Set Review: 70125 Gorilla Legend Beast
Monday, April 28th, 2014 at 3:23pm by Benjamin, BZPower Reporter
Did you know the scientific name for the gorilla is gorilla gorilla gorilla? I don't think the Chima get too technical, but Gorzan probably appreciates his ancestors as the Gorilla Legend Beast enters the Legends of Chima. Today we see just what makes this set so special among the Legend Beast collection, and even give a set away in the review video. Read, and watch, on to see this jungle beast show his muscle among the ranks in Chima.
First off, a special thank you to The LEGO Group for sending us some Legends of Chima sets to review and give away. They've been outdoing themselves with the Chima sets, drawing me into the theme a few months ago when I bought some, not to mention the promotional giveaways at conventions last year. And they are only continuing to spread the Chima love by making sure we can give some to you too!
Presentation
From the design of the box to the instruction manual, these are the first things you see before building the set.
The gorilla's fierce, growling mouth catches the eye immediately on the box front, and his full, rough physique takes up the rest of the space. Gorzan, riding on his back shares the same sentiment and will make sure Chima does not mess with him. The back shows off the other Legend Beasts to collect, and it should be noted that this box did not include a Chima Online card, probably because it's a European edition. I suspect the American sets will have that, though I'm sad the rest of the world will be missing out.
Building
Half the fun is had building the set. How fun is it to build and how easy or challenging is it?
This set makes great use of some SNOT techniques for the chest, back, and head. It was really neat while building seeing the different angles come together to give the gorilla some volume, especially when it came to making the head just right. Overall it was an easy, but enjoyable, build.
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.
Aside from a few exposed studs on his back, the Gorilla Legend Beast has a very bulked-up build from his hands to his shoulders, though his legs are a little thin. However, the Mixel joints allow for the build in the legs to not get in the way and still let him be posed, so it's not a big loss.
The head has a great SNOT design which give him plenty of room for the printed pieces with the face and some other features, like studs as ears.
There is a lot of tan and brown parts here, which I appreciate from a collection/building standpoint. The new pieces, like the Mixel joints and 1x2 and 2x2 curved slopes are very nice to have.
Gorzan is a mighty warrior minifig, as evident by his snarl and enhanced armor not seen in the other Legend Beast sets. Under that armor are the usual tribal markings and animal features poured onto the Chima figs, which work especially well for Gorzan. Admittedly I wasn't the biggest fan of the gorillas, but Gorzan has changed my mind.
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.
I'm sure the Gorilla Legend Beast can do some great smashing as he encounters the world of Chima, but Gorzan is going to have to sit this one out, or at least get a better seat on the beast's back. It's hard to have him tag along and hold both of his tools, but not impossible. I'm sure a little more fiddling with the set, like leaning the beast forward, will help improve this situation.
Final Thoughts
Once it's all said and done, how does the set stack up? Should I get it?
Pros
What's to like?
- Well-built Chima Legend Beast
- He's fierce!
- Neat fig
- No complaints on the price
Cons
What's not to like?
- Only 8 Mixel joints
- Gorzan doesn't fit on back well.
By the time I finished building the set, got him posed, and make him look cool, I had greatly enjoyed a nice build and a strong sense of what kind of characters these were in the Chima world. Furthermore, the beast makes a nice addition to a collection sitting on display or being played with, especially when with the other Legend Beasts. Worth the look for a Chima fan, or soon-to-be Chima fan.
Watch out, Kevin!
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