Review: 76198 Spider-Man & Doctor Octopus Mech Battle
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO has produced enjoyable mechs for various prominent Marvel characters. 76198 Spider-Man & Doctor Octopus Mech Battle contains two such models, each integrating unique design features and matching their pilots. Similar creations have proven appealing previously.
Doctor Octopus' distinctive mech certainly looks interesting, including the supplementary limbs which are invariably associated with Octavius. However, the opposing Spider-Man mech seems rather bland, resembling 76146 Spider-Man Mech. Spider-Man himself is excellent though, featuring printed arms and dual-moulded legs.
Minifigures
An updated Spider-Man minifigure has already appeared in several Marvel Super Heroes sets during 2021, featuring decorated arms alongside revised torso and head designs. The resulting minifigure looks nice, although criticism has been levelled against the omission of dual-moulded legs from those figures, especially given their appearance on past versions of the Web Slinger.
Fortunately, dual-moulded legs are present here and they certainly improve this minifigure. The colour matching on the printed arms remains disappointing when compared with official images though. Spider-Man includes two white Power Blasts, representing his web, while multiple trans-clear web accessories are connected to the mech.
Doctor Octopus frequently employs mechanised suits against Spider-Man and his presence seems accordingly logical. This minifigure returns from 76174 Spider-Man's Monster Truck vs. Mysterio, sporting a dark green suit with dark bluish grey and green accents. This dark design looks excellent, although brighter colours would have matched his armoured suit more closely.
However, this double-sided head appears absolutely perfect, displaying Doc Ock's traditional goggles alongside smiling and determined expressions. This hair piece also looks impressive but no mechanical arms are provided for the minifigure. Instead, the arms are attached on his mech which is fine, although I think they should have been adaptable to fit the minifigure.
The Completed Model
Spider-Man's new mech shares numerous similarities with 76146 Spider-Man Mech, including the height of 11cm and comparatively lithe proportions. However, the unique red and dark blue colour scheme represents an appealing distinction, even though these colours contrast against the accompanying minifigure. Thankfully, that is not apparent when Spider-Man is placed in the cockpit.
The mech features comprehensive articulation, corresponding with previous Marvel character mechs in that regard. The unarmoured design assists in this articulation and resembles 76171 Miles Morales Mech Armour, as one might anticipate. The trans-clear webbing mounted on the elbows sometimes obstructions motion, although these are adjustable using hinges.
Identical chest panels appear throughout this mech collection, originating from NEXO Knights. This example features a printed pentagonal tile which looks excellent, displaying Spider-Man's identifiable emblem beside webbing and metallic silver highlights. The pentagonal shape works nicely, partially concealing the hinge, but obstructs opening the cockpit to some degree.
Nevertheless, placing the minifigure inside is relatively simple. As usual, no controls are found inside which is somewhat disappointing. Furthermore, I dislike the shoulders. They correspond with 76171 Miles Morales Mech Armour and lighter armour appears appropriate for Spider-Man, although I prefer the bulkier designs which are prevalent elsewhere.
Otherwise, the arms appear impressive. The trans-clear web components look appealing and additional elements are connected to the hand using a Technic pin. Moreover, the layered 1x2 curved wedge slopes on the wrists create wonderful texture, complementing pearl silver ingots alongside them. The fingers and thumbs are also individually articulated, as always.
Three additional web components are positioned on the back of this vehicle, including two on adjustable rocket boosters. Presumably these assist the mech during jumps, thereby imitating Spider-Man's impressive leaps. Web handcuffs are stored on the leg while the feet are notably elongated, again recalling Miles Morales' recent mech armour and ensuring ample stability.
Contrasting with Spider-Man's athletic mech, Doctor Octopus pilots a more heavily armoured vehicle. This model looks absolutely fantastic, featuring the green and flame yellowish orange colours which are associated with Otto Octavius' comic appearance. The bulky mech perfectly matches its owner and such conspicuous contrast with Spider-Man's mech is appreciated.
The increased weight does not compromise the articulation though, integrating the necessary shoulder, elbow, waist, hip, knee and ankle joints. Doctor Octopus' distinguishing robotic arms also include several points of articulation, although they cannot rotate sideways which restricts options for display. Nevertheless, the model looks great and differs substantially from previous mechs, to its advantage.
While the Spider-Man mech contains no stickers, five decorate Doctor Octopus' mech. These include one on the chest, which displays a crackling power core, with others on each shoulder. The central sticker also features flame yellowish orange details, complementing the 2x2 curved corner tiles atop Doc Ock's green body armour. This component returns from 70364 Battle Suit Aaron, in this colour.
Opening the cockpit reveals sufficient space for Octavius, whose feet are secured using a 1x2 foot plate. Once again, no controls are provided but I appreciate the consistent colour scheme between the exterior and interior. Furthermore, the matching decoration on both the chest and shoulders looks marvellous, each crackling with lime green energy.
The broad shoulders look superb, featuring green 2x2 dishes that create an appealing shape. Otherwise, the arms and hands appear identical to other character mechs, even featuring the same 2x2 axle plates with axles on both sides. While one axle is required to attach the thumb, the second remains empty which seems awkward.
Doctor Octopus' most renowned feature is undoubtedly his mechanical arms, hence they are represented here. These are neatly connected to the reverse of the mech, using three-branch axles to form appropriate angles. The resultant structure looks perfect but prevents articulation at the base of each arm, hence these deadly appendages cannot rotate. They can be detached and reoriented sideways though.
However, several click hinges do provide a reasonable range of movement and the claws can rotate. In addition, each pointed claw is connected using a clip, allowing them to grasp objects securely. This arrangement is sufficient for play but the aforementioned rotation has previously proven important on Doctor Octopus minifigures and its absence here is noticeable.
Complementing the bulky shoulders, this mech includes heavy boots which resemble 76141 Thanos Mech and 76169 Thor Mech Armour. These make superb use of colours, comprising flame yellowish orange elements that contrast against the green thighs. The stickered details are also welcome, avoiding the conspicuous presence of bland surfaces.
Overall
Following the successful introduction of Star Wars Microfighters, LEGO launched twin packs shortly afterwards. These sometimes receive criticism when one fantastic model is packaged with another which seems less impressive and that trend continues with 76198 Spider-Man & Doctor Octopus Mech Battle. As expected, Doctor Octopus' mech is outstanding while Spider-Man's feels unremarkable.
Nevertheless, the quality of Doc Ock's vehicle should not be overlooked. These bright colours look perfect for the character and I love the robotic arms, despite their limited movement. The accompanying Spider-Man mech is less interesting, although I do prefer this design to 76146 Spider-Man Mech. Additionally, the price of £17.99 or $19.99 represents good value and both minifigures are appealing, hence I would recommend this set.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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28 comments on this article
Excited for this one. The Ock mech looks like something I'd actually use in a Marvel layout (might extend the extra arms though) and the trans-clear webbing elements give the Spidey mech a Parker Industries vibe, at least to me. Definitely grabbing this when it comes out.
Definitely picking this up
Spidey's arm printing is one of those things I'd really rather do without, than have to the detriment of the minifigure's overall appearance.
It's also kind of frustrating that Doc Ock's mechanical arms aren't portable between the minifigure and the mech. It almost makes him entirely dependent on his mech for the purposes of this fight, whereby he'd become defenseless if Spidey knocks him off his mech. Not that it couldn't work as a headcanon for this scenario!
Man, really digging Doc Ock's mech. That's a cool one!
I don't understand why the Spider mech's feet are so thin
Spider mech's feet are hilarious!!
@monty_bricks said:
"I don't understand why the Spider mech's feet are so thin"
He skipped foot day at the gym? Maybe he needs some pointers from Daredevil villain Leapfrog!
@monty_bricks said:
"I don't understand why the Spider mech's feet are so thin"
To save money on shoes.
I'm loving these mechs - even been making some myself, so this is going high up my want list. Not really into the Spiderman mech, but I'm sure it could be re-purposed. Doc Ock looks great, though.
Thanks @CapnRex101 for yet another great review and set of pictures.
I can understand why LEGO would produce these mechs: kids (predominantly boys) in the target age demographic will no doubt appreciate the LEGO + superhero + minifigure + action figure (the mech) combination. From a commercial perspective, it makes perfect sense.
In-universe, I’m not sold though particularly for Spidey. I can see the case for Dock Ock. He’s a cyborg anyway so a mech could be an extension of that. But the Web-Slinger? I’m not convinced mechs fit the essence of the character.
Wish this had a second villain instead of Spider-Man. Surely that would make for a more appealing twin pack?
The trans-clear webs look way better than the white versions.
It's worth checking out the Venom Mech in 76150, where the four articulated arm joints seem to work well together, while I can see it is difficult trying to do six fully articulated joints for Dr Octopus.
@davnnh said:
"Wish this had a second villain instead of Spider-Man. Surely that would make for a more appealing twin pack?
The trans-clear webs look way better than the white versions."
Yeah, but you can't have a Spider-Man set without Spider-Man. Not disagreeing with you, I would've much preferred a second villain. I just see why they went with the web head
Thanks for the review.
Spider-man's feet are tiny. I picture little ballet slippers on there. Which makes sense since he is so nimble.
The Doc's mech looks great. Good shaping, seems to have good joints. That might be a good one to look at for building your own mech for other themes.
I doubt I will pick this up, but I may if I find a decent sale since I don't have either of these versions of figures.
Most Smaller Mechs certainly are improving over the recent years, sure those are a bit bigger then the Nexo Mech Suits from 2017, but LEGO actually adding knees where able is nice.
That said, 2 spiderman mechs in 2 years that are somewhat similar ( 76146) seems odd instead of a Doc Ock standalone, but I guess sets hero vs villain is the point of the set.
While not all larger mechs have knees , some do and the techniques are getting more diverse, which is both nice for sets and potential MOC mechs.
I gotta wonder: Is this Constraction? Not in the same sense as Bionicle or Hero Factory, but some System offshoot on the Constraction family tree. Considering there hasn't been a traditional Constraction theme in some time, I'm only left to wonder...
I saw the pics come up on Flickr, was wondering when the review was gonna come out!
I made the Thanos and Iron Man on Mecabricks when they came out. I also made a Gundam off of it. Good times...
@Kalhiki said:
"I gotta wonder: Is this Constraction? Not in the same sense as Bionicle or Hero Factory, but some System offshoot on the Constraction family tree. Considering there hasn't been a traditional Constraction theme in some time, I'm only left to wonder..."
I'd like to think it's part of an evolution of System blended with constraction concepts.
With those small ball "mixel" balljoints entering the way of System, alongside more clip/bar, turntable and click-hinges, it's the next generation.
Some sets in recent years still use non-click constraction balljoints , but I see mixel joints and ratchet/click parts appear more and more in System themes, even generic themes like Creator 3-in-1 is getting more hybrid builds using clips+mixel+click balljoints.
I only came back to LEGO in 2016 with Nexo Knights having various types of Technic integrated into it's builds, but I gotta say even since then, I find Mechs have mostly improved since (knees remain a community complaint but even LEGO is moving there).
I personally prefer small mixel joints way more over the large non-click hinges as they just seem way more smooth and constant (due to the limited color having the same plastic composition), rather then ball joints either being very stiff or to loose from part to part.
I'm glad mixel joints appeared, as they are just a lot more pleasing and LEGO-like to look at compared to something like 31019
I'm a little frustrated that this will now be the third Spider-man mech, I've bought, in this one line ... but I still want it for the Doc Ock robot.
Just noticed that Spidey's mech has arms with two segments while all others have three. A little strange (especially given that Ock has 3 segments), but I still think this set looks great, I hope there are more double mech packs in the future
Looks okay.
Too bad Spidey is 99% copy of Miles Morales that I already own, because Doc's mech just looks great
Please tell me, when will you post the second part of review 43101-13 LEGO Vidiyo Bandmates Series 1?
The arm printing on spider-man looks so good.
Just bought all available Marvel and DC Super Hero sets and got double VIP points. Too bad this set wasn’t yet available on LEGO.com.
I don't like the DBG thumbs but I suppose this wasn't enough for part 49753 to be made in red. 76146 went with DBG fingers to match the thumbs which I think looks better.
love Dock Ock and the tentacles