Pchan1983

Here is my review on LEGO Disney 43230 Walt Disney Tribute Camera: THE GOOD: Looks great with cool features. An excellent building experience. No stickers. A high quality plastic film reel with very cool graphics. Rolling camera sound effect. Bambi and Dumbo. THE NOT SO GOOD: None but for those who owns the LEGO Ideas Steamboat Willie set, the Mickey and Minnie is not as good as those. Waited a long time for a decent discount on this set, and finally made the purchase. When this was announced, I truly thought it's another set with exclusive characters to get you to buy type of set. In some sense, this is still true but I was pleasantly surprised how good this set is. First, it looks great and it packs with features. The building experience is somewhat unique and really fresh for me. I had a great time building this. The details of the lens, tripod and even the minifigures stand are all great. It's also smart to use the film case to create the Disney 100 logo. The camera opens up with a small workshop and the coolest part is the sound of a rolling camera. One of the highlights for me is the film reel, made of plastic foil type materials. It has many many scenes of disney properties in minifigures. It's excellently done and makes you wonder if those characters will make an appearance in future set. Of cos most of us buy this set for the minifigures and animal characters, all of theme are excellent as expected. I do think the previous LEGO Ideas steamboat willie version of Mickey and Minnie are far more superior though. Having said that, the minifig stand is awesome, not just it's a working film clapper but the fact that 3 printed window/door pice that create a 3 dimensional looking scene is a decent surprised. The set itself is not cheap but it is not in the unaffordable range and with a discount, makes the pricing very competitive. Whether you are disney fan or not, it's definitely a set that I would recommend.

Here is my review on LEGO Sonic The Hedgehog 76994 Sonic's Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge: THE GOOD: It's fun and the challenge is a lot easier to accomplished compared to the LEGO city Stuntz challenges. The full course does capture the vibe of the game well. The launcher is actually quite powerful. Excellent minifigures. Interesting printed elements and many Sonic in universe animals. THE NOT SO GOOD: No exclusive minifigures considering this is the most expensive set. Price tag is high without discount. Managed to buy this set with 50% off and I really wanted the new colour for the loop and a Dr.Eggman minifig. And wow this was pretty fun. If you have been experienced the difficulties with LEGO City stuntz challenges, don't worry, this one has a higher success rate just because the launch works extremely well. The only worry I have if the case holding sonic will crack at some point. Obviously, this set is designed for play so there aren't much complex or detailed builds in this. The overall outlook is great and does capture the vibe of the game. As added bonus, Dr.Eggman's robot and some additional details are added around the course to give this an enjoyable building experience as well. And as usual, there are no stickers in this set. The minifigures are great but my only complain is none of these minifigures are exclusive to this set despite this is the biggest and most expensive set from the theme. Of course there are pros and cons with this, first you don't have to buy this set if you just trying to complete the minifigures, however the other sets are cheaper than this one but you may end up spending more money even though this set RRP is quite high without discount as other smallers sets are not cheap as well. This set overall is really fun but it's definitely not for anyone. If you love Sonic or has particular parts you want in this, I'll definitely recommend this if you manage to find a good deal. Otherwise, this set may not be for you. (I guess that's why it's on clearance)

Here is my review on 75325 The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter: THE GOOD: Overall shape for the starfighter is good. First Mando to feature Din Jarin face. THE NOT SO GOOD: Wish the colour is chrome. Engine underneath the ship too easy to fall off. You may also say this is a bit too big compare to the actual ship in show, Originally, I pre-ordered this to reach a threshold for a GWP and wanted the dark saber and Din Jarin look. But didn't prioritise building and after a better version of the dark saber released (and I built that set too), finally decided to build this one. Turns it's pretty good. And surprisingly the start fighter is quite large (may be too larget) and the shape looks good, although this should have been chrome silver colour but I doubt LEGO could make that happen. Overall building experience for was great given I have not own any previous star fighter type set. And I like the 2 engines look, it just a bit frustrating to build. The minifigures are nice, at the time of the release but if you compare with more recent sets, it may be disappointing but you get an exclusive character in this set. Otherwise, it's ok but I'm a bit disappointed the thruster underneath the ship is so easy to fall off. At NZD $120 RRP, it's not cheap but like crazy expensive like some of the recent releases and if you like the show, this might just worth it with a reasonable discount. However, if you are just into the Mando minifigure, there are more updated version in more recent sets with cheaper price =)

After nearly 9 years, I finally opened this set and I quite like it to be honest, and I'm glad I bought this while it was still on the shelf, saved me from paying few hundreds nowadays.

Here is my review on LEGO Marvel Spider-Man No way home 76280 Spider-Man vs. Sandman: Final Battle: THE GOOD: Sandman is great with a fun build and lots of movements. Finally getting Lizard minifigure. Able to integrate into last year final battle set seamlessly. THE NOT SO GOOD: Very very expensive. Do we really need a repeat for Spider-Man & Electro? I wish this was part of the Final Battle set released last year. On its own, it's great with a very good Sandman build. And Sandman has a lot of movements and I especially love the movements you are able to do with the neck and arms. He also looks very menacing too. Having its own stand makes it a very good and lively display. The minifigures are great, and finally you get a Lizard minifigure. While it is well done, I do wish Lizard is a big fig. Spider-man and electro are nice too but if you have bought other sets, it;s very repetitive. I wish Spider-man is also a new variant. Now, it's clear this set must have designed as part of the Final Battle set, as it fits seamlessly into it without issues. This also the main issue, because on its own, this set cost $80NZD which is very very high. I rather pay more for a bigger than to be honest and I wouldn't have bought this if it wasn't a 30% off discount. If you really want a complete scene from no way home or the lizard minifig, then it's probably a set for you with a high price, otherwise if you just a casual fan and already satisfied with the final battle set, then you don't really need to spend on this set.

Here is my review on 2024 LEGO Harry Potter 76430 Hogwarts Castle Owlery: THE GOOD: 5 owls plus 2 hidden owls hidden in the build design. Very details on the exterior and surrounding terrain. No stickers. THE NOT SO GOOD: The price without discount is a bit too high. First I will call this the Owl Battle pack, given you get 5 different owls in this plus a few hidden, more abstract ones which I think it brilliant design of building experience. The Owlery itself is quite tall, in fact taller than I originally expected. And both the exterior and surrounding terrains are nicely designed. The 3 minifigures are great with very nice torsos, although the head pieces are still using variants from previous year. This set also has no stickers which is nice surprise. However, this set is not cheap without any discount. I only bought this set because Amazon AU was doing a time sale at 30% off which makes the price very competitive in today's standard. It's a recommendation from me but only when you can get a decent discount!

3 years since buying this, finally opened. Apart from a few flaws, absolutely loving it!

Here is my review on LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape: THE GOOD: Shadow's bike actually look better than in pictures. Some very nice printed elements. Shadow is a great minifigure. THE NOT SO GOOD: Could have one more minifigure than just a brick built character but this might increase the price of the set. I ended up liking this set more than before I bought it. Apart from the Shadow minifigure looking great, the rest of the set is good. Yes it's simple but the bike turned out to be really good looking compared to the pictures. Also the chamber locking up Shadow is also a fun little build, plus that printed element with Shadow's vitals is just awesome. The Rhinobot is ok, and you do get a bird for this. I do wish for an extra minifig but this might make this set more expensive than it current price for a large margin. It's interesting so far, all Mario, Animal Crossing and Sonic sets have no stickers. With 20% plus discount on the Sonic theme in many places now, it makes this set really good value. If you like video game or interesting pieces, this is definitely a set for you.

Here is my review on LEGO Speed Champions 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Race Car: THE GOOD: Interesting building experience through out. Some surprising printed element. (Love the printed steering) Cool minifigure with McLaren helmet. THE NOT SO GOOD: Due to the design of the side body of the car, it can be a bit flimsy during the build but all good after everything is done. This is a pleasant surprise, and I absolutely loving it once built. First it's a nice looking F1 and the building experience has been interesting. Especially the techniques to create the body of this car. Both sides of the body and the engine area are some of the most interesting build I've seen in set this size. It does mean during the build, some parts did feel a bit flimsy while building it but it ends up all good and secure once completed. The use of spoon as side mirrors also very interesting. There are quite a bit of stickers but I love all the branding and only the DeWalt logo on the side was a bit difficult to apply. Having said that there are some very nice surprise in terms of printed element, and the google chrome logo wheel cover are great. And to finish thing off, it also includes a minifigure with a nice outfit and helmet with McLaren logo printed on it. This is a really good set and totally recommended. Price wise is great to considering lots of places having discount on this and I managed to buy this with 20% off =)

Here is my review on LEGO Animal Crossing 77049 Isabelle's House Visit: THE GOOD: Great minifgures! Very authentic looking DIY bench. THE NOT SO GOOD: The furnitures are a bit big for the available interior Now I have completed the full wave. I regret I built the Nook Cranny's set first because the build of this is so similar to Rosie's House except the roof design which takes a lot of freshness away from the overall building experience. The set itself is good and I like it. The minifigures are great, it's interesting Isabelle is having a winter attire while Tom Nook is having summer attire. Fauna is also a great minifigure. The house is nicely done, with a different roof and entrance builds compared to Rosie's. and there are some nice furnitures build too (an awesome DIY bench). Having said that, due to some of the furnitures are pretty big, it does limit the space available inside. This set also feels the most exenpensive cosnidering not many shops doing 20% more discount until it goes to clearance. If you a fan of animal corssing, this is a must have and I do recommend it. And I will also advise that try to build this earlier than other Animal Crossing sets.

Here is my review on LEGO Harry Potter 76428 Hagrid's Hut: An Unexpected Visit: THE GOOD: Fully enclosed hut with excellent details both exterior and interior. Great couches. Excellent minifigures and animal selection. THE NOT SO GOOD: New collectible portraits again! (Not that the piece is not good, it just very difficult to complete the set of 14) WOW, never would have thought a normal retail set from Harry Potter would release a fully enclosed hut. And this is great. It has a fun building experience with smart use of stickers to optimise the interior space. It's a good looking model with some nice touches on the exterior, the roof is interesting but not too complex, plus easily removable just like a modular building. You can also open the hut to better interior access. In terms of the interior, I really like the couches. Apart from the main build you also get to build the dog house which is also a great build. The minifigures and animals included are excellent. With new variant of Hagrid, and the 3 main characters, plus a new dog mould for Fang. And Fang is really one of my main reason that I bought this because I'm a fan of collecting LEGO animals. This set proves it doesn't have to be modular series to have a fully enclosed/complete house. At $150NZD without discount, it's a bit pricey but I bought this with 30% from amazon AU, which made this a very good deal. It's definitely a set I would recommend and now I wonder if I should open and build my 2019 Hagrid's Hut =).

I just built mine, mostly just for the Senna minifig. (although the hair style could have been more accurate) I like it, I totally understand how it's not accurate but for a guy that knows not much about Formula 1, I had a great time and still look good considering the size and price of the set.

This poly is best way to expand your island. Maple is great too. Can we please have a animal crossing CMF next year XD

Here is my review on LEGO Ninjago Dragons Rising 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine: THE GOOD: Looks great in all angles. Very detailed exterior with lots of small pieces for added texture. A building experience nothing like before. The waterfall and the pond are brilliant. The 3 action features are incorporated into the build so well, you don't even notice by looking at it. Excellent minifigures! THE NOT SO GOOD: none. This set looks absolutely beautiful! I'm surprised with how well it display after finished building. First the building experience has been great, and I believe due to its design and volume, it felt so refreshing. The end product looks so well in every angles, despite the shrine area is opened at the back for accessibility, the other parts of the location are so well designed both the front and the back makes it a 360 degrees display model. The dragon is so detailed with an excellent waterfall, the effect of the water dropping into the pond is so good. On top of that, the 3 action features are integrated into the build so well, if you haven't build it, you won't even notice. And all 3 works very well. The highlight for me is the stone where Lloyd and Ras battle, it's like a balance board but the whole mechanism is completely hidden. The dragon arm is also surprising well done with more articulation joints than your typical mech. Plus you get 6 excellent minifigures. This is probably one of the best sets this year so far and best Ninjago location set outside Ninjago City modular series. Without discount it's a bit expensive, I bought with 20% and I do think it's worth the price. Totally recommend this to everyone.

Here is my review on LEGO Animal Crossing 77047 Bunnie's Outdoor Activities: THE GOOD: Small but absolutely replicated the core game play of the game. The vaulting pole action is brilliant! Bunnie is an other excellent minifigure. THE NOT SO GOOD: None. This probably my second favourite set after Nook's Cranny. In terms of recreating the game play of Animal Crossing, this may be the best one. From the camp to the terrain, plus including all 4 key tools & the spider recall all the fun I had with the game. It actually makes me want more parts to create a bigger island. Despite being the 2nd smallest and cheapest set in the wave, it may have the best play feature too. Using the vaulting pole to jump across the river is just perfect. On top of. that, an excellent Bunnie minifigure. Can't wait for LEGO to release more bunny/rabbit type villagers. As a game player who enjoyed the game, this is definitely a must have. The build may not appeal to others who are not into the game but as a reasonable priced play set, it's still good.