Distinctions - LEGO adds a number of moving play features into the Resistance Y-Wing Starfighter 75249, from spring actioned missiles to a rotating bombing mechanism, all capped with a turret that moves smoothly on two axes. Minifigures included are also fairly rare, with Poe Dameron, Zorii Bliss, First Order Snowtrooper, D-O and an unnamed blue astromech droid all making either debut or barely repeat appearances.

Criticisms - Unfortunately the LEGO Star Wars Resistance Y-Wing Starfighter 75249 is incredibly weak in actual build strength, meaning play has to be significantly more delicate than with other comparable sets. Engine build pieces are thin, and tend to separate naturally, with a snowball effect of redistributed weight often leading to complete disintegration.

Distinctions - As with most LEGO sets, the Resistance Y-Wing Starfighter 75249 incorporates strong pieces with tight tolerances and solid color palettes. Figure prints are generally very solid and have a strong luster that does not fade with time.

Criticisms - The obvious downside is the neglect to the structure of the engines, though it was clearly an aesthetic choice that paid off in another avenue. Considering the decreased size relative to cost, it would have been nice if an alternative, stronger solution would have offset some of the sticker-shock provided by the inflated $55.99 MSRP.

Distinctions - Unlike previous iterations of the Y-Wing design, the LEGO Star Wars Resistance Y-Wing Starfighter 75249 skillfully incorporates details in both stickers and build elements to create a fairly accurate and proportionally sound minifigure scale model of a fairly complex design.

Criticisms - Minifigures are solid, but may not be particularly desirable due to nature of first-generation designs being not quite ironed out. Stickers also gradually wear away and lose luster.

Distinctions - LEGO is, as ever, strong in reuse and recyclability. This particular set does not overdo bespoke or limited use special pieces, ensuring that every piece is easily usable with the rest of LEGO’s system. Fully plastic designs are easily recyclable if desired, though freedom of LEGO assembly allows for continued use in as many contexts as can be conceptualized.

Criticisms - As always, the criticism to be had with LEGO products is their plastic base, as well as traditionally recyclable, but still disposable paper instructions and ink-heavy retail packaging. Reuse, quality and longevity of LEGO pieces offsets the plastic cost, but considering the over-sized nature of the box versus the contents, reductions are possible. Stickers and new molds for minifigures do come with an associated environmental cost.

Distinctions - Hard to find a larger catalogue of products that are still legacy compatible with new sets like this one. The LEGO Star Wars Resistance Y-Wing Starfighter 75249 is the best iteration of this particular Y-Wing design available at an affordable price.

Criticisms - LEGO’s major complaint with aficionados is the gradual price inflation and decrease of set sizes. This particular set manifests those reductions in structural weakness, which makes the sacrifice all the more impactful.