First look at LEGO 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad GWP

A LEGO GWP based on classic LEGO Space is on the way and we've got our first proper look at the upcoming set ahead of its impending release.

Early reviews of 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad have not only revealed the release date and minimum spend but also offered a closer look at the upcoming GWP. It's heavily inspired by classic LEGO Space, made up of four separate builds, three of which are recreations of two familiar sets, 1982's 6950 Mobile Rocket Transport and 1979's 920 Rocket Launch Pad.

Let's dive into the reviews from New Elementary, Zusammengebaut, and Tiago Catarino, who were all sent 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad early, to see what they had to say about the approaching free gift.

A true homage to classic LEGO Space

One aspect that all three reviewers could agree on is that 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad is a true homage to classic LEGO Space. New Elementary describes the set as "a wonderful modern addition to the existing range of retired products", while Zusammengebaut states simply: "If you are a Space fan, then this set will be great for you." "This is an amazing set, I've got to give it to LEGO," agrees Tiago.

Judging from all three reviews, 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad appears to do an excellent job of balancing good old-fashioned nostalgia with clever modern design, scaling down beloved classic sets into bite-size versions that arguably makes them all the more impressive.

Logos and classic colours galore – but much of it is stickered

Undoubtedly, the GWP is targeted at LEGO Space fans, demonstrated through the colour scheme of grey, blue, and trans yellow and the presence of various classic Space icons. While all of that goes down well with the reviewers, there are some complaints about the use of stickers to introduce all of this imagery, rather than any new printed Space elements.

"Unfortunately, the set comes with a sticker sheet, so if you're hoping for Classic Space prints, you'll be disappointed," writes Zusammengebaut. "But for a GWP, I understand that and don't think it's too bad, even though I would of course have preferred prints."

If you can look past the stickers, then there's plenty to enjoy in the colours and design it seems.

The return of Space Babies – kind of?

Front and centre of 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad are, of course, the Space Babies – although apparently the name has changed. New Elementary writes that the LEGO design team informed people at Fan Media Days that these are not Space Babies and this clarification has been followed through with a design change. The face of the tiny minifigures is no longer a bright-eyed baby face, but a regular classic LEGO smile. Paired with a still-shrunk body, it's a little eerie of an effect – and all three reviewers still refer to Space Babies throughout, so who knows if this rebrand will actually carry through to the community.

An eye-watering minimum threshold – but 'what you get feels like a lot'

Of course, while a GWP is described as a gift, it's not quite free. 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad is available with a minimum spend of £180 / $200 / €200, at the price end of the spectrum as LEGO gifts go. Tiago sums up this price as "kind of insane", while New Elementary writes that they "couldn't recommend spending such a large sum of money to acquire this as a 'free' gift" (while also acknowledging that it's a "must-have for collectors").

However, Zusammengebaut did note that 40712 Micro Rocket Launchpad is executed well enough to make it seem worth the cost, writing: "The microscale really lends itself to [nostalgia] and so many important details of the templates were captured. Because of the many small models, what you get here feels like a lot." Even this more positive conclusion is still paired with a warning not to "buy anything unnecessarily to reach the hurdle, it's never worth a GWP". Sound advice.

LEGO 40712 Micro Rocket Launch Pad will be available from February 16 for LEGO Insiders, and for everyone else from February 19, until February 25 or while stocks last, automatically appearing in baskets for orders over £180 / $200 / €200.

Featured image: Tiago Catarino

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