BURPs for $40?
Love the lighted Imperial stripper pole. Perfectly symbolizes the current Lego SW attitude of expecting lots of cash for sleazy work.
For some reason the build is my favourite thing here. I just really like the design of the door.
last I saw was with the Dark Troopers and fighting them. I thought Moff Gideon died lol
I guess I'm a bit behind in the show
I will likely pick this up since I'm a minifig collector, but I didn't realize I already had Paz.
@ricecake said:
"From the picture, the original Paz Vizsla minifigure has sand blue printed on the crotch, whereas the new one is gray, and the battle damage on his left leg looks smaller compared to the new figure. Also, I'm not sure if it's a printing error, but the original figure is also missing the black printing on the buttons on the pouches on his belt."
They didn't get his crotch correct? But, that's his character's most important feature! Shame.
Clearly, the original should retain the higher value with the exclusive crotch printing so prized by SW fans.
40 bucks for 4 figures and a door. Nice.
Lego Gus Fring. The chicken man!
I guess I should pay more attention to aftermarket prices. I had no idea the Forge Paz Vizsla was going for so much. Honestly though it took me a while, even after having things pointed out, to really see the difference between these two figures.
@ET said:
"Lego Gus Fring. The chicken man!"
I'm taking away your Steam account, Mr. White
Already said that the Disney Tax is getting ridiculous but as said, £35 for pretty much a door and 4 mini-figs? I Can see most retailers dropping this by at least a £10 within the first month.
Anyone notice how they used the extended hilt for the praetorian guards?
Since Jon Favreau voiced Paz Vizsla, LEGO should have printed his head as a tribute instead of cheeping out with a plain black one. If Hasbro could, why not TLG too?
And I don't know why, but this set feels more like an overpriced battle pack, but so did the Obi-Wan vs. Dath Vader duel and the Battle of Scarif sets.
I didn't watch Mando S3 but the red guard guys look supremely goofy, even if they may be accurate to the show. This is also not worth more than €/$30.
25 max. Close to 30 if stretching.
I like the build. Nice change from the remakes of smaller ships. Figures are cool too. But you can’t convince me this is worth 40. And in Sweden it’s 560 sek… close to 52 usd. But I’m more upset about the BP price this time: 310 sek. Almost 29 usd. There’s no way I’ll pick these up at retail, preferably waiting for 30% (ish, more or less) off Amazon pricing
Thank you for the review! Could we please see a photo of Paz Vizsla from the front without his armor on? Or is it identical to the back?
I know it’s designed to fit with 75373 but I can’t help but wonder if a little bit of tinkering could add 76288 into the mix, add a bit more turret-based firepower into the defences
This is cool, I especially like the Moff Gideon minifigure. But i'm still not convinced as to whether or not I should buy it.
@Brickalili said:
"I know it’s designed to fit with 75373 but I can’t help but wonder if a little bit of tinkering could add 76288 into the mix, add a bit more turret-based firepower into the defences "
Parks and Recreation predicted it.
Not much to add here, I think all the criticisms are valid. I was excited for this set but it's so underwhelming I'll probably pass altogether. There just isn't much value here IMO. Paz was just released and the upgrades are minimal. But when you compare this to the aforementioned 75319 (3 figures, two of which were fantastic at the time; an interesting, character-filled build; for $10 less) it's just not even close. Conceptually, I do like how it clips together with 75373 but even that falls short. I think they should expand on that concept in the future and create 3 or 4 related battle packs to clip together...but if they do they've gotta do better than this.
Are there any other uses for the build in this and the Battle Pack? I didn’t like this season so I’m not buying these if that’s all they suffice as.
A nice set, thanks for the review.
@CDM said:
"Not much to add here, I think all the criticisms are valid. I was excited for this set but it's so underwhelming I'll probably pass altogether. There just isn't much value here IMO. Paz was just released and the upgrades are minimal. But when you compare this to the aforementioned 75319 (3 figures, two of which were fantastic at the time; an interesting, character-filled build; for $10 less) it's just not even close. Conceptually, I do like how it clips together with 75373 but even that falls short. I think they should expand on that concept in the future and create 3 or 4 related battle packs to clip together...but if they do they've gotta do better than this."
Good point.
1 lump + 1 lump = lumpy mess (plus hot stripper pole!)
I'd rather have another speeder, especially if it was interesting. Remember, Lego SW, when you made interesting figs and sets? It wasn't that long ago?
Friends is doing it. All the other themes are doing it. With a little effort, and some new ideas, maybe you can too?
It's been 25 years. What do we have to show? Everything is either a remake or a lumpy, hot mess with a stripper pole. Hardly the big birthday we were all looking forward to.
Hopefully, they saved the budget for the Sail Barge. (sigh)
@gatorbug6 said:
"Another Star Wars sets that need 20% off at the very least to be worth it."
Not even close this set is amazing! The figs are really detailed and really cool! This is a instant purchase for me!
If you think about it as five bucks a minifig then you’re left with twenty bucks which pays for the other part of the set. (Totally reasonable price!)
Great review thanks
@MandoEli37 said:
" @gatorbug6 said:
"Another Star Wars sets that need 20% off at the very least to be worth it."
Not even close this set is amazing! The figs are really detailed and really cool! This is a instant purchase for me!
If you think about it as five bucks a minifig then you’re left with twenty bucks which pays for the other part of the set. (Totally reasonable price!)"
bait?
@Ephseb said:
" @MandoEli37 said:
" @gatorbug6 said:
"Another Star Wars sets that need 20% off at the very least to be worth it."
Not even close this set is amazing! The figs are really detailed and really cool! This is a instant purchase for me!
If you think about it as five bucks a minifig then you’re left with twenty bucks which pays for the other part of the set. (Totally reasonable price!)"
bait?"
Unleash the hounds!
Thinking about paying $5 a fig (for the crappy SW Lego printing job with no accessories) makes me feel like throwing up.
This is a definitely a must have set.
@bananaworld said:
"
£35 does seem like a lot of money for a wall...
"
From the people who brought you The Corridor, it’s… A Door in a Wall!
And honestly, it’s a pretty well done and accurate door in a wall. The problem is that the more we push for accuracy, the smaller, the more detailed and the more expensive things get. And this is all of those things.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @CDM said:
"Not much to add here, I think all the criticisms are valid. I was excited for this set but it's so underwhelming I'll probably pass altogether. There just isn't much value here IMO. Paz was just released and the upgrades are minimal. But when you compare this to the aforementioned 75319 (3 figures, two of which were fantastic at the time; an interesting, character-filled build; for $10 less) it's just not even close. Conceptually, I do like how it clips together with 75373 but even that falls short. I think they should expand on that concept in the future and create 3 or 4 related battle packs to clip together...but if they do they've gotta do better than this."
Good point.
1 lump + 1 lump = lumpy mess (plus hot stripper pole!)
I'd rather have another speeder, especially if it was interesting. Remember, Lego SW, when you made interesting figs and sets? It wasn't that long ago?
Friends is doing it. All the other themes are doing it. With a little effort, and some new ideas, maybe you can too?
It's been 25 years. What do we have to show? Everything is either a remake or a lumpy, hot mess with a stripper pole. Hardly the big birthday we were all looking forward to.
Hopefully, they saved the budget for the Sail Barge. (sigh)"
I have no problem with remakes of well-established sets every year. For example, the Sith Infiltrator, the last playset iteration of which surprisingly came out about a decade ago.
But there's also an ever-expanding pool of new subjects being added to the Star Wars universe, and even without remaking any sets, I'm sure LEGO could produce a full wave of sets just based on new ships and locations. They've demonstrated this with the 2021 summer wave, with sets just based on The Mandalorian Season 2, all of which sold well.
It's really disappointing that even Young Jedi Adventures has more sets than Andor, and that The Bad Batch only has two sets. Especially because TBB has a wealth of inspiration that would make really fun playsets. The HAV-w A6 Juggernaut (Clone Turbo Tank), for example, would be a neat set with if they included Clone Force 99 and a few TK troopers.
Even with new sets releasing, they come out far too late and as a result, a lot of the appeal is lost. For example, I think 75361 Spider Tank was revealed in March last year, coinciding with the then-ongoing release of The Mandalorian Season 3. But it released in August, which by then many people had already lost interest in the show.
Same thing happening here with the two Mandalore playsets. Releasing more than a year after the season concluded must really hurt sales
I think he didn't have a moustache because he was just a clone and the real Gideon will come back eventually.
The set isn't bad, but I'll definitely wait for a 20-30% discount on it.
I thought this was a $20 set. My head exploded, figuratively, when I saw $40. This is exactly how the Sports card market imploded about 20 years ago.
Not bad, a bit overpriced but I need those Paz and The Moff minifigs.
It’s a pretty lackluster build, really it’s just a glorified battle pack. Either it should have been made larger or it should have been made smaller, but as it is it’s just a very large door.
I suppose I shouldn’t complain. I’m pretty excited that they included that red light. Combine this with the Baby Yoda Escape set and I’m going to have a very impressive Lego light collection.
The figures as usual look great, the build in my opinion looks like a great part pack for mom builders