The Verdict

Gustav Klimt – The Kiss

LEGO 31221-1 · 299.99 €

Released 3 months ago

LEGO Art 31221 translates Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss into a dimensional wall display that wins over all three selected reviewers. Brickset.com particularly admires the metallic pieces and the three-dimensional execution, while zusammengebaut considers that the model captures the atmosphere of the original without simply copying it. Bouwsteentjes.info also highlights the pleasure of seeing pictorial shapes recreated through varied building techniques. The build is the set’s main attraction, with one qualification: the background can become monotonous. For Brickset.com, the lovers offer ingenious, unexpected assemblies, although some stages are fiddly and tedious. Bouwsteentjes.info appreciates the alternation between frame, panels, patterns and subject. Zusammengebaut also describes a satisfying progression, segment by segment. Brickset.com praises the instruction booklet, although it notes that some facial details are missing. Zusammengebaut regards the price favourably and regrets the absence of a Klimt minifigure. The excerpts do not provide enough evidence to assess long-term durability.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

LEGO 21370-1 · 129.99 €

Released 3 months ago

LEGO Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial turns the film character into a posable 1,226-piece figure with a retail price of €129.99. Reviewers generally praise the faithful organic shapes, particularly the textured belly and the head, although the character’s appearance will not appeal to everyone. The build is considered relatively straightforward and enjoyable, with interesting techniques in the shoulders, head and internal structure. A light brick recreates E.T.’s red heart, but its operation divides opinion: some see it as an essential addition, while hothbricks regrets the lack of a switch to keep it lit. The joints allow several poses, although BrickReport finds the arms less mobile than expected. The telescoping neck from the original fan project was dropped, and no E.T. minifigure is included. Brick Fanatics considers the price justified, unlike hothbricks, which would not buy the model at that price. Comments on stability are encouraging, but do not establish how durable it will be over time.

The X-Files

LEGO 21369-1 · 199.99 €

Released 3 months ago

LEGO Ideas 21369 The X-Files combines Mulder’s cluttered office, a forest and a UFO in a two-level composition that reviewers praise for its atmosphere and numerous references to the series. Eight minifigures add to the appeal of a display piece aimed chiefly at fans. The two sections can also be displayed separately. The build is generally considered enjoyable: the office gradually fills with furniture and clues, while the UFO offers interesting building techniques. The trees, however, are repetitive and sometimes tedious; Hoth Bricks also notes that they are somewhat fragile. The instruction booklet earns praise for its introduction and, according to Daily-Media.net, for its clear steps. The main obstacle is the €199.99 retail price: Brickonaute considers the price per piece high, while The Brick Fan and Brick Fanatics also regard the set as expensive. Reviewers appreciate its broad faithfulness to the original proposal, but place different weight on the smaller office: Brickonaute has a slight reservation about it, whereas Brick Fanatics sees it as a sensible adjustment to minifigure scale. It is an attractive collector’s piece whose value depends heavily on the buyer’s attachment to the series.

Tower Bridge

LEGO 21067-1 · 299.99 €

Released 3 months ago

LEGO Architecture Tower Bridge 21067 appeals through its instantly recognisable silhouette, colours and printed details. Brickonaute particularly appreciates the sticker-free finish, while The Earl of Bricks highlights the display appeal of the lifting roadway. More compact than the 2010 version, this interpretation is nevertheless a horizontal model measuring 89 cm wide. The build is more divisive. Its symmetry requires many steps to be repeated: Brickonaute finds it relaxing but distinctly repetitive, whereas The Earl of Bricks sees an enjoyable rhythm in it. TheBrickBlogger also appreciates its relaxed character, while warning that it may not suit someone seeking a challenge. Price is the main reservation. Brick Architect considers the US price particularly poor value and lowers its verdict accordingly. Brickonaute and TheBrickBlogger also think the comparison with the older model is difficult to justify for people who already own it. Brick Blog – Der LEGO Blog, by contrast, finds the value compelling at the discounted price it observed. The instructions and structural strength are not documented sufficiently to receive reliable ratings.

Donkey Kong™ Arcade Machine

LEGO 72051-1 · 169.99 €

Released 3 months ago

The Donkey Kong Arcade cabinet stands out for its combination of building and mechanical play. Brickset.com and Brick Fanatics particularly enjoy the assembly and interactive controls, while Bouwsteentjes.info, less drawn to the subject, gradually warms to the model through its functionality. The joystick moves Jumpman, a button makes him jump, and a lever releases barrels. Play is nevertheless a limited interpretation: Jumpman cannot climb the ladders, and several barrels can sometimes be released at once. The cabinet’s appearance and brick-built sign make it appealing for display. Its partly transparent back also lets builders observe the mechanisms and intervene if a barrel gets stuck. Assembly includes repetitive sections, however, particularly the levels of the scene. The large decorative stickers disappoint Brickset.com and Brick Fanatics, which would have preferred more printed pieces at this price. At a recommended €169.99 in Europe, the price raises concerns, even though several reviewers were won over by the experience and functions. The available observations do not establish long-term durability.

The Traditional Moon-Gazing Inn

LEGO 80121-1 · 109.99 €

Released 5 months ago

The Ancient Moon-Gazing Inn (80121) presents a historical Chinese scene with 1,530 pieces and nine minifigures. Reviewers appreciate its appearance, expressive characters and the possibilities offered by its interior spaces. The main building connects to a tower via a bridge; a well and tree can be attached to the model or displayed separately. The build is considered accessible and enjoyable, although New Elementary notes its reliance on simple, common techniques. The site completed it in 70 to 80 minutes. Roofs and parts of the buildings can be removed to make the interiors easier to access. Stickers, however, are a drawback shared by Bricks for Bricks and The Brick Fan. Reviewers disagree about price: New Elementary considers it unusually low for the number of pieces and minifigures, while Bricks for Bricks finds it less compelling. The latter also wanted more cultural explanations in the instructions. The available reviews do not provide enough evidence to assess long-term durability.

Dinosaur Fossils: Triceratops

LEGO 77985-1 · 99.99 €

Released 5 months ago

LEGO Jurassic World 77985 Dinosaur Fossils: Triceratops delivers a detailed skeleton in a more accessible format than the T. rex. Reviewers appreciate its realistic appearance, pose and clever methods of recreating bones. The exclusive Dr Gerry Harding minifigure and Jurassic Park references round out a model primarily intended for display. The build progresses quickly from the base to the head. It is generally considered enjoyable, although some stages are repetitive or fiddly. The joints allow for different poses, but there is a trade-off: New Elementary finds the ribs and feet unstable, while Brickset reports a significant problem with one joint. The Brick Fan, meanwhile, describes the skeleton as securely attached to its base. At €99.99, Brickset considers the price fair, while New Elementary finds it reasonable relative to weight, at least in the UK. Zusammengebaut nevertheless regards it as expensive in absolute terms. The smaller format saves space and money, but does not eliminate the reservations about stability.

The plants from the Herbology course at Hogwarts™

LEGO 76474-1 · 99.99 €

Released 5 months ago

LEGO Harry Potter 76474 brings together three plants inspired by Hogwarts Herbology lessons in a decorative collection with interactive mechanisms. All three reviewers generally appreciate its appearance and the variety of the build. Brickonaute says the plants are recognisable and distinct, while zusammengebaut praises a relaxing building experience and some interesting techniques. The Earl of Bricks also finds the assemblies varied, but considers some plants less inventive than the Mandrake. The set is less convincing on price. At €99.99, Brickonaute considers it too expensive, particularly without a minifigure. The Earl of Bricks especially misses Professor Sprout, and zusammengebaut finds the price disproportionate despite the plants’ visual appeal. Stickers are a minor drawback for the latter, whereas Brickonaute likes the labels they create. The Earl of Bricks describes the instructions as clear, but the excerpts do not provide enough evidence to assess sturdiness. The result is a set that is enjoyable to build and display, but whose official price substantially reduces its appeal.

SHIELD’s Helicarrier

LEGO 76354-1 · 369.99 €

Released 5 months ago

The LEGO Marvel 76354 S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier stands out chiefly for its shape and building techniques. Brick Banter and Brick Fanatics appreciate the angled assemblies and sideways-mounted pieces that help create the ship’s form and deck markings. The Brick Fan also notes the smoother appearance of this version. Small aircraft and equipment add details to discover, although the four engines make part of the build repetitive. Reviewers praise a more detailed representation than the 2015 model, but do not entirely agree on the merits of replacing it: Brick Fanatics sees an overall improvement, while Brickonaute points out that the older set was larger and included microfigures and some functions. According to Brick Fanatics, the new model’s interior scenes are difficult to see and reach. Brickonaute also objects to a large sticker sheet and two instruction booklets that follow one another rather than allowing simultaneous builds. Price is the main reservation. Brickonaute, Brick Fanatics and The Brick Fan find it difficult to justify; the first two recommend waiting for a discount. This is therefore an appealing display piece primarily for Marvel fans willing to accept that compromise.

Large Darth Vader Minifigure

LEGO 75461-1 · 99.99 €

Released 5 months ago

The 75461 Up-Scaled Darth Vader Minifigure stands out chiefly for its build and its display presence. Reviewers particularly appreciate the helmet, whose shapes call for varied techniques, as well as the fabric cape and posing options. Brick Fanatics highlights an accessible build that avoids monotony despite its symmetrical sections; Bouwsteentjes.info also enjoys the torso and arm assemblies. The finished model is more divisive in its accuracy: Brickonaute considers the head successful, while Brick Fanatics and Brick Banter recognise Darth Vader without quite seeing the appearance of the LEGO minifigure. Stickers, especially those on the helmet’s eyes, are a significant reservation for a model intended for display. According to Brick Fanatics, the lightsaber cannot be removed, and no standard minifigure is included. At €99.99, the price also attracts mixed views. Brick Banter considers the new features and licence part of its justification, whereas Brickonaute expected better finishes and a surprise inside the head. The set therefore looks appealing to building and display enthusiasts, provided they can accept its compromises.

New York City – The Big Apple

LEGO 21066-1 · 139.99 €

Released 5 months ago

LEGO Architecture 21066 New York City – The Big Apple turns Manhattan’s skyline into a nighttime display, framed by an apple-shaped backdrop. All three selected reviews appreciate the contrast between the white landmarks and the dark background. Brick Architect praises the techniques used for the small landmarks, while New Elementary particularly enjoys building the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Earl of Bricks finds the build varied and the overall silhouette immediately recognizable. The construction also offers small-scale discoveries: a subway station beneath the city and yellow taxis bring life to the composition. The smallest pieces require precision and good lighting, however, according to The Earl of Bricks. The backdrop accounts for a substantial part of the build, largely devoted to its structure. The price divides opinion: Brick Architect considers the set slightly overpriced, whereas The Earl of Bricks sees its price per piece as favorable for the range. New Elementary likes the visual result but notes that there are few new elements to excite parts enthusiasts. The sources do not provide enough evidence to assess long-term durability.

Jurassic Park Jeep® Wrangler

LEGO 77984-1 · 199.99 €

Released 6 months ago

The LEGO Jurassic Park Jeep Wrangler 77984 is most appealing as a display vehicle. Brick Architect and zusammengebaut praise its appearance and its faithful recreation of the film Jeep’s silhouette. The model can be built in four variants, an appreciated option that also allows it to be changed after construction. A Technic chassis is followed by a body built mainly from bricks and plates. Brick Architect and zusammengebaut find the build engaging and varied; New Elementary considers the techniques and parts appropriate but not exceptional, and identifies an unintuitive steering step. Stickers divide opinion: zusammengebaut would have preferred more printed pieces, while Brick Architect puts their number in perspective because part of the sheet caters to the variants. The two instruction booklets follow one another, so they do not allow simultaneous building. Zusammengebaut also regrets the lack of a dinosaur and the simplicity of the running gear. At €199.99, the set receives a favorable value assessment from that outlet, but Brick Architect suggests that less committed fans wait for a discount. The excerpts do not provide enough evidence to rate durability or the overall quality of the instructions.