duboismerci Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Hello again everyone! Continuing to review the sets I bought during the May the Fourth sale. So here is my second review : 75088 Senate Commando Troopers Name: Senate Commando Troopers Theme: Star Wars / The Clone Wars Year: 2015 Pieces: 106 Minifigures: 4 Price: USA 12.99$, ENG 11.99£, CAN 15.99$, EUR 16.99€ Resource: Brickset Lego store description Ensure the safety of the Senate with the elite Senate Commando Troopers™ battle pack! Safeguard the security of the Senate with the elite LEGO® Star Wars™ Senate Commando Troopers™ battle pack! As featured in The Clone Wars animated TV series, this crack team of highly trained soldiers is armed to the teeth with weaponry. Fire the stud blasters then seat the trooper on the rotating base and unleash a hail of studs with the never-before-seen rapid shooter! This amazing battle pack includes 4 minifigures with weapons: A Senate Commando Captain and 3 Senate Commandos. Includes 4 minifigures with weapons: A Senate Commando Captain and 3 Senate Commandos Features a never-been-seen elevating rapid shooter on a rotating base and seat for a minifigure Weapons include 4 stud blasters Spare ammunition also included Turn the gear to unleash a hail of studs! Fire the stud blasters As featured in The Clone Wars animated TV series Expand your LEGO® Star Wars collection with this great battle pack Rapid shooter with base measures over 3” (9cm) high, 3” (9cm) wide and 3” (8cm) deep The front of the box with the new 2015 art: A stormtrooper helmet tagged with a rebel alliance crest. Same as the other sets of the winter wave. On the back, we see the troopers in action, the number of spare studs included and the play features of the canon. In the box, the pieces come in 2 bags and there is also the instruction booklet. The instruction booklet has the same image as the box on the cover. The back with the win minifigure. Spare parts. Mainly spare studs for the guns as you can expect from a battlepack. The completed model. The canon is equiped with the new stud "gatlin" gun. Side view 1 Side view 2 Back view Top view The legs can be adjusted Legs down Legs up The canon can be aimed up and down. This is the lowest angle it can be placed in. We now move to the minifigures: the highlight and purpose of the battlepack. We get 4 of them. Three senate commando troopers and one senate commando captain. The captain as a different face from the 3 other troopers. The 3 troopers have the clone face from other clone battlepacks. The captain as some white painting on his helmet, torso and leg. The back printing is similar. Rating ------ These three points are not included in final score. Price: 6/10 – 106 pieces for 12.99$ is above the 10 cents per piece ration. Also 20 of those piece are studs for the guns and the canon. Still we get 4 great minifigures that were really expensive on the aftermarket because they were released in only 2 sets years ago. Plus the canon is a nice little build. We are use by now to this kind of pricing for battlepacks. Parts: 7/10 – 20 of the pieces are studs but we get 7 pieces in republic red and only 2-3 technic pieces. The "gatlin" canon is a really nice piece. Build 7/10 – Nothing fancy here. The building process will take you no longer then 10 minutes. No special technic are involved in the build. ------ Design 7.5/10 – Since the canon is not based on any source material it's difficult to compare it. Still, with the colors and style we have no problems imagining this canon as an anti aircraft gun that would be around the senate protecting it from attacks. The canon looks great overall, but the side of the barrel (Image: side view 1) could have been better. Also, some might find it too "bulky". It looks more like a mortar then a canon. Minifigures: 9/10 – The 4 minifigures are amazing. Printed legs and printed back torso. The fact that we get a captain and 3 troopers is great. Its nice to have a captain. It adds diversity to the battleback but they still look good displayed together. Only complaint: we should have goten 4 different faces since the senate commando troopers are not clones. Playability: 7.5/10 – Like other one faction only battlepacks, it complement other sets really well. By itself you can shoots the canon and play with the troopers but you will defenetly need bad guy to shoot at. The shooter on the canon rotates on the sides and up and down. It works really well and shoots far. Kids should have a blast using it. OVERALL 8/10 – A nice little battlepack. The minifigures are great and so is the canon. Its not everyday we get a senate related sets and non clones troopers of the prequel era. In fact this is the first prequel battlepack wich does not contain any clones. They look great standing next to Palpatine in his office and you can make an Emperor arrival moc PT style. This is an above average set that you should pick up if you would like to add to your republic force with non clone elements and a neat canon. Thoughts and critiques welcomes! Also if there is any grammar mistake burning your eyes, please PM me and I will edit. Thanks for reading! Edited May 20, 2015 by Lobot Quote
JackoBoy Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Great review very insightful! I personally thought that the whole set was great, just released at an odd time. The set was released with no other sets that really related to the set. Otherwise, it's great to get a set like this for maybe a senate MOC or something? Also the idea of having one commando and 3 ordinary troopers is great! That's enough from me anyway, awesome review!! :) Edited May 20, 2015 by JackoBoy Quote
Flieger Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Thanks for the review! Other than the stud-shooters I have not much to complain about. Even the cannon can be easily modified, I think. I will try this weekend. I think it is important to say that the printing is totally different compared to the old figures. Of course they both base on the same source, so they naturally look similar, but the take on this source material is notably different. I am not sure if it is really better except for the leg printing obviously. Recently I rewatched TCW, and I noticed how many Senate Commandos there were. Even in Season 6 they could be seen fairly prominently (considering they are background characters). I like the design so I am happy we got them. While the timing of the set is indeed a bit strange, there are a few Lego sets benefitting from them: Palpatine's Office first and foremost, but also the Coruscant Police Gunship and the Mandalorian Speeder with their Blue&Grey colour schemes. If Lego had released more PT playsets like Palpatine's Arrest, there'd be more sets for them... But hey, you can build them. The biggest problem is that we don't have Senators to protect! There is a youtube review calling it the worst of the worst BPs, arguing there'd be other sets more desired (like 501st clones). But this wave has been full of exotic choices: Shadow Troopers and Geonosis Troopers are both non-canon and I personally don't care for them, although I do understand that people like them for their looks. Actually, my choice for a "better" BP instead of the Senate Commandos would be the Senate Guard: 2x TPM/AotC-style and 2x RoTS-style... and perhaps even TCW-style. Quote
Tariq j Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Excellent review, this is the only BP from this wave that I haven't acquired yet, I think this a fantasy BP and certainly one for any PT or Clone Wars fans out there. Quote
Jay_Em Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 The Captain looks beautiful with those white highlights. Quote
Lobot Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Another great review duboismerci, thanks! Poll added as requested Quote
duboismerci Posted May 20, 2015 Author Posted May 20, 2015 Great review very insightful! I personally thought that the whole set was great, just released at an odd time. The set was released with no other sets that really related to the set. Otherwise, it's great to get a set like this for maybe a senate MOC or something? Also the idea of having one commando and 3 ordinary troopers is great! That's enough from me anyway, awesome review!! :) Glad you like it! We did saw the commandos in the final Clone wars season so I think this was the last year that made sense to release this set. Thanks for the review! Other than the stud-shooters I have not much to complain about. Even the cannon can be easily modified, I think. I will try this weekend. I think it is important to say that the printing is totally different compared to the old figures. Of course they both base on the same source, so they naturally look similar, but the take on this source material is notably different. I am not sure if it is really better except for the leg printing obviously. Recently I rewatched TCW, and I noticed how many Senate Commandos there were. Even in Season 6 they could be seen fairly prominently (considering they are background characters). I like the design so I am happy we got them. While the timing of the set is indeed a bit strange, there are a few Lego sets benefitting from them: Palpatine's Office first and foremost, but also the Coruscant Police Gunship and the Mandalorian Speeder with their Blue&Grey colour schemes. If Lego had released more PT playsets like Palpatine's Arrest, there'd be more sets for them... But hey, you can build them. The biggest problem is that we don't have Senators to protect! There is a youtube review calling it the worst of the worst BPs, arguing there'd be other sets more desired (like 501st clones). But this wave has been full of exotic choices: Shadow Troopers and Geonosis Troopers are both non-canon and I personally don't care for them, although I do understand that people like them for their looks. Actually, my choice for a "better" BP instead of the Senate Commandos would be the Senate Guard: 2x TPM/AotC-style and 2x RoTS-style... and perhaps even TCW-style. You are right the printing is different. The last ones were more source accurate. They do look good with the police gunship! And we do clearly lack senators in minifigures form. I also would have prefered a 501st BP but I doesn't affect how I feel about this BP. I try to not let my personal opinion affect the score of my review. Excellent review, this is the only BP from this wave that I haven't acquired yet, I think this a fantasy BP and certainly one for any PT or Clone Wars fans out there. I think it's more a farewell to the clone wars series. We saw the commandos a few time in season 6. The Captain looks beautiful with those white highlights. He does look amazing! Another great review duboismerci, thanks! Poll added as requested Thank you! Quote
Azrielsc Posted May 21, 2015 Posted May 21, 2015 Thanks for the nice review! I have this battle pack just sitting in a cupboard because I bought it on an impulse and had no intention of opening it... until I read your review! Now I can't wait to go home and rip into it. Cheers! Quote
Flieger Posted May 21, 2015 Posted May 21, 2015 I also would have prefered a 501st BP but I doesn't affect how I feel about this BP. I try to not let my personal opinion affect the score of my review. I don't think there is anything wrong with letting personal opinion affect the review. It is about your personal feelings after all. Even though there are a few objective criteria like price-to-parts ratio, in the end we decide with our hearts. I for one like the very idea of the Senate Commandos, their design (I am a classicist - guess what I like about it! ) and how Lego recreated them. So for me personally this set is very important, especially since the previous releases were before I rediscovered Lego. While it is perfectly understandable that people want, say, a 501st BP more than the Senate Commandos, we have to remember it is not a competition. It's not like Lego had to choose between a 501st and a SC BP... at least I don't think so. I think it's more a farewell to the clone wars series. I really hope it is not, but I am afraid you are right. Perhaps between all the sequels, there will be a place for future TCW sets. Quote
Corydoras Posted May 21, 2015 Posted May 21, 2015 The captain's gun looks like a fire extinguisher... At first I was hyped for this battlepack, but as time passed I began to dislike TCW and decided not to buy it. Quote
MartinCliffe Posted May 22, 2015 Posted May 22, 2015 Nice review. I bought two of these (mirror build) plus a couple of extra commandos. Then gave one of the captains Faro Argyus hair, and swapped the guns with dbley rifles that look rather more like the guns in TCW to me. I think I've bought at least 2 of each of the last couple of runs of battle packs! Quote
Cyberfounder Posted May 22, 2015 Posted May 22, 2015 I also would have prefered a 501st BP but I doesn't affect how I feel about this BP. I try to not let my personal opinion affect the score of my review. I was really expecting a 501 BP instead of this one, but still a nice set and good review. Quote
samurai-turtle Posted May 23, 2015 Posted May 23, 2015 I think the Mini-Figures are the main reason to get this set. The "Gatlin" parts are a good second reason to get the set. I mean you could use them for "Mech" builds if you want to. Quote
duboismerci Posted May 23, 2015 Author Posted May 23, 2015 Thanks for the nice review! I have this battle pack just sitting in a cupboard because I bought it on an impulse and had no intention of opening it... until I read your review! Now I can't wait to go home and rip into it. Cheers! Have fun it's a nice little set. Nice review. I bought two of these (mirror build) plus a couple of extra commandos. Then gave one of the captains Faro Argyus hair, and swapped the guns with dbley rifles that look rather more like the guns in TCW to me. I think I've bought at least 2 of each of the last couple of runs of battle packs! Good idea to make captains Faro Argyus! I totally forgot about him. I was really expecting a 501 BP instead of this one, but still a nice set and good review. Thanks The captain's gun looks like a fire extinguisher... At first I was hyped for this battlepack, but as time passed I began to dislike TCW and decided not to buy it. This sets is devinitiveky aimed toward TCW fans. I think the Mini-Figures are the main reason to get this set. The "Gatlin" parts are a good second reason to get the set. I mean you could use them for "Mech" builds if you want to. Yes the gatlin shooter is amazing for Mocs and to play with. It does work really well! I don't think there is anything wrong with letting personal opinion affect the review. It is about your personal feelings after all. Even though there are a few objective criteria like price-to-parts ratio, in the end we decide with our hearts. It doesn't bother me to say my personal opinion in a review like "I would rather have this then that" based on my preference. But I think it's wrong if this affects the score of the set in any ways. I for one like the very idea of the Senate Commandos, their design (I am a classicist - guess what I like about it! ) and how Lego recreated them. So for me personally this set is very important, especially since the previous releases were before I rediscovered Lego. I am also glad I could had these in my army. I fell in love with them when I sam them in the show. While it is perfectly understandable that people want, say, a 501st BP more than the Senate Commandos, we have to remember it is not a competition. It's not like Lego had to choose between a 501st and a SC BP... at least I don't think so. Yes I don't think they chose between the 2. I really hope we get a 501st BP at some point. I really hope it is not, but I am afraid you are right. Perhaps between all the sequels, there will be a place for future TCW sets. I hope I am wrong. But seeing how few Rebels sets we got lately even tho the show is running is making me fear the worst. Quote
Flieger Posted May 23, 2015 Posted May 23, 2015 Yes the gatlin shooter is amazing for Mocs and to play with. It does work really well! I did modify the cannon of the BP to good effect, I think. When the sun is so kind to actually shine a bit in my country, I'll post some pictures. It is amazing how well the cannon's mechanics work when you beef up the build. I consider the build of this BP a mere sceleton for us to improve. That is the beauty of Lego. We can do it rather easily. Yes I don't think they chose between the 2. I really hope we get a 501st BP at some point. So do I! Although I do have some 501st troopers already, because they were available when I came out of my dark age. And I had to get them all. I hope I am wrong. But seeing how few Rebels sets we got lately even tho the show is running is making me fear the worst. Don't get me started on the lack of Rebels's sets! I can understand why Lego does not do more TCW sets, but Rebels is currently running and deserves a better line-up. But that is probably off topic... Quote
Flieger Posted May 24, 2015 Posted May 24, 2015 (edited) I finally took some pictures. I think the Mandalorian Speeder is a nice vehicle for the Senate Commandos when escorting a VIP. The cannon's basics are 100% unchanged. I started by removing the red parts, then added some parts here and there... and in the end, it looks more menacing (although I still need to work on the legs - I'd appreciate tips ): Edited May 24, 2015 by Flieger Quote
duboismerci Posted May 28, 2015 Author Posted May 28, 2015 I finally took some pictures. I think the Mandalorian Speeder is a nice vehicle for the Senate Commandos when escorting a VIP. The cannon's basics are 100% unchanged. I started by removing the red parts, then added some parts here and there... and in the end, it looks more menacing (although I still need to work on the legs - I'd appreciate tips ): Amazing canon. I do like the legs how they currently are. Just a question: How many parts it has? Quote
TheBrickHitHouse Posted May 28, 2015 Posted May 28, 2015 I love the Greco-Roman senate commando look. The additional printing fixes the rather under designed original versions. One criticism: the captain should have a different helmet mold, it's a shame lego couldn't spring for that, especially as we won't get another chance to get this obscure figure Quote
Flieger Posted May 29, 2015 Posted May 29, 2015 Thank you! @ duboismerci, it is around 138 parts. It could be reduced a little, though, without losing much in appearance. One criticism: the captain should have a different helmet mold, it's a shame lego couldn't spring for that, especially as we won't get another chance to get this obscure figure Well, yes, it would have been nice, but it is not a deal breaker. But they could have printed the ridge of the Captain's helmet: http://threads.rebelscum.com/photogallery/data/500/medium/IMG_09854.JPG ... and arm printing, but that is really nit picking now. Quote
BigPoppaBrick Posted May 29, 2015 Posted May 29, 2015 Picked this set up on sale today. Pretty good, love the minifigures Quote
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