Spinjitzu isn’t just for LEGO minifigures anymore

One of the new LEGO NINJAGO sets for June of this year brings the iconic Spinjitzu play feature to a new level.

Ever since NINJAGO was introduced in 2011, the fictional martial art of Spinjitzu has been a core focus of the toy line. When the ninjas and their enemies use this aptly-named technique, they spin around so incredibly fast that they create tornadoes of elemental energy. In the first wave of NINJAGO toys, this was represented by Beyblade-style spinners that could house a single minifigure each.

In the 12 years since NINJAGO’s original release, Spinjitzu as a play feature has faded in and out of the sets, occasionally re-emerging with revamped spinners or even flying toys like the Dragon Masters line. Now, in the new Dragons Rising wave, Spinjitzu has entered the forefront once again.

The spinners have been revamped once again, using a new system where the spinning motion apparently comes from a set of three spheres. The spheres themselves look similar to the Zamor Spheres of Bionicle fame, but it’s likely that they’re a new mould. Most interestingly, though, is that these spinning spheres aren’t built into the spinner – they’re attached using a new piece designed to hold them. This means, of course, that they can be added to other LEGO creations.

The designers for LEGO NINJAGO clearly wanted to highlight this fact in 71791 Zane’s Dragon Power Spinjitzu Race Car, a build that serves as both a car and a giant Spinjitzu spinner. By pressing down on the spoiler on the back, builders can raise the wheels of the car off the ground and allow it to rest on the spinning spheres. Then, they can spin the car around to their heart’s content – making this the first NINJAGO vehicle capable of Spinjitzu.

Now, how exciting is this feature really? For adult collectors, a car that can spin around surely isn’t too big of a draw – but it could be a hit with kids. Any extra options for play are always good to see in LEGO sets. But it also serves as an exciting example of how these new pieces can be used to create motion for builders of all ages. Who knows what kind of options these new pieces might open up for original LEGO creations?

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