BEST BIRTHDAYS GIFT: LEGO Star Wars 9516 Jabba's Palace

If you're a "Star Wars" fan like I am, then the LEGO "Star Wars" 9516 Jabba's Palace is a must-have addition to your collection. The original Jabba's Palace that was released back in 2003 has become hard to find and expensive on the secondary market. This new set features many improvements compared to it's older counterpart that make it a superior toy.
With 717 pieces, the build itself takes just over two hours, and was over by the time "Return of the Jedi" had finished playing in the background.

One of the first things you'll notice about the new Jabba's Palace LEGO set is that it isn't just one room. The set includes a throne room and detachable tower, and when turned around looks like the exterior as seen in the movies. If you've purchased the LEGO "Star Wars" 9490 Droid Escape set, you'll be able to reenact the classic scene from "Return of the Jedi" where C-3P0 and R2-D2 enter. A droid eye pops right out of the door just like in the movie, and the gate itself lifts and closes.

The roof of Jabba's Palace comes off, for easier access to play with the throne room inside. Jabba's throne itself slides back and forth, and the wall behind his throne swings out letting you expand the play space. There's a trap door for minifigures to fall into the Rancor Pit, however unfortunately the Rancor Pit (and Rancor) isn't included with this set. You'll have to build one with your collection of LEGO bricks or purchase it separately when it's released in 2013.

Jabba the Hutt himself has received a new body. His head can turn and arms can move up and down.
Of all the characters included, the new Gamorrean Guard was my favorite. The mold and printing on it is exquisite. In fact, one of my few quarms with this set is that there was just one Gamorrean Guard included. I'd have liked to seen two.

There's a lot of cool little details that make this set shine. Jabba's water pipe and the cute little frog creatures, a secret compartment for money and weapons underneath Jabba's throne, prison cuffs for Chewbacca, drinks, and a couple of printed thermal detonators bring fun play features to this set.

Minifigures included:

• Jabba the Hutt
• Salacious Crumb
• Bib Fortuna
• Gamorrean Guard
• Oola
• Han Solo
• Han in Carbonite
• Princess Leia in Boushh outfit
• Chewbacca
• B'omarr Monk

With 717 pieces, the LEGO "Star Wars" 9516 Jabba's Palace is a bit pricey ($119.99 from the LEGO Shop). A mark up because of the "Star Wars" franchising cost is to be expected, however it seems more noticeable with this particular set. If you compare it to the LEGO "Star Wars" 7879 Hoth Echo Base which has 773 pieces and retails for $89.99, it's $30 more for a set that has less pieces. In essence you're paying a premium for the seven new minifigures that are included.

The set's certainly worth picking up, despite it's large price point. Be it as a toy or conversation / display piece, it doesn't disappoint. If you find it on sale or there's a promotion going on at the LEGO Store, don't hesitate picking it up for yourself or as a gift to your favorite "Star Wars" fan.

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Riview from: http://www.examiner.com

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