With the third Sonic movie due next month, January 1st will welcome three new LEGO® Sonic the Hedgehog sets. I have the privilege of being able to take a look at the new sets early and the one I’ll be focusing on in this preview is Cyclone vs. Metal Sonic. It’s one of only a couple of Sonic sets not to feature the Blue Blur but the lack of a certain speedy hedgehog is more than compensated for by the inclusion of another unique minifigure, Metal Sonic. Unlike Super Sonic, Metal Sonic isn’t a super-powered variant but is a highly advanced Badnik created by Dr Robonik. Here’s what the Cyclone vs. Metal Sonic set has to offer.
Product Details
Set Name: Cyclone vs. Metal Sonic | Set Number: 77002 | Pieces: 290 | Theme: Sonic the Hedgehog
Number of Bags: Bags x 2 (paper) | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Stickers: N/A | Characters: Tails ‘Miles’ Prower & Metal Sonic RRP: £24.99/$29.99/29.99€/39.99AUD/39.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online and LEGO Retailer from January 1st
Whilst Sonic has a skill for speed, Tails is handy with tools and has crafted several vehicles to aid Sonic in his various adventures. One such vehicle is the Cyclone, a transforming mech which can become a plane or car. The Cyclone was first introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 and was Tails’ most powerful creation, making it a match for Robinik’s egg-based machines. In the game, the Cyclone could transform from a mech walker into a plane or a car. It could also be recoloured depending on which section of the game it was being used in. But the base version is blue and yellow. In LEGO form, the Cyclone does offer a transforming ability but this is limited to either a mech or a hybrid car/plane. The different forms are certainly not as distinct as the Cyclone’s in-game counterpart.
There are several moveable joints in the Cyclone’s legs and you’d expect the ability to switch modes would be quite complex because of them. But that’s far from the truth. Instead, the switch is as simple as flattening the feet forward and slightly angling the legs. This allows the wheels connected to the back of the legs, to make contact with the surface beneath the Cyclone. Thanks to the way the feet are moved, it balances the set and allows it to be pushed around like a car but technically, this configuration of the vehicle is its ‘plane’ mode.
The set gets bonus points for offering a space to store Tails’ tools when not in use. They can be clipped behind the section where Tails can be seated. The cockpit also has enough room to stand Tails in it. As the minifigure doesn’t have jointed legs but does have a bushy tail it’s nice that it can be easily placed in the vehicle and does look awkwardly placed either.
Along with the Cyclone, the set features two minifigures and they are both unique to the set. Tails has appeared in previous sets but the version found here features a unique face print, making it unique. It’s also a far angrier-looking Tails. The highlight of the set is a character appearing as a minifigure for the first time, Metal Sonic. The robotic take on Sonic was created by Dr Robonik as the most advanced of his Badnik minions. As the name suggests, it is styled on Sonic’s appearance. The torso is great thanks to the metallic detail on the arms. The legs are a little plain, it’s a shame they are at least printed similarly to Sonic, whose iconic footwear is fully replicated. Metal Sonic has a unique new head mould. This is probably one of my favourite takes on a chart from the Sonic games and perfectly matches the character’s original design.
Although it’s not been confirmed by Paramount that Metal Sonic will appear in Sonic 3, nor does this set pertain to be directly based on the film, the robotic Sonic Badnik could likely appear in the film. Even if it doesn’t, we are still getting another cool LEGO take on a popular Sonic character. Although the different face print offers a unique version of Tails, it would be nice to have something more unique beyond a facial expression. One thing I’m enjoying about the Sonic sets is how they blend elements from different games. The Cyclone comes from Sonic Adventure 2 whereas Metal Sonic debuted in Sonic CD. Despite harking from different games, they pair up nicely. The new LEGO Sonic sets will speed into shops on January 1st and can be pre-ordered now.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz.com by the LEGO Group for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or SEGA. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
