Month: November 2023

Posted on in Freinds

Best LEGO Friends Set Under $100

#41757
1072 pieces
Ages 12+
$79.99

Design ****
Build ****
Cost ****
Playability ***

The large glass dome encapsulating the tree, and mostly symmetric design caught my eye immediately. The white exterior, high center dome, and reflecting pond are reminiscent of the Classical Architecture of the US Capitol building. The colorful flowers, plants and critters really pop when juxtaposed against the white exterior of the building. This set scores high marks for Design and Build because of its sleek appearance and creative build techniques, especially for some of the plants. My favorite details include using “frog” pieces as flower bulbs, and all the placards with corresponding images of the flowers to inform the patrons. I gave 3 points, an average rating for Playability because this playset features no additional builds, competing narratives, or actionable elements. The picnic lunch featuring a croissant and other goodies extend the narrative for the visiting minifigures but offer little in terms of Play.

Posted on in Star Wars Sets

Best Lego Star Wars set under $100

#75348
957 pieces
Ages 9+
$99.99

Design ****
Build ****
Cost ***
Playability *****

The Mandalorian Fang Fighter vs TIE Interceptor was released in Spring of 2023 with a price tag of $99.99. Included in the set are two single-seat starfighters from the Mandalorian saga. Featured minifigures include the Mandalorian, a.k.a. Din Djarin, a Mandalorian pilot, TIE Fighter pilot, and astro-mech droid. Two building instruction booklets divide the build by starfighter. Booklet one is for the Fang fighter and is a straight forward build with simple building techniques and few details. Booklet 2 includes building instructions for the TIE Interceptor and has all the complexities and details lacking from the Fang Fighter. My favorite features are the angled wings connected to the fuselage with Technic pegs, a SNOT building technique. One drawback is the tight cockpit. To insert the pilot, you lower the windscreen and lift the top hatch. The TIE Interceptor build makes this set worth the purchase. The TIE Interceptor is expertly crafted and looks sleek from every angle. The size and scale of the Interceptor match recent TIE Fighters and X-wings enhancing any shelf display.

Posted on in Buzz Lightyear, Disney

Best Lego Set for Under $50

#76832
497 Pieces
Ages 8+
$49.99

Design *****
Build ****
Cost ***
Playability ****

Released in Spring of 2023, this set is true to the movie and a satisfying build. The set includes the XL-15 Spacecraft, 3 minifigures, including our hero pilot, Buzz Lightyear, as well as cat companion, Sox, and plenty of gadgets to complete any mission. Scoring high for Design and Playability due to a stand to support the XL-15 Spacecraft in an action pose and the accompanying minifigures that Buzz can rescue, fight, or team up with to defeat evil. These dripping features and reasonable MSRP, makes this the best set you can purchase for under $50.