Today we've got a review of a teeny-tiny set, 9556 Bytar. Blog Assistant Bfahome managed to find the time to look at this behemoth. To see if you have the Spinjitzu skills to take Bytar down, read on!

Presentation
From the design of the box to the instruction manual, these are the first things you see before building the set.

Bytar comes in a small plastic bag rather than a box or plastic blister package, since he's just a booster. Front and center is Bytar himself, in an action pose that you will never be able to replicate because minifigures are in fact hard plastic and not Jell-O. To his left he is rendered in a more symbolic— er, realistic manner, above a fan of cards. To the right is his armory, the other bits that come with this set, and a very excited BOOSTER PACK declaration. The usual information is scattered around rather than in its usual block under the LEGO logo. Only 25 pieces in this one.

On the back is another exclamation of BOOSTER PACK (DE REFUERZO) and a shot of how Bytar's swag connects to a spinner. Three single spinner packs and one double pack are advertised, and below that is all the legalese.

Building
Half the fun is had building the set. How fun is it to build and how easy or challenging is it?

Ha ha, right.

Set Design
Now that the set is complete, we can critique how it looks from every angle. New or interesting pieces can also be examined here.

Here's what you get in the bag. A small pile of parts, an instruction pamphlet, and a pack of cards. The pieces are contained in their own perforated baggie, and Bytar's head in another, smaller baggie.

The instructions aren't for the pieces as much as they are for the game. And ads. Can't forget the ads. There's only a single column for the steps to assemble the "set." The other side is quick instructions on how to play the spinner game with the cards.

These are all the set's pieces laid out, and the pieces I found interesting. Three 6-module chains, a sword/scythe blade, golden snake, Bytar's head, a grey ridged 2x2 cylinder, two purple Ninjago blades, and a grey nunchaku piece. Pretty decent parts for a small set (I certainly didn't buy it to boost my Ninjago collection; it's my first Ninjago set).

Bytar is almost a standard minifigure. He's got legs, a torso, and a head. However, he has the shortened, non-bending legs, and a large reptilian head. This means his only articulation is in his shoulders and hands. Not a big problem, but still unfortunate for a minifigure. He has three weapons to use, at least going by the set; you could disassemble his blades-on-a-stick to make additional combos, or use the chains.

One thing I do like is that his left eye is scarred like it's been gouged out. A bit grim for LEGO, but since he's a snake person I guess it's okay if he gets hurt. Because.

The rest of the set is nothing more than what it shows on the bag and instructions. There really isn't that much design past the figure.

Playability
The other half of the fun is in playing with the set. How well does the set function and is it enjoyable to play with?

There really isn't any. This isn't even like the Manta Warrior set that I reviewed a while ago; it's meant to go supplement spinner sets that are in turn meant to supplement other spinner sets or larger sets. It's like two degrees separated from a stand-alone set.

So here's Bytar fighting Firox.

Final Thoughts
Once it's all said and done, how does the set stack up? Should I get it?

Pros What's to like? Nice pieces Nice figure Cons What's not to like? Really insubstantial

Are you my mother?

And there you have it, Bytar. Let Bfahome know that you thought in the Talkback, and ask any questions you may have there too. And of course, you should keep checking back on BZPower for more LEGO news and reviews!

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