Review: LEGO Star Wars 75288 AT-AT

We stay in the LEGO Star Wars universe and today we quickly go around the set 75288AT-AT marketed since August 1 at the public price of € 159.99. In this big box of 1267 pieces, we find what to assemble a new version of the imperial quadripod which takes a scrape during the Battle of Hoth and a handful of minifigs.

For those who land in the LEGO hobby and more particularly in the Star Wars range, know that this is not the first version of the AT-AT that the manufacturer offers us. From 2003, the set 4483AT-AT allowed us to obtain a first very approximate interpretation of the machine, followed in 2007 by the set 10178 Motorized Walking AT-AT, then the reference 8129 AT-AT Walker in 2010 and finally the set 75054AT-AT in 2014.

This new version, which will end up on the shelves of a whole generation of fans before LEGO decides to put the cover back, is not free from flaws but it at least has the merit of being more or less faithful in terms of proportions. . It also offers a certain playability even if one gets annoyed quickly when one tries to make him take poses a little more daring than the traditional shift of legs to make as if the machine "walks". This AT-AT is however relatively stable, even if it trembles a little on its four legs and nods of the head at the slightest contact.

In terms of the internal structure, no big surprise with a frame mixing classic bricks and Technic elements including two Frames black already seen in sets 42110 Land Rover Defender , 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 et 42114 6x6 Volvo Articulated Hauler. The four legs also make intensive use of Technic beams onto which are then grafted sub-assemblies which dress the exterior face. The interior of the legs, however, remains in "visible beams". The Technic elements which ensure the articulation of the legs at the knees and at the level of the cabin allow some flexions but we must be careful not to go too frankly, the legs yielding easily under the weight of the rest of the machine.

The exterior cladding of this AT-AT boils down to a few stacking and other variations between stud plates and Tiles, it is sufficient without being ultra-detailed. No stickers in this box, but no pad printing either on each Dish which covers a joint or on the movable panels of the hold. The angles of the various elements of the body of the quadripod seem to me to be relatively faithful to those of the version seen on the screen, the overall aesthetic is very correct. We regret once again that a few blue pines remain visible under the main cabin and it will also be necessary to be content with some rather approximate adjustments between the various panels to be clipped to cover the internal structure.

The head of the AT-AT is connected to the body of the machine by a Technic beam on which we slide a purely decorative sub-assembly composed of three Technic steering wheels. It's original if not realistic, we visually have more the impression of dealing with a spring than anything else. The cockpit can accommodate the two pilots and General Veers. The three minifigs fit perfectly between the different panels and trying to fit them correctly can quickly get annoying if you have big fingers.

Under the head, there are two Spring-Shooters very well integrated and easily removable so that all those who are allergic to these elements of playability are reassured. Too bad the top cover is a little too short to completely cover the head rotation mechanism.

At the rear, the AT-AT's body is fitted with five seats that allow for at least the two supplied Snowtroopers to be fitted, and more if your collection allows. We slip the inevitable little one speeder bike imperial from the rear of the machine on a specially designed rail and we store the E-Web blaster provided on the hook next to the row which has two seats. The layout of the hold is fairly basic, but it is all the easier to install troops there without having to get upset.

The main feature of the product is the winch with its cable which crosses the cabin and which allows Luke Skywalker to be suspended under the quadrupod as if he had just launched his grapple. A wheel placed just behind the cockpit allows you to unwind the supplied sewing string. This winch doesn't exist in the movie, but its presence at least allows Luke to be portrayed in a position known to all fans. A small access hatch is also provided on the belly of the machine so that Luke can pretend to cut the cabin and can throw the grenade he is holding in his hand.

As for the assortment of minifigs, the cockpit is full with two pilots and General Veers but this is minimum service for lambdas troops: You have to be content with two Snowtroopers and you will therefore have to call on your inventory. to fill the AT-AT hold.

The two AT-AT pilots and General Veers are new and they should logically remain exclusive to this box. LEGO finally provides us with a helmet with pad-printed glasses for Veers, it's about time. The pad prints are perfect, nothing to say.

Luke Skywalker's minifig is an assembly of elements already available in many other sets in the range, it is nothing new.

The Snowtroopers are those already seen in the sets 75239 Action Battle Hoth Generator Attack, 75241 Action Battle Echo Base Defense in 2019 then in the set 75268 Snowspeeder in 2020. LEGO makes the effort to provide them with different heads, like the two pilots.

In short, difficult to be categorical on the fact that this AT-AT is the most successful of all those marketed by LEGO so far: Each will have a particular relationship with the different sets concerned depending on the time at which he was able get the box in question and we always develop a particular affect with the big sets that we manage to offer or be offered during their young years. Personally, the set 10178 Motorized Walking AT-AT remains my favorite because it brought what these toys lack: the ability to move around.

One thing is certain, this AT-AT is not missed and it should satisfy all those who waited to be able to add the machine to their collections without having to go through the secondary market to afford an old reference.

If you already have the version of the set 75054AT-AT marketed in 2014, I'm not sure that the few improvements made here justify spending 160 €. If you don't have an AT-AT in your collection, the latest version remains as often the most obvious choice, and the cheapest knowing that this box is currently available for less than 130 € at Amazon Germany.

Note: The set presented here, supplied by LEGO, is as usual in play. Deadline fixed at September 20, 2020 next at 23pm.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.