Review: 71717 Journey to the Skull Dungeons
Posted by CapnRex101,
71717 Journey to the Skull Dungeons combines with several bigger sets from the new NINJAGO series, creating an interesting board game. The model seems impressively detailed though and certainly looks appealing alone, despite lacking especially dramatic features.
Several new minifigures are also provided here, including three ninja which seems notably generous in a set costing £24.99 or $29.99. These designs represent a significant departure from earlier depictions of the characters and their opponent, named Murt, appears equally distinctive within the pantheon of NINJAGO villains.
Minifigures
The dangerous Skull Dungeons have evidently required the ninja to don heavy armour for their latest expedition. Hero Jay therefore wears an enormous shoulder component, complementing his pearl silver mask which includes four slits across the front. The head wrap appears more traditional when viewed from behind though and his traditional blue and dark blue colours also remain intact.
Hero Lloyd includes the same head wrap element, albeit featuring green cloth beside the pearl silver armour. The integration between the head and shoulder armour is excellent in my opinion and that continues onto the torso, where a lovely diamond pattern is also visible underneath the metallic silver breastplate. The same design adorns the legs, contrasting against the dark green shade below.
Pearl silver armour stands out against Jay and Lloyd's bright attire. Hero Nya therefore seems drab by comparison as her pearl dark grey garb partially blends with the armour elements. The ornate scrollwork on Nya's torso looks brilliant though and I appreciate the metallic silver faulds around her waist, distinguishing this character from the other five ninja.
Each minifigure carries an appropriate weapon, my favourite of which is definitely Jay's spiked flail. 1x1 pyramid elements form these spikes and the result looks splendid, as though it was carved from rock. However, their pearl silver shields appear even better, displaying stylised dragon heads which seem remarkably intricate. The ninja include clips for attaching these accessories on their armour.
Before reaching the dreaded Skull Sorcerer, the ninja must first defeat his minions. Murt is an Orc and appears somewhat reminiscent of the Trolls from the Fantasy Era of Castle, due most notably to his prominent teeth and sand green skin. Moreover, the yellow eyes look marvellous and I like the ponytail attached to the head, especially since that connection is strengthened by a 1x1 round plate with hollow stud.
Murt's shoulder piece returns from the Hunted subtheme and is worn backwards, matching the Iron Baron. Its colours have been updated though, comprising reddish brown and tan that looks superb together. The muscular torso is reasonably detailed and includes dark bluish grey scales alongside a stone necklace. These features appear suitable for this warrior and his heavy axe is fitting too.
The Completed Model
The latest selection of NINJAGO sets integrates tabletop gaming, hence four sets include a spinner to determine how far each player can move. This dual-moulded component features studs so you can stand a minifigure inside and can also attach to studs underneath. A health indicator is also provided, displaying three golden 1x1 heart tiles which have not appeared in this colour before. They may be removed or folded down as lives are lost.
LEGO has established an impressive aesthetic for the Skull Dungeons environment and this model looks marvellous, combining dark bluish grey rocks with orange lava. The structure measures 20cm wide and 25cm deep when completely extended, although this can be reconfigured easily as numerous smaller platforms are connected using hinge plates.
These platforms include light bluish grey 2x2 plates with two studs, several of which feature stickers relating to the tabletop game. The green arrows direct minifigures towards their goal while the skull symbol denotes imminent danger. This game will not interest everybody so the subtle integration of the stickers is welcome and I appreciate their cracked design.
Trans-bright green flaming torches are fitted along the path. This colour is associated with the Skull Sorcerer throughout the new range and really stands out against the rocks. Furthermore, pushing a red switch on one of the larger platforms will cause the ground to explode, throwing any occupying minifigures into the lava. The orange component underneath looks brilliant and could represent lava bursting through the rock.
Curved steps provide access to the destination and they look marvellous. Dark bluish grey A-frame elements create this angular structure and I think the result seems suitably ramshackle, matching the broader Skull Dungeons environment. The connection between these steps and the lower platforms is relatively fragile, although the option to separate them is welcome when combining this set with others.
Despite being constructed around a standard 4x10x6 rock piece, the cliff face features lovely detail. I love how trans-orange lava pours down the front and the texture looks excellent in my opinion, consisting primarily of simple slopes. Moreover, the reddish brown struts along the top are perfect but the colour of the floor they support should perhaps have been more consistent.
A pearl dark grey cauldron stands in a fire pit beside the steps, before minifigures reach the lethal Shadow Blade of Deliverance. This dual-moulded accessory looks absolutely fantastic, including a skull-shaped pommel and realistic texture around the hilt. Its surroundings appear quite ornate within the Skull Dungeons, befitting such an imposing weapon.
Unfortunately, the wooden planks behind the sword are formed using stickers instead of printed pieces. They look reasonably realistic though, concealing a trans-red ruby which is presumably being hoarded by Murt. The wooden wheel controls the neighbouring prison cage, allowing the captor to lower their prisoners into the imagined lava below!
The cage looks familiar, closely resembling a design from 70732 City of Stiix. Nevertheless, I think this crude prison matches the aesthetic of the Skull Dungeons and offers sufficient room for prisoners as you can place the three ninja inside, albeit tightly packed. An identical cage is found in 71722 Skull Sorcerer's Dungeons which seems fitting, although some variation might have been welcome for displaying these sets together.
Viewing the model from behind reveals a trans-blue crystal and Murt's sleeping quarters. This bed is exceptionally basic, although I am pleased the designer has exploited the space behind the rock face and the crystal looks nice too, corresponding with 71721 Skull Sorcerer's Dragon where the same part appears. Presumably these crystals occur naturally throughout the caves.
Overall
71717 Journey to the Skull Dungeons lacks the splendour associated with bigger NINJAGO models but incorporates remarkable detail, effectively capturing the brutal environment of the Skull Dungeons. The rocks feature wonderful texture and I like how fabricated structures have been integrated with the natural cliff face, especially around the wooden supports.
Functions are limited but including four minifigures should provide ample opportunities for play, along with the tabletop game. The price of £24.99 or $29.99 represents great value in my view, especially because this set contains 401 pieces, so I would recommend adding 71717 Journey to the Skull Dungeons to your collection. 71722 Skull Sorcerer's Dungeons does include similar features though so those purchasing the larger set may wish to skip this one.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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41 comments on this article
I like this one, also Nya's torso looks very Skyrim.
401 pieces for 25 quid is just immense value.
The build has a lot to it so for them to charge such a low price is beyond me, I'm not complaining though I'm just surprised its a really good value set.
The figures are fine the build is pretty decent and there looks to be some useful parts.
This set looks like a £35 set to me so yeah definitely gonna try pick this one up
I bought this on a whim 3 days ago. It hasn't arrived yet. Looking forward to it. I was planning to buy 71722 at first, but it's true that there are similar features. May not buy 71722 now ... looks marvellous but very expensive compared to this set ...
I just see Minecraft.
I noted that Lego is making sets with better prices lately.
I ordered it the other day for 15 Euro. That's a ridiculously low price and I'm not going to complain. It will be worth every penny once it arrives. I very much like the more mundane nature of it, as it makes it easy to commit to this set and integrate it in all sorts of builds or simply make use of the pieces on custom projects.
@nashikens said:
"I just see Minecraft. "
I think that’s kinda harsh. There’s a lot more detail in the rock work than in most Minecraft sets for one, and the minifigures provide pretty good play value and even customization for the parts. Minecraft usually gives you either some basic bricks with some special elements here and there, but you get a decent variety parts-wise here.
I didn't realize it until seeing this review, but is this wave of Ninjago sets supposed to evoke Lord of the Rings and Mordor? I'm really getting that vibe from this set in particular, largely thanks to Murt.
71717 try saying that five times fast!
This has a LOTR / Hobbit feel to it. Very cool.
@Balthazar_Brannigan said:
"I didn't realize it until seeing this review, but is this wave of Ninjago sets supposed to evoke Lord of the Rings and Mordor? I'm really getting that vibe from this set in particular, largely thanks to Murt."
With the game aspect of the sets, it's seemingly drawing more from Dungeons and Dragons and similar fantasy tabletop RPGs... though of course, those in turn owe a lot to Tolkien.
Can we talk about how good the distribution of characters is in this wave? In past waves of Ninjago the distribution of the main characters tended to be uneven, with at least one of the main six Ninja (perhaps not coincidentally, usually Nya) being exclusive to a single set. For this wave, each of the main six ninja is available in at least two sets, and in fact the only two minifigures for whom that doesn't apply are Princess Vania (in the largest playset) Hero Wu (in the smallest), and the "Spinjitzu Burst" figs (exclusive to those spinners, as those kinds of variants typically are). I wonder if the better-than-average distribution of main characters is partly due to the role-playing-game aspect, allowing people with only one of the sets to select between multiple characters to play as. In any case, it's an improvement over past waves in a lot of ways, even the "Prime Empire" and Legacy sets from this year (which conspicuously lacked a Digi-suit or S3/4 costume for Zane).
Also, out of curiosity... are there any plans to do a separate review or mini-review of the role-playing-game aspect of these new sets? It would be interesting to see some perspectives on how effective that element of the sets is, considering how big a part of some of them it is.
This set is definitely charming for its small size, not to mention a nice value!
I especially love the sleeping quarters for Murt, since it's always impressive to me when designers put in an effort to make sets feel "livable", especially in a more action-oriented theme in which the characters' "home life" might often be an afterthought for a lot of builders.
The volcanic terrain is also brilliantly constructed — easily on par with the level of detail you might expect to see in more AFOL-targeted sets or themes. The Ninjago theme has had a great track record for this sort of elaborate detail over the years, but it's nice to see that the "game board" style design didn't come at the expense of that sort of detail — in fact, the ability to join the different sets together arguably enhances the immersive quality of the setting even further!
@Balthazar_Brannigan said:
"I didn't realize it until seeing this review, but is this wave of Ninjago sets supposed to evoke Lord of the Rings and Mordor? I'm really getting that vibe from this set in particular, largely thanks to Murt."
Given the tabletop gaming component, I imagine it's more inspired by Dungeons and Dragons. But of course, Dungeons and Dragons takes extensive cues from The Lord of the Rings, so there's definitely still a connection there.
Speaking of, LEGO has put up a promotional page for the tabletop role playing game that ties in with these sets, including a downloadable gameplay guide. It seems pretty in-depth compared to, say, Heroica! And definitely seems to leave a lot of room for players to build new "dungeons" and write new adventures around them!
https://www.lego.com/en-us/campaigns/kids/ninjago/choose-the-path
https://www.lego.com/r/www/r/portals/-/media/campaigns/kids/ninjago/choose-the-path/ninjago_howtoplayguide_2hy20_print.pdf
Nice review! That flail in particular is wonderfully ridiculous. Feel a bit sorry for Murt!
Thanks for the links @aanchir. Actually looks like quite a reasonable game, and it certainly has more replay & multiplayer value than the Mario stuff...
The structure reminds me -a lot- of the Orc Forge from LoTR.
Uh... return of HEROICA anyone!?
I'll admit that when I first saw these sets I wasn't too impressed and figured they were just another let's try out this theme' of the Ninjago series.
Now, seeing them as a connectable series of levels in a game, they are far more interesting and exciting!
Very much thinking about grabbing them now.
@Aanchir said:
“Given the tabletop gaming component, I imagine it's more inspired by Dungeons and Dragons. But of course, Dungeons and Dragons takes extensive cues from The Lord of the Rings, so there's definitely still a connection there.
Speaking of, LEGO has put up a promotional page for the tabletop role playing game that ties in with these sets, including a downloadable gameplay guide. It seems pretty in-depth compared to, say, Heroica! And definitely seems to leave a lot of room for players to build new "dungeons" and write new adventures around them!”
Agreed, a lot like D&D. Thanks for the links. It’s not as in-depth as the 400 odd pages us Dungeon Masters have to read when we start out! I guess that’s taking it a little bit out of context though....
The ‘abilities’ definitely surprised me the most, seeing as kids might be a little confused of which skill is needed and why in certain situations.
The instructions seem to imply getting the sets together and breaking them all up and using the pieces to create a custom dungeon, but I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to mix all the sets up unless I had an extra copy of all the sets, which would be very expensive.
An excellent review, as always, Capn but Wu’s Battle Dragon takes priority over this one ;)
this is so cool!
This environment is great, thanks for the review.
@PixelTheDragon said:
" @nashikens said:
"I just see Minecraft. "
I think that’s kinda harsh. There’s a lot more detail in the rock work than in most Minecraft sets for one, and the minifigures provide pretty good play value and even customization for the parts. Minecraft usually gives you either some basic bricks with some special elements here and there, but you get a decent variety parts-wise here."
relax, it wasn't an insult/complaint. just an opinion. I'll probably buy one.
like others said, maybe it's LOTR i see...
@Slobrojoe said:
"The instructions seem to imply getting the sets together and breaking them all up and using the pieces to create a custom dungeon, but I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to mix all the sets up unless I had an extra copy of all the sets, which would be very expensive."
For what it's worth, combining the sets doesn't require breaking them down entirely. Most of the sets break down into at most two "modules (usually the main bulk of a set plus a lava bridge or path). Most of the sets wouldn't need to be reconfigured at all to attach together, just clipped on to the largest Skull Dungeon set using one of several extra clips along the edge of that set's base. In that sense, it's sort of more like how sets like the modular buildings combine with one another, though in this case they do so as less of a linear grid and feature hinged sections to allow the sets to be mixed and matched in different ways. Doing so might even be an effective way to display the full wave of sets, as long as you're working with a big enough surface or table to accommodate that.
@AgentKallus said:
"I like this one, also Nya's torso looks very Skyrim."
Was thinking the same! Go furs!
Great set, But I don't get the fireplace in a way. I thought the grey steps are spots to stand, but there is no place to put minifig there.
I found a full ruleboon on Tumblr. The basic game is litteraly Heroica, but advenced rules are actualy quite amazing! They went full DnD!
As soon as I saw the Orc's face I did indeed think of the Trolls from the Fantasy Castle era. I don't collect Ninjago, but I'm now interested in this set to go with that my Trolls from that line... Murt could definitely be the Boss Troll since I never got the Troll's castle (so no Troll king).
I suspect that the appeal to occidental fantasy is to balance the appeal to oriental fantasy of the Monkie Kid line.
I very much hope there is a battle pack in due course with Murt and Gleck.
Seems to me this can initially be played two ways - like a customizable linear board game (ala Heroica) rolling the custom die to determine movement and outcome of battles, traps, etc., or alternately treating it as a non-linear roleplaying game (ala D&D) with a dungeon master running a short adventure (couple hours) or long campaign with player characters proposing actions based on their skill sets of which the outcome is randomly determined with help of the custom die.
This wave of sets got me into Ninjago.
The focus on locations and fantasy is a nice change from many vehicles and aircraft.
And while this set has 1 mech set, it's not strictly required for the boardgame.
Yeah, I don't necessarily see LotR or Minecraft, but absolutely, this is Lego doing "Dungeons and Dragons". Maybe the Ninjago characters aren't even in danger, this is just a life-size version of a particularly epic game they're enjoying, between adventures?
I did not hesitate a minute to buy this one. 3 of the Ninjas, a terrain, an exclusive foe. Tremendous value. Along with Zane and Cole with their big rhino, I just have to find Kai somehow now.
Murt looks like he's straight from lotr
@Brick_t_ said:
"I did not hesitate a minute to buy this one. 3 of the Ninjas, a terrain, an exclusive foe. Tremendous value. Along with Zane and Cole with their big rhino, I just have to find Kai somehow now. "
Murt isn’t exclusive. He comes in the skull sorcerer’s dungeons as well
I always really like the look of the Ninjago sets apart from the ninjas themselves unfortunately. I’d buy multiples of the new troll guys if there was a 4 pack of em released, love em! Would make great adversaries for my Nexo Knights.
@Slobrojoe said:
" @Brick_t_ said:
"I did not hesitate a minute to buy this one. 3 of the Ninjas, a terrain, an exclusive foe. Tremendous value. Along with Zane and Cole with their big rhino, I just have to find Kai somehow now”
Murt isn’t exclusive. He comes in the skull sorcerer’s dungeons as well
"
Maybe, but this is probably the cheapest way to get him.
Lego came out with some SPOILER heavy instructions for the game: https://www.lego.com/en-us/campaigns/kids/ninjago/choose-the-path @CapnRex101 they identify Murt as a Munce; apparently Ninjago’s story team isn’t content with using the traditional fantasy names.
@Slobrojoe said:
" @Brick_t_ said:
"I did not hesitate a minute to buy this one. 3 of the Ninjas, a terrain, an exclusive foe. Tremendous value. Along with Zane and Cole with their big rhino, I just have to find Kai somehow now. "
Murt isn’t exclusive. He comes in the skull sorcerer’s dungeons as well
"
Yes I know and expressed it wrong. I meant a new minifig, coming in this cheaper set - and not exclusive. Which is a good thing to me :)
Where are the skulls???
Fabulous ninjago wave.
Bought this set for 16€ and probably gonna buy every ninjago set from this wave. Love the shields, wil fit in perfectly for my opcoming Medusa-moc.
@quincy said:
"Where are the skulls???"
In 7`1721 Skull Sorceror's Dungeons. This is just the Journey TO the Skull Dungeons. :P
@Brick_t_ said:
" @Slobrojoe said:
" @Brick_t_ said:
"I did not hesitate a minute to buy this one. 3 of the Ninjas, a terrain, an exclusive foe. Tremendous value. Along with Zane and Cole with their big rhino, I just have to find Kai somehow now. "
Murt isn’t exclusive. He comes in the skull sorcerer’s dungeons as well
"
Yes I know and expressed it wrong. I meant a new minifig, coming in this cheaper set - and not exclusive. Which is a good thing to me :) "
Of course. Sorry. Don't mean to be pedantic. A new minifig is always welcome :)
Poor Murt. In his bedroom, the floor literally _is_ lava.
nice to get some rock piece for rock work!
I like the figures but I'm not a Ninjago fan
Considering you can pick this up in Europe for 15 EUR it's more than just a great parts pack!