Review:1292 by Dorek
By Dorek
Review: 1292 Ice Explorer
Swoosh! One of the four promotional RoboRider sets, Ice Explorer looks a slightly differently than the rest, as astute viewers may have noticed. But what does that mean for its overall prospects?
The Box
Though box experiences are typical for LEGO, these Kabaya promotionals are a little different, both in layout and physical space used. Alas, there was no candy in the ones I purchased (having been previously opened), but the amusing thing about these boxes is that the contents were actually still sealed, as they came in a polybag; the box would at first glance appear mostly just for show.
However, these boxes definitely deserve a second glance. On the back are some combiners, which is, as always, an inventive extra that the Kabaya promotional sets went above and beyond for. But the real fun is inside the packaging, which contain the instructions for said combiners, a detail I'm sure could have been otherwise lost for many people. Check out our gallery for some scans.
The Bits
The majority of Ice Explorer is plain Technic, unlike some of the more specialized constraction bits we'd later come to see from BIONICLE. But speaking of everybody's favorite line, Ice Explorer includes two small 12-tooth gears, the kind that would form the basis of the Toa Mata's functions a year later. I can't recall any instance of this piece in either Throwbots or RoboRiders (though I believe it existed before them), so it's curious to think that this little promotional set acts as a sort of forerunner for the iconic BIONICLE heroes.
The Build
Ice Flyer is definitely the most complex of the RoboRider promotionals. Though certainly nothing impossibly convoluted, Ices Flyer has the overall benefit of the elements connecting and coalescing a bit more than the others, with nothing feels like it sticks out (impressive, considering its shape). The aforementioned gears are the basis of the primary function, which is a simple propeller turn when you crank the knob attached to the gear. It's simple, but effective, even if the propellers themselves are a little blunt and kind of goofy.
Another way Ice Flyer stands out is by not including any wheels, which is sort of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's fun to see these little sets take some risks and being different for the sake of being different. But on the other hand, the whole conceit sort of gets lost without wheels, and that just leaves the one function and its swooshability.
The Brass Tacks
Did we like this set? Yes |
What We Liked: • Gears and function • Solid build |
| What We Didn't Like: • Doesn't work well one-handed | |
| Other Comments: |
Ice Explorer definitely gets some points for being quirky and unique, although I'd rank it a close second due to lacking some more inspired features. Still, spinning the gear is pretty satisfying.
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