[REVIEW] 2111 - Kai
My son and I caught the Cartoon Network Ninjago episodes on Saturday. What did we find at Wal-mart on Sunday? Why, a giant Ninjago display! I was interested in this line, not only for the ninja minifigs, but also for the potential with the mini-game. Onto the review. . .
Set Details
2111 -- Kai
Pieces = 19
Minifigures = 1
MSRP = $9.99
Price per piece = 53 cents/piece
(not a typo!!)Package
The packaging is relatively unique for LEGO as Kai and the other solo minifigure sets are in a cardboard-backed blister pack. The packaging is very similar to action figures or other collectible battle games currently on the market (i.e. Bakugan).
The colors are bright and vibrant. The art is very similar to the animated images from the aforementioned cartoon episodes. The rear of the cardboard backing shows other blister packs released in this wave, along with “blacked out” shadow images of future releases.
Opening the Package & Contents
The blister pack opens up and has four components. The minifigure and weapons are in a poly-seal bag. The spinning top is loose. The instructions are folded into a little packet and the battle cards are wrapped in cellophane. The top is nicely weighted and the flames are screened directly onto the surface of the top.
The ninja in this set, Kai, comes with a red ninja hood and three weapons. One of the weapons is a special gold sword which has importance in the associated game.
The minifigure only has torso printing on the front. The back of the minifig is plain. The head is also printed on just one side. Although no minifigure expert, the plastic of the torso and legs felt like a cheaper, lighter version of the normal minifig material.
The instruction packet has a brief guide on how to assemble the minifigure. The remainder of the fold-out document is dedicated to showing how to attach and spin the minifigure, as well as rules for the associated gameplay.
A close up of the instruction book shows the basic premise of the game.
The included cards are good quality with vibrant colors and art. This set came with one ninja ID card (for Kai) and several action cards.
Here is a closeup of Kai’s ninja card as well as one of the action cards. Players form decks from these cards. In order to play the card, you consult your ninja’s respective power to see if it is high enough to use the card.
Kai fits nicely into the spinning disc.
The goal of the mini-game is, by using weapons & card effects, to knock your spinning opponent off of their stand. The top spins very well once it is going, however this can be problematic for children. The temptation is to spin everything by the top (which is the minifigure). Often though, this displaces the minifigure.
The individual ninjas also need some kind of battle arena to ensure they meet in deadly battle. The $20 starter set includes one, as do a few of the more expensive sets. You can most likely build one out of your parts bin.
The game is fun for short periods of time. The cards to add some variety to the game, but with only four action cards per pack, it is pricey to add to the collection.
Pro’s
Novel playability for a LEGO product (although certainly not unique)
Welcome reintroduction of ninja theme
Spinning tops are nice
Con’s
Cost!
No spinning mechanism for top
Limited variation in game with only five cards per pack
Lack of extra features for minifig
Final Thoughts
I’m torn on this set. I was looking forward to this line and the idea of a LEGO collectible minifig game. The execution of the design certainly creates an accessible game that children (and AFOL) of nearly all ages can grasp and enjoy. That said, the cons here are numerous. I could have picked up a Star Wars battlepack or another LEGO set for the same $10. For the price point, I would have expected a torso that was printed on both sides, a second face option on the back of the head and possibly the inclusion of a hair piece for when he wasn’t wearing a hood.
Overall, I like the look of Ninjago but will probably hold off on collecting any more until there is a sale or markdown. I just can’t justify the pricepoint, even for a product that is a little different than other LEGO’s.