LEGO Super Mario 71395 Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block approaches a classic game in a unique package, but can it live up to the legacy of its source material?
With a legacy and fanbase spanning over two and a half decades since its release in 1996, Super Mario 64 has achieved classic status among the hallowed halls of video game history, leaving the corresponding LEGO model with some sizeable shoes to fill.
Presenting itself as a block not originally from the game, 71395 Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block has a lot to live up to with a title as iconic as this. It also follows
However, the classic charm of the Question Mark Block is an image that anyone will know, giving this new set a wider appeal. As such, it's only fair to give 71395 Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block the chance it deserves and see if it has enough surprises, nostalgia, and other interesting elements for both players of the original game and newcomers alike.
--- Set details ---
Theme: LEGO Super Mario Set name: 71395 Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block Release: October 1, 2021
Price: £149.99 / $169.99 / €169.99 Pieces: 2,064 Minifigures: 0
LEGO:
--- Build ---
When it was first revealed, the initial model for
However, beneath the yellow and white exterior of the model lies a treasure trove of levels and other secrets that, while partially spoiled within the build, are sure to surprise anyone that you might wish to showcase
Five of the six sides are covered on the Question Mark Block, with only the bottom remaining open. While it could have been covered, the bottom isn't noticeable in any way and that would have only added to the part count and price. Otherwise, this is an excellent representation of the iconic block with an eye-catching design that is pleasing to see.
The true creativity of
Pushing down on the flat section of the block will begin to open the side, as it flips around to allow a colourful mix of bricks held within the cube to be displayed on the apex. Manually unfolding these like a book then reveals four levels from Super Mario 64 in what is a surprisingly satisfying process.
These levels include Princess Peach's Castle, Cool Cool Mountain, Lethal Lava Land, and – possibly the most iconic of them all – Bob-omb Battlefield. Considering the community that has blossomed around the original game and the internet culture it has inspired, these are the four most obvious choices for courses to recreate in bricks.
One minor complaint is that three of the four levels make use of green predominantly (counting Lethal Lava Land's base layer as part of the build), creating a consistent aesthetic that only makes Cool Cool Mountain stand out.
It may be a matter of opinion if this will come as a positive or a negative depending on your tastes, but ultimately it feels out of place in terms of the colour palette. However, the course simply couldn't have been left out of
Finally, there's a secret, additional level in the Super Mario 64 set, with Bowser's boss battle platforms represented in a hidden chamber (spoiler alert!). The function of this Easter egg is instantly familiar and proves how intimately the designers know the source material – and we haven't even mentioned the mini Bowser figure yet.
Overall, the build of
But that's not all: just like 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System, this latest Super Mario direct-to-consumer set can also interact with the digital Mario and Luigi figures, which can be obtained from either 71360 Adventures with Mario Starter Course or 71387 Adventures with Luigi Starter Course.
Scanning either figure on the included RFID codes will trigger a scavenger hunt that's jam-packed with Easter eggs and references to the game, which only the most dedicated of players will recognise. However, the last challenge did feel especially difficult, and we'd like to see the movement requirements toned down in a future update, as figuring out the clue is a task in itself for those not familiar with the Super Mario 64 community.
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The characters of
From Mario using three bricks to King Bob-omb being part of the level to even the hidden Yoshi placed on the roof of Princess Peach's Castle, the number of included characters might not be the minifigures that we've been waiting for, but their size and features make them perfect for posing around the set to recreate your favourite moments from Super Mario 64 – while also being recognisable caricatures of the franchise's most iconic characters.
While there may be those who are disappointed with the lack of printing on the Bully, none of the characters in the set have eyes (bar Mr. I). Even the Bowser tile puzzle is missing a pair of peepers, and although they would have been appreciated there and elsewhere, they may have been especially difficult to fit given the other prints – Mario's moustache is big enough on his miniature face already.
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However, the scale and concept of this set make it clear that being minifigure-scale or even minifigure-adjacent was never the intended goal. At its core, this is a displayable, commemorative model for Super Mario 64, with a familiar outer design that – while not from the original game – is undoubtedly appealing.
Compared to many other LEGO for Adults creations available in official stores, the price of
Ultimately, the value of
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--- Summary --
LEGO
The LEGO Group is no stranger to miniature recreations of worlds and locations, but to feature a variety of functions and interactivity within a build that serves as its own display piece helps
Make no mistake:
This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.
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