Review: LEGO Overwatch Bastion is a unique collectable

Earlier this year, LEGO and Blizzard announced that the two companies would be joining forces to release a line of brick-built Overwatch sets. Since then, fans of both LEGO and the hit multiplayer game have been eagerly awaiting the release of these sets. Last week we got a first look at what the collaboration has in store, with the release of the Omnic Bastion 75987 set.

We’ve finally gotten our hands on the new release, so head below for an in-depth look at how the first LEGO Overwatch set stacks up.

The main line of Overwatch-themed sets aren’t due out until 2019. As such, the Omnic Bastion kit is serving as a yet another way to excite fans for their debut and only stacks up to 182 pieces and features Bastion alongside trusty companion Ganymede.

Once assembled, the build stands four inches tall including the tan baseplate complete with display stand. Bastion sports an Omnic Crisis Orange finish in the first Overwatch set. This is in contrast to the more neutral grey that the character is known for. But Overwatch heroes donning alternative colorways and skins is hardly a new thing.

Thoughts on the finished model:

Given that we still haven’t gotten a look the full lineup of upcoming Overwatch sets, it is still unclear if this is the final scale for the Omnic hero. The build towers over a normal minifigure, but it would be hard to recreate Bastion’s likeness at a more proportional scale.

Design-wise, the LEGO Bastion is an accurate portrayal of the in-game version. Articulation is surprisingly well-executed and the kit’s designer was even able to build in a stud-shooter, which doubles as the Omnic’s recon baster. Upon its initial announcement, many were hoping Bastion could be reconfigured into its sentry mode. Sadly that isn’t the case, but you’ll still find the robot’s cannon on its back.

The biggest let down in my book is that all of the character’s unique decals are achieved through the use of stickers. With this being the first Overwatch set and a Blizzard exclusive, I was hopeful they’d rely on the traditional printing techniques.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if you’re a huge Overwatch fan. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very well-designed model that makes excellent use of its lower part count. But at $25, it is definitely a hard sell on its LEGO merits alone. Being that it’s only being sold by Blizzard, it’s clear this isn’t intended for your average LEGO builder.

At the end of the day, the Omnic Bastion 75987 set is effectively a LEGO statue. It’s a great addition to any fan’s collection of Overwatch paraphernalia. Sure the lack of printed pieces is a bit of a let down. But this set is a fine model for what it is, a collectible.

If you’re disappointed by the first Overwatch set release, many other sets are due out in the next few months. I find the choice to mix it up and offer Bastion not in his default skin is a nice touch. It certainly makes this even more of a must-have for collectors. Odds are we won’t see this colorway released again.

The first official Overwatch kit is now available for purchase from Blizzard for $25. As we said before, it’s a Blizzard exclusive. As such, it will be available in more limited quantities than your average set. Some may be turned off by the low part count for its price. But even so, it’s a neat set that any Overwatch fan will enjoy.