Review: 76302 Superman Mech vs. Lex Luthor

This has been in my "To Do" pile ever since it was released earlier this year.  I needed some parts from it for some builds so I decided to actually do a review.

Box.  MSRP is $14.99 for a $0.13 Price per Piece.  

Instructions.

Minifigs.

Parts 1.  Cockpit, Chest Armor, Technic Plates, Curved Slopes

w/Studs & Wing, Bent Plates, Inverted Tiles, Inverted Studless

Slope, Pentagonal Plates, Large Jumper, Studless Slopes,

Technic Brick w/ Pinhole and Plate, Bar Plates, Clip Plates,

Ingot,  Ball Joint Plates, Brackets, Cheese Slopes, Wedge

Studless Slopes, Lampholders, Quarter Circle Tiles, Slopes

w/Cutout, Stud Shooter Triggers, and Friction Pins.

Parts 2.  Driving Ring Extensions, Round Large Jumpers, Wedge Plates, Studless

Slopes, Dishes, Inverted Curved Round Tile, Bar Plates (closed), Bar Plates

(open), Wedge Studless Slopes, Rounded Plates, Ingots, Inverted Studless Slopes,

Plates, Large Cheese Slopes, Bar Studs, Cheese Slopes, Pins, Ball Joint Plates,

Translucent Round Plates, Bar Ball Joints, Clip Claws, Brackets, Printed Triangle

Tile, Translucent 5 Point Crystal, Stud Shooter and Technic Brick w/Pinhole.

Build.  Two IO Frigates.  

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Above.  (-10)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +5 (B+).  Minifig Mech sets are always full of useful parts but the price increase over the last couple of years has lowered the scores for them.

Review: 30704 Sonic Balkiry Attack Polybag

Another new for 2025 polybag. This was a "Gift with Purchase" for the beginning of October.  I've been waiting for this since the start of the year.  It's a shame that its availability is limited to a GwP.

Bag.  MSRP is $4.99 for a $0.12 Price per Piece.  

Instructions.

Minifig?

Parts.  Wedge Plates, Plates, Translucent Panels, Bricks w/Studs on Side,

Brick w/Studs on Sides & Extended Antistud, Bracket, Rounded Plates,

Jumper, Triangle Tiles, Macaroni Plates, Studless Slope, Grille Tiles,

Inverted Studless Slope, Tiles, Bar Studs, Printed Round Tiles, Stadium

Tiles, Flames, Quarter Circle Tiles, Quarter Dome, Barbs, Panels, and Tail.

 

Build.  IO Light Escort Frigate (2Rpd+d8/2W), Systems in Black.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Above.  (-10)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +5 (B+).  I like the set, I just wish there was more to it.

Review: 30692 Christmas Chimney Fun with Santa Polybag

The review for Monday is going to be a new for 2025 polybag that I found at Wegman's in the Seasonal section.

Bag.  MSRP is $4.99 for a $0.08 Price per Piece.  

Instructions.

Parts.  Slopes, Bricks, Brick Bricks, Brick w/Studs on Side, Double Curved

Slope w/Studs, Corner Curved Slope w/Cutout, Inverted Slope, Plates, Claw/Rock Finger Plate, Macaroni Corner Plate, Rounded Plates, Tiles, Bar Plate, Double Curved Slopes, Studless Slope, Printed Round Tiles, Clip Plates, Quarter Circle Tiles, Apollo Studs, Barraki Eyes, Brackets, and Tooth Plates.

Build.  Two 1 Hit pieces

of Cover and a Station.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  Just as weird as last year's but not quite as useful.

Review: Block Tech US101-0944 Crystal Blocks Blue Agate

This line had been around for a couple of months, at the time of the selection for the new Ideas set. Which makes that a really interesting choice.  There are a lot of Translucent parts in these sets so they should be at least somewhat useful a source of accent pieces.

Box.  MSRP was $3.25, for a $0.03 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Translucent Round Plate, Plates, Translucent Octagonal

Bar Plates, Translucent Slopes, and Bricks w/Studs on Side.

Parts 2.  Plates, Studless Slopes, Plates w/Door Rail, Translucent Round Plates,

Translucent Clip Plate, Translucent Studless Slopes, Translucent Bricks,

Translucent Large Barb/Claw/Horn/Tooth, and Translucent 4 Point Crystal.

Parts 3.  Translucent Round Large Jumper, Translucent Curved Round

Inverted Tile, Translucent Double Sided Plates, Translucent Minifig Sais,

Translucent Clip Plates, Translucent Wedge Studless Slopes, Translucent

Double Cheese Slope, Translucent Clip Tiles, Translucent Studless Slope,

Translucent Cheese Slopes, Translucent Brackets, Translucent Round

Plates, Translucent Pyramid Tiles, and Translucent Clip Bar Holders.

Build.  Two Frames (2Rh/2W) and a Station.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)

Score: +20 (A+).  The odd number of certain parts in this set made it slightly annoying to build with.  If you're going to use this as a starter kit you should probably buy two and go from there.  Oh, and just for reference, the opaque parts are closer to Sand Blue rather than Light Grey.

Review: Block Tech US101-0946 Crystal Blocks Pink Agate

This line had been around for a couple of months, at the time of the selection for the new Ideas set. Which makes that a really interesting choice.  There are a lot of Translucent parts in these sets so they should be at least somewhat useful a source of accent pieces.

Box.  MSRP was $3.25, for a $0.03 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Quarter Oval Plates, Brick, Macaroni Bricks,

Translucent Round Brick, and Translucent Bricks.

Parts 2.  Translucent Octagonal Bar Plates, Round Plate, Brick/Corrugated Bricks, Translucent Round Plate, Translucent Round Large Jumper, Tiles, Macaroni

Tiles, Translucent Clip Plates, Translucent Clip Tiles, Translucent Round Plates

w/Inverted Handle, Translucent Brackets, and Translucent Pyramid Tiles.

Build.    Two Frames (2W) and a Station.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  Okay, this is a step up after Monday's review.  As always I'm a sucker for Octagonal Bar Plates and, having them be translucent is just extra.  More Translucent Purple parts is also awesome.

Review: Block Tech US101-0945 Crystal Blocks Purple Agate

This line had been around for a couple of months, at the time of the selection for the new Ideas set. Which makes that a really interesting choice.  There are a lot of Translucent parts in these sets so they should be at least somewhat useful a source of accent pieces.

Box.  MSRP was $3.25, for a $0.04 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Plate, Transparent Plates, Transparent 2x1x1.6 Bricks w/Studs on

Side, 2x1x1.6 Bricks w/Studs on Side, Studless Slopes, 1x4 Brick w/Studs

on Side, Slopes, Corner Slopes, Transparent Corner Slopes, Corner Tile

w/Cutout, Studless Slopes w/Cutout, Transparent Studless Slope w/Cutout,

Transparent Headlight Brick, Slope w/Cutout, and Transparent Studless Slopes.

Parts 2.  Plates, Slopes, Corner Bricks, Transparent Slope, Transparent

 Plates, Slopes w/Cutout, Transparent Tiles, Transparent Corner Plates,

 Studless Slopes, Transparent Cheese Slopes, Cheese Slopes, Transparent

 Pyramid Tile, Transparent Bricks w/Studs on Side, and a Brick.

Build.  Station and 1 Hit piece of Cover.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  I was right about this set being better for accent pieces but, I love that Translucent Purple.

Review: Block Tech US101-1922 Arcade Classics Claw Game

This is a new line for the fourth quarter drop from Block Tech.  As always, available at Five Below.

Box.  MSRP is $4.00, for a $0.05 Price per Piece.

Instructions & Stickers.

Parts 1.  Windows.  Resealable bag!

Parts 2.  Transparent Door Frames, Door Frame, Plates, Tile w/Studs on 3

Edges, Door, Corner Plates, Wedge Plates, Panels, Container, Minifig Life

Ring, Container Door, Brick, Brick w/Pinhole, Bracket, and Minifig Dogs.

Parts 3. Bricks, Corner Panels, Minifig Bucket Handle, Tile, Jumpers, Plates, Apollo Studs, Printed Round Tiles, Cheese Slopes, Double Sided Plates, Swirl Top Plates, Round Tiles, Quarter Circle Tiles, Star Plates, Brackets, Barraki Eye, Bar, and Robot Arm.

Build.  Repair Station and 1 Hit piece of Cover.
 

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  Probably the weakest of all the Arcade Classics sets.  It still has some useful parts though.

Review: Block Tech US101-1925 Arcade Classics Rhythm Game

This is a new line for the fourth quarter drop from Block Tech.  As always, available at Five Below.

Box.  MSRP is $4.00, for a $0.04 Price per Piece.

Instructions & Stickers.

Parts 1.  Quarter Circle Plates, Plates, Tiles, Inverted Slopes, Door Frame,

Door, Corner tiles w/Cutout, Bricks, Brick w/Studs on Side, Curved

Slope, Slopes w/Cutout, Bricks w/Stud on Side, Studless Slopes, 1x1x1.6

Brick w/Studs on Side, Antenna, Bars, Round Plate, and Round Tiles.

Parts 2.  Dishes, Tiles, Jumpers, Rounded Plate, Cheese Slopes, Plates

Apollo Studs, Clip Tiles, Cheese Graters, Bar Studs, Double Sided

Plates, Clip Bar Holders, Lever Bases and Levers, Minifig Microphone,

Minifig Telescope, Pneuma-T, Bar Clips, Nozzle, and Skeleton Arm.

Build.  Frame (2W) and Station.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  I think this is the first time I've seen a Pneuma-T in a Block Tech set.  There's a bunch of other useful parts too.

Review: Block TechUS1041-1923 Arcade Classics Dance Pad

This is a new line for the fourth quarter drop from Block Tech.  As always, available at Five Below.

Box.  MSRP is $4.00, for a $0.04 Price per Piece.

Instructions & Stickers.

Parts 1.  Plates, Panels, Tiles, Wedge Plates, Container Door, Brick w/

Studs on Side, Translucent Inverted Slopes, Slopes, Slopes w/Cutout, 

Translucent Slopes, Pin Connector Plate w/2 Holes, Links, Translucent

Tiles, Translucent Plate, Liftarms, 1x8x2 Bar, and Container.

Parts 2.  Translucent Corner Tiles w/Cutout, Jumpers, Plates,

Wedge Studless Slopes, Translucent Tiles, Tiles, Quarter Circle

Tiles, Clip Tiles, Cheese Slopes, Translucent Round Plates, Printed

Round Tiles, Translucent Cheese Slope, 3/4 Pins, Friction Pins,

1/2 Pins, Bricks w/Pinhole, Bricks w/Stud on Side, and Bricks.

Build.  IO Frigate and HVA.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  I love the colors in this set.  I've already bought two.  Plenty of Clip Tiles and Pins as well.

Review: Block Tech US101-1924 Arcade Classics Race Car Driving

This is a new line for the fourth quarter drop from Block Tech.  As always, available at Five Below.

Box.  MSRP is $4.00, for a $0.04 Price per Piece.

Instructions & Stickers.

Parts 1.  Tires.

Parts 2.  Plates, Bricks, Slopes, Panel, Clip Plate, Wedge

Plates, Inverted Tile, Tiles, Plates w/Door Rail, Bar Plates,

Hinge Brick Tops, Studless Slope, Mudguards, Bricks w/Stud

on Side, Hinge Brick Bases, Mudguard Plate, Bricks w/Studs

on Side, Racecar Grille Plates, Brackets, and Axle Plate.

Parts 3.  Steering Wheel Plates, Tiles, Jumper, Grille Tile, Rounded Plates, Cheese Graters, Vertical Clip Plates, Wedge Studless Slopes, Large Cheese Slopes, Cheese Slope, Apollo Studs, Rims, Translucent Tiles, Quarter Circle Tiles, Stadium Tile, Ball Joint Bar, Brackets, and Studless Slopes w/Cutout.

Build.  Frame (Battlecart

[2W]) and Station.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  Plenty of useful parts, although I'd probably buy two just to double up, and the splash of Silver makes it interesting.