Review: 71761 Zane's Power Up Mech EVO
Posted by CapnRex101,
NINJAGO features an outstanding selection of mechs, including many smaller designs. 71761 Zane's Power Up Mech EVO expands the range and certainly resembles the comparable NEXO Knights and Marvel designs which established conventions for ensuing mechs.
However, this model introduces some exciting new elements, differing considerably from previous mechs. The price of £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99 therefore seems rather appealing, especially given the inclusion of two opposing minifigures.
Summary
71761 Zane's Power Up Mech EVO, 95 pieces.
£8.99 / $9.99 / €9.99 | 9.5p/10.5c/10.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
This mech looks excellent, benefiting from unique elements and providing good value.
- Impressive size
- Reasonable articulation
- Good source of new elements
- Awkward hand design
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Rather than specialised attire, the NINJAGO Core minifigures wear reasonably generic robes. Zane therefore features his standard white and pale blue colour scheme, contrasting perfectly with the pearl silver head, arms and torso decoration. The medium azure accents approximate shards of ice and therefore appear particularly attractive.
I appreciate the exposed mechanical detail on Zane's chest and his head looks excellent too, but would benefit from another expression. The accompanying Cobra Mechanic requires no alternative expression though, since his intimidating head already looks impressive! This dual-moulded piece originates from the Pyro Vipers, but now combines pearl dark grey and orange plastics.
The resulting design is outstanding, complemented by matching colours across the torso. The consistency between the moulded scales on the head and the decoration on the torso is also superb, but the mechanic lacks his additional arm assembly which appears with bigger sets. Nevertheless, this is a satisfying minifigure and both characters are suitably armed for battle.
The Completed Model
Despite outwardly resembling several previous mechs, 71761 Zane's Power Up Mech EVO is quite unusual. The model measures almost 13cm in height, excluding the banner, so narrowly surpasses comparable Marvel and NEXO Knights mechs. This scale results primarily from the new limb element which forms both the arms and legs here, moulded in dark azure.
These components are designed with a fixed angle, hence elbow and knee joints are missing. Articulation is therefore restricted, although not nearly to the degree that I envisaged because dynamic posing definitely remains possible. The versatile ankle joints are especially important here, providing absolute stability for different stances.
In fact, the model can even stand comfortably on one leg! Knee and elbow articulation would certainly have been appreciated, but I think the existing joints are sufficient. Three new Marvel mechs being delayed has provoked concern regarding the stability of small ball joints, but I have encountered no problems with the ankles or wrists here, fortunately.
The mech also includes a new chest component, resembling that introduced with the NEXO Knights Battle Suits during 2017. Four studs remain available across the front and this hinge structure also appears familiar. However, the shape has been changed and now matches the 4x1 brick with ridged texture which originated during 2020.
Printed banners are available throughout the NINJAGO Core range and this set contains the Stealth banner, displaying a ninja peering through clouds. This design looks brilliant and I like the rounded chest decoration too, with Ninjargon text reading 'ninja' at its centre. Opening this panel reveals space for Zane inside, although no control panels or levers are provided.
Substantially less detail is visible on the back, but these dark azure 2x6 plates look reasonable and provide ample opportunity for customisation. Moreover, the upper arms and legs integrate useful armour elements which could be easily augmented, since studs are available on three sides. This element is already available in three colours, two of which appear on this model.
The packaging suggests developing the mech from a less powerful design, beginning with this example without golden pieces. While different options are welcome, I think the more advanced model looks significantly better. However, the set is designed for relatively young children, so I understand the intent behind this feature.
The weakest aspect of this mech is the hands, which are simply constructed using clips. The pearl gold colour looks nice, but I dislike their shape and think just including the spinning saw with an attachment point for the katana would have been more effective. In addition, the blade seems rather small, further encouraging the integration of a larger sword directly with the arm.
Overall
71761 Zane's Power Up Mech EVO could certainly be overlooked within the NINJAGO Core range, given its small stature and the recent frequency of LEGO mechs. However, the model features some interesting parts and looks surprisingly impressive, exceeding my expectations. The articulation seems particularly satisfying in that regard.
Furthermore, the price of £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99 represents great value, given the marvellous selection of appealing elements and the presence of two minifigures. For that reason, I would recommend this set, even though mechs remain overwhelmingly prevalent and might become even more common with the introduction of the new limb and armour system!
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30 comments on this article
I just finished 71767 Dojo Temple which contains a similar mech. I, too, was impressed with the poseability of the model - it's just as good as the similar sized Marvel Mechs and certainly doesn't lose anything by not having knee joints. I also like the chunkier styling that comes with having the new joint pieces.
I'm looking forward to getting this one, too, then I'll have the full cast of main characters with just 2 sets!.
What's up with the complete failure to cover the "Power Up" aspect of the build?
This set definately looks like a side "EVO" lution of the Nexo battle suits, this one in particular as it's sold seperately for example 70366 : Battle Suit Lance
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
"I'm looking forward to getting this one, too, then I'll have the full cast of main characters with just 2 sets!."
You'd still need a set with Jay for a full cast of this season if you have Dojo.
To get a Zane and a Jay (via sets) without duplicates :
71761 : Zane's Power Up Mech EVO + 71760 : Jay's Thunder Dragon EVO
or 71764 : Ninja Training Centre (which connects to dojo)
I like those new pieces more than I thought I would. Might eventually pick it up if it's that cheap.
@TeriXeri said:
"This set definately looks like a side "EVO" lution of the Nexo battle suits, this one in particular as it's sold seperately for example 70366 : Battle Suit Lance
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
"I'm looking forward to getting this one, too, then I'll have the full cast of main characters with just 2 sets!."
You'd still need a set with Jay for a full cast of this season if you have Dojo.
To get a Zane and a Jay (via sets) without duplicates :
71761 : Zane's Power Up Mech EVO + 71760 : Jay's Thunder Dragon EVO
or 71764 : Ninja Training Centre (which connects to dojo)"
Thanks for the info - I'm a Ninjago newbie, so not really up on the characters.
But I also like 71761 for it's potential for my space theme as it's in similar colours to those I'm using.
These limb pieces are awkward. Seeing the first photos, I really expected them to be moveable to a certain degree, I think their design just screams this, but unfortunately it's not the case. A disappointing aspect for sure, because it feels like an unnecessary juniorization now.
Honestly I wasn't sure if I was going to get this one, but I think this review sold me. It's got a lot more articulation than I was expecting, so I guess all the new mech-focused molds have really paid off (though the articulation itself of course comes from the ball joints).
@lynels said:
"These limb pieces are awkward. Seeing the first photos, I really expected them to be moveable to a certain degree, I think their design just screams this, but unfortunately it's not the case. A disappointing aspect for sure, because it feels like an unnecessary juniorization now."
Maybe not every $10 set needs to be aimed at the +18 market? 'Juniorized' pieces have their place, although I don't think I'd fully agree that these are even Juniorized to begin with
Seeing the poses that the mech is capable of, I'd say the joints are more than versatile enough. It took quite a few waves for Bionicle to get moveable elbows
@fakespacesquid said:
" @lynels said:
"These limb pieces are awkward. Seeing the first photos, I really expected them to be moveable to a certain degree, I think their design just screams this, but unfortunately it's not the case. A disappointing aspect for sure, because it feels like an unnecessary juniorization now."
Maybe not every $10 set needs to be aimed at the +18 market? 'Juniorized' pieces have their place, although I don't think I'd fully agree that these are even Juniorized to begin with
Seeing the poses that the mech is capable of, I'd say the joints are more than versatile enough. It took quite a few waves for Bionicle to get moveable elbows"
The Marvel mechs are +18? I don't think so, and they look amazing.
Not super thrilled about this particular mech/set but the new mech moulds are outstanding and really versatile. Looking forward to seeing them more widely available in different colours.
Looks like a really fun way to get the new joint parts. I feel mechs owe a lot over the past few years to Mixels, which provides a level of expressive posability that still hasn't been fully explored, but more joint options are also welcome!
@lynels said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @lynels said:
"These limb pieces are awkward. Seeing the first photos, I really expected them to be moveable to a certain degree, I think their design just screams this, but unfortunately it's not the case. A disappointing aspect for sure, because it feels like an unnecessary juniorization now."
Maybe not every $10 set needs to be aimed at the +18 market? 'Juniorized' pieces have their place, although I don't think I'd fully agree that these are even Juniorized to begin with
Seeing the poses that the mech is capable of, I'd say the joints are more than versatile enough. It took quite a few waves for Bionicle to get moveable elbows"
The Marvel mechs are +18? I don't think so, and they look amazing."
We'll agree to disagree on that
@ScrapMetaru said:
"What's up with the complete failure to cover the "Power Up" aspect of the build?"
Considering how important that aspect is to its playability (the bone demon was a massive hit with my son because of its “levels”) it is disappointing that it isn’t even mentioned
@lynels said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @lynels said:
"These limb pieces are awkward. Seeing the first photos, I really expected them to be moveable to a certain degree, I think their design just screams this, but unfortunately it's not the case. A disappointing aspect for sure, because it feels like an unnecessary juniorization now."
Maybe not every $10 set needs to be aimed at the +18 market? 'Juniorized' pieces have their place, although I don't think I'd fully agree that these are even Juniorized to begin with
Seeing the poses that the mech is capable of, I'd say the joints are more than versatile enough. It took quite a few waves for Bionicle to get moveable elbows"
The Marvel mechs are +18? I don't think so, and they look amazing."
They are not. I think you are confusing them with the busts of heads.
@lynels said:
"These limb pieces are awkward. Seeing the first photos, I really expected them to be moveable to a certain degree, I think their design just screams this, but unfortunately it's not the case. A disappointing aspect for sure, because it feels like an unnecessary juniorization now."
As far as juniorization goes, I think it's pretty reasonable for a set intended to be built by six-year-old children to include some larger parts for the sake of stability, especially when the completed model looks this good and plays this well.
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
"Thanks for the info - I'm a Ninjago newbie, so not really up on the characters.
But I also like 71761 for it's potential for my space theme as it's in similar colours to those I'm using."
I also adapt Ninjago to my likes, specifically fantasy (and in the case of one Ninjago vehicle, Batman). While I’ve seen a few episodes of the TV series and the Ninjago Movie, I’m not particularly invested in the franchise. I suspect that liking the sets and minifigures but not being a huge fan of the characters/setting/lore is common, but that’s just speculation on my part.
@ScrapMetaru said:
"What's up with the complete failure to cover the "Power Up" aspect of the build?"
I find the concept somewhat underwhelming because armour and other decoration could be removed from or added to any LEGO model, but I have now updated the review with another photo and discussion of that feature.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @ScrapMetaru said:
"What's up with the complete failure to cover the "Power Up" aspect of the build?"
I find that concept underwhelming because armour and other decoration could be removed from any LEGO model, but I have now updated the review with another photo and discussion of that feature."
I think it's intended to go the other way around, where you build the 'core' of the model and then can arrange the armor bits as you want, like an upgrade. But I would agree that it's a tiny stretch for this to be considered a major play feature
@fakespacesquid said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @ScrapMetaru said:
"What's up with the complete failure to cover the "Power Up" aspect of the build?"
I find that concept underwhelming because armour and other decoration could be removed from any LEGO model, but I have now updated the review with another photo and discussion of that feature."
I think it's intended to go the other way around, where you build the 'core' of the model and then can arrange the armor bits as you want, like an upgrade. But I would agree that it's a tiny stretch for this to be considered a major play feature"
So all the sets with EVO designation this wave are done like this, the intention is to build a basic version of the thing first and then the last bag contains parts to upgrade to a better version, I think this is supposed to encourage customizing the set further once you're done following the instructions. Removing pieces as a play feature is definitely not what this is supposed to be. But the execution is really underwhelming, even the fully built up versions of these sets don't look that great and are dramatically oversimplified compared to similar ones in years past.
I am aware that the intention is to develop these EVO models from a simple version to more advanced designs, but I can see how that would not be apparent in the review since I started with the completed version. I will try to arrange the next EVO review more clearly.
I think the Core / Evo concept is more interesting on the Jay/Kai dragon sets anyway to get some different looking beasts, on such a small mech , it's pretty much just armor plating.
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
"But I also like 71761 for it's potential for my space theme as it's in similar colours to those I'm using."
True, the Zane mech also has the hairpiece, which seems to be split across sets in this wave of sets, curiously, Cole does not get a hairpiece this wave.
Good review! In my opinion, this set is one of the most attractive of the new 6+ EVO sets, both in its "battle ready" form and its more utilitarian-looking base form. It's easy to imagine Zane piloting the mech in its base form for heavy-lifting tasks or traversing difficult terrain, and then switching into the "battle ready" form when enemies draw near.
71763 is also up there with this one due to its beautiful conversion from off-road buggy to high-performance race car to battle-ready ninja vehicle — but I feel like that sort of refinement is less noteworthy for a $30 vehicle than it is for a $10 mech. And I'm not nearly as keen on 71760 and 71762, which ironically feel less "organic" than this mech in many of their forms due to abrupt changes in thickness and texture along the length of their limbs and tails.
Compared to those two builds, this set's use of curved slopes on the arms and legs helps create a smoother transition between the thick calves/forearms and narrower joints. And the old-school Knights Kingdom II armor pieces not only add curvature and volume, but also beautifully complement the new decorative armor piece used on the thighs and shoulders.
I don't mind the limited articulation of the new limb piece. For one thing, a mech/walker usually only needs to be suited to cool action posesmunlike builds representing actual characters (like most Bionicle and Hero Factory figures) which benefit from being able to pull off more casual poses and expressive "body language" (sitting, kneeling, pensively stroking their chin/scratching their head, resting their hands on their hips, etc.)
Additionally, as the designer Niek van Slagmaat explained on Twitter: "It’s for 6+, these are toys for younger kids for whom too much articulation is detrimental to the play experience." (https://twitter.com/Toothdominoes/status/1466687940118126594?s=20) And it's not like Niek doesn't appreciate the value of articulated elbows and knees, since he did a great job incorporating them into some of his other mech sets like 71699 and 71738
His original concept for the limb piece even included a "click joint" like the AT-AT limbs, but as he explained in another tweet: "…it just does not work for a mech that children can play with. Our quality guidelines say that you need to be able to place a mech standing up without having to fiddle with it." (https://twitter.com/Toothdominoes/status/1466682466098372611?s=20)
When setting an action figure or mech up for display or photography (which tends to be a lot of my focus as a MOCist), we're naturally free to put in as much time as necessary to adjust each joint to exactly the position we want, and tweak them as much as neccessary to arrive at a stable/balanced pose. So for those purposes, there's a great benefit to having more articulation, as long as they can reliably support the figure's weight.
But for actually playing]] with models like this, it's usually best if switching the figure from a running pose to a kick to a balanced standing pose is quick and effortless. And it's no good if every time your mech hits a sturdy enough target with a kick or sword slash, its knees or elbows end up flexing closed or even bending in the wrong direction]] from the recoil, forcing you to manually adjust them back into place!
I do agree with the review's criticism of this mech's hands, though. While they're certainly adequate for its needs, they're still pretty underwhelming, since they don't really manage to look like either real hands or simplified mechanical claws. I'd certainly like to see improvement in that area in future sets.
I'll be interested to see if 6+ Ninjago sets in future years end up exploring the "EVO" power-up gimmick even further. This wave's 6+ sets are only scratching the potential the "EVO" concept and the new parts that accompany it have to offer. For instance, I feel like the armor pieces on this set's chest and legs could make awesome fairing pieces for a motorcycle, engine cowlings for a jet aircraft, or outboard motors for a speedboat. And I could likewise see the 45-degree limb elements being great for a motorcycle frame or a uniquely-shaped aircraft wing!
And while this wave does a good job communicating the basics of what a Ninjago dragon or mech might look like in this style, there's still plenty of unexplored possibilities in those areas as well. Future "EVO" style mechs could incorporate features like wings, roller skates, extra arms, jet/rocket boosters, wrist-mounted blades, a MegaMan-style blaster arm, etc. Naturally, wyvern-style, long-necked, or multi-headed dragons could be neat to see in this style as well!
This set is cute. I like this as a basic entry-level mech and the overall proportions are good, apart from the sword (which feels woefully undersized). The similarly scaled mech in 71767 Ninja Dojo Temple looks slightly nicer to me just because the blasters it opts for don't need to be as big to feel like effective weapons for a mech this size.
In general, though, this is a good start for the new "6+" Ninjago sets and I expect that like Bionicle and Hero Factory before it, they will only continue to get better now that the mech and creature building system has been introduced.
"[A]lthough no control panels or levers are provided." Well, since Zane is a robot, maybe he just interfaces with it directly?
@CapnRex101: Just fyi, a few comments referenced the new dojo - 71767: Ninja Dojo Temple - so I went to check it out and noticed that the list of minifigures for that set in the Brickset database seems to be incomplete.
This seems extremely juniorized. It feels like almost every non-licensed "play theme" is getting more and more juniorized ever since Lego started the 18+ marketing. Only exceptions are Technic and Chinese New Year & Monkie Kid, which relish in complexity. Throughout the new catalog, the descriptions for some of the sets feel the need to call out "kids can do this or that or pretend-play this." It's dumb like the "mindful building experience" marketing tripe for adult sets. Lego's catalogs and adverts used to merely address the consumer as "you" to call out play features and the such i.e. "You can fire the spring-loaded shooter." I don't see why Lego needs to lower the age targets and such. City's sets are at max 7+. There are hardly any 10+ sets. In Technic, there is a jump from the 10+ 42124 to the 18+ 42126! I will post a follow up comment listing all the occurrences of how starkly the marketing speak now differentiates and segregates products "for kids" and "for adults " based on the new catalog because I find this doubling down on the "widening of the gap" troublesome.
The new limb joints would be great for buildings, like the way the A-plates are used. And they'd be perfect for those little weapons shrines you see a lot throughout Ninjago. But I don't like them on mechs. It's another cop-out to avoid elbow and knee articulation. Hopefully that use is confined to Juniors sets, where obviously knee joints aren't a concern.
Having been a quite original fan of Ninjago, I'm very disappointed with the wave as a whole, because if this is how Ninjago stripped down to its core looks like, then it's super bad. I don't remember even the pilot season looking this bad. Overused concepts, I think, are a big problem within the wave.
Even so, I'm a collector so naturally I'd want to get one set from each wave, so I got this set. It's better than I expected but still, far from the best. It would appeal to me if I were 6, but not right now when I'm about 10 years older than that.