Review: LEGO Ninjago 71761 Zane's Power-Up-Mech EVO

We are finishing the cycle of reviews of the 2022 novelties of the LEGO Ninjago range, in any case the references that LEGO has kindly sent, with the set 71761 Zane's Power-Up-Mech EVO. 95 pieces in the box, two minifigs and a public price set at 9.99 €, this little set probably does not deserve that we spend hours on it. It is a question here of assembling a mech for Zane, the young ninja being faced with one of the enemies of this "timeless" wave planned for the first half of 2022.

The mech to build here is similar to Kai's delivered in the set 71767 Ninja Dojo Temple, it makes use of the new fixed part which symbolizes the joints on different models. The Ball Seals integrated on the hips, shoulders, hands and feet still allow some interesting poses and this product is probably the ideal complement to boxes with more substantial content. Once the point of balance is found in focntion of the orientation of the torso and the arms, the mech remains very stable on its legs and does not tip over. This is undoubtedly a detail, but this is not the case with all the LEGO mini-mechs marketed so far.

The title of the product takes the mention EVO, seen on other boxes of this first wave 2022, with the promise of a progression in the dressing of the mech which would pass from the simple "companion" stage of Zane to that of weapon ultimate in the service of the young ninja. As I said before, this concept is a bit artificial, the mech appearing a bit gaunt without all the decorative attributes provided, in this case the few golden pieces provided and the belly plate.

No stickers in this small box, all patterned elements are pad printed. The pretty collectible banner is only available in this box, the other seven are distributed among the different products of the range. The big Shuriken in trans blue is identical to the one seen in 2019 in the set 70673 Shuricopter.

Two minifigs are provided in this small box sold for € 9.99 and this set is the best option to get Zane if you don't want to spend the € 84.99 requested by LEGO for the set. 71765 Ultra Combo Ninja Mech or the 39.99 € necessary to afford the extension 71764 Ninja Training Center. Like his acolytes, Zane is dressed in a pretty new kimono with a sober design that I find really very successful. The character's head and hair are elements already seen in many other sets. We will also remember that the wicked cobra is equipped with the new version with a more modern look of the Stud Shooter Manuel.

In short, this affordable little box will make a nice economical gift and it will be within the pocket money of the youngest fans. From a more global point of view, this first wave 2022 of products in the LEGO Ninjago range probably does not reinvent the concept but it puts products with a very "generic" atmosphere within the reach of those who land in this universe. and who do not want or cannot break the bank in the secondary market. A temple, a few dragons, several mechs, a car, everything is there to fully enter this range while waiting for products based on the future seasons of the animated series.

Note: The set presented here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at 5th January 2022 next at 23pm.

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.