Going Rogue with Star Wars Rogue One's Force Friday LEGO offerings

Last year during the Force Awakens Force Friday push, @Fcbarcelona101 wrote about the new LEGO offerings. I wanted to take a quick look at the new offerings for the new Star Wars prequel Rogue One: A Star Wars story. Oh yeah, that's right, it is a prequel. I know that a lot of people don't want to hear that word associated with Star Wars, but it is what it is.

The first thing I would like to discuss are the Constractions or constructible action figures. There are 3 of them for the Rogue One release. As far as it goes, I'm not convinced of the long term viability of these The first series has started to disappear from shelves, but I don't think it's due to demand. On the other hand, I have seen my kids get really excited for these, so there issome market for them. I just don't think of them as being worth the time or space needed to let them mature. All of the figures in this line are $24.99, which is actually $5 more than the base figures of the same type from last year.

The first offering is the hero Sergeant Jyn Erso figure 75119.

Help the Rebel Alliance take on the Empire with this buildable and highly posable Jyn Erso figure. Featuring a blaster rifle with spring-loaded shooter, wheel-operated arm-swinging battle function, and detachable back-mounted truncheons, this durable figure is just the thing for recreating intense battles from the movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.

• Buildable and highly posable Jyn Erso figure features a blaster rifle with shooting function, an arm-swinging battle function and detachable back-mounted truncheons.
• Load the blaster rifle and fire the spring-loaded shooter.
• Place the truncheons in Jyn's hands and turn the wheel to take a swing at the enemy.
• Move the limbs into any battle pose.
• Sturdy and durable design for intense action play.
• Play out exciting hand-to-hand battles with this skilled soldier from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• This figure offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 7-14.
• Figure stands over 9” (24cm) tall.

First of all, does it bother anyone else that they are calling it a blockbuster 3 months before it's been released? Anyway, as the hero, I am sure that there will be some demand, but the human figures from this line always look a bit questionable. It has inherent action features which seem to limit poseability because the wheel to create the swinging arms doesn't keep them rigid enough to display with arms up. I am sure it could be modified, but why bother? It's never really going to look more human.

Next is the Imperial Assassin Droid with the heart of gold K-2SO 75120

Infiltrate the Empire with buildable and highly posable K-2SO. This former Imperial security droid features a single/double-arm-swinging battle function, tough-looking decorated head and armor elements, and is extra tall for an even more impressive figure. This durable droid is perfect for dangerous missions against the Empire.

• Buildable and highly posable K-2SO figure features single/double-arm-swinging battle function, tough-looking decorated head and armor elements, and an extra-tall frame.
• Activate the single/double-arm-swinging battle function.
• Enter battle with this ominous looking buildable figure.
• Move the limbs into any battle pose.
• Sturdy and durable design for intense action play.
• Play out exciting hand-to-hand combat with this exciting droid from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• This figure offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 9-14.
• Figure stands over 11” (29cm) tall.

If there's one character from this movie that fits this style, it's K-2SO. Like General Grievous from last year, the odd angular, skinny limbs serve to enhance instead of detract, like with the human figures. If there is a winner to be found here, it's him. I guess it will all sort of depend upon the reception of the character once the movie is out in theaters.

The final constructible figure is the Imperial Death Trooper 75121

Defend the Empire’s elite with this buildable and highly posable Death Trooper figure. Featuring a blaster rifle with spring-loaded shooter, blaster pistol with holster and imposing decorated armor elements including a pauldron with attachable ammo pouches, this durable Death Trooper is ready for action.

• Buildable and highly posable Death Trooper figure features a blaster rifle with spring-loaded shooter, blaster pistol with holster and imposing decorated armor elements.
• Load the blaster rifle and fire the spring-loaded shooter.
• Unholster the blaster pistol and get ready for battle.
• Move the limbs into any battle pose.
• Sturdy and durable design for intense action play.
• Recreate amazing battles with this menacing character from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• This figure offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14.
• Figure stands over 10” (26cm) tall.

The armored figures are more excusable than the human figures. Angular plates can be excused for angular armor plates, but it's still kind of awkward to see weird ball joints and gaps. I think that this one will have larger appeal than Jyn, just because some people will want more than 1. Will that translate into greater demand post retirement? I feel like that's not going to materialize in a truly meaningful way.

With the Constraction distractions out of the way, let's take a look at the system scale offerings. In my opinion, if anything is going to hold future gold, it will be in this selection. Minifigure collectorsthat want all of the named characters will need to get almost all of the offerings. The ragtag Rebel crew is scattered across 4 of the 5 Rogue One sets. Unlike the Force Awakens sets from 2015, the majority of these new sets have predominately original designs.

Imperial Assault Hovertank 75152 which retails for $29.99

Help Chirrut battle the troopers patrolling the streets in their Imperial Assault Hovertank. With a rotating and elevating turret gun with dual spring-loaded shooters, elevating side guns, opening two-minifigure cockpit, storage container and ‘hover-look’ transparent wheels, the Imperial Assault Hovertank is the ultimate urban patrol vehicle. Includes 3 minifigures.

• Includes 3 minifigures: Chirrut Îmwe with his fabric cloak and 2 Imperial Hovertank Pilots.
• Features heavy-armor detailing, transparent wheels, rotating and elevating turret gun with dual spring-loaded shooters, storage container and opening two-minifigure cockpit and elevating side guns.
• Fire the spring-loaded shooters to repel the rebels.
• Give it a push and see it “hover” across the floor.
• Weapons include a bow, staff and 2 blasters.
• Also includes electrobinculars
• Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection.
• This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-12.
• Measures over 3” (8cm) high, 7” (20cm) long and 5” (14cm) wide.

This is a boxy little vessel. It's going to be the most common buy for kids who are receiving Rogue One sets for Christmas this year. I'd expect grandparents who know nothing about Star Wars to pick this one up because it is the cheapest. Depending upon how interesting or popular Donny Yen's character is, this may be a prize winner. If nothing else, 2 new troopers will make army builders happy.

AT-ST Walker 75153 which retails for $39.99

Join the hunt for rebels aboard the AT-ST Walker, featuring posable legs, wheel-activated turning top section, opening cockpit and top hatch revealing a detailed minifigure interior, dual spring-loaded shooters and elevating guns at the front. Includes 3 minifigures.

• Includes 3 minifigures: an AT-ST Driver, Baze Malbus with his heavy blaster and a Rebel Trooper
• Features posable legs, wheel-activated turning top section, opening cockpit and top hatch, detailed minifigure interior, dual spring-loaded shooters and elevating front guns.
• Weapons include a blaster pistol, blaster rifle and Baze's heavy blaster.
• Accessory elements include Baze's backpack and the Rebel Trooper's helmet.
• Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection.
• This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14.
• Measures over 9” (24cm) high, 6” (16cm) long and 5” (13cm) wide.

The last time that a system scale AT-ST walker was released was 2007's 7657. Fans of Endor and those with the Ewok Village have been wondering when this classic vehicle would again appear. Of all thesets, this will have the most immediate demand from Original Trilogy fans that want to complete scenes. This set could easily go with Assault on Hoth or Ewok VIllage. Of course, it's also going to fit into Rogue One collections. Strangely, Wal-Mart reduced the cost on this set to $32.83 and Amazon and Target quickly matched them. THis makes an already anticipated set, even more in demand.

TIE Striker 75154 which retails for $69.99

Play out iconic sky battles with the amazing TIE Striker. With large adjustable wings, minifigure cockpit with top and front access, an opening rear storage hold and dual spring-loaded shooters at the front, this amazing model is the perfect opponent for any rebel starfighter. Includes 4 minifigures.

• Includes 4 minifigures: TIE Pilot, Imperial ground crew, Imperial Shoretrooper and a Rebel Trooper in Endor outfit.
• Features large adjustable wings, a minifigure cockpit with top and front access, opening rear storage hold and dual spring-loaded shooters.
• Weapons include a blaster pistol, blaster rifle and a double-barreled blaster (E-22).
• Accessory elements include electrobinoculars and a comlink.
• Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection.
• This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14.
• Measures over 2” (6cm) high, 16” (41cm) long and 9” (24cm) wide.

What a strange looking TIE Fighter. I'm not really a fan of this design. This set has no named characters, so it will either be popular as an army builder or unpopular because none of the characters are hard to find. I feel like it's a bit expensive. I'm not a fan of ground crew in sets, because honestly, who wants to play with a guy that refuels the starfighters?

Rebel U-Wing Fighter 75155 Which retails for $79.99

The amazing U-Wing Fighter has all the details you would expect from an authentic Star Wars model, including 4 big engines, an opening minifigure cockpit with transparent lower observation window, opening side doors with pull-out stud shooters, dual spring-loaded shooters at the front, rear storage hold and huge wings that sweep back to create an even bigger model. Includes 5 minifigures.

• Includes 5 minifigures: a U-wing Pilot, Bistan, Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor and a Rebel Trooper.
• Features 4 big engines, an opening minifigure cockpit with transparent lower observation window, opening side doors with pull-out stud shooters, front spring-loaded shooters, rear storage hold and huge sweep-back wings.
• Weapons include 3 blasters and 2 blaster pistols.
• Also includes extra ammo.
• Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection.
• This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14.
• Measures over 3” (10cm) high, 17” (44cm) long and 7” (20cm) wide with wings closed, and over 14” (38cm) long and 25” (64cm) wide with wings open.

THis set appeals to me, but it also leaves me a bit cold. There are aspects of it that hit on the parts of my brain that were formed in the late 70's/early 80's. I think it's because it reminds me a bit of Buck Rogers in the 25th century. The ships in that show were designed by Ralph McQuarrie who also did preliminary designs of all of the original Star Wars ships. This ship does seem to fit in with the aesthetic of A New Hope. However I prefer starfighters and this appears to be a troop ship. THis set does have the main character Jyn Erso, and I love the blue flight suit for the pilot. The addition of another alien head mold and another main character will also buoy this set up. I think this ship will be pretty well sought after in the future, as long as it has a significant presence in the film. I doubt this is the last time that we're going to see a Jyn minifigure though, so don't bank all your money on her presence.

Krennic's Imperial Shuttle 75156  which retails for $89.99

Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle is an intimidating Imperial starship. Featuring huge folding wings and opening front and side panels, this amazing model also has an opening minifigure cockpit, detailed hold with seating for 4 minifigures, a rear ramp with blaster storage, dual spring-loaded shooters and retractable landing skids. Recreate epic space battles from the epic movie, Star Wars: Rogue One, or create your own. Includes 5 minifigures plus a Droid.

• Includes 5 minifigures: Pao, Director Krennic, Bodhi Rook and 2 Imperial Death Troopers, plus a K-2SO.
• Features huge folding wings, opening front and side armored panels, opening minifigure cockpit, seating in the hold for 4 minifigures, rear ramp with storage, dual spring-loaded shooters and retractable landing skids.
• Weapons include 2 blasters for the Imperial Death Troopers, Krennic's blaster, Bodhi's blaster pistol and Pao's blaster rifle.
• Accessory elements include special combatbackpacks.
• Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
• The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection.
• This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 9-14.
• Measures over 17” (45cm) high, 9” (25cm) long and 22” (56cm) wide in flying mode, and over 12” (33cm) high, and 7” (18cm) wide in landing mode.

This set seemed to have the highest degree of pre-release hype for an original design. While the AT-ST was more anticipated by long time fans of the series, the villain's ship seemed to garner a fair proportion of discussion. With the inclusion of 2 Death Troopers or so many named characters, there are many reasons for minifigure fans to buy this set. Many have spoken of how this set hits the right notes that Kylo Ren's Command shuttle failed at last year. With this being the highest price point of the Rogue One labeled vehicles, it's going to be a purchase that will be made for holidays or birthdays. To me, the design is a little uninspired, but it is better than Kylo Ren's shuttle at least.

The Death Star 75159 closes out this list. The retail price of this monstrosity is $499.99.

Reenact amazing scenes from the Star Wars saga with the Empire’s ultimate planet-zapping weapon—the Death Star! With over 4,000 pieces, this fantastic model has a galaxy of intricate and authentic environments, including a superlaser control room, Imperial conference chamber, hangar bay with moving launch rack and Lord Vader’s TIE Advanced with space for Vader inside, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Droid maintenance room, detention block, trash compactor, tractor beam, cargo area, turbo laser with spring-loaded shooters and seats for the 2 Death Star Gunners, and 2 movable turbo laser towers. This fantastic set also includes 23 iconic minifigures and 2 Droids to ensure hours of Star Wars battle fun.

• Includes 23 minifigures: Grand Moff Tarkin, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Imperial Navy Officer, Imperial Officer, 2 Stormtroopers, 2 Death Star Troopers, 2 Emperor's Royal Guards, 2 Death Star Gunners, Death Star Droid, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, C-3PO, Han Solo, Han Solo (disguise), Luke Skywalker (Tatooine), Luke Skywalker (disguise) and Luke Skywalker (final duel), plus R2-D2, an Imperial Astromech and a Dianoga trash compactor monster.
• Features a superlaser control room, Imperial conference chamber, hangar bay with moving launch rack and detachable TIE Advanced with space for Lord Vader inside, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Droid maintenance room, detention block, trash compactor, tractor beam, cargo area, turbo laser with spring-loaded shooters and seats for the 2 Death Star gunners, and 2 movable turbo laser towers.
• Weapons include 3 Lightsabers, 4 blasters, 3 blaster pistols, 4 blaster rifles, 2 force pikes, 2 Force Lightning elements and a bowcaster.
• Load up and fire the turbo laser’s spring-loaded shooters to keep the rebels at bay.
• Maneuver Lord Vader’s TIE Advanced into position and prepare for launch.
• Battle the Royal Guard in the throne room and then take on Palpatine himself!
• Help Leia escape from the detention block and swing to safety with Luke across the chasm!
• Will Obi-Wan shut down the tractor beam and help the rebels defeat the Empire?
• Can you spot the Dianoga trash compactor monster?
• Recreate other unforgettable scenes from the classic Star Wars films.
• The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection.
• This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 14 and over.
• Measures over 16” (41cm) high, and 16” (42cm) wide.

Technically, this set is not a part of the Rogue One line up. However, the official launch was slated for the same day, and a lot of the plot of Rogue One seems to indicate a connection with this battlestation. What can one say that hasn't been said about this set many times before? I for one was never convinced of the long term viability of 10188. I felt like it had been released for far too long, and this set has put the nail in its coffin. I would think that all of the back stock of 10188 will serve to keep prices for this set down as well. This set will probably remain a flagship of LEGO Star Wars for more years to come, so proceed with caution.

For promotions, LEGO offered Darth Revan and after he ran out Admiral Yularen. If the Admiral's value wasn't already in the toilet, I'd say you'd start having a hard time selling it. Although, I think customizers will have more interest in using him to make a Thrawn figure now that he's on Rebels. Poor Revan's going to sink and his value's probably going to exist at about 50% of previously at best.

Toys R Us was offering the First Order Officer minifigure. I don't know that there was a ton of demand for him before, but expect it to be severely reduced now.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, I think it's a nice selection of sets. I regret that there are none of the smaller impulse buy sets like last year's Rey's Speeder or a battle pack. The inclusion of mains in most of the sets and the lack of duplication of minifigures will make buyers need to buy multiple sets or a package of all the sets in order to get all the characters that they want. The hype of a new Star Wars movie will be there, but will not be as big as that for The Force Awakens. Just the fact that there's already been a full year of new Star Wars will damp down enthusiasms. Unless this film is bad, we'll probably see better gains on these that TFA,because I just think there will be less of it.

I think that the Shuttle and the U-Wing are going to be the premium sets from this line, but the AT-ST will be the fastest seller on the aftermarket. With the fact that Disney is making a new Star Wars film every year, the companies that license the Star Wars brand will be constantly releasing new sets to keep up. Who knows when/if all of these sets will be remade. We may see reissues down the road, but I feel like it's going to be on a slightly longer timeline. Unless they make a sequel to this prequel, some of these will be thin on the ground in a couple years. That all sounds somewhat positive, but the glut of new Star Wars products may quickly cause people to forget these sets. The best you can hope for is the announcement that some of these characters or ships are appearing in Rebels or a future spinoff.

I look forward to building a few of these and writing reviews. Until then, "May the bricks be with you."