Distinctions - The LEGO Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter 75300 is a smaller build that still allows for some play features, particularly with the two extra minifigures, functioning hatch and firing mechanism. The extra minifigures are also cover a wide spectrum, with the Imperial TIE pilot, Imperial Protocol Droid and a standard Stormtrooper.

Criticisms - Like many other LEGO sets of the current era, the LEGO Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter 75300 is smaller than prior generations with a higher proportional price tag.

Distinctions - Like most LEGO sets, the tolerances of the LEGO pieces involved in the LEGO Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter 75300 are great, with fitment being strong and flush. Prints visible on the minifigures are vivid and detailed, and are more resilient than previous iterations of the ink.

Criticisms - The actual design of the LEGO Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter 75300, while accurately based on the movie model, has vulnerabilities due to the size of the wings and proportionally small connectors.

Distinctions - Without overdoing bespoke pieces, the design of the LEGO Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter 75300 is remarkably true to form. Colors and decals are solid depictions of the full-size item, while also not sacrificing the simplification typical congruent with the rest of the LEGO Star Wars line. Color fading is not a large problem unlike some other plastic models.

Criticisms - Within larger home environments, not amongst other Star Wars sets, the LEGO Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter 75300 does standout as not particularly aesthetically pleasing. Hard lines and mixed design language, though true to the original, are not cohesive or easy to blend into a larger display environment.

Distinctions - Lego is, as ever, strong in reuse and recyclability. With three different builds included in this particular set, official reuse is even being emphasized. 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.

Distinctions - Probably the best value for play and size of design for the Imperial TIE Fighter across all depictions. As always, hard to find a larger catalogue of products that are still legacy compatible with new sets like this one. LEGO reigns supreme.

Criticisms - LEGO’s major complaint with aficionados is the gradual price inflation and decrease of set sizes. While other competitors compensate for poorer tolerances and less thoughtful designs with larger size, LEGO has maintained quality at the gradual expense of physical footprint and MSRP. This particular set, with its size and piece count, had comparable peers at two-thirds of the price from LEGO within the last decade.