Dollar Tree Lego Knockoffs Reviewed, Part 2

Yesterday, I wrote a largely-favorable review of two LEGO imitators. Today, it's a far less glowing endorsement. The last products were in clear bags. The contents were on display. They didn't dare cheap out. These, however, are well-packaged. What are they trying to hide?

Well, let's start with those minifigure packs. Three figures plus tools and weapons for just $1.00? Sounds pretty good! Looks utterly horrendous, though.

First, it's obvious they inflated the part count by requiring kids to assemble the minifigs from scratch, where Lego has the legs and hips preassembled. Same for the torsos, arms, and hands. That's a mark of LEGO knockoffs everywhere, and it is not a good sign.

Second, these are not direct copies of LEGO minifigs. The parts are shaped differently. And none of it is for the better. These look hideous. the plastic also feels distinctly cheaper. While I like the potential for better poseability and playability, these are garbage. The arms and hands do not connect securely. I thought I would break the arms connecting them to the torsos. And later on, you will get a good look at the strange neck joint between the head and torso.

Third, I do have to admit the accessories are decent despite the disappointment elsewhere. The AR-15/M-16 rifles are pretty cool, and while I would have designed them differently for better LEGO compatibility, they are neat. The other tools and weapons are also good.

These minis do not fit properly on the tractor seat from yesterday, though, despite the Lego-like sockets on the back of the legs. I wouldn't be surprised if these came from a different factory and product line entirely despite sharing branding at the Dollar Tree.

Well, that was largely a disappointment. What about that race car though? It still might offer redemption for the Dollar Tree. Let's open the box and take a look!

We have better instructions. The parts mostly feel Lego-like. The driver body is a cool idea that I don't think I have seen from LEGO before, although I don't claim encyclopedic knowledge of every piece ever. The one-piece wheels also avoid the problem of wheels and tires not locking together properly.

Let me show how differently these all go together, though. None of these heads are LEGO-style, and that yellow helmet is noticeably larger than the real deal, too.

So, the car is mostly OK, but strange in some ways. The minifigures are mostly garbage, but the accessories are nice. No pun intended, this is a mixed bag. The car might be sorta-kinda OK, but only buy those minifigures for your kids if coal isn't a sufficiently cruel stocking stuffer.

I have one more imitation from another brand to show off, and then I want to look at a real LEGO set that really gets me right in the nostalgia. Stay tuned!