The True North Bricks pre-release reviews continue today with Thor Mech Armor (76169). Yesterday, we looked at Captain America Mech Armor. The Captain America variant is a fun set with lots of play potential. Additionally, collectors will enjoy the relatively inexpensive way to acquire a nice Captain America Minifigure. My initial impression of Thor Mech Armor is the same. While I already have a Thor Minifigure, mine did not include his helmet. Let us see if my preliminary analysis holds up.
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here to learn more) and provide my honest opinion.
THOR MECH ARMOR SUMMARY
- NAME: Thor Mech Armor
- SET #: 76169
- THEME: Marvel Superheroes
- COST: $13.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 139
- MINIFIGURES: 1
- RELEASE DATE: January 1, 2021
THOR MECH ARMOR QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 96% (Excellent cost-per-brick and amazing build-time for the price.)
- BUILD: 85% (Nicely articulated mech with only minor contentious issues, like stickers.)
- MINIFIGURES: 81% (Good Minifigure and brick-to-fig ratio, but could use more detail.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (Great playability, but not much display potential.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 88%
THOR MECH ARMOR (76169) REVIEW
VALUE: 96%
Thor Mech Armor costs $13.99 in Canada. Additionally, the kit contains 139 pieces. Based on that information, the cost-per-brick for this set is $0.101. Comparatively, my average cost-per-brick is $0.14. Therefore, this set represents a good value in terms of the brick count. I rate it at 93% in this category. On top of that, for a set of this size you get a good about of build time. I assembled the mech in 31 minutes. Consequently, at full price the cost-per-minute is $0.45. My average is currently $0.83. Therefore, I rate the build-time value at 99%. Averaging these two scores gives an overall value rating of 96%.
BUILD: 85%
Like Captain America Mech Armor, the Thor variant features a lot of articulation. As such, the set has a lot of play potential. It does not stray far from the tried-and-tested mini-mech formula though in terms of build techniques. Also, unlike Captain America’s mech, this one features stickers. While the main chest plate is printed, there are stickers for the hammer and belt. I left off the stickers on the hammer because I felt they were not necessary and would tarnish bricks I plan to repurpose. Finally, the feet on this mech are not the best design in my opinion. I had the same issue with Captain America’s mech. In the end, the design is nice with some minor issues for a discerning AFOL. I rate it at 85%.
MINIFIGURES: 81%
As the name suggests, Thor Mech Armor includes a Thor Minifigure. He features a nice helmet, double-sided facial expressions, and dual sided torso printing. However, his legs are plain grey. Additionally, he does not come with a cape. I found that mildly disappointing. Despite that, I appreciate that the cape print on the front of the torso continues on the back as a sort of scarf or shawl. His only accessory is the trademark hammer. I rate this design at 12/15 (80%). However, it is worth mentioning that one Minifigure in a 139-piece kit presents a good brick-to-fig ratio. Considering that my average ratio is 144:1, this set earns 81% in this category. Averaging these two scores yields an overall Minifigure score of 81%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
Like Captain America Mech Armor, I maintain that this set is kid oriented. Given the articulation of the mech, kids will get a lot of play out of this. As such, I award a KFOL score of 100%. The detailing on the mech is not enough for adult fans to display though, at least not in my opinion. However, AFOL superhero fans will enjoy the Thor Minifigure. Additionally, the set’s low price point makes the Minifigure easy to acquire. Still, I enjoyed building and photographing the mech, so I rate the AFOL score at 80%. Overall, that gives this set an entertainment score of 90%.
OVERALL SCORE: 88%
Thor Mech Armor (76169) is a great playset. It comes at a good price point both in terms of brick count and the amount of the build time that you get. Additionally, the price is appealing to Minifigure collectors who want the Thor character without having to pay more for a big set. My main issue with this set is the detailing on Thor. I wish he had a cape and some leg printing. Otherwise, the set is a solid purchase for AFOL and KFOL superhero fans alike. What do you think? Comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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