A couple of days ago, I reported on one of the newer things that LEGO highlighted at the ongoing New York Toy Fair 2018. One in particular is the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox (17101) expansion that allows certain LEGO sets to integrate with the Boost system and to bring these sets play features to an entire new level. One in particular is one of the upcoming LEGO Ninjago Masters of Spinjitzu sets, the Stormbringer (70652), which was put on display at the LEGO booth. The idea behind this integration is to add a variety of movement and interactive play to any LEGO set in which the LEGO Boost can be added upon. Though I mentioned that the representatives at the LEGO Booth during that time did not demonstrate these features, as it turned out, the tech savvy guys from Tom’s Guide managed to bring the Stormbringer alive using the LEGO Boost system. Online Editorial Director Avram Piltch, was at the LEGO booth at the Toy Fair and managed to demonstrate how the LEGO Boost can be used with the LEGO Ninjago Stormbringer expansion kit. Using the usual LEGO Boost components such as the Move Hub, motor, color sensor, and the LEGO Boost app, Avram was able to program the Stormbringer to exhibit a variety of behaviors, taking advantage of Boost’s block-based programming. Watch the demo right here.
Using a beta version of the program in the LEGO Boost app, the Stormbringer was able to move around, shake its head and even determine if the one mounting it is either a friend or a foe. I find it pretty cool to see how the Stormbringer responded whenever the incorrect minifigure is placed in front of its color sensor. The range of motion and action are only virtually limited by the programming that you input into the LEGO Boost app.
Again, details are still scant in terms of how LEGO plans to integrate the LEGO Boosts with other future sets, and if the expansion will come with a customized block-based program. Nevertheless, I have to say that the concept is kind of exciting and opens a whole new level of playing with your usual LEGO sets. Similar to the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 (31313) system, you can actually come up with so many buildable creations and add a good number of program into them. Just like brick-building, your imagination is the only limit on what you can create.
The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox (17101) comes in at 843 pieces and retails for $159.99, while the LEGO Ninjago Stormbringer (70652) expansion kit will retail for $39.99 and will be available beginning August 1.