Summary
Highlights
The video introduces a review of all new LEGO Pokémon products releasing on Pokémon Day, including offers. The reviewer, a lifelong Pokémon fan, expresses strong opinions about the sets, kindly sent by LEGO for this review. Each set's packaging features the Pokémon name, type icon, and Pokédex number; instructions include nostalgic Gen 1 game references and LEGO model bios.
The LEGO Eevee set is the smallest retail product. It has a fluffy appearance despite being made of LEGO bricks, with well-detailed tail and mane sections. Dark grey joints are an aesthetic drawback but allow for movement. The model features minimal printed pieces instead of stickers, which is a positive. The head assembly, though clean, has a weak ball joint. Easter eggs in the build reference Eevee's evolutions (Vaporeon, Flareon, Jolteon, Sylveon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon). The set offers great building techniques without being overwhelming, is reasonably priced for its piece count and IP, and is the reviewer's favorite of the first wave.
The Pikachu set includes Pikachu, a Pokéball, and a lightning-shaped base. The Pokéball is a straightforward, somewhat imperfect build. Pikachu is larger than expected and designed for the stand, making flat display awkward. The building techniques for Pikachu itself are praised, particularly the head design and printed eye pieces, allowing for expressiveness. However, the mouth area is criticized for being unclean and protruding. The reviewer suggests a standing pose without the base would have been better and more affordable, as the base accounts for a significant portion of pieces and cost. The option to build a female Pikachu is a nice touch.
This massive set is considered a dream come true for fans, albeit with a high price tag justified by its IP license, piece count, prints, and foil wing pieces for Charizard. The packaging includes three individual boxes for each Pokémon with their respective type icons. Instructions follow the same style as other sets, with Gen 1 game references. The scale of these builds is impressive, dwarfing Eevee and Pikachu. Each Pokémon can be separated from its unique base.
Venusaur's base features scattered plants, flowers, and root-like structures. The Venusaur model itself is likely the biggest LEGO Pokémon build, with eye-catching azure and green colors. It stands well independently without relying on the base. The body proportions, face, and back legs are well-designed with clever techniques. While the head and jaw are fixed, the feet and legs offer some movement.
Blastoise's base is more elaborate, depicting splashing waves against rocks using clever canopy pieces. The Blastoise model is the reviewer's top pick for building experience due to its excellent shell shaping and angled sections. Its canons come with removable water effects, and its legs provide stable support in two positions. While arm movement is limited, the head design and early build stages are highly praised, despite some minor gaps and falling claw pieces.
Charizard's base, a lava tower, is considered the worst standalone base but integrates with the others. The model uses new darker orange pieces for lava. Charizard is the most posable of the trio, with adjustable legs, arms, wrists, a curved tail, and multi-position wings made of a thicker material with printed details. The head design is acceptable given the scale. Like Pikachu, Charizard is designed with the stand in mind, making its standing pose less ideal. Despite minor critiques, the set is highly recommended for fans.
The reviewer discusses the high price of the trio set, suggesting it could be 30-40% cheaper without the elaborate bases. He argues that fans primarily want the Pokémon models, and the large bases add significant cost and take up space, with 23 out of 65 bags (around 2500 pieces) dedicated to the base. Removing the base could reduce the price by over $200, making it more accessible. He reiterates that Eevee, without a large base, is his favorite for its enjoyable build and affordability.
This gift-with-purchase set will be available on Pokémon Day. It's a box containing LEGO-built Kanto Region Badges, with a brick-built Pokéball latch and a display window. It utilizes stickers for decoration, unlike the retail sets. The reviewer is skeptical about its appeal and the high resale prices, questioning its value despite being a limited-run item for collectors.
This set is an Insiders Reward, requiring 2500 points. The model, based on later-generation game buildings, is well-designed with sliding doors and an open-back style for interior viewing. It features seats, a healing machine (with stickers for Pokéballs) and a computer with a printed screen. Its availability is limited but easier to obtain than the Kanto Badges as it doesn't require a Pokémon set purchase.
The reviewer expresses excitement for the first LEGO Pokémon products and anticipates future collaborations. Global release is on February 27th. He advises new LEGO buyers to be patient if sets sell out due to initial hype, recommending against paying scalper prices. Restocks happen within weeks due to LEGO's minimum two-year shelf life policy, and sales will eventually occur at major retailers.