The minifigure selection in this set is good, with some standouts like Fennec Shand and the Dark Trooper, but I feel like a set of this size needed one more figure. Personally, I would’ve liked a live-action version of Bo-Katan, or even just another Dark Trooper. Inside the box are bags numbered from 1 to 9. Strangely my bag 4 had a bit of a small tear in it, but thankfully no pieces were missing. We start by building a central core for the lid. This bag also builds the starboard panel for the lid. However, several spots in the interior cannot hold figures when the ship cover is closed, due to the height limitations. This is slightly disappointing but still understandable, as preserving the correct external shape is more important to me than usable interior space.

Here’s what the TIE looks like when it’s inside the hangar at the front. Unfortunately it’s not attached with any studs, so if you move the cruiser around too much the TIE can fall out.Bag 2 builds up the Technic walls for the sides of the front section. This area is reminiscent of LEGO’s play scale Star Destroyers, which is cool to see the shared heritage between similar LEGO Imperial ships. That is not to criticise the design at all, because it offers the right detail that it needs to, both on the exterior at one scale and in the interior at another. Likewise, it is a model that doesn’t need to be any bigger in size. There’s enough space and features inside to recreate all the story so far seen from The Mandalorian, while the outside sits at a perfect balance between size and detail on show. Moff Gideon’s minifigure includes a two-coloured cape and all the printing on the torso needed to accurately capture his appearance, combined with two well-realised expressions on a dual-moulded head. Weapon and accessory elements include: The Mandalorian’s Amban phase-pulse blaster and spear, Moff Gideon’s darksaber, 2 thermal detonators and electrobinoculars to inspire creative play That’s really the only compromise to an exterior design that has also intelligently built the support handle to carry the whole thing around into the bridge of the ship. Weighted slightly towards the front end, though, and not the lightest of LEGO Star Wars ships, it may activate some new muscles in an average AFOL’s arm, and require two hands for younger builders to carry around.

Events aboard Moff Gideon's cruiser are centred around Grogu and this diminutive character has remained unchanged since 75292 The Razor Crest was released. The rubber head looks absolutely adorable, as expected, while the Child's heavy robe is represented by the standard baby component. This seems reasonable, but I think introducing another unique element here would have been worthwhile. Cast a light against the darkness of the Empire inside the Imperial Light Cruiser, Grogu depends on it! It’s still a decent figure, with good head, torso, and leg printing, but I wonder if another more interesting figure could have been included instead, since this minifigure already appears in another set.

Overall

I will say, they don't all look the same, although, they are known to have remakes with newer designs. (Such as the TIE Fighter or X-Wing), but they do have similar colour schemes, so I understand where you are coming from. " The front end of the cruiser opens up in much the same way many previous LEGO Star Destroyers have – this time in one large folding panel – to house a minifigure-scale interpretation of the ship’s bridge. It’s relatively sparse, with only four control panels, a couple of storage boxes and a central desk to populate the location, but that’s pretty similar to how it appeared in The Mandalorian, with plenty of space left over for the many characters that came together in the Season 2 finale.

The decorated arms appear particularly outstanding on this minifigure, even featuring the tiny Mudhorn signet alongside accurate weaponry. However, the continued use of an undecorated head beneath the Mandalorian's helmet is disappointing, especially since this hero memorably removes his helmet and reveals his face to everybody aboard Moff Gideon's vessel. The third figure is the first-ever minifigure of Fennec Shand. She has excellent torso and leg prints, a new double-sided face, and a new helmet that matches the in-universe design. Bags 8&9 go towards building the lid of the bridge. Bag 9’s contents already appeared unwrapped with bag 6, however. Despite displaying detail in certain sections 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser leaves considerable potential for improvement. The model is certainly substantial and the exterior seems relatively attractive, although some inaccuracies are inexcusable in my opinion. Moreover, the functions are remarkably scarce and more could have been provided, perhaps including somewhere for Dark Trooper deployment.

The first figure included is The Mandalorian himself, Din Djarin. This figure is no longer new now, having appeared in around 6 sets, but it’s still an excellent figure. He is armed with his blaster rifle and a beskar spear. Includes 5 LEGO Star Wars minifigures: The Mandalorian, Cara Dune, Fennec Shand, Moff Gideon and a new-for-August-2021 Dark Trooper And on both what’s on the outside and the inside, 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser delivers. The unique, striking shape of the cruiser is perfectly captured in proportions and detail around the exterior, thanks to a slight Technic-frame construct on the inside. The all-grey colour scheme works against highlighting the subtle angles that have been recreated in the model, but it all still comes together effectively at the end as the reason why your eye so easily accepts the authentic nature of what’s in front of you. Without that issue, this is a model that would sit comfortably in the summer 2021 range of LEGO Star Wars sets, but for how remarkable the rest of them all are in comparative value, 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser runs the risk of being overshadowed and overlooked. Overall I give the Light Cruiser 3.5/5 Arbitrary praise units. The build experience was great, as is the minifigure selection. I also really enjoyed the microscale TIE Fighters. While there are some innacuracies with the actual craft, I probably feel most challenged by the final price, especially in Australia, where it seems that perhaps the pricing is now geared to big box retailers offering 10-20% on an almost weekly basis.

A top gift idea for boys and girls age 10+ and any fan, the set comes with step-by-step building instructions. Explore the entire LEGO Star Wars range to find other construction sets that will delight all ages. I'm not too bothered about the inaccuracies compared to Arquitens. I'm sure this is simply a problem with the designers reference material, as even in universe the distinction between Arquitens and Gideon's ship is a little unclear. While their shaping appears impressive, viewing these engines from behind reveals another significant issue. While the three primary nacelles are present, four auxiliary thrusters should appear between them. Instead, the vessel has seemingly taken inspiration from the Arquitens-class Cruiser which includes three engines. Inaccuracies which enhance play are reasonable, but instances like this one remain disappointing.The aforementioned Technic structure occupies substantial space, leaving no opportunity for further interior which is disappointing. In addition, the proportions appear noticeably awkward here, particularly surrounding the bridge superstructure where the hull should be deeper. This section does integrate intricate texture though, complementing that towards the front. Unfortunately, that shoulder armour obstructs the Dark Trooper's blaster rifle, so another rifle would have been appreciated instead. The armour can be removed though, revealing exactly the same design underneath. Additionally, the Dark Trooper's head features remarkable detail and I can imagine this component proving useful for fantasy creations. A variation of the LEGO Minifigure baby, Grogu has appeared in 4 sets now, appearing the same each time. It is one of the most adorable minifigures I have ever seen, from the sand green rubbery head to the infant’s torso. While not unique, it is good to see it here. The Build