Dark Laser Cannon (Qiji 3401-1)

About this set

The Dark Laser Cannon (Qi Ji 3401-1) sits in the Elemental Warring States series, though the box calls it the Dark Mammoth Cannon under the POWER SQUAD banner, and it builds into a sci-fi mech. The box lists 132 pieces and a 2/5 difficulty, so a newer builder or a kid aged 6+ should get through it with the instructions. Black, red, grey and yellow parts give it a dark military look, with the trans-red pieces adding the main colour contrast once it is together. The finished model centres on a rotating base turret and a twin-barrel launcher, plus a shield, and the turret can be turned to change its facing. Build the base and the rotation section first, then the turret body, and click the twin barrels and shield on last, since the base is harder to press down once the turret is mounted. Sort the trans-red and yellow parts out before you start, as they are easy to lose among the dark bricks. It suits sci-fi mech fans and anyone collecting the fire, ice, wind and earth elements; there is also a chance of a QR card in the box for scanning elements, and the wristband light-up can be redeemed for prizes, so collectors should keep an eye out.