Bowser

71411: The Mighty Bowser [Rambling Review]

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Almost as consistent as the appearance of a certain Italian Plumber across a series of Nintendo Video Games over the past 30 years has been that of Bowser: ruler of the Koopalings, a fierce, fire breathing, Princess stealing warrior tortoise. We have seen him appear in 2 previous forms over the years: One in several of the LEGO Super Mario Expansion packs (Bowsers Castle, and Princess Peach’s Castle), and a microscale version in last year’s ‘?’ Block.

This is the Super Mario tie-in set to be specifically aimed at adult builders, and it promises an intriguing large scale build, imposing to display, but also incorporating some play features, posability as well as some impressive puppet like movements.

As I write this review, I am almost as far from the model as I can possibly be, on a little holiday before attending the Skaerbaek Fan Weekend. Fortunately, I got the model built and photographed before I left.

So, how does the model stack up with the stated aims? We shall start off with a general look at the finished model, before diving into an in-depth, spoiler-filled look at the build. I’d love to know if you appreciate this style of review, so drop me a line in the comments below, or reach out on social media. I still have some more Mario sets to review, and these will be coming up after we return from holiday.

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LEGO® Super Mario’s Rogues Gallery: A Guide.

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The recently released LEGO Super Mario theme introduces over twenty ‘enemies’ for Mario to defeat over the course of different games: some are easy to beat with a single scan on their barcode; some require specific powerups; some need to be scanned multiple times by Mario. In this article, we look at the enemies that Mario encounters, consider some of the things unique to that character; and how many coins can be gained by defeating them.

You may have already bought a couple of LEGO Super Mario sets – the Starter pack is essential for Game Play, while the expansion sets provide us with more opportunities to have fun with the game. You might be trying to decide which expansion set is for you. You might be looking for a specific enemy, or you might be looking for a way to maximise your score in a run through the game: hopefully, this guide will help.

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Expanding LEGO® Super Mario: Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle

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This is the big one. The showdown. The final conflict.

The Boss Battle: After covering the rest of the LEGO Super Mario Expansion packs, we come to the final Boss Battle, with Bowser.

Mario has gone through a lot to get here: After getting Started, we passed the Piranha Plant Bower Slide, and crossed the river past the Boomer Bill Barrage. We visited Toad’s Village, and then had a little lie down in the hammock at Mario’s House. We have visited the Dungeons with Whomp’s Lava Trouble, as well as Thwomp’s Drop, We got to the Guarded Fortress, and visited the Haunted Yard. Finally the time has come to take on Bowser in the Bowser Boss Castle Battle!

This is the largest set in the range: while 71360: Adventures with Mario is the set that everyone will get, 71369: Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle is the set that many will want. Bowser is Mario’s nemesis, and leader of the turtle like Koopa race. And so it makes sense that the flagship set in the theme will involve LEGO Super Mario taking him down.

Even with all the wits and power ups at his disposal to, Mario will still need a little bit of luck to defeat Bowser.

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Full Range of LEGO Super Mario Sets Revealed

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Today, the LEGO Group and Nintendo have finally revealed the full product range for LEGO Super Mario. With Game Play based around a real world brick built world, along with familiar friends, enemies, power ups and hazards, LEGO Super Mario is set to change the way players interact with Mario, based on the interactive Mario Brick.

I have had the opportunity to try out some of the new range, as well as take part in a Q&A with Jonathan Bennink – the Digital Design Lead. I will be presenting the results of these over the next few posts. BUT if you want to see the full range of sets, read on. We have pictures of them all, as well as US/ Euro AND Australia and New Zealand Pricing!

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