My pre-release reviews of the January 2021 Marvel Superheroes sets continue today with a look at Miles Morales Mech Armor (76171). There was a time when I did not own a Spider-Man Minifigure. Incidentally, I bought a key chain and converted it into a Minifigure just to have one. Historically, I have not collected Marvel sets. That decision was purely budgetary when I was emerging from my LEGO® dark age. However, I have always loved the characters. Consequently, I am thrilled to have several Spider-Man minifigs today. Additionally, I now have the Miles Morales character, which is awesome. He has appeared in two sets before now, but I missed both. However, this kit represents a cheaper way to get the character.
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.
MILES MORALES MECH ARMOR SUMMARY
- NAME: Miles Morales Mech Armor
- SET #: 76171
- THEME: Marvel Superheroes
- COST: $13.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 125
- MINIFIGURES: 1
- RELEASE DATE: January 1, 2021
MILES MORALES MECH ARMOR QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 93% (Better than average cost-per-brick and build-time value.)
- BUILD: 80% (Fun, but not very original in terms of design.)
- MINIFIGURES: 92% (Amazing Minifigure, good brick-to-fig ratio.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (The mech is more for kids, but all superhero fans will like Miles.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 89%
MILES MORALES MECH ARMOR REVIEW
VALUE: 93%
As with the Captain America and Thor mechs, this set costs $13.99 in Canada. Also, the kit contains 125 pieces. Consequently, the cost-per-brick is $0.112. By comparison, my average cost-per-brick is $0.14. Therefore, bricks in the Miles Morales Mech Armor kit come at a particularly good value that earns a score of 90%. Additionally, the build time relative to the size of the kit nothing to scoff at. I assembled this set in 26 minutes. Therefore, at full price, the cost-per-minute of build time is $0.54. On average, a minute of build time usually costs me $0.84. In this case, the build time value earns 95%. Averaging these two scores gives an overall value grade of 93%.
BUILD: 80%
Like Captain America’s and Thor’s mechs, this one does not stray far from the standard mini-mech mold. They are all akin to the Mr. Freeze Ice Attack mech, and even Monkie Kid’s mech from the Monkie Kid’s Team Secret HQ set. In truth, I wanted to see a little more diversity from this mech. There are so many interesting avenues to take with a spider-mech that you cannot take with Captain America or Thor. Additionally, I dislike the feet on this design even more than the other two. Overall, I do not hate this mech. It features a lot of articulation and has no stickers. However, I find myself wishing it showed a little more originality. I rate the build at 80% in this case.
MINIFIGURES: 92%
The whole reason that I want this set is for Miles Morales. This Minifigure is awesome. He has face print as well as a web pattern on the back of his head. Additionally, there is a hoodie printed over his costume on the torso, and a hood piece to go over his head. One of my issues with Thor and Captain America was the lack of leg printing. However, Miles comes with two-toned legs. As if all of that were not enough, he also has nine web pieces to sling around your LEGO® town. In terms of design, Miles Morales is a solid 100%.
For a kit this size, including one Minifigure is good. The brick-to-fig ratio is 125:1. Comparatively, my average is 144:1. Therefore, this set is better than average and earns 84%. Averaging this score with the design score gives Miles Morales Mech Armor a total Minifigure grade of 92%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
I have now reviewed all three of the January 2021 Marvel mech sets. My opinion of them remains consistent. As a kid’s playset, each of these is awesome. The mechs are well articulated and present great play opportunities. As an adult collector and superhero fan, I am less thrilled about the mech. However, the Minifigure is phenomenal and comes at a great price. I maintain an entertainment score of 90%, like the Captain America and Thor sets.
OVERALL SCORE: 89%
All the new Marvel mech sets come at an excellent value. Consequently, each presents a cheap way to acquire some nice Minifigures. Of those Minifigures, Miles Morales is the most detailed, and has the most accessories. However, from an AFOL perspective, this mech is not very imaginative. It sticks to a tried formula when it could have employed a more unique, spider-themed design. Nonetheless, the set is a great purchase for all superhero fans. What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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