Review: Block Tech US101-1181 Succulents Echeveria Blue Curls

This is the second release of Block Tech Succulents.  It's three times the size of the first wave with twelve sets this time around.  The price is also marked on the box for this release.  And as there are three Echeveria variants it seems like the perfect bunch to start reviewing.

Box.  MSRP is $3.25, for a $0.05 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts.  Flower Sprues, Quarter Circle Plates, Octagonal Bar Plate,

Macaroni Bricks, Round Plates, Brick Bricks, Clip Plates,

Tooth Plates, Plant Stems, Travis Brick, Round Brick, and Bricks.

Build.  Frame (2W), 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+).  A decent set but I feel like it's more of a Station/terrain making set than a Frame making set.

Review: Block Tech US101-1183 Succulents Echeveria Violet Queen

This is the second release of Block Tech Succulents.  It's three times the size of the first wave with twelve sets this time around.  The price is also marked on the box for this release.  And as there are three Echeveria variants it seems like the perfect bunch to start reviewing.

Box.  MSRP is $3.25, for a $0.05 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts.  Flowers on Sprue, Plate, Octagonal Bar Plates, Dome, Brick,

Studless Slopes, Corner Panels, Bricks w/Studs on Side, Bricks w/Studs

on Corners, Inverted Tiles, Round Plates, Round Large Jumpers, Bar,

Round Plate w/Petals, Clip Plates, and Textured Studless Slopes.

Build.  Two Frames (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 really like the Light Blue and Aqua parts but I don't think they are in any other Block Tech sets.  The Dark Grey parts look like the old Lego Dark Grey as well.

Review: Block Tech US101-1182 Succulents Echevaria Noble Red

This is the second release of Block Tech Succulents.  It's three times the size of the first wave with twelve sets this time around.  The price is also marked on the box for this release.  And as there are three Echeveria variants it seems like the perfect bunch to start reviewing.

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

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Plates, Octagonal Bar Plate, Bricks. Studless Slopes,

Hinge Brick Top, Corner Tiles w/Cutout, Large Cheese Slope,

Round Large Jumpers, Travis Brick, and Hinge Brick Bottom.

Parts 2.  Brackets, Ingots. Tooth Plates, Clip Plates, Stadium

Tiles, Round Plate w/Petals, Pyramid Tiles, and Tooth Plates.

Build.  Frame (2W), Station, and 4 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+).  This set is pretty repetitive in terms of pieces but, isn't that what we look for when sourcing parts for MFZ?

Review: Block Tech US101-1169 Mistletoe

Okay, I waited too long to review the Halloween release so I won't make that mistake again.  These are called "Holiday Flowers" on my receipt  There are four sets in the Christmas release with some interesting parts.  So let's get to it.

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

Instructions.

Parts 1.  6x5 Leaves, Plates, Wedge Plates, Studless Slopes, Bar Plates, Ball

Joint Plates, Double End Studless Slopes, Technic Balls, and 3x4 Leaves.

Parts 2.  Plates, Tiles, Brackets, Bar Studs, Double Sided Round Plates, Round Clip

Plates, Bar Connectors, Clip Bar Holder, Bars, Bar Bar Holders, and Bars w/Handle.

Build.  Frame (2W).

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+).  Those Round Clip Plates should make for some interesting companions for Padlocks.

Review: Block Tech US101-1172 Wreath

Okay, I waited too long to review the Halloween release so I won't make that mistake again.  These are called "Holiday Flowers" on my receipt  There are four sets in the Christmas release with some interesting parts.  Let's get to it.

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

Instructions.

Parts 1.  6x5 Leaves, Plates, 4x3 Leaves, 1x4 Offset Plates,

Clip Plates, Wedge Plates, Bar Plate, and Studless Slopes.

Parts 2.  Wedge Plates, Round Plates w/Pinhole, Bar Plates,

Plates, Clip Plates, Inverted Tiles, Cones, Eggshells/Crowns,

Wedge Tiles, Round Plates, Bars w/Handle, and Clip Tiles.

Build.  Frame (2W).

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 colors on the box do not match the parts inside.  That being said, I really dig the Dark Green 1x4 Offset Plates.  I also had fun coming up with the build for this review.

Review: Block Tech US101-1171 Cactus

Okay, I waited too long to review the Halloween release so I won't make that mistake again.  These are called "Holiday Flowers" on my receipt  There are four sets in the Christmas release with some interesting parts.  So let's get to it.

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

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Half Circle Plates w/Cutout, Plates, Blocks w/Studs

on side, Macaroni Connectors, Studless Slope, and Cone.

Parts 2.  Round Large Jumpers, Plates, Tiles w/Studs on Edge, Tiles,

Double Sided Round Plates, Jumper, Cheese Slopes, Bricks w/

Studs on Corners, Travis Bricks, Triple Slope, Brackets, and Ball.

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+).  There is a lot of Lime Green in here.

Review: Block Tech US101-1170 Poinsettia

Okay, I waited too long to review the Halloween release so I won't make that mistake again.  These are called "Holiday Flowers" on my receipt  There are four sets in the Christmas release with some interesting parts.  Let's get to it.

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

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Octagonal Bar Plate, Plates, Bricks w/Studs on Side,

Studless Slopes, Round Plates, Bar Plates, and Travis Brick.

Parts 2.  Round Large Jumper, Plates, Tiles, Studless Slopes, Lever

Bases, Clip Plates, Clip Tiles, and Wedge Studless Slopes.

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 tend to have strong feelings for anything with an Octagonal Bar Plate and Clips but this feels a little heavy on the Studless Slopes.

Review: 41733 Friends Mobile Bubble Tea Shop

Welcome to "yet another review being done because I need the parts!"  I'm your host, Mantisking, and today we'll be taking a look at a Friends set I've had in my To-Do Pile for over a year and a half.  I probably would have mentioned this in a Good Sets for Parts post if I had done one for 2023.

Box.  MSRP was $9.99, for a $0.09 Price per Piece.

Instructions & Stickers.

Minidolls.

Parts 1.  Minidoll Scooter Frame, Double Arches, Curved Panel w/

Double Bar Hinge, Quarter Circle Plates, Half Oval Plate, Plates,

Curved Bricks w/Cutout, Curved Corner Bricks w/Cutout, Bracket,

Macaroni Bricks, Brick, Support, and Robot Body Round Brick.

Parts 2.  Door, Axle Plates, Bar Plate, Corner Plates, Printed

Tile, Brackets, Plates, Round Plates, Inkwells, Bricks, Translucent

Brick, Tires, Curved Slopes, and Translucent Round Brick.

 

Parts 3.  Round Large Jumper, Round Tile, Translucent Inverted Round Tile, Plates,

 Tiles, Grille Tile, Rounded Plates, Clip Plate, Padlock, Bar Studs, Swirl Plates,

Printed Tiles, Printed Round Tiles, Printed Round Bricks, Round Bricks, Brick,

 Headlight Brick, Pulley Wheels, Rims, Candlestick, Pin Arms, Skeleton Arms,

Minifig Spoons, Clip Tiles, 1x1x23 Brick, Minifig Handlebar, and Minifig Helmet.

Build.  Frame (2Rh), Station, and Micro-Frame.

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 good parts, plenty of good colors but the quantities are lacking.

Review: Lazer Blocks US101-0020 Alien Ship

It's been over a year and a half since I've done a review of the Block Tech sub-line, Lazer Blocks.  Last week was almost dedicated to reviewing Lazer Blocks sets.  This is the last of those sets.  I feel like all of the sets I have planned for review have Ijad vibes.

Box.  MSRP is $5.00, for a $0.05 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Plates, Transparent Triple Curve Wedge, Transparent Hinge

Plates w/Angle Side Extensions, Octagonal Bar Plate, Transparent Light 

Brick, Brackets, Round Plate, Transparent Triple Slope, Bar Plates, Ball

Joint Plates, Hinge Plates, Transparent Studless Slopes, Clip Claws, 

Transparent Cone, Transparent Tail End, and Transparent Tail/Neck Middle.

Parts 2.  Transparent Dishes, Plates, Jumper, Grille Tiles, Transparent Ice Cream Cone,

Transparent Cones, Double Clip Plates, Padlocks, Round Plates, Transparent Tiles,

 Transparent Bar, Clip Bar Holders, Bar Clip, Transparent Round Brick, and Large Claws.

 

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+).  Only 30% are Transparent pieces but there is a great selection of colors in this set.

Safe Spaces

I was going to post a review today but, given the events in the United States on Tuesday, this needs to be said.

The Mobile Frame Zero community is a safe space and will continue to be so.  We have always been, and will remain, Anti-Fascist.  I know this is not what we want.  I know this hurts.  But, we have weathered this storm before and we can do it again.

I know this will not be easy.  If we stay resolute we can make it through the next four years and maybe, somehow, build a better future.  Stay safe, stay sane, practice self-care.  Remember, you are not alone.

Review: Lazer Blocks US101-0021 Wild Tiger

It's been over a year and a half since I've done a review of the Block Tech sub-line, Lazer Blocks.  This week will be dedicated to reviewing Lazer Blocks sets. I feel like all of the sets I have planned for review have Ijad vibes.

Box.  MSRP is $5.00, for a $0.05 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts 1.  Translucent Quarter Circle Plates, Translucent Triple Slope Wedge,

Ball Joint Bricks, Translucent Wedge Plates, Translucent Plate, Plates, Clip Plate,

Brackets, Wedge Plate, Round Light Brick, and Inverted Slopes w/Cutout.

Parts 2.  Translucent Wedge Plates, Wedge Plate, Translucent Studless

 Slopes, Tiles w/Studs on Edge, Translucent Round Plate, Translucent

 Curved Slope w/Wing, Plates, Tooth Plates, Translucent Plates,

Ball Joint Plates, Translucent Wedge Studless Slopes, Bar Plate

(open ends), Bar Plates (closed ends), Brick, and Bracket.

Parts 3.  Inverted Tiles, Transparent Round Tiles, Plates, Transparent Plates,

Transparent Tiles, Lampholders, Round Plates, Quarter Circle Tiles,

Transparent Quarter Circle Tiles, Cheese Slope, Transparent Wedge Studless

Slopes, Large Cheese Slope, Clip tiles, Brackets, Clip Plates, and Barbs.

Build.  Two Frames (2Rh) 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+).  For a Lazer Blocks set, it's only 29% Transparent parts.  I do like all the Orange though.