Guardians of the Galaxy: Starblaster Showdown 76019 review

[StClair]

guardians_103_2019 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Guardians of the Galaxy: Starblaster Showdown 76019
Pieces: 196
$19.99 retail
Ages: 6-12
released in 2014
3 minifigures: Sakaaran soldier, Star-Lord, Nova Corps officer (left to right in above photo)
1 sticker sheet (shown below but I did not apply to the build)

guardians_103_2007 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Here is the entire contents of the box. There is a "comic". The first half is Guardians of the Galaxy. The second half is devoted to X-Men.

There are two bags containing parts.

guardians_103_2037 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Here are all of the parts (including minifigures and the few extra parts that remain after completing the builds. It was the dark blue that caught my eye before buying the set with yellow that caught my eye when I first saw the set.

guardians_103_2022 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

These were the extra parts that remained after completing the builds.

guardians_103_2021 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

1 and only sticker sheet for the set. I did not apply the stickers.

guardians_103_2020 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Here are the three minifigures with their accessories and weapons.

They are (from left to right) Sakaaran soldier, Star-Lord, Nova Corps officer

guardians_103_2024 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Star-Lord (Peter Quill)

Perhaps the main character of the Guardians of the Galaxy team (even though the favorite of many may be Rocket Raccoon). The members of Guardians of the Galaxy that are currently available in LEGO sets are Star-Lord (2 versions), Rocket Raccoon, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora and Groot.

I love that he comes with both a helmet AND hairpiece. The set includes two identical weapons (element guns), one infinity stone (silver sphere) and two yellow 1x1 round bricks to pose him as though he is flying.

guardians_103_2025 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

He has a double sided head with two expressions as shown in these two photo's. I'm not sure if the other LEGO version of him has the same head or not.

guardians_103_2026 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

guardians_103_2027 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Nice back printing. I really like his helmet. Both his helmet and torso maybe great parts for future MOCs

guardians_103_2028 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Nova Corps Officer
Flies the main ship build included in the set and his accessory is a pair of handcuffs. I think I like Star-Lords helmet just a little better but this one is nice.

guardians_103_2029 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

guardians_103_2030 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

guardians_103_2031 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

This minifig also has a double sided head with two expressions. One has a chin strap while other does not.

Sakaaran soldier

guardians_103_2034 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Check out the detailed printing on this guy! I love the printing on his face.

guardians_103_2035 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

guardians_103_2036 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Alternate side of his face.

guardians_103_2010 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

This is a great looking ship especially for the price of the set. It was difficult attaching transparent parts to the bottom to display it. I had to attach the transparent parts much closer to the front that I wanted but it does the trick allowing me to photograph the ship with the rear parts in open position.

guardians_103_2012 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

This is a good angle for the ship. From this view it reminds me of a squid.

guardians_103_2013 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

I really like how the designer of this set made the parts radiate out from the center.

guardians_103_2014 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Here it is partially taken apart to see the technique that was used.

guardians_103_2016 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

Smaller Sakaaran ship

guardians_103_2017 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

guardians_103_2018 by ponderingzissou, on Flickr

I found it interesting that the dark gray slope or wedge part was used on the ship since if resembles a rock surface. I'm glad to be able to add it to my parts collection.

Closing:
For $19.99 retail (US) with 3 interesting minifigures and a nice spaceship build (the nova corp ship) its a good deal. I particularly liked the dark blue parts and even a few random darker red parts, interesting weapons for microscale MOCs (interesting shapes), and the minifigs parts for constructing other minifigs. If you are a fan of Guardians of the Galaxy or seeking the particular parts in this set it retails at a fair price.

Pros:
Fair price
Interesting minifigs (very detailed with interesting print designs)
Weapons of both the Sakaaran and Star-lord are interesting shapes/elements and new
Nova Corp Ship is an interesting design
Both heroes and villains have a vehicle which increases play possibilities for young fans

Cons:
Sakaaran ship is rather blah but I'm sure it is based on the design of the ships to be used in the movies (not the fault of the LEGO designer) and for the price of the set I don't think we should complain
Set reminds me very much of an army builder set. The inclusion of Star-Lord presents problems in this case. Those building an army of Sakaaran and Nova Corp soldiers will have multiples of Star-Lord (send them to me please )

[LegoImagination]

Thanks for the review. I am glad to know I am not the only one that doesn't apply stickers. I don't use stickers so that I can use the parts in other builds easier.