The latest iteration of LEGO® Mindstorms is now in stores. To celebrate, from October 15 until November 1, 2020, spending over $100 at the LEGO® Store earns you a free mini, non-programmable version of the set. I got my hands on Mini Robots (40413) as part of my recent double VIP points haul. With time left to score your own, I figured a review was in order in case anyone is on the fence.
MINI ROBOTS SUMMARY
- NAME: Mini Robots
- SET #: 40413
- THEME: Mindstorms
- COST: Gift with purchase (approx. $24.99 CAD value)
- BRICK COUNT: 366
- RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2020
MINI ROBOTS QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 100% (It is free but would also be a great deal based on its value.)
- BUILD: 75% (Nothing spectacular, but it is not bad either.)
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- ENTERTAINMENT: 60% (I have no use for these robots, but you get nice bricks.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 78%
MINI ROBOTS REVIEW
VALUE: 100%
It is hard to beat a free set. Based on that alone, I am inclined to rate the value at 100%. However, this set has a value of $19.99 USD according to the fine print online. Sets at the price usually retail for $24.99 in Canada. As a retail set, the cost-per-brick would be $0.068. That is phenomenal. No matter how you look at it, the value-per-brick is 100%.
Mini Robots took me 49 minutes to build. Based on the value, each minute of build time costs $0.51. That is a great value, earning 96%. However, the set is a freebie. I am inclined to give it 100% here too for that reason.
BUILD: 75%
This kit comes with enough bricks to build five different robots. Each one is a smaller scale replica of the designs you can assemble and program in the actual Mindstorms Robot Inventor kit. The design and build techniques used did not blow me away. However, there is nothing wrong with any of them either. Each of the designs in the actual Mindstorms kit comes with a name. My favorite replica in this kit is the Gelo model. It reminds me of a human hunting drone I saw in a sci-fi movie once.
Otherwise, the Charlie model is also cute. It features an opening chest plate that reveals a little heart inside. The Blast model has a lot of articulation and a firing arm canon. However, its elbows are annoyingly locked. The rest of the models are uninteresting in my opinion. I find it hard to assess this set since I feel rather indifferent about it. It loses a mark for uninteresting build techniques, another for a few uninteresting models. I am sure the actual Mindstorms robots are cool, but they did not translate well to these smaller scale replicas. Finally, I will deduct another half mark for just not inspiring any positive feelings. I rate this at 7.5/10 (75%). A satisfactory mark for a merely satisfactory set.
ENTERTAINMENT: 60%
Mini Robots comes with a nice brick assortment. Additionally, the color selection is unique. As a brick box, I like this. However, as the set it is meant to be, I am less enthused. I will not keep these robots built. Instead, I will repurpose the bricks for other designs. As such, I rate the entertainment at 3/5 (60%).
OVERALL SCORE: 78%
Considering Mini Robots (40413) as the set it was meant to be, I have to say that I would not buy this. The build is as entertaining as any LEGO® set. However, I did not gain anything new from it. Additionally, I did not get a set that I want to display or keep in my LEGO® city. However, the brick assortment is fun. If you have a big set in mind that you want now, you might as well get the free pieces. However, I have seen better freebies. Black Friday and the Christmas season usually bring a couple of fun gifts. So, if you are on a budget and can stand to wait, better freebies will eventually come. What are your thoughts on the Mini Robots gift with purchase? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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