Review: LEGO Star Wars 75254 AT-ST Raider

We continue the tour of the new LEGO Star Wars products launched on October 4 for Triple Force Friday with the set 75254 AT-ST Raider (540 pieces - 59.99 €), a small box based on the new series The Mandalorian which will begin broadcasting in mid-November on the Disney + platform.

Since the series has not yet been broadcast, it is difficult to put the contents of this box in a particular context. All we know is that the action in the series takes place five years after the Empire was defeated (Episode VI) and 25 years before the appearance of the First Order (Episode VII). That being said, a brand new AT-ST is still a good idea for those who don't already have one on their shelves. Those who, however, already have a few in their drawers will immediately understand that this new version is frankly inspired by that of the set 75153 AT-ST Walker released in 2016 on the occasion of the film's release Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

This AT-ST is obviously a model recovered and tinkered by the Klatooiniens Raiders delivered in the box. We are therefore entitled to a patchwork of colors (and stickers) which give a little freshness to this new version. Colored parts, visible cables, various and varied additions, the machine visually becomes a little more attractive than the gray versions seen so far.

It is assembled very quickly, we spend almost as much time to stick the different stickers properly as to fit the parts. The cockpit is obviously mounted on an axis which allows it to change position via a relatively discreet wheel placed at the rear. Two minifigs can take place at the controls of the machine, one must remain seated behind the controls, the other can be hung on the side handles to observe what is happening outside through the upper hatch.

Because it was necessary to add a little playability to the whole, two Spring-Shooters are placed under the cabin and they are sufficiently well integrated so as not to disfigure the machine. The missiles are ejected by pushing on the two protuberances placed at the rear at the foot of the cabin.

Do not expect to walk this AT-ST, the two legs are not articulated. The majority of fans will be content with a static device to display but it's still a shame that it is impossible to simulate a movement effect while maintaining the balance of the construction.

As I said above, it's the party of the sticker in this box with 23 stickers to put in place. Impossible to do without the details provided on these stickers, they ensure the "tinkered" effect of the machine which is the interest of the product. A good point: the AT-ST also looks good when viewed from behind with a sufficient level of detail.

At the risk of sounding like rambling, I once again underline the presence of blue Technic pins which remain visible on the final model. All the possible explanations aimed at finding extenuating circumstances at LEGO's choice in this area will do nothing, I find that frankly unsightly.

On the minifig side, the assortment provided here is balanced with two major characters from the series and two more generic villains. A second vehicle may be missing in the box, just to balance the forces involved.

The Mandalorian is portrayed onscreen by actor Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, Narcos) but LEGO was certainly instructed not to provide a face to the character in this first derivative product. We will probably have to wait for another set based on the series to obtain a version with a real face under the helmet. For the rest, the character's outfit is consistent with what Disney has unveiled for the moment in the Trailer and the few teasers and other posters already available.

Pedro Pascal is accompanied by actress Gina Carano (Angel Dust in Dead Pool) who plays Cara Dune in the series. Here too, the costume is more or less faithful to the outfit seen in the trailer but it lacks the reinforced shoulder pads worn by the character. LEGO is content here with a gray point to symbolize the logo of the Rebel Alliance tattooed on the cheek of the character. Difficult to do otherwise, I salute the attention to detail.

Both Klatooinian Raiders are equipped with the same head and legs and are only differentiated by their torso and accessories. The pad printing is generally very successful on all of these minifigs with an appreciable level of detail and a finish without major flaws.

I'm not really a fan of assembling blasters / lightsaber handles / various accessories to embody the weapons of the different protagonists. In my opinion, it would be time for LEGO to go to the trouble of molding these extendable weapons so that minifigs can finally have visually believable accessories.

In short, there is not enough to philosophize for a long time on this box without taking any risk. The set is a nice derivative of a series that has not yet been released and if we take into account that an AT-ST is still good to take, we can only complain about the price charged for this box: 59.99 € for that, it is much too expensive. We will wait for the inevitable promotions to come to have fun.

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Note: The set shown here, supplied by LEGO, is included as usual. To participate in the draw, all you have to do is post a comment (avoid "I participate, I try, etc ..." be a little more constructive) on this article before the November 3, 2019 at 23:59 p.m.. You have every right to disagree with me, this is not eliminatory. 

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.