Thursday, June 16, 2016

Mobile Alternative Zero: SpruKits - LBX Line

I am always, well not always, but certainly keeping a general eye out for fun alternatives for MF0 besides LEGO. My current eye catcher is SpruKits, specifically their LBX line based on a cartoon (anime maybe?)/3DS Game.

There kits for little robots so it is a perfect fit it seems to me. They have two level of modes (1 and 2) but a modest selection. They don't come with a lot of accessories and I don't think you can swap parts but if you either want a uniform squad or willing to field the different models together I think you could get some options.

I picked up two level 1 models and one level 2 model from TRU; let's go ahead and take a closer look.
The Box

Fantastic packaging, you can see why it got my attention. The beauty of Sprukits is not needing any tools or glue.
Instructions
For the level one sets the inside of the box also doubles as the instructions! Very environmentally friendly!
Stickers
Spru 1
Spru 2
Of course it fun putting these things together and it works just as it advertised. It easy to get the pieces out which come off clean or close to clean each time. Everything goes well together and despite that fact the models are nice and sturdy unlike some of my past experiences with some Gundam models when I was growing up.

The Box
Instructions
Spru 1
Spru 2
Though you can easily and repeatedly some of the parts (Legs, arms, some other stuff) which can help with classic MF0 style system loss.

The Sets
Look great and the stickers were easier to put on then I expected.

Having some fun
Comparison 1
Comparison 2
As you can see the level 1 sets are perfect scale for Mobile Frame Zero: Rapid Attack and at $7.99 per set it isn't too bad.

Alright, let's go to Level 2.

The Box
Spru 1 and 2
'Cape' and Strickers
Instructions - Needed something bigger for this.
Spru 3 and 4
As you can see more stickers, more Spru and bigger instructions!

The Set - Front
The Set - Back
It makes a great and detailed model/action figure. Just as before it was easy despite all the parts and still reliable piece to stay together while able to slap parts on/off.

All the comparisons!
Unlike the Level 1s the Level 2s are too big or at least they are at 7p scale. They will run you about $19.99.

Overall I like Sprukits for what they are and for MF0 I think the Level 1 sets could be something interesting for players to explore/experiment with. Of course if your of LBX (I like the game) you might be able to modify Rapid Attack to simulate it using these models; we can talk about on The Hanger.

Stat Cards Below







Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Frame Doodles 1

Ever so often I like to doodle and a couple nights ago I drew some frames. Though I wanted to take a different angle; we are always talking/creating combat frames or frames re-purposed for combat but reality is or at least I think it is there are a lot of different frames running around The Solar Calendar so this is what I focus my drawing on.

The Centipede: The Centipede is a single pilot frame that serves the role of public transit in cities or colony collectives. The doors are design to open as two halves, one going up and the other down to act as a ramp. The centipedes small but powerful legs with grabberish feet allow it to operate in diverse environments. Above model is displayed with the expansion half with a bend section allowing to be able to handle addition passengers then the standard Centipede.

The Gopher: The Gopher is a express transit frame to cover ground between destinations quickly. Despite being a double decker (one model has spartan beds in the top, usually also with solar collectors and rotating on board pilots) the gopher is not a high occupancy frame but design to give passengers a bit more room for comfort. Advance gyro technology help keep passengers and pilot(s) a smooth ride despite the roughest terrain or high speeds.



The Rhino: The rhino is literally designed to have a building land on it and still function with little to no harm to the pilot. Due to this frame's unique design (and need of a crazy pilot) few rhino's are in operation in a region but can handle demolition operations, clearing roads and other blunt force operations. The rhino's incredible toughness comes from it's panels being reinforced by responsive muscle cylinders with the most powerful behind the ram or "horn". With the TOMB system ready to keep pilots safe pilots should not fear in case the powerful rhino is buried and cannot escape. The TOMB will keep pilots safe and alive until rescue can reach them.
We have never received a report of a casualty while piloting a rhino. The rhino is a construction class frame and has not been sold to any known military or military like group or have we ever received a confirmed sighting of a rhino in a conflict scenario.

Permission: I look forward to anyone wanting to brick up or draw something much better then my above doodles. Please just let me know and give a source to see it so I can show it up in a follow up post!

I also be glad to answer any questions above these frames above!

Sunday, June 12, 2016

LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes The Batmobile 30446 Review for MF0

The Bag
Picked this one up from TRU. I don't care much for the design of this batmobile (as LEGO or from BvS) and much prefer the Tumbler version.

Frame Creation
Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I built this guy, not the most impressive but a bit more stable then you might expect. +5 points.

Comparison - Look at those saddle hips.
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part. 

$3.99 / 63 = $0.06, wow that is a steal! +5 points.

Parts 1
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, absolutely despite a lot of plates. +5 points.

Parts 2
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts? 

Despite a chuck of not useful there is certainly still a lot for +5 points!

The Set
Total: A+ set! A lot of good parts for a good price and the batmobile is in scale really if you want to try and include that for some odd reason.


Friday, June 10, 2016

LEGO Nexo Knights Knight's Cycle 30371 Review for MF0

The Bag
Pick this one up at Target around the cash registers.

Parts 1
Can you build some sort of creation right away?

Another failed creative endeavor for -5 points.


Parts Focus - Ice Cream cone in metallic/gray color.
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$3.99 / 42 = $0.10 per piece to break even for 0 points! Hey, getting better!

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? 

This is a yes, again the plate mounted stud blasters could be some easy weapon fun and biggest reason why I am saying yes. +5 points.

The Set
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

This is an easy no for -5 points.

Total: A bit of improvement this week with a B- set though it sort of makes me want to make a motorcycle for Chubs.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

LEGO Super Heroes Marvel Captain America's Motorcycle 30447 for MF0

The Bag
Picked this one up from TRU so I could have the Capt minifigure...

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

This was a total fail but I saw it coming. -5 points.

Parts 1
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$3.99 / $0.16 per piece, another one!!!! -10 points.

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? 

Despite being a few I am...I am saying no... -5 points.

The Set
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

NO! -5 points...*cries*

Total: *sighs* Say hello to a C- set! Despite being a sad sack for Mobile Frame Zero it was a fun little set to put together and play around with.

Monday, June 6, 2016

LEGO City Surfer Rescue 60011 Review for MF0

The Box

I picked this at Five Below awhile ago mostly for the shark and because it was priced at a lower amount but the real price at the register was different.

Playing Around - Should of used blue background (No microfig in this set)
Can you build some sort of creation right away? 

I was not able to get anything out of this set. -5 points.


Parts 1
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$5 / 32 = $0.16 per piece! I think that is the worse ratio I have scene EVER! -10 points!


Parts 2
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?

There are some so not a complete lost. +5 points


Parts 3
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

But this is a complete no! -5


The Set
Total: A C for an almost sad sack set. For a second I thought I might have gotten a C- set!

Saturday, June 4, 2016

LEGO Friends Panda's Bambo 41049

The Bag
This is a retired set from 2014 that I think I picked up when a store was clearing out the boxes from the back.

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I couldn't think of any original build with this set, and sort of thinking it might be a good cover piece. - 5 Points

Parts 1
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part

$5.99 / 47 = $0.13 per parts. Yikes! -10 points.

Parts 2
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? 

It does have some common useful parts. +5 points.

The Set
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts? 

Though this is a sad no for -5 points.

Total: C and after putting it together it not much for a cover piece either. They all can't be winners. At least the Panda is cute.