For this week’s LEGO review, we dive head first into one of my all-time favorite LEGO lines: The Legends of Chima. This is a line that is only a couple years old now, but with every wave of releases they just keep getting better and better. For our first Chima set, we are taking a look at the very first Rhino set.
But I guess first I should give a quick explanation as to what the Legend of Chima is about. Chima is a world filled with anthropomorphic animal beings. They use an element called “chi” to power their world and to instill strength into themselves. Normally they live in peace, but just like always, some will want more power for themselves. Think Thundercats combined with LEGO Fabuland figures. I could go on and on about all the different races, factions, and what not, but let’s just focus on this set for today.
This set comes with three great minifigures, three very cool weapon builds, a piece of “chi,” and a Battle-Rhino tank.
We get two rhino figures included: Rogon (male) and Rinona (female). Then we have the evil spider Sparacon. Unlike most LEGO minifigures that have either a hair piece, a hat, or nothing, these figures include animal heads that slide down on the standard LEGO minifigure head. This really makes these guys look like tiny action figures as opposed to standard blocky minifigures. Both rhinos have two faces, one happy and one angry, but Sparacon only comes with one face. Rogon also comes with “chi-powered” armor, while Sparacon has some extra legs on his back.
Now, I have found it odd that a lot of these Chima figures have two faces. Because of their “helmet” heads, you can only see their eyes. As you can see in these pictures, it’s hard to really tell a difference on Rogon.
One thing that LEGO keeps improving on with Chima sets is the weapons. They are not standard one-piece weapons; they are like mini LEGO builds. This gives each weapon its own personality and purpose.
The Rock Flinger is a rhino-shaped tank vehicle designed for speed and power! I love the color scheme on this tank. It is a gray, white, and gray-blue mix. As with most Chima vehicles, the tank has a head that looks like a rhino. Really, the whole tank looks like a beefy rhino.
The “tail” end of the tank has two purposes. Inside the back of the tank hides a large rock. You can take that rock and launch it with the “tail” at your foes for a crushing effect.
You can also take the tail and push it toward the middle of the tank; this switches the tank to high-speed pursuit mode. It gives the tank a much sleeker-looking profile.
Chima is a very addictive line to collect. The minifigures and the builds are some of LEGO’s best work. And the fact this is an in-house brand just means that LEGO can get really crazy and do what they want. If you are a LEGO fan or a fan of Thundercats, I think you really should give Chima a shot. They have sets as cheap as $10 and as much as $100+, but all of them are packed with value and fun.
Retail $29.99
Piece count 257
