This is a LEGO Star Wars set like many before it, from 2001’s 7200 Final Duel I and 7201 Final Duel II to 2015’s 75093 Death Star Final Duel and 2020’s 75291 Death Star Final Duel. But only insofar as its subject matter, because
The secret? Taking advantage of the diorama format to construct a LEGO Star Wars set that prioritises story over spectacle.
--- LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama set details ---
Theme: Star Wars Set name:
Price: £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 Pieces: 807 Minifigures: 3
LEGO:
--- Where to buy LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama ---
--- LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama build ---
There are few better demonstrations of the different target audiences in the LEGO Star Wars theme than comparing 75291 Death Star Final Duel and
It's also the best example of why
In that sense, this is a diorama set built around character, much in the same way as 75330 Dagobah Jedi Training Diorama captured another crucial moment of Luke’s journey in the original trilogy. But that focus has here allowed the LEGO Group to also examine a location in a way we’ve never seen before, magnifying Palpatine’s throne and the viewing window behind it for a model built to unprecedented scale and detail – and which would never have been possible within a traditional LEGO Star Wars play set.
The result is a build that effectively serves as a staging ground for its minifigures; an imposing theatre for Luke and Vader to do battle, framed perfectly by the elegant and innovative backdrop. Clips, bars, windows, plates and tubes come together to recreate the Death Star’s architecture, with a printed dish doing the last of the heavy lifting to communicate its detail. The structure that sits in front of the window, framing the entire scene, is built with a series of plates and hinges, then attached to a wall of bricks and slopes by just a few studs. It’s simple, but effective – and makes smart use of the verticality at play in
That verticality is another string in the set’s bow for sure, keeping things interesting around the base – good news for anyone who’s already rocking a complete LEGO Star Wars Diorama Collection – while also providing one more option for display on the steps, as Palpatine’s Force lightning is tucked away underneath a floor panel. Pull it out, and you can switch from Vader and Luke’s duel to… the Emperor of the galaxy torturing a 21-year-old kid.
Those are essentially the only two options for display here, and it’s one limitation of the dioramas exposed by
And chances are you will, because this is still arguably one of the best lightsaber duels in the entire Star Wars saga (and there have been a lot of them by now). It’s more about the characters than the action – and that’s reflected to a tee in
--- LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama characters ---
With that in mind, the mantra for this set really has to be quality over quantity. And to its credit, all three of
Could the LEGO Star Wars team have gone even further? Of course: Luke really needs a screaming-in-agony alternate expression for when he’s getting zapped by Palpatine, although that’s probably pushing the limits of acceptability even for an 18+ set, and Vader could have had an alternative dual-moulded helmet with a trans-blue face to recreate that bit where he goes full Skeletor.
But as a set of core minifigures for collectors who don’t necessarily own them already (and might not be so interested in such variants), there’s little to grumble about here.
--- LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama price ---
At £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99,
It’s not faring well in comparison to that set, then, but how about in isolation? Does
--- LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama pictures ---
--- LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama pros and cons ---
Its price comes in a little too high – what LEGO Star Wars set haven’t we said that about lately? – and its minifigures are a missed opportunity to go to places really unique, but you won’t be disappointed by what’s in the box. (Especially if you find it at a discount.)
| 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama pros | 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama cons |
|---|---|
| Zooms in on a character-driven scene with impressive results | Still very expensive for what it is |
| Detailed, accurate and looks great on display | Minifigures could have been a bit more unique |
| Decent minifigure selection |
This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.
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--- Alternatives to LEGO Star Wars 75352 Emperor’s Throne Room Diorama ---
If you’re looking for alternative LEGO Star Wars display pieces, there are four other dioramas to choose from in 75329 Death Star Trench Run Diorama, 75330 Dagobah Jedi Training Diorama, 75339 Death Star Trash Compactor Diorama and 75353 Endor Speeder Chase Diorama. For a more fleshed-out (and play-focused) take on this Return of the Jedi scene, there’s always the retired 75093 Death Star Final Duel or 75291 Death Star Final Duel (take your pick).
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