Category: Video Games

7 New 2023 LEGO Minecraft Sets Officialy Revealed

LEGO Minecraft fans will surely love this next piece of news. Because in case you missed it, LEGO.com has officially revealed its line-up of new 2023 LEGO Minecraft sets, scheduled to arrive online and in-store in January next year, alongside other licensed themes to be released at the sound of the first bell of 2023.

Personally, I’m glad to see that these new seven 2023 LEGO Minecraft sets show LEGO’s effort to somewhat balance their pricing while leaving more room for playability and aesthetics. This is crucial in my opinion since Minecraft is mainly a world-building game catered to younger video game players. It’s nice to see that even more than a decade since Minecraft once introduced, LEGO is staying true to form with regard to these play features and design.

Take a look at the following images, and be sure to click on their respective affiliate links if you want to know more, or add these sets to your LEGO wishlist this 2023.

The Swamp Adventure (21240)

65 pieces | Includes Alex and Zombie minifigures | $9.99

2023 LEGO Minecraft

 

The Bee Cottage (21241)

254 pieces | Includes Honey Bear and Baby Zombie minifigures | $24.99

2023 LEGO Minecraft

 

The End Arena (21242)

252 pieces | Includes End Warrior, Dragon Archer, and Enderman minifigures | $24.99

2023 LEGO Minecraft

 

The Frozen Peaks (21243)

304 pieces | Includes Steve, Creeper, and Stray minifigures | $34.99

2023 LEGO Minecraft

 

The Sword Outpost (21244)

427 pieces | Includes Sentinel Soldier, Guardian Warrior, Allay, Skeleton, and Creeper minifigures | $44.99

2023 LEGO Minecraft

 

The Panda Haven (21245)

553 pieces | Includes Jungle Explorer and Skeleton minifigures | $49.99

2023 LEGO Minecraft

 

The Deep Dark Battle (21246)

584 pieces | Includes Arbalest Knight and the Netherite Knight minifigures | $64.99

2023 LEGO Minecraft

 

ICYMI: 2023 LEGO Super Mario Sets Now Listed at LEGO.com

In addition to its LEGO Super Mario Series 6 Character Packs, LEGO continues to expand its portfolio of interactive LEGO sets with the introduction of its 2023 LEGO Super Mario expansion sets.

With six sets for its initial salvo of Q1  set offerings, this latest wave of 2023 LEGO Super  Mario sets are scheduled to be available in-store and online on January 1, 2023.

Take a look at their official photos and product descriptions below. And in case you need to keep tabs on these upcoming sets, be sure to check them out by going to the links below.

Conkdor’s Noggin Bopper (71414)

130 pieces | Expected price: $14.99

LEGO® Super Mario™ fans can take on a big character with this Conkdor’s Noggin Bopper Expansion Set (71414). It features a big, buildable enemy Conkdor figure for an interactive LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™ or LEGO® Peach™ figure (not included) to battle against. Jump on the trigger and avoid the Conkdor’s big beak and long neck as it attacks, then stomp on its head to defeat it. Leap on the springboard to make the Conkdor rise again.

 

Ice Mario Suit and Frozen World (71415)

105 pieces | Expected price: $24.99

Children can build a LEGO® Super Mario™ ice level with the Ice Mario Suit and Frozen World Expansion Set (71415). It features an Ice Mario suit for LEGO® Mario™ (figure not included) to wear and LEGO figures of a Cooligan and a Goomba. The buildable blue ice plate triggers skating sounds from LEGO Mario when he ‘skates’ on it. There is also a launcher to send the Cooligan flying into a brick-built ice block – when the ice block is smashed, the Goomba is revealed.

 

Lava Wave Ride (71416)

218 pieces | Expected price: $34.99

Children can create a red-hot level in their LEGO® Super Mario™ world with the Lava Wave Ride Expansion Set (71416). It features an oscillating lava wave with a Lava Lift for a LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™, or LEGO® Peach™ figure (not included) to ride on. Players earn digital coins for staying on the moving wave and for defeating the 2 Lava Bubbles at each end. The set, which is ideal for social play, also includes a Fire Bro to defeat.

LEGO Super Mario

 

Fliprus Snow Adventure (71417)

567 pieces | Expected price: $64.99

Children can add an exciting ice level to their LEGO® Super Mario™ world with the Fliprus Snow Adventure Expansion Set (71417), featuring 4 Super Mario™ characters. Players earn digital coins for helping their LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™ or LEGO® Peach™ figures (not included) defeat a Red Koopa Troopa, Freezie and a Fliprus, skate on ‘ice’, warm up by the ‘fire’ and give a hidden fruit element to the baby penguin as a gift.

 

Creativity Toolbox (71418)

588 pieces | Expected price: $59.99

Young builders can add extra detail and depth to their LEGO® Super Mario™ levels with this Creativity Toolbox Maker Set (71418). It features buildable trees, flowers, mountains, mushrooms, pyramids, a Checkpoint Flag, and more to recreate the look of Super Mario™ grass, desert, and lava levels. A great gift idea for kids aged 6 and up who own a Starter Course (71360, 71387 or 71403 – required for interactive play), it also includes 3 fruits, a gift box and a Super Mushroom with an Action Tag and 3 LEGO Super Mario characters: Wendy, a Blue Yoshi and a Goomba.

LEGO Super Mario

 

Peach’s Garden Balloon Ride (71419)

453 pieces | Expected price: $49.99 | Available for pre-order

Add extra coin-collecting challenges and role-play fun to kids’ LEGO® Super Mario™ world with the Peach’s Garden Balloon Ride Expansion Set (71419). Players can explore the detailed garden with their interactive LEGO® Peach™, LEGO® Mario™, or LEGO® Luigi™ figure (not included) in the brick-built hot-air balloon. Cool features include a Blue Toad’s house with a Super Star Block in the chimney’s ‘smoke’, a fountain with a Coin Block, and clouds over Pom Pom to part with the balloon.

 

LEGO Super Mario Series 6 (71413) Character Packs Arriving in January 2023

In case you missed it, LEGO has already listed the sixth installment of its LEGO Super Mario Series 6 Character Packs – a collection of brick-built figures inspired by the folks over at the Mushroom Kingdom. Since its debut in 2020 as an expansion of its original Adventures with Mario Starter Set (71360), the LEGO Super Mario Character Packs have become a staple of the theme, drawing inspiration from its colorful and wide range of Super Mario Characters.

LEGO Super Mario Series 6

Retailing for $6 per blind bag, LEGO Super Mario Series 6 (71413) consists of 8 buildable characters to find and collect. Like its predecessors, these buildable characters also feature scannable LEGO pieces that interact with the main LEGO Super Mario figure. This series is scheduled to be available starting January 1, 2023, and in case you haven’t added them to your LEGO wishlist, then now is the best time to do so.

Take a look at these official images and let me know in the comments below which of these 8 brick-built Super Mario characters you’re excited to add to your collection.

Blooper

LEGO Super Mario Series 6

 

Green Toad

 

Ice Bro

 

Birdo

 

Bramball

LEGO Super Mario Series 6

 

Sumo Bro

 

Spike

 

Cat Goombas

LEGO Super Mario Series 6

Microsoft’s “Forza Horizon 5” Anniversary Update Name-Drops LEGO In Honor of Past DLC

When it comes to videogames, LEGO’s got a solid standalone representation all its own. Look no further than the numerous WB-TT Games releases plus several console and mobile apps from various developer-publisher tandems. LEGO also has its fingers in collaboration with other game franchises. The most notable example of this would be in the Microsoft Windows/Xbox-exclusive racing series “Forza Horizon”. 2018’s “Forza Horizon 4” featured DLC of LEGO’s Speed Champions theme. LEGO versions of several cars, a separate campaign area built from LEGO bricks, “Everything is Awesome”, the works. The “FH4”-LEGO team-up was a big hit. And while the collaboration doesn’t return for last year’s “Forza Horizon 5”, there was a recent easter egg mention.

According to Brick Fanatics, a recent online update to Microsoft’s “Forza Horizon 5” added a cheeky shout-out to LEGO. This update, celebrating the “FH” franchise’s 10th anniversary, adds racing challenges calling back to past entries of the series. With the LEGO license already lapsed, Microsoft Studios couldn’t recreate the LEGO-brick environment of their “FH4” DLC. That didn’t stop them from having a character on “Forza Horizon 5” name-drop the toy brand mid-race. This was caught by game streamer Lost Phoenix Gaming, and was thus posted on their official YouTube channel.

Having LEGO pop in on a “Forza Horizon” game as DLC may have been a one-off. Still, the developers understood that many of their player fans enjoyed the moment while it lasted. Thus, we have the brief mention in their fifth game where nothing else LEGO was present. It does fire up the imagination, if Microsoft can partner with LEGO on another, future “FH” outing.

“LEGO Bricktales” Officially Launches on PC, Consoles

This is one LEGO videogame beyond the usual dev-pub tandem that’s been generating quite the anticipation all its own. Are you up for taking your digital LEGO gameplay to a more puzzle-solving bent? Leave it to ClockStone and Thunderful Games to deliver. In the spirit of the former’s “Bridge Constructor” series, they announced “LEGO Bricktales” way back in March. And just last month ClockStone and Thunderful pegged when the multiplatform game will be coming out. That would be on the 12th of October. And wouldn’t you know it, that day has finally come at last.

Brick Fanatics tells us that this Wednesday, October 12, sees the wide release of “LEGO Bricktales”. The game can now be purchased for Windows, Xbox One and Series X/S, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch. One week earlier, Thunderful Games confirmed on Twitter that “LEGO Bricktales” has also been okayed to launch on Steam Deck. That’s every major gaming platform, as fitting for a wide-appeal franchise like LEGO. While it’s no sales heavyweight like WB-Traveller’s Tales’ “LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga”, “Bricktales” has its own charm. ClockStone and Thunderful looked to emphasize the building experience more. And initial reviews agree that they succeeded.

“LEGO Bricktales” puts players in LEGO-built diorama scenarios, where building is key to progressing. Tasks involve building vehicles or structures in the current area to move the story along. Being given a set of digital LEGO pieces to assemble into functional builds is the heart of “Bricktales”. We’ll soon see in coming days if LEGO gamers can dig this new title like the WB-TT releases.

“LEGO Bricktales” Coming Oct. on Multiplatform

Earlier this year, LEGO announced an upcoming new videogame beyond the usual developer-publisher tandem of WB Interactive and Traveller’s Tales. ClockStone Studio and Thunderful have taken the former’s “Bridge Constructor” puzzle game franchise and given it a LEGO makeover. The announcement trailer last March beautifully illustrates the fun challenges players could face in this game. What’s more, the visuals of “LEGO Bricktales” look rather stunning as well, as to be expected with a multiplatform release. What the announcement teaser lacked was a specific release date beyond pegging this year 2022. Thankfully, we know that now thanks to this new trailer.

The Brick Fan has it that ClockStone and Thunderful Games have finally revealed when “LEGO Bricktales” is coming out. A new trailer not only pegs the release for next month, it also showcases more features about this game. The storyline involves players helping their minifigure-grandfather to build up his decrepit amusement park. To do so, inspiration must be gleaned from some outdoor adventures. Thus, players will trek through at least five LEGO-brick environments, from industrial areas to jungle temples and more. Obstacles and tasks must be overcome by building LEGO devices or vehicles. This can be from parts provided or through management of in-game budgets.

As more challenges are solved, players will learn new skills to go with their brick-building acumen. All this goes towards helping minifig-grandpa with realizing his dream. Fans of “Bridge Constructor” and its spinoffs might find “LEGO Bricktales” to be something new from a tried and tested formula. Interested LEGO fans can try for themselves when the game launches on October 12. “LEGO Bricktales” will be available on Xbox Series, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch and Steam.

“LEGO Brawls” Now Available for PC, Xbox One/Series and PS4/5

Back in 2019, RED Games launched a LEGO mobile game app on the Apple Arcade service. “LEGO Brawls” could be best described as a LEGO-fied take on Nintendo’s long-running “Super Smash Bros” series. Select from minifigure characters hailing across LEGO’s various themed lines like “Ninjago” and “Monkie Kid”. Even licensed IPs like “Jurassic World” join in. Or you can create your own minifig avatar to brawl against all comers in sweet CG brick-built battlefields. The title’s been successful enough that PC and console ports got announced at the start of this year. And this September marks its official multiplatform launch.

The Brick Fan reports that “LEGO Brawls” from RED Games is now on wide release for major consoles. It’s certainly come a long way from being an Apple Arcade mobile exclusive. Console gamers got an early taste of the port when the Nintendo Switch version arrived this past June. Now, regulars on PC, Xbox One or Series S/X, and the Sony PS4 or 5, can join in the fun. And the fun can be had on a wide scale thanks to “LEGO Brawls” having online PVP. That mobile game app holdover, including seasonal/community event content, gives this title a cut above other Smash-like “party fighters”.

“LEGO Brawls” are now available on Amazon (for consoles) and Steam (for PCs). As a reminder, Nintendo Switch Online already has it, as does its original home on Apple Arcade.

ICYMI: Make Way for LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser (71411)!

Hey, there brick fans! In case you missed it, LEGO has announced another super-sized set that will surely tickle the fancy of all Super Mario fans. The LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser (71411) is the biggest LEGO rendition of the iconic Super Mario villain that comes in at almost 3,000 pieces. The nice thing about this set is that it is not just meant for display, but it also comes with a bunch of play features that are certainly designed to impress: movable head, mouth, and legs, launching fireball, and beautiful, intricate details.

LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser

And like the rest of the LEGO Super Mario sets, The Mighty Bowser also evokes certain sounds and animations from the LEGO Super Mario figure itself. Watch Carl Merriam (Senior Designer) and Didier Agani (Senior Play Designer)  as they demonstrate how this set adds more fun to other LEGO Super Mario sets.

The LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser (71411) will retail for $269.99 once it becomes available on October 1st. Read on for more info about this set, and click on the affiliate link below if you want to add this to your LEGO wishlist today.

LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser (71411)

2,807 pieces | $269.99 | Coming Soon on October 1, 2022

LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser

Appreciate the king of the Koopas when you build, display, and play with LEGO® Super Mario™ The Mighty Bowser™ (71411). This buildable figure uses new-for-October-2022 LEGO elements to recreate the look of Bowser’s spikes. It has many features, including a fireball launcher and a button to control Bowser’s head and neck movements. His arms and fingers move too!

Interactive play
Display The Mighty Bowser on the brick-built battle platform, which has 2 towers for him to knock over, a hidden POW Block, and an Action Tag. Combine The Mighty Bowser and the platform with a LEGO Super Mario Starter Course (71360, 71387, or 71403 – sold separately) for battles with LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™, or LEGO® Peach™. A great gift for any Super Mario™ fan and fun for all the family, this set includes step-by-step instructions to guide the complex build.

Welcome to your zone
Look out for other LEGO Sets for Adults in the collection. Whatever your passion, there is an inspiring building project waiting for you.

  • Buildable model of Bowser for display and play – Celebrate the ultimate Super Mario™ boss with this detailed LEGO® brick-built The Mighty Bowser™ (71411) figure for display and play
  • Create different poses – Control Bowser’s head and neck with a button under the shell, open and close the mouth, pose the arms, hands, legs, and tail and activate the fireball launcher
  • Battle platform with a POW Block and 2 towers – The platform has a hidden POW Block for enhanced play with Starter Courses (sold separately) and 2 towers that are designed to be knocked over by Bowser
  • The Mighty Bowser™ display piece – This LEGO® Super Mario™ character model, including the display stand, measures over 12.5 in. (32 cm) high, 16 in. (41 cm) wide and 11 in. (28 cm) deep
  • Interactive play – Stomp on the battle platform’s Action Tag with LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™ or LEGO® Peach™ (figures not included) for battles with The Mighty Bowser™
  • Gift idea for fans – This 2,807-piece LEGO® building set makes a fun birthday present, holiday gift or special treat for Super Mario™ fans.

LEGO DOTS Collabs with “The Sims FreePlay” in Limited Event for Themed In-Game Stuff

Around the early 2010s, EA Games took their hit life-simulation franchise “The Sims” and adapted it to the mobile market. “The Sims FreePlay” has been on for quite some time now. In fact, two of the MOS platforms it launched in have since gone defunct. That leaves iOS and Android, naturally. The latter launched “Sims FreePlay” in 2012, making it a decade old this year. In that time the game app has seen numerous update packages from EA Mobile and Firemonkeys Studios. The thing is, all of them are in-house additions unlike mobile game apps in Japan with numerous cross-franchise collaborations. That’s changing this month.

The Brick Fan tells us that EA is collaborating with – obviously – LEGO for their next “Sims FreePlay” update. Specifically, they’re partnering with the LEGO DOTS craft line to bring FreePlay gamers the “You Dot You” update. This consists of all-new DOTS-themed items for Sims in the mobile app. Eagle eyes would recognize these accessories and gear as being actual LEGO Dots sets and products. There’s also a limited-time live event running June 13-24 where “Simmers” can complete gameplay challenges to unlock in-game DOTS stuff. Message boards? Customizable bracelets? DOTS-themed fashions? They’re all in this pack.

From what the images shared on social media look, “Sims FreePlay” X LEGO DOTS looks real bright and colorful. True, it’s rather niche in going for “Sims” fans who’re also LEGO (DOTS) collectors. But being free-to-play means it’s not too costly. There’s that time limit though. If you play “Sims FreePlay” on iOS/Android/Amazon and want the DOTS goodies, you have until two Fridays from now.

“LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” Update Includes 4 Additional Capital Ships

Never has a LEGO videogame been so highly anticipated as “LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga”. This massive multiplatform title from WB Interactive and TT Games was a victim of timing. First revealed in 2019, it was subject to delays throughout the worst of the global pandemic. In fact, “Skywalker Saga” only finally released last month. Even then, the game was beset by bugs, some of which actually held up story progression. Thankfully, TT Games has been busy working on patches to these. The latest “Skywalker Saga” update will not only have fixes; it’ll add some cool “rides” as well.

Brick Fanatics tells us that the latest update for “LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” also includes new capital ships. After all, it’s not “Star Wars” without the sleek vessels that various factions in the Galaxy used for battle. Four named starships are now added to the selection of LEGO Star Wars brick-built fleets with this fix. According to their tech notes, “Skywalker Saga” players will soon get to play with the Venator and Invisible Hand (prequel trilogy). Then there’s Home One (original trilogy) and the Fulminatrix (sequel trilogy) too.

As for the bugs the above update is primarily tasked to fix, they’re story-trigger issues in Episodes 3 and 7. It also resolves a camera error for one free-play mission. The fact that TT Games added content for “The Skywalker Saga” in a bug-fix update can potentially mean more additions. This is in spite of the May 4 DLC batches being touted as the last ones for the game. It’s something to look forward to even if not guaranteed. “LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” already holds the best-selling LEGO videogame title since release. It also got many positive reviews.