Review: 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens (1)
Posted by CapnRex101,
Certain popular sets transcend their respective themes, notably including 70620 NINJAGO City alongside 70657 NINJAGO City Docks. Complex construction techniques and impressive details attracted remarkable praise from myriad LEGO collectors on those occasions.
71741 NINJAGO City Gardens has clearly drawn comparable curiosity and appears deserving of such attention, featuring extraordinary detail and exceptional construction techniques which maintain the standard established in previous models from this collection. Numerous unique minifigures are provided to populate the expansive city too, including several new characters.
Those minifigures and the building experience are the subjects during part one of our review.
Box and Contents
The packaging for 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens corresponds with 70620 NINJAGO City in both size and shape, needing a portrait orientation to adequately display this towering model. The background also makes reference to the progenitor for this entire range as the distinctive pufferfish balloon from 70620 NINJAGO City is visible in the distance, albeit in animated form.
Opening the box reveals 43 bags, numbered between one and 26 while another bag contains the larger elements. Two dark bluish grey baseplates are also provided beside three separate instruction manuals. Once again, this feels quite reminiscent of 70620 NINJAGO City that also featured three manuals and their division between distinct levels of the city is equally deliberate.
Unfortunately, these instruction manuals exclude the concept artwork and designer interview which appeared in the aforementioned manuals. However, book one does feature information about each structure within this model, along with the Ninjargon alphabet which you may need to translate the myriad signs and messages which are distributed throughout the set.
Three stickers sheets are also provided, including 66 stickers in total. That quantity is slightly intimidating but these are necessary to depict details and references that may otherwise have been omitted. In addition, I was pleasantly surprised that these stickers are easy to apply. Few cover translucent surfaces and the vast majority are placed on either 2x3 or 2x4 tiles.
NINJAGO has developed a passionate following during the last decade, including many fans who create artwork which translates these LEGO characters to multiple animated styles. One such artist is Joshua Deck and his creative reimagining of the Pilot Season poster is included! This is definitely a welcome addition to acknowledge NINJAGO fans, although the poster only measures 25cm by 17cm so provides limited display options.
Minifigures
Over twenty different characters are provided, the first of whom is a young Lloyd Garmadon. His exclusive blonde hair piece corresponds precisely with the onscreen minifigure and I love the double-sided head which features confident and frightened expressions. The bright green eyes vary from Lloyd's original depiction but reflect current versions of the hero, following The LEGO NINJAGO Movie.
Each ninja wears their Legacy attire from 2019, including Kai whose red gi looks magnificent. The golden dragon decoration is impressive and similar designs adorn the ninja whose robes are included. Kai also wears pearl gold shoulder armour and a sheath which provides storage for his trademark katana. The head beneath his hood is very common, displaying cheerful and determined faces.
Zane also sports his white Legacy gi with a golden dragon wrapped across both sides of the torso. I like the contrasting band around his head wrap, concealing a robotic head underneath. Once again, this piece appears on many modern Zane minifigures and I would appreciate more variety, particularly since the Nindroid rarely exhibits dramatic emotion. Additionally, I think pearl silver would have been a more suitable colour for his scabbard.
Jay's distinctive ninja garb is also provided, albeit with a trans-neon green head inside. This minifigure can be concealed within NINJAGO City Gardens and is accordingly reminiscent of Lloyd's garb from The LEGO NINJAGO Movie, which was kept above his apartment. The robe features an attractive colour scheme of blue, dark blue and metallic gold so matches the other ninja.
Given his robe is empty, Jay Walker instead wears exclusive casual attire. This design looks relatively similar to the Collectable Minifigure released during 2017, featuring a blue jacket with an orange stripe across the centre. Two little badges from his Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu attire are printed on the front while the head displays a frustrated expression on one side and a happy one on the other, presumably having spotted our next minifigure!
Nya also includes civilian clothing and this minifigure seems remarkably similar to the variant from 70607 NINJAGO City Chase. Her hair piece, head and torso each return from the earlier minifigure but the legs are undecorated in this instance. I like the black jacket and striped shirt underneath, although the same component has been used on numerous occasions and I think something unique could have been provided instead.
Corresponding with Nya, Cole wears casual clothing which was introduced during The LEGO NINJAGO Movie. This torso was initially created for LEGO City but seems equally appropriate for the Elemental Master of Earth. In addition, I am pleased with the printed legs, double-sided head and textured hair piece which correspond with the animated character.
Ample accessories are available for every minifigure throughout the set, although Cole and Jay feature particularly intriguing items. Jay carries a flower which he presumably intends to present to Nya while Cole includes a video game controller. This element was initially created for various weapons from Prime Empire but works nicely as an actual controller in my opinion.
Lloyd's kindly mother, Misako, often provides help and counsel to the ninja but her minifigure inspired by the television series has only previously appeared in 70751 Temple of Airjitzu. This updated version is therefore very welcome, wearing a dark orange jacket over her tan shirt and green neckerchief. These details were present on the minifigure from 2015 and I am impressed by the consistency between them.
70734 Master Wu Dragon introduced Wu's Dog, although his delightful pet has never actually appeared in the animated series. However, I appreciate the husky's return here, albeit without any weaponry! The wonderful white and dark bluish grey colour scheme is cleverly created by mixing two plastics, with the assistance of intricate printed decoration across the face and ears.
Ronin also supplies occasional assistance to the ninja and is probably my favourite minifigure within this selection! Two previous versions have been produced and this example is certainly inspired by the scoundrel's earliest appearance during Possession. The detail is improved on this occasion though, including realistic body armour and metallic silver scratches across his orange shoulder panel. Unfortunately, his head is single-sided.
The Adventures of Clutch Powers introduced the intrepid Clutch Powers during 2010, before the character was reimagined for NINJAGO during 2019. This minifigure returns from 40342 NINJAGO Minifigure Pack, sporting exactly the same jacket with stitched patches and golden symbols on both sides. His cheeky personality remains intact too since the double-sided head still includes a fun alternative expression!
Despite repeatedly encountering world-ending threats, the ninja defeat lesser foes too. The Mechanic is undoubtedly the most prominent of these characters, appearing in six seasons. However, this represents his first physical appearance and the figure looks superb, featuring authentic cybernetic implants across the head and torso. Ideally, the cybernetics would also encompass his bowler hat but that would have necessitated a unique mould.
The designer video identifies Cece as an associate of The Mechanic. Both minifigures wear dark red jackets, although this torso element originates from LEGO City and appears in three previous sets. The double-sided head was created for Daisy Kaboom from the same theme so features a traditional mask on one side with a smile on the other. Cece's printed legs and dual-moulded hair piece seem equally appealing.
As his name indicates, The Mechanic is capable of creating various dangerous devices. A substantial bladed weapon is accordingly provided, incorporating two parts from the versatile accessory pack that has previously accompanied Super Heroes sets. Cece carries a diamond, presumably purloined from the Ninjago Museum of History.
Several generic residents are also supplied to populate the model. Hai works at the Ice Planet Ice Cream Shop so wears an exclusive uniform, displaying its unique logo on both sides. This colour combination of white and medium azure looks excellent but I think the hat should have been medium azure too. Befitting his job, Hai carries an ice cream cone and a spoon.
Kaito also features accessories which relate to his career, carrying a briefcase and mobile phone which suggest business connections. His distinctive shirt, tie and braces also appear suitable for that position, reminding me of stereotypical businessmen from the 1980s! Kaito's hairstyle looks splendid as well, while his head was created for teenage Wu from the Hunted subtheme.
Conflicting with their covert origins, the ninja have acquired many fans throughout NINJAGO. Christina is one such character, as demonstrated by her attire which originally appeared with 40429 NINJAGO World last year. The green hooded jacket prominently displays Lloyd on both sides and these designs are surrounded by crackling energy, befitting the famous Green Ninja.
Tito seems most interested in music rather than the ninja, based upon his torso design. This element has only appeared twice before so I am pleased to encounter it again, continuing the trend of incorporating unusual pieces for the minifigure residents of both 70620 NINJAGO City and 70657 NINJAGO City Docks. Tito's dark azure hat looks excellent and he carries a printed video cassette.
Another uncommon torso appears with Mei, returning from 71708 Gamer's Market. This garb seems more traditional than most other characters, reflecting the significant contrast between minifigures from the two earlier NINJAGO City sets. However, this striking lavender hair piece appears decidedly untraditional and originates from 41391 Heartlake City Hair Salon.
The final citizen, named Eileen, lacks such interesting components. Nevertheless, her pink blouse and purple trousers are appropriately bright for the world of NINJAGO and additional minifigures are certainly appreciated, given the enormous size of this set and the remarkable selection of different buildings which require habitation.
Various themes have influenced NINJAGO, including some which are relatively recent. Exo-Force is definitely among them and Scoop pays homage to that beloved range! This robotic character closely resembles the deadly drones that once opposed the Exo-Force, featuring a familiar head shape alongside exactly the same arms as those robots.
Unfortunately, the majority of Exo-Force parts are no longer available. However, the designer has ingeniously negated the need for such elements, instead inverting the rubber baby carrier which was introduced during 2018. Slotting a trans-red 1x1 plate inside forms the perfect eyes, although Scoop is evidently reformed so perhaps an alternative colour would be more suitable!
71741 NINJAGO City Gardens belongs to the Legacy collection, celebrating the history of NINJAGO. An exclusive Wu Legacy minifigure accordingly accompanies the set, matching golden characters found within the range. However, Master Wu is almost completely gold so differs from the six ninja, whose golden Legacy minifigures include contrasting bright colours which reflect their Elemental Powers.
Furthermore, the head is gold rather than yellow, further distinguishing this minifigure from the ninja. That decision is somewhat surprising, although I wonder whether including the standard yellow head and white beard would have distracted attention from this golden robe. Otherwise, the minifigure is extremely detailed which is consistent with the ninja!
This display base also corresponds with those collectable characters, consisting primarily of black elements which contrast against the golden minifigure. Master Wu's stand features two pearl gold 1x1 round plates and the same printed 2x2 round tile as other sets, celebrating ten years since the NINJAGO theme was launched.
Construction
70620 NINJAGO City established an interesting building technique for creating water and that returns here, incorporating a layer of black, dark green and green plates below trans-light blue tiles. These give the illusion of changing depths while larger bricks elevate the structure above the water. While earlier instalments in the series focused entirely upon internal supports during this stage of construction, subtle detail begins to emerge immediately on this occasion.
The layer of trans-light blue 1x2 tiles is attached next, before the walkways are assembled using various light bluish grey plates and tiles. The designer has made good use of the voids beneath certain sections of this walkway, hiding details awaiting exploration when the model is complete. However, the most remarkable structure is the pillar which is designed around a sand blue gear rack housing with layered plates and tiles inside.
NINJAGO City Gardens features an enormous tree which certainly distinguishes it from earlier models. This actually provides important reinforcement for the higher levels so incorporates numerous Technic elements within the trunk. Fortunately, they are cleverly concealed beneath twisted vines and a flexible cable. The same technique appears in 10281 Bonsai Tree but their designs are otherwise surprisingly different.
Matching its predecessors, the buildings which constitute 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens are relatively small. However, they are remarkably elaborate in their construction, featuring walls that are connected at angles and intricate detailing. I was especially delighted by the smaller serving window outside the takeaway shop on this level, which cleverly incorporates the back cover from a book by reversing the direction of studs underneath!
The same angled walls continue on the next level, complementing those beneath. These are attached using 1x2 rocker bearings and feel perfectly secure. The walkway is then positioned above these buildings to complete the Old City. While this whole structure is brilliant, the most impressive building techniques are reserved for decorative features around the walkway. They comprise some unusual parts, including skeleton torsos and a snowflake.
Dark azure bricks distinguish the next structure and the creative building techniques continue. These are most apparent where the angled wall is connected, employing completely different elements when compared with the lower floors. This wall is attached using hinges at one end and a skeleton arm at the other. Similar assembly methods have appeared in other sets but I appreciate the variety within this model.
Chen's Noodle House integrates another angled wall which is fixed using similar techniques, although the clip is ingeniously concealed underneath the serving counter. However, the most exceptional design is needed for the roof, where black sausages and 1x1 clips are combined to create a unique curving shape. The selection of different awning designs throughout this model is astonishing!
The largest single building spans the gap between Chen's Noodle House and Ice Planet Ice Cream Shop, corresponding with 70620 NINJAGO City where the largest shop was similarly situated. This structure features several larger wall panels which contrasts with the elaborate designs below, although these achieve various unusual angles and interesting internal details pleasantly punctuate the construction process.
While the majority of the museum building is reasonably simple, the expansive diagonal wall which forms the front is exceptionally clever. Flame yellowish orange 1x8 plates with rails are positioned at either end of this wall, nicely accommodating rows of 1x1 roof peaks which slide between them. This wall is only connected using a lone 1x1 round plate with hole at the centre but it feels secure when completed.
The neighbouring apartment is constructed using alternating tiles across both the front and back. This building technique appears reminiscent of 10260 Downtown Diner and the bright green colour scheme stands out nicely within this model. Furthermore, I am pleased with the integration of internal furnishings and the walls, creating the illusion of impossible connections.
Another inventive technique forms the roof above the Zen Garden pavilion, incorporating ten treasure chest lids! These parts are extremely specialised but I believe their conventional use completely disappears here and these resemble a natural roof, as one would hope. Sixteen of the new 1x3 inverted arches are fitted around the garden too, making their first appearance in black.
Designing this model with an extensive angled segment presents interesting challenges. Both the pavilion and the ninja leisure area are therefore constructed on bases with diagonal edges, leaving a conspicuous gap to accommodate the museum roof. Otherwise, the walls around the entertainment area seem fairly simple but the decorative fish outside makes fantastic use of orange feet that were originally created for Super Mario characters.
The majestic tower above the entertainment centre is basic by comparison. Nevertheless, the integration of 8x6 wedge slopes is appealing, most notably in combination with the trans-pink hexagonal flags which nestle beautifully between the slopes. I appreciate the repeated offset between levels of the tower, especially since its dramatic angles contrast against the smooth curves which comprise the tower in 70620 NINJAGO City.
Connecting the museum roof is quite satisfying, filling the aforementioned gap. This hollow structure is surprisingly robust and features arches at either end, with the trans-clear curved bricks introduced during 2020 placed inside. The entire skylight then slides perfectly between the flanking roof sections, matching the diagonal wall immediately underneath.
An elegant cherry blossom tree is cleverly integrated with the skylight and another substantial tree occupies the lower level. Their leaves are similarly constructed with overlapping limbs for strength, although the trunk and branches are very different. The smaller tree features a black wheel arch while the larger one combines several tail pieces. Arranging these neatly is difficult but they look splendid. Two balconies are then connected using Technic pins and complete the enormous structure!
However, the entire assembly process is not finished yet. 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens also contains a separate temple which is constructed on its own 16x32 baseplate. Returning to the bottom layer and attaching trans-light blue 1x2 tiles again lends a delightfully cyclical quality to construction, given how long ago the base for the primary structure was assembled.
Various curved plates and tiles form realistic landscaping which will surround the temple. The simple process of stacking plates risks excessive uniformity, although I think the design works successfully here, generating an organic shape. Additionally, I like how the angled bridges are positioned using 2x2 jumper plates, exhibiting the potential versatility of LEGO geometry.
Finally, the temple situated at the centre of the island is assembled. This traditional structure appears architecturally reminiscent of 70751 Temple of Airjitzu and the integration of four red megaphones is familiar, returning from other NINJAGO sets. Once again, the model designer has included further techniques for constructing roofs as the lower section comprises four 4x4 curved tiles while the uppermost roof features 1x2 curved wedge slopes.
Overall
70620 NINJAGO City and 70657 NINJAGO City Docks each encapsulate the extraordinary creativity and detail which distinguish the greatest LEGO models. The construction of 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens undoubtedly maintains this sensational standard, featuring countless innovative building techniques and unprecedented variety. In fact, that considerable variation between architectural styles ensured that this was among my favourite building experiences!
The minifigure selection is less extraordinary by comparison, again reflecting the previous two models in this respect. An appealing range of characters is provided, amply populating the city and including some familiar citizens from the animated series. I think there was the potential to include even more though, such as the duplicitous Dr. Saunders or the steadfast Police Commissioner.
The second part of our review, exploring the completed model and documenting every single Easter Egg and reference, is available here!
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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56 comments on this article
thanks for the review and looking forward to part 2.
This is the first modular set i've ever owned, and it just came in yesterday, so i'm really excited to put it together.
Great review. This set looks excellent. I was lucky to get in an order as soon as they went live, and so hopefully this will arrive soon.
The minifigs are ok - the highlight is clearly the gold Master Wu, which looks amazing.
I like how Lego is willing to riff on their own history, especially the parts that haven't really stood the test of time. Seeing Clutch Powers in a major release is great, as is references to the Ice Planet and Rock Raiders themes. Considering we got a Rock Raiders reference in Hidden Side, someone at Lego must really like that theme.
I’m still waiting for my copy.... amazing set either way! Can we have an article that shows all the references and features of the set?
This is amazing! Mine just came in yesterday and I am hoping to build it soon. One question, do you like the original or the new one better?
Got mine in the mail last week. I'm going to hold off on reading this review until I've had the chance to put it together myself, seems like a set best experienced without any spoilers :)
Thanks for the great review. I'm also looking forward to part 2.
When NINJAGO City came out I really thought it was going to be a one-time deal.
Now I'm thinking what the fourth set will be.
Haven't spotted the Cap'n's porg yet.
Maybe in Part 2 ;-)
That "decorative shrimp" looks more like a koi fish to me.
But fun review all the same.
Are the stickers white or clear?
@Graupensuppe said:
"Are the stickers white or clear?"
2 are white, 1 is clear
@quixotequest said:
"That "decorative shrimp" looks more like a koi fish to me."
But surely if the designers were going for a fish, they would have managed to get the tail on correctly (vertically)!
I think it must be a striped walrus.
Not a fan of ninjago and would not be buying this, but seems like a must buy for any ninjago fan. Very good price too. The garden seems to look a lot like the Chinese lantern festival.
Thanks for the great review as always. I also think the minifig selection is a bit of a let down, with perhaps too many common heads with Nya in particular looking identical to her previous civilian appearances except her trousers. Eileen also looks a bit muted for such a large set. Looking forward to reading part two.
Thank you for the excellent review. As an occasional collector of Ninjago, I passed on the City and Docks sets, however I find this very appealing. I love the vibrant colors, water and foliage elements and the open feel. I do think it will look good complimenting my Temple of Airjitzu, as it looks slightly less urban and more whimsically traditional.
Good review!
I LOVE the build for "Scoop", which is really clever and does a great job of capturing the aesthetic of Exo-Force robots. Almost makes me want to try revamping some of those old sets...
The overall build of the Gardens is impressive, too. It would have been easy to mostly copy the three-tiered corner structure of the original Ninjago City, and just change up the various buildings that it was composed of. Instead, this set opted for a different approach, replacing the building in the corner with a large tree, angling the two remaining "towers" to create a large open space between them, and spanning the gap between them at the top with a large, angled museum building. It's quite visually impressive and involves some extremely interesting building techniques to pull it all off.
One thing this set lacks is an obvious way to ascend from the "old world" level to the "main street" level and above. Previous sets in the series offered complete access to all levels, even if the means of doing so was convoluted (with both the original City and the Docks requiring characters to hitch a ride on a boat to access the upper levels, and the Docks in particular requiring them to duck through the mapmaker's house to reach the newspaper office and elevated street above). In this set, there's no real means of ascending to that level from the base, and for that matter the Ninjago Fan's apartment on the second level can only be accessed from a gap in the floor with no ladder or stairs (requiring some definite ninja skills to get there!). Neither of these are deal-breakers or detract from the amazing building techniques and layout of the set, but they are minor disappointments.
I love the all gold Wu! I can't understand why they didn't give the other ninja golden heads though. I get the coloured accents but would have preferred all gold personally. It'd be great to ask the designers why they made this choice. Any chance of a 10th aniversary Q and A?
In a couple of hours, I will get this set.
AHHHHH I cant wait!
>The Mechanic is undoubtedly the most prominent of these characters, appearing in six seasons. However, this represents his first physical appearance and the figure looks superb
No It looks awful and cheap. This is premium product that is expected to have premium figures.
Even if you not expect new molded pieces the arm SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRINTED.
Ninjago easter eggs only suggests the existence of a Lego Multiverse where Exo-Force, Clutch Powers, Alpha Team, Hidden Side, Junkbot, Bionicle, Galidor, Classic Space, Pirates, Castle, Chima, etc... all are connected somehow. Hmmm, probably a Hail Denmark situation.
In all seriousness though that side view of Scoop is nice, it really does look like an old Exo-Force drone. Pity the old leg pieces are not available anymore, that would have really completed the look.
@lordofdragonss said:
">The Mechanic is undoubtedly the most prominent of these characters, appearing in six seasons. However, this represents his first physical appearance and the figure looks superb
No It looks awful and cheap. This is premium product that is expected to have premium figures.
Even if you not expect new molded pieces the arm SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRINTED."
I think it looks good. The legs are dual-molded, the prints all look decently opaque, and it's accurate to the TV series minus the hat.
@xboxtravis7992 said:
"Ninjago easter eggs only suggests the existence of a Lego Multiverse where Exo-Force, Clutch Powers, Alpha Team, Hidden Side, Junkbot, Bionicle, Galidor, Classic Space, Pirates, Castle, Chima, etc... all are connected somehow. Hmmm, probably a Hail Denmark situation.
In all seriousness though that side view of Scoop is nice, it really does look like an old Exo-Force drone. Pity the old leg pieces are not available anymore, that would have really completed the look. "
In cannon, the only confirmed one is chima. they live in a multiverse made up of 16 realms, and most of those have been revealed so I think it is highly unlikely that all those realms exist. the references to other themes could be movie posters.
haha but whatever. that's just me spewing random ninjago lore lol
I don't recall ever reading a Brickset review for 70620 NINJAGO City, only for 70657 NINJAGO City Docks.
Dunno if anyone's taken the time to translate all the Ninjago text, but the Johnny Thunder poster reads "Adventure Island - Coming Soon"
Now I don't think this is any kind of secret message, it's probably meant to be just a movie poster.
But a guy can dream, right?
EDIT: So I've been bored and translated a few of the stickers for those curious.
1 - "Sushi"
2 - "Shrimp Bowl"
3 - "Ramen"
5 - "Crab Shop" (?)
6 - "Space Police"
7 - "New Parmo" (?)
8 - "Best in the City"
11 - "Aquarium"
13 - "M.A. Fashion"
14 - "Easter Egg"
15 - "Mega Monster Park"
16 - "Alert"
17 - "Yummy"
18 - "Terror Aquasharks"
26 - "Ice Planet"
44 - "Food"
47 - "Adventure Island Coming Soon"
49 - reads "Street Ninja II"
53 - "Museum"
57 - "Drago's Grill"
58 - simply reads "Enter"
60 - "Open"
62 - "Rock Raiders"
64 - "ZNAP" (I'm having deja vu)
Just started building today, really awesome set in person!
@jalc_45 said:
" @bananaworld said:
"
Haven't spotted the Cap'n's porg yet.
Maybe in Part 2 ;-)"
Am I missing something?
"
Huw has goats, Megan has sloths and so Cap'n needs an animal intruder in his reviews, too. I think this was mentioned on the blacksmith review, but I'm all for it.
@GLS468V said:
"I don't recall ever reading a Brickset review for 70620 NINJAGO City, only for 70657 NINJAGO City Docks."
there's not one for Ninjago City, despite them owning the set which is unfortunate. I think they should split the review into 3 parts, with the 3 main levels each being reviewed by Huw, Megan and Cap'n.
@thatsaltyninja said:
" @GLS468V said:
"I don't recall ever reading a Brickset review for 70620 NINJAGO City, only for 70657 NINJAGO City Docks."
there's not one for Ninjago City, despite them owning the set which is unfortunate. I think they should split the review into 3 parts, with the 3 main levels each being reviewed by Huw, Megan and Cap'n.
"
One person doing 1/3 of a review for a set each seems a poor idea- even ignoring the horrendous logistical issues
Thanks for the first part of the review. Just finished the main build this evening, started last friday. not sure if I'm going to build the 16x32 side-structure... Anyway, the main build was quite exhausting! Glad I'm finally done. Nevertheless it is a great display piece. Now to place it in the city with the City and Docks!
I love this set so much! Sadly, I can't build it until i get home in a few months, so I'll just have to live vicariously through all of these detailed reviews. I can't wait to see the interiors!
Wow, Looks like the City Gardens will end up being the tallest structure in my City I'm Building. The Wind Turbine is taller than the NINJAGO City. Mine will be here soon too. Looking forward to it>
still pondering on taking the little Island and making that connect to the Spring Festival. Those two definitely fit well together.
the inclusion of Lloyd in his younger form here and the fact that this goes together with NC raises some time travel concerns....
I like the set but 3 sticker sheets for this price?!
Hell no.
Chinese knock off brands have more printed pieces for a third of the price. LEGO shouldn't cheap out.
The first two sentences of the review are, in my case, absolutely true. Not a Ninjago fan, still bought City, Docks, and the ship.
Really the only negative of this set is that I already have the aforementioned sets. Stellar design and execution by the Lego Team.
@krysto2002 said:
""Adventure Island - Coming Soon""
Hmm.... An island with sharp-peaked mountains, tall enough for one to have a snow cap. New Guinea? Indonesia? Where in the world is Johnny heading to?
What island civilization would have enough ancient treasures to pique the interest of the... Adventurers!
@BovineBrick said:
" @quixotequest said:
"That "decorative shrimp" looks more like a koi fish to me."
But surely if the designers were going for a fish, they would have managed to get the tail on correctly (vertically)!
I think it must be a striped walrus."
Fantail koi have caudal fins that spread very horizontal-looking while they swim. That's how it looks to me. But striped walrus: can work with that. ;-)
Forget the porgs, the Cap'n should put Sensei Wu's dog in all the reviews!
While the completed model surely looks gorgeous, I want to point out some flaws.
At times it feels like a rushed job.
Many decorations are very flimsily connected and will probably come off when I have to dust it for the first time.
Most roofs, while very robust in City and Docks, are very fragile in Gardens. Especially the chest lid roof. The hot dog roof was a pain to align. ;-)
The completed model is also more wobbly than Ninjago City as many buildings are just put into slots without a single connection point.
You can't connect the noodle house side to Ninjago City or Docks. The temple needs to go on this side. Well, technically you could remove the balcony and the walkway platform but then you have a door that is blocked by a wall and the platform isn't really designed to fit on the other side of the walkway.
I would have preferred a play feature like the cash dispenser and vending machine. An arcade game is included but that's hidden away in the Ninja hangout.
This is up to individual taste:
The chocolate side of Ninjago City (with the cherry tree) is incompatible with the better looking side of Gardens (ice cream shop).
Unfortunately all three sets together are 1 bloody centimeter too wide to fit on my windowsill so I had to go with this configuration
Temple
Gardens - Docks - City
The disadvantage of course is that the temple is hidden, but the walkway of Gardens can now be accessed via the Docks stairs.
Overall, I think it looks more impressive than City, due to the more vibrant colours and architecture features.
I can't believe Wu doesn't have a gold hat.
@Darth_TNT said:
"I can't believe Wu doesn't have a gold hat."
He does.
Is there a new edict at TLG that says that after the "hide unicorn vomit pieces in every set no matter how useless" policy every set now has to include a Husky?
What an epic set! I feel like it would be more satisfying to build the temple first and then the main structure.
I know this is an odd place to ask but: I just finished building bag 10 (the walkway) for this set. I have a random VHS tape 1x2 print tile in my extra pieces from this bag. I looked back through the instructions and cannot find any step with this piece, nor is there any place for it that makes any sense whatsoever. Can anyone point me to this step?
@OttoT said:
"I like the set but 3 sticker sheets for this price?!
Hell no.
Chinese knock off brands have more printed pieces for a third of the price. LEGO shouldn't cheap out."
The knockoff brands are a 3rd of the price because they, as you say, cheap out. 66 unique prints would drive the price through the roof
@mic27 said:
"I know this is an odd place to ask but: I just finished building bag 10 (the walkway) for this set. I have a random VHS tape 1x2 print tile in my extra pieces from this bag. I looked back through the instructions and cannot find any step with this piece, nor is there any place for it that makes any sense whatsoever. Can anyone point me to this step? "
Tito carries the VHS tape in the instructions.
With regard to questions about Easter eggs, all will be revealed in part two! I think we have counted over 100 references so far, with a couple more remaining to decipher.
@CapnRex101 said:
"Tito carries the VHS tape in the instructions."
Omg I feel silly. I guess I didn’t look far enough back. Thank you! I really thought LEGO accidentally threw in this random piece.
Looks nice. Too bad it's out of my league price-wise.
Would we be able to see this set side by side the spring lantern festival set please?
@cl_hk said:
"Would we be able to see this set side by side the spring lantern festival set please?"
Can we get it next to 70620 70657 80107 and a bunch of Modular Buildings?
@krysto2002 said:
"Dunno if anyone's taken the time to translate all the Ninjago text, but the Johnny Thunder poster reads "Adventure Island - Coming Soon"
Now I don't think this is any kind of secret message, it's probably meant to be just a movie poster.
But a guy can dream, right?
EDIT: So I've been bored and translated a few of the stickers for those curious.
1 - "Sushi"
2 - "Shrimp Bowl"
3 - "Ramen"
5 - "Crab Shop" (?)
6 - "Space Police"
7 - "New Parmo" (?)
8 - "Best in the City"
11 - "Aquarium"
13 - "M.A. Fashion"
14 - "Easter Egg"
15 - "Mega Monster Park"
16 - "Alert"
17 - "Yummy"
18 - "Terror Aquasharks"
26 - "Ice Planet"
44 - "Food"
47 - "Adventure Island Coming Soon"
49 - reads "Street Ninja II"
53 - "Museum"
57 - "Drago's Grill"
58 - simply reads "Enter"
60 - "Open"
62 - "Rock Raiders"
64 - "ZNAP" (I'm having deja vu)"
You did good job so far! My only correction is that 57 is "Dragon Grill", not "Drago's Grill". I realize that the Ninjargon letters N and S are often really easy to confuse!
I'd never heard of a parmo either, but come to find out it's a British dish similar to chicken parmesan but with a white béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce, and often cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone. The crab shop sign is presumably an ad for the crab restaurant in the original Ninjago City set.
Here are some others I've identified to the best of my ability:
23 - "Chili House"
25 - "NG" — NGTV is Ninjago's primary news broadcaster.
39 - "KWS" — these are probably a designer's initials, but I'm not sure whose. They've previously appeared on a sticker in set 7695
40 - "MR" — the initials of Markus Rollbühler, who designed this set.
61 - "Bolobo" — a reference to https://brickset.com/minifigs/njo638
65 - "AO 5 Renovation" (?)
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @OttoT said:
"I like the set but 3 sticker sheets for this price?!
Hell no.
Chinese knock off brands have more printed pieces for a third of the price. LEGO shouldn't cheap out."
The knockoff brands are a 3rd of the price because they, as you say, cheap out. 66 unique prints would drive the price through the roof"
Especially since it would be 66 unique printed parts in ADDITION to the 11 already included among the various minifigures!
Anyway, great review so far! I'm excited to see part two!
@krysto2002 said:
"18 - "Terror Aquasharks"
"
Aw man, they use the Aquasharks' name but don't use an actual Aquashark sub, just the bigger shark model? At least the Rock Raiders got their drill in!
@huw, when’s the next part of the review coming?
@krysto2002 said:
"Dunno if anyone's taken the time to translate all the Ninjago text"
I translated all of them and even put the translations on the stickers!
You can find these, along with some background information, here: https://roguebricks.de/71741/
Awesome review! Thanks a lot, CapnRex. :)
I am looking forward to part 2 and going to buy the set, as soon as I can.
Thank you for the review! I'm so excited for this set and I hope to get it.
I cannot bear to keep Master Chen hanging as the signboard of the noodle house.
I've made him a "live" noodle seller instead ??