109 francs for a few figures? This Lego set is a bad joke
Lego has done it again: an overpriced Marvel set that looks more like a figure pack than a real Lego set. With uninspired scenery, recycled minifigures and an absurd price, Lego proves once again that fans are only seen as a source of money, in my opinion.
109 francs for 621 parts. What does Lego offer in return? An epic diorama from Endgame, an impressive display set or at least a cool game set? Nope. Instead you get a lovelessly cobbled-together ruin with a few explosion effects and an embarrassing Ant Man mech. Welcome to the most expensive minifigure package of the year.
An uninspired structure and questionable design decisions
In my view, the set’s central backdrop is an uninspired collection of Lego bricks that’s supposed to represent some kind of destroyed scenery. Iconic elements from the film scene are missing, making it hardly recognisable and more like a generic ruin. What’s more, the structure is made up of simple, repetitive building blocks, which lack any sophistication or hidden detail. Functional game mechanics are also virtually non-existent. Apart from a few explosion effects, there aren’t any interactive elements to enhance the set.
Source: Lego
Another pain in the brick is the so-called Ant Man mech. Instead of an impressive, buildable Giant Man figure, you just get a clumsy construction. The proportions appear unbalanced and the design seems carelessly thrown together. Not even striking details or a harmonious colour scheme enhance the model. Overall, the mech seems like a half-hearted makeshift solution that bears no relation to the film scene. A real Giant Man figure would’ve added a lot more value to the set. But that would probably have made the already high price even more eye-watering.
Minifigures: little innovation, lots of recycling
The core of the set should be the minifigures. But this is another example of how little effort Lego is making. Many of the figures included have already appeared in other sets, some with better print details. Iron Man is now available in more variants than an iPhone, but Lego has once again managed to make him look boring. What about the Scarlet Witch? A step backwards. Black Panther? Nothing special. Where’s Thor? Where’s Hawkeye? Why do we get a generic Chitauri instead? This selection is as loveless as the rest of the set.
Source: Lego
But the problem isn’t limited to this set. In fact, it’s more representative of a general trend at Lego. Licensed products are increasingly dominating the range, with exclusive minifigures serving as a selling point, while the build value often appears to be of secondary importance. It’s such a shame that this strategy is moving Lego further and further away from its creative roots. In the past, the focus was on building sets that encouraged imagination and construction. These days, it seems to be primarily about making the maximum profit from well-known franchises through minifigures.
Source: Lego
This trend can also be seen in other series. Star Wars battle packs often consist of minimally modified figures with hardly any real innovations. High-priced Harry Potter collector’s sets entice customers with exclusive characters, while the actual building aspect is increasingly becoming a minor point. Even in the Speed Champions series, Lego is relying more on licensed models, which are often costlier than comparable in-house creations. As a result, the company is continuing to lose the balance between collector’s value and creative building fun – a development that frustrates long-time fans like me.
Verdict: a set that nobody needs
The Avengers: Endgame Final Battle set is a prime example of what Lego is doing wrong. An uninspired build, recycled minifigures, questionable design decisions and a completely inflated price make it one of the most disappointing Marvel sets of recent years. Anyone who spends 109 francs on a couple of minifigures with boring accessories will ask themselves when putting it together, if not before, why they bought it in the first place.
Header image: Lego
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Riding my motorbike makes me feel free, fishing brings out my inner hunter, using my camera gets me creative. I make my money messing around with toys all day.
