The LEGO Star Wars 75284 Knights of Ren Transport Ship set offers fans a chance to own a brick-built version of a lesser-known but intriguing vehicle from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. This set, containing 595 pieces, retails for €69.99 and provides a scaled-down rendition of the Night Buzzard, the transport ship of the menacing Knights of Ren. While not as iconic as the Millennium Falcon or an X-Wing, this Star Wars Transport Ship holds a unique place in the Star Wars saga, and this LEGO set attempts to capture its essence.
The Night Buzzard’s on-screen presence is admittedly brief. It makes a couple of fleeting appearances in The Rise of Skywalker, most notably a rear shot in space and a side view during the Pasaana scenes. This limited screen time might lead some to question the necessity of a LEGO set dedicated to this particular star wars transport ship. However, for dedicated collectors and fans seeking to complete their LEGO Star Wars vehicle collection, or those fascinated by the darker corners of the Star Wars universe, the Knights of Ren Transport Ship offers a unique and affordable option.
LEGO Star Wars Knights of Ren Transport Ship Set 75284 Review
Building the Night Buzzard: A Quick and Engaging LEGO Star Wars Experience
The build process for the LEGO Star Wars Knights of Ren Transport Ship is relatively quick and straightforward. Don’t expect a marathon building session; the construction, based on a Technic beam core with attached panels and detailed sub-assemblies, is efficiently designed. Within a short time, the star wars transport ship, measuring around 30cm in length, takes shape. While there’s no interior to explore, LEGO has included three large skis that serve as landing gear. These skis, according to the official set description, ensure a “realistic flight effect“, which is a playful nod to the set’s design.
Despite the simplified, almost Mega Microfighter scale, the exterior of the ship is surprisingly well-realized. The designers have managed to capture the angular and somewhat menacing silhouette of the Night Buzzard. The Chibi aesthetic, often a concern with scaled-down LEGO models, is not overly pronounced, especially when the minifigures are displayed separately. However, the scale limitations become apparent when attempting to integrate the minifigures with the ship. The provided firing stations are cramped, and the supposed compartment for Rey’s capture feels more like an afterthought. This is where the “overpriced microfighter” sentiment might resonate with some builders.
LEGO 75284 Knights of Ren Transport Ship Construction Details
Design Accuracy and Display Potential of the LEGO Night Buzzard
Taken on its own merits, the LEGO Night Buzzard model is a reasonably successful representation of the star wars transport ship. The scale, while not perfect for minifigure interaction, becomes less of an issue when considering it as a display piece. It sits comfortably alongside larger LEGO Star Wars sets, even UCS (Ultimate Collector Series) models like a Star Destroyer, without looking entirely out of place. For those who prioritize exterior accuracy and display over interior play features, this set holds appeal. The cabin angles are well-captured, the detailing is adequate for the scale, and the rear engines are effectively rendered. Debating the design compromises made to achieve this star wars transport ship at this scale feels unproductive; LEGO has delivered a recognizable and visually appealing model within the given constraints.
To cater to playability, the set includes two missile launchers, discreetly integrated beneath the cabin’s side panels. While functional, they can be easily removed for those who prefer a more display-oriented model. Their inclusion serves as a reminder that this is, after all, a toy designed for a younger audience as well as adult collectors.
While some fans might have wished for a larger, more detailed Night Buzzard capable of accommodating the entire Knights of Ren crew in greater comfort, the price point of this set is a significant advantage. At around €70, it’s considerably more accessible than a hypothetical, more elaborate version, which could easily cost two or three times as much. For a vehicle that plays a relatively minor role in the Star Wars saga, this compromise in scale for affordability is arguably a sensible one. Perhaps we’ll never see detailed interiors for Cardo, Trudgen, Vicrul, and Kuruk in a LEGO Night Buzzard, but the current set offers a tangible representation of this unique star wars transport ship without breaking the bank.
LEGO Star Wars 75284 Knights of Ren Transport Ship Play Features
Minifigure Selection: Knights of Ren and Rey
The LEGO Star Wars 75284 set includes three minifigures: Rey Palpatine, Cardo, and Kuruk. The Rey minifigure is the same version previously available in the 75250 Pasaana Speeder Chase set from 2019. While a slightly updated variant with dust details could have been a welcome addition for avid collectors, the included Rey figure is movie-accurate for the Pasaana scenes.
The real draw for many fans will undoubtedly be the two Knights of Ren minifigures, Cardo and Kuruk. These characters were previously missing from the LEGO lineup, making this set essential for completing the full Knights of Ren team. Cardo and Kuruk join their companions Trudgen (from 75272 Sith TIE Fighter), Vicrul (from 75273 Poe Dameron’s X-Wing Fighter), and Ap’Lek and Ushar (from 75256 Kylo Ren’s Shuttle), who were distributed across earlier LEGO Star Wars sets. This strategic distribution highlights LEGO’s marketing approach, encouraging fans to purchase multiple sets to collect all the Knights of Ren.
The Knights’ costumes, while perhaps reminiscent of a low-budget sci-fi series, are reasonably faithful to their on-screen appearance. Cardo features his distinctive welder-style mask and grenades, and Kuruk sports his Night Buzzard pilot helmet with blinders. The weaponry, constructed from standard LEGO pieces, is adequate, though some might have preferred more specialized molded accessories. The pad printing on the minifigures is well-executed and accurately reflects the characters’ somewhat ragged and utilitarian aesthetic from the film.
LEGO Star Wars 75284 Knights of Ren Minifigures Cardo and Kuruk
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition for LEGO Star Wars Collectors?
In conclusion, the LEGO Star Wars 75284 Knights of Ren Transport Ship offers a scaled-down but recognizable rendition of the Night Buzzard. Until LEGO decides to release a larger, more detailed version of this star wars transport ship, this set serves as a decent placeholder for collectors.
LEGO’s marketing strategy is evident: appealing to both current young fans who experienced The Rise of Skywalker and future adult collectors who will have greater purchasing power. This affordable version of the Night Buzzard likely paves the way for a more elaborate and expensive set in the future.
For now, we have this somewhat basic but budget-friendly model. Whether it’s worth purchasing depends on individual collecting priorities. For those seeking to complete their Knights of Ren minifigure collection or desiring a displayable version of this unique star wars transport ship without a hefty price tag, the LEGO 75284 set is a worthwhile addition to the LEGO Star Wars universe.
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