Review: 71740 Jay's Electro Mech
Posted by CapnRex101,
NINJAGO Legacy models traditionally feature tremendous details and improve upon previous designs. However, various memorable products have instead become simple 4+ creations which appear excellent for younger fans. They include 71740 Jay's Electro Mech.
Unfortunately, such simplification here appears extremely dramatic and the resultant design scarcely resembles 70754 ElectroMech, instead featuring bizarre proportions and sparse detail. Compromises are unavoidable when 4+ sets are designed, although few creations have appeared as overtly unsophisticated as this mech.
Minifigures
70754 ElectroMech originated from the Tournament of Elements, where the ninja lacked their traditional hoods. Nevertheless, this Jay minifigure does feature a blue and dark blue element which seems reasonable, although matching dark blue highlights across the torso and legs are noticeably scarce. The design remains relatively cohesive though, in my opinion.
These body components are based upon the Tournament of Elements and accordingly return from two previous sets. The intricate Ninjargon text reads 'Master' and I love the metallic silver fastener that adorns the torso, resembling lightning bolts. The double-sided head is particularly common and displays happy and angry expressions. Unfortunately, no alternative hair piece or accessories are provided.
Eyezor does wield a roughly-hewn sword which is welcome, deviating from his two previous appearances during January. Otherwise, the minifigure remains unchanged. The intimidating Anacondrai tattoo on Eyezor's head looks excellent, especially in combination with continued purple decoration across both the torso and legs. His vicious expression looks perfect too.
An attractive Anacondrai emblem appears on the reverse of the jacket while interlocking jaws snake jaws form an interesting belt buckle. These repeated details are appealing and the legs feature inverted colours when compared with the original Eyezor minifigure, released in 70746 Condrai Copter Attack. Ideally, some additional Anacondrai cultists might have returned for the Legacy range but this minifigure is impressive.
The Completed Model
Multiple models are provided here, the smallest of which are rocks where native animals are residing. These seem superfluous to me, although LEGO creatures are always welcome and this dark blue scorpion is relatively uncommon, appearing in three previous sets. Using these few elements to improve the next structure might have been beneficial though.
Shrines have appeared throughout NINJAGO, displaying various mystical weapons and other artefacts. This example is fairly simple, consisting primarily of one rock component, but seems reasonable in my opinion. The pearl gold sai stands out against the dark bluish grey rock and I love the printed dragon placed above the weapon, returning from 71707 Kai's Fire Dragon and 71703 Storm Fighter Battle.
Anacondrai vehicles traditionally display dark tan and purple accents so I am pleased to see those colours again here. Otherwise, this design is particularly bland, comprising four wheels around the standard 4+ chassis component. The bones which are positioned on the front and back look good though, along with printed wooden planks that only appear in three other sets.
The missile launcher introduced during 2020 returns here, mounted on a turntable. The actual function works nicely but the launcher looks awful, featuring few parts to smooth its integration. 76170 Iron Man vs. Thanos exemplifies how such weapons may be concealed, even in 4+ sets. Moreover, the space for Eyezor atop this cannon appears extremely basic.
The scaling between 70754 ElectroMech and 71740 Jay's Electro Mech remains reasonably consistent, measuring 15cm and 12cm in height, respectively. However, their proportions are vastly different. The modern model is substantially stockier than its predecessor and includes numerous larger components, befitting a 4+ model. Similarities in colour are certainly evident though, thankfully.
Articulation is relatively limited, as one might anticipate. Both shoulders incorporate ball joints while the hips feature click hinges and the waist can rotate. The latter joint is especially useful, although options for displaying this mech are few without articulated ankles. In fact, the stance shown below is among the only poses which maintains truly consistent balance.
While the articulation is disappointing, the most significant problems concern the torso which integrates the cockpit element from 75237 TIE Fighter Attack. The external shape looks good but the exposed interior appears absolutely dreadful, lacking controls or any protection for the driver. The printed components flanking the cockpit are appealing though.
Additionally, the golden swords mounted on the back seem reminiscent of details from 70754 ElectroMech which is welcome. Otherwise, the disappointing design features continue as the yellow Technic brick between these swords appears rather awkward and I dislike the voids in each arm. The permanently angled legs are also somewhat odd, although the feet are neatly constructed and feature pleasant yellow highlights.
Overall
Sets which are designed for younger children obviously experience restrictions and expecting them to include outstanding detail or functionality is unrealistic. However, 71740 Jay's Electro Mech seems exceptionally terrible! This model looks completely ridiculous, especially around the cockpit which remains exposed. The supporting models appear equally bland.
Admittedly, I find various aspects of the blocky aesthetic somewhat endearing and appreciate that features from 70754 ElectroMech are retained. Furthermore, the play value is reasonable which is paramount for young children. I would not recommend acquiring this set though, even taking the justified price of £17.99 or $19.99 into account.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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26 comments on this article
"I would not recommend acquiring this set though, even taking the justified price of £17.99 or $19.99 into account."
I totally agree.
This is one of those rare occasions where a set is so bad, it's good. I've already seen the Ninjago fandom treating this fella like BIONICLE fans treat 6934 Good Guy, and it's kind of adorable how quickly meme culture can take something so normally unimpressive and elevate it to god-like status.
Proof that Brickset will be critical of LEGO sets when necessary.
I'm curious about the legs, are the ratchet joints removable? Are there attachment points on the inside?
Those are about the worst looking arms I’ve seen on a mech in a long time...
Since I built one at age 5!
Where is Generic Stud
Looks like a year 2000 Knights set, it's that chunky.
The scorpion/spider/rock build are honestly more interesting then the mech/vehicle to me.
The legs should not exist. But I LOVE that cocpit puece. Its actualy really usefull. I got few yellow ones and they make great start for any spaceships
Maybe it's fine if you're 4 but not good for anyone/anything else
Yikes. This set epitomizes why 4+ sets should not be integrated with the normal line. This is by far the worst 4+ Ninjago set ever. I don't think people would care if there was a normal one available as well. For instance, having a juniors Storm Fighter doesn't matter because there's a normal available as well. Hopefully, a real version of this is released in the future. I think it's very possible because a new Fire Dragon for Kai (which was a 4+ set last year) is coming out this summer.
Ahhhh, that's hot
@GSR_MataNui said:
"This is one of those rare occasions where a set is so bad, it's good. I've already seen the Ninjago fandom treating this fella like BIONICLE fans treat 6934 Good Guy, and it's kind of adorable how quickly meme culture can take something so normally unimpressive and elevate it to god-like status."
Admittedly Good Guy is a polybag that was handed out as a freebie and if it was sold at retail would only be $2.00-$4.00... while this is a $20 set.
Seeing Fabuland as RSOTD and this review makes me curious about LEGO's attempts to bridge the gap between DUPLO and regular LEGO. Has there ever been an article with a timeline and review of the different themes and subthemes aimed at this demographic?
Nah, this is clearly the epitome of amazing mechs.
LEGO has made some great mechs--from the behemoths in Monkey King, to the (surprisingly) reasonably priced Superheroes mechs. This, on the other hand, is a really weak set. And $20?!! It looks like a $10 set to me.
In my opinion, 4+ should have never been conceived. The original 4+ was a flop. At the very least (and the original 4+ did the same), these sets should have been kept separate--now, it seems LEGO has been insistent on having them as a part of every major theme. And, not a single 4+ set looks good. I noticed that the latest garbage truck and straight fire truck in CITY are both 4+ sets that look awful.
Wow, it's hideous.
It doesn't even look like Lego, does it?
The blue mech that it's based on is a really wonderful set, I remember absolutely adoring it.
We had some great 4+ sets, last year, but this is just awful.
When I was about 7 or 8 I was gifted a Transformers toy that didn't transform and had barely any articulation, and instead it made noises when you pressed a button. Completely missed the point of Transformers, it looked like crap, and the noise box annoyed my parents so much they took the batteries out when I wasn't looking.
I mention it because this LEGO set is approximately one noise box away from that awful toy.
I mean it's not great looking, but it's made for really little kids; I'm not sure why people keep trying to rate the designs of the 4+ sets, which are by design made of large parts for quicker building by kids just transitioning out of Duplo, with the same standards as we judge regular sets. We're just not the target demographic for these
@GSR_MataNui said:
"This is one of those rare occasions where a set is so bad, it's good. I've already seen the Ninjago fandom treating this fella like BIONICLE fans treat 6934 Good Guy, and it's kind of adorable how quickly meme culture can take something so normally unimpressive and elevate it to god-like status."
Is there a top 10 list of the worst sets? Because the one you mentioned and this one may be worthy to be on it. And the headless AT-ST, of course.
2 minifigures, 2 creatures, a car, a chunky robot, a large shooter, weapons including three large swords and a big spinning blade, a good variety of parts and colours, for $25 CAD? Sounds fine to me and if I was four years old I bet this would be awesome. It seems at least on par with other 4+ sets. I don't get the disdain.
The knees don't bend, otherwise this could have been the greatest mech of all time!
I like the slots in its arms - an ingenious way to make it more difficult to hit him.
@B_Space_Man said:
" @GSR_MataNui said:
"This is one of those rare occasions where a set is so bad, it's good. I've already seen the Ninjago fandom treating this fella like BIONICLE fans treat 6934 Good Guy, and it's kind of adorable how quickly meme culture can take something so normally unimpressive and elevate it to god-like status."
Is there a top 10 list of the worst sets? Because the one you mentioned and this one may be worthy to be on it. And the headless AT-ST, of course.
"
Don't forget the "UCS" set Assult on Hoth..
I like the unique legs. Sure, they're somewhat useless out of their context, but I'm intrigued by the fact that they developed a mould for this exact thing
I am super unhappy about this one. I failed to get the original ElectroMech in 2015 when it was still available, and I was waiting for LEGO to make a Legacy ElectroMech and it would have been better, had it not been a 4+ set... I could seriously scream right now haha
Bad job, Lego. Two thumbs down.
The blaster was also incorporated better in the small car of 71703: Storm Fighter Battle. The Mech is also missing the stud shooters from 70754 to fight back with. Overall, I find the large plane body base and legs too bulky and new parts are not needed when ball joint parts already exist and are not that complicated for a 4+ kid to build.
Hey, at least it's more accurate than the Jay minifigure.