Review: 75522 Mini Boost Droid Commander
Posted by CapnRex101,
Numerous interesting droids populate the Star Wars universe, several of which have appeared repeatedly within LEGO sets. 75522 Mini Boost Droid Commander offers three of those droids and seems quite appealing.
These impressive figures take inspiration from 75253 Droid Commander and its affiliated app so this polybag recently became available with its larger equivalent at LEGO.com.
Minifigures
Several different versions of R2-D2 have been produced, although this Astromech droid has remained consistent since 2014. The pearl silver dome looks nice and I like the dark blue panels which decorate Artoo's cylindrical body, including metallic silver details. Unfortunately, there is no detail on the reverse of the body and I continue to hope that LEGO might introduce such detail in future.
Some interesting Gonk Droid figures have been produced too. This example is unique, featuring an attractive teal and yellow colour scheme that matches the design from 75253 Droid Commander and appears remarkably distinctive. Moreover, the weapons looks great and take inspiration from WG-22, one of the gladiator droids from Solo: A Star Wars Story.
However, the red visor which appears onscreen is missing here, corresponding with the larger droid. The weapons are effectively articulated though while the legs provide even greater motion, swinging outwards slightly around 1x1 curved plates with clips. I am slightly disappointed with the trans-green photoreceptor because the Boost app features a Gonk Droid with a printed piece. Nevertheless, this design looks reasonable.
Imperial installations are invariably populated by numerous Mouse Droid messengers and multiple versions of these characters have been created. This design differs significantly from earlier models and certainly captures the shape of its source material, featuring an angular shell with exposed studs that represent the command order tray. The small wheels cannot roll but they look superb.
The Completed Model
An attractive display base is provided with these three droids, including the printed LEGO Star Wars twentieth anniversary tile which was introduced earlier in 2019. The printed slopes are appealing too, closely resembling an element from the Classic Space range and only otherwise appearing in 75253 Droid Commander.
Connection points are available for each droid and they look brilliant on display together, particularly since the Mouse Droid and Gonk Droid are nicely angled. Furthermore, the figures stand out against their dark bluish grey base but those white slopes appear somewhat incongruous, despite their rarity and resultant allure.
Overall
75522 Mini Boost Droid Commander differs from previous Star Wars sets and seems rather unusual. Nevertheless, I am satisfied with these three figures and appreciate the unique designs of the Mouse Droid and Gonk Droid, particularly since both characters have appeared on many previous occasions. R2-D2 seems bland by comparison and could have been improved with decoration on his back.
The display base looks splendid too, although its constituent pieces are potentially more interesting than the assembled stand. While this polybag is definitely an enjoyable bonus to accompany 75253 Droid Commander, it does not really stand out and I would only recommend it to the most fervent of LEGO Star Wars collectors.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments below.
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15 comments on this article
I would get if it had the same robotic functions as the regular version ;-)
@TheTeenageBrickster that was my first reaction, too! I must be old if the old 2x2 slop with vent pattern was the first thing to grab my attention! Funny thing is, all the sets that I thought had this part don't. Turns out the only set I own with that part is tiny little 6808 Galaxy Trekkor. And most of the other sets with it are pretty obscure (parts packs, Dacta, etc). Only two of them are actual, standard Classic Space. I had no idea how rare that piece really was.
I hate the fact they included the '20 Years' tile with this, because I feel like I need it to add to my display cabinet with the other 20th Anniversary sets.
Those slopes are something I haven't seen for a long long time... a long time.
I like this set a lot! Those feet for the Gonk/Power Droid are pieces I didn't recognize. I had to look them up, and I see they're primarily used in Nexo Knights sets.
I love it for the novelty. It’s odd, for sure. Nice if they’d ever update R2.
I need this but I hate it came with the expensive droid commander set. Because that one isn't interesting at all. Too bad that's what makes this polybag so expensive too. I hope Lego will add this as a free gift to other SW sets too.
Poor R2-D2, perhaps the most common Star Wars minifigure in any given year yet somehow still isn't considered important enough to get back printing (or leg printing).
I like this better than the big version.
Look how they massacred my boy. What did they do to the Gnk droid?
I really hope this is made available or elsewhere at some point. It’s a nice little polybag set, but not worth anything near the current prices.
@The Teenage Brickster I knew exactly which one you meant when you said blue. 6931 (FX Star Patroller) is my all-time favorite Lego set. It's just -so- Classic Space! Missiles, lights, modules, tiles with arrows on them (I mean who doesn't love tiles with arrows on them??).
Came here for the slopes, just saying. ;)
@ChrisBricks81
With the new VIP programme, there's a good chance you'll be able to get one for cheap. As with the Mustang key chain for instance.
I really wanted this set but not buying the $200 droid set just to get this. Still waiting to see what the deal is to be able to get the Endor set too.