If you’re a LEGO enthusiast or a fan of haunted houses, the LEGO Icons Haunted House Building Set is a must-have. This set promises a thrilling building experience along with intricate details that are sure to captivate.
Priced at $419.99 with a stellar rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 867 reviews, this set is designed for adults and families to enjoy together. Let’s delve into what makes this LEGO set stand out.
Building the Haunted House LEGO set was an exhilarating experience. The set includes 3,231 pieces and 10 minifigures, which kept me engaged for days. The hinged sides that open up to reveal spooky decor, along with the light bricks, added a magical touch to the build.
One of the highlights was the functional elevator that mimics the Tower of Terror ride. I had a fantastic time assembling and reassembling the parts, and the attention to detail was impressive. The repetitive sections were a minor drawback, but the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
Design and Aesthetics
The LEGO Icons Haunted House Building Set is an impressive display piece with intricate details that capture the eerie essence of a haunted house. The exterior is meticulously designed with spooky elements like haunted doors and a cursed painting. The hinged sides allow the house to open up, revealing a richly decorated interior that is sure to captivate fans of horror and mystery. Every corner of the house has been crafted to evoke a sense of dread and adventure, making it a perfect addition to any LEGO collection.
Interactive Features
One of the standout features of this set is the free-fall ride, which mimics the experience of a haunted elevator. The elevator mechanism is smooth and engaging, providing an element of surprise every time it plunges down. Additionally, the set includes various interactive elements like the manually openable gate and light bricks that light up certain areas of the house, adding to the overall spooky ambiance. These interactive features make the building process more enjoyable and the final product more engaging.
Minifigures and Characters
The set includes 10 detailed minifigures, adding a lot of character to the haunted house. Among them is a wheelchair user, showcasing LEGO’s commitment to inclusivity. Each minifigure has been thoughtfully designed to fit the spooky theme, from the creepy organist to the various ghostly apparitions. These minifigures contribute significantly to the storytelling aspect of the set, allowing builders to create their own haunted adventures.
Building Experience
With 3,231 pieces, the Haunted House set offers a challenging yet rewarding building experience. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making the process enjoyable for both seasoned builders and newcomers. The repetitive elements, such as the wall sections with windows on the tower, may become tedious, but the payoff is worth it. The intricate details and mechanical features make the building process a fun and educational experience.
Lighting and Motorization
The set comes with light bricks that can illuminate various parts of the haunted house, adding a dramatic effect. While the basic set includes batteries, the lighting can be further enhanced with a separately sold light kit. For those looking to take it a step further, the elevator can be motorized using LEGO’s Powered Up components, which are sold separately. These additions make the haunted house not just a static display piece but an interactive model that can be enjoyed long after the building is complete.
Storytelling Elements
One of the unique aspects of this set is the storytelling elements embedded within it. The manual includes backstories for the various artifacts and characters found within the house, making the building process more immersive. From Samuel Von Barron’s cursed painting to the skeleton hung by its ankles, each element adds to the rich narrative of the haunted house. This makes the set not just a building project but a storytelling adventure as well.
Display and Storage
Once completed, the haunted house makes for an eye-catching display piece. Its impressive size and intricate details ensure it will be a focal point in any room. However, due to its size, storage can be a bit challenging. It would be beneficial if LEGO provided suggestions for display cases or storage solutions. Despite this, the set’s visual appeal and interactive features make it a worthwhile addition to any collection.
Family Fun
Building the haunted house can be a fun activity for the whole family. The set is designed to be built in sections, making it easy for multiple people to work on it simultaneously. The clear instructions and numbered bags make the process straightforward, even for younger builders. This collaborative building experience can provide hours of entertainment and is a great way to bond with family members.
Packaging and Delivery
The packaging of the set is as impressive as the set itself. The box is large and sturdy, with eye-catching artwork that sets the tone for the building experience. The pieces are organized into numbered bags, making the building process more manageable. Recent reviews indicate that LEGO has improved its shipping practices, ensuring the box arrives in pristine condition without any shipping labels slapped directly on it.
Value for Money
At a price point of $419.99, the LEGO Icons Haunted House Building Set is a premium product. However, the intricate design, interactive features, and storytelling elements make it worth the investment. The set offers hours of building fun, and the final product is a stunning display piece that can be enjoyed for years to come. For LEGO enthusiasts and fans of haunted houses, this set provides excellent value for money.
Pros:
- Highly detailed and intricate design
- Includes 10 minifigures and various interactive features
- Great for both display and play
Cons:
- Repetitive sections during the build
- Motor and light kit sold separately
- Smaller than expected
Conclusion
In conclusion, the LEGO Icons Haunted House Building Set is a fantastic addition to any LEGO collection. Its combination of intricate details, interactive features, and the sheer size make it a standout piece.
Whether you’re looking for a great gift idea or a fun DIY project, this set offers hours of enjoyment and a stunning display model. Highly recommended for LEGO fans and hobbyists alike.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Can the elevator be motorized?
Answer: Yes, you can motorize the elevator by adding 1 x 88009 and 2 x 88008 Powered Up components, which are sold separately.
Question: Does the set include a light kit?
Answer: The set includes light bricks, but for a full light kit, you will need to purchase it separately.
Question: Is this set suitable for children?
Answer: The set is designed for adults and older children due to its complexity and small parts, but it can be a fun project for families to build together.
