Oh god. Oh no. Oh, .
That was my response once I noticed Lego’s newest online game themed set: equipment #71438, “Tremendous Mario World: Mario & Yoshi”. Nintendo and Lego have collaborated on numerous projects over the years. A partnership originating in kid-oriented, app-integrated Mario sets has unexpectedly mushroomed in scope. We’ve got retro gaming nostalgia on tap, reminiscent of the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)? In just over a month’s time, gamers will finally get their hands on the eagerly anticipated Lego The Legend of Zelda series, preceded by a slew of rejected fan pitches that included the popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons units and more.
My level is surprisingly high, given the concept of a set like this doesn’t entirely align with conventional standards. This charming brick-built Mario illustration, featuring the iconic plumber driving his loyal dinosaur companion, perfectly captures the essence of ‘nostalgia bait’, targeting individuals nearing middle age who yearn to relive their childhood and possess a budget to spare, making £115 for some plastic bricks seem reasonable. It’s geared toward me, mainly. None of this is particularly novel. And but…
This concept – a distinct entity altogether. One thing . I’m both thrilled and apprehensive about the implications that would follow.
The sheer power of this concept stems from its very foundation: a meticulous Lego replica of an in-game sprite, where individual bricks seamlessly transform into 16-bit pixels with uncanny precision. Notably, hints of this phenomenon have emerged across multiple units, with the NES being a prime example; in this context, builders spend around an hour meticulously applying 1×1 tiles onto a versatile sheet to recreate the iconic game Super Mario Bros. Within the enclosed Lego TV, Degree 1-1, a potential level, offers a simulated representation of the sport being played. While that’s one thing entirely distinct, it’s actually just a magnificent specimen you can proudly display on your mantlepiece.
Lego has undoubtedly bestowed upon it a comprehensive makeover with tastefully ‘Lego-esque’ choices. The mechanism on Yoshi’s toy allows his mouth to agape and his tongue to extend, mimicking the motion observed in real-life performances of the game. You can likely pair this with “powered up” Lego parts using a bit of creative problem-solving, enabling you to transform the mechanism without human interaction if desired.
The set also features a scannable tag that can be read by the digital Lego Mario figures, activating a corresponding sound and music experience reminiscent of the original NES games. This appears to be a decent product at a reasonable price. I recall being that specific individual.
What’s truly unsettling is the main attraction itself, far more chilling than any of its additional features. LEGO thrives on themes, allowing it to craft diverse shapes and forms with ease. While some corporations, such as Nintendo, often take bold risks and explore multiple themes or concepts that may not ultimately bear fruit, it’s when a particular approach resonates with audiences that the true potential is unlocked. Given the popularity of adult-oriented Lego sets, such as those in the Botanical Collection, it’s no surprise that there are numerous options for creating highly detailed and realistic flower models. That’s why almost every character, from Donald Duck to Knuckles, has been reimagined as a ‘Brickheadz’ figure. Here is the improved text in a different style:
One of the most notable successors to Lego’s popular theme is actually Sprite Builds.
Lego has established various online gaming collaborations, including partnerships with renowned companies such as Atari, Namco, Sega, PlayStation, and Nintendo. Among them, four companies stand out for their instantly recognizable sprite artwork, synonymous with nostalgia and retro gaming charm. What if we could reimagine a Sonic 2 or 3 Sonic with his iconic whirlwind abilities reenvisioned as a transferring function akin to Yoshi’s tongue? A chomping, gobbling Pac-Man? Axel’s lightning-fast uppercut in Streets of Rage? What about instead a collaborative endeavour with Capcom to bring the iconic Street Fighter franchise to life in a vibrant Lego animated series, aptly titled Shoryuken?
While the concept of Lego bricks is inherently intuitive, it’s equally simple to consider how each piece can be elevated beyond its fundamental use, which is precisely the approach the company’s designers prefer to take most.
As soon as I saw this collection, I realized that every one of these possibilities had been slowly drawing closer to becoming a reality. Given the potential implications on my bank’s stability? As a metaphorical Pandora’s box, a container overflowing with succulent, plump worms has finally been breached. I’m here to support you in every way possible.
Lego Tremendous Mario World: Mario & Yoshi is out October 1, 2024 – however might be pre-ordered now.
