Earlier than this month, it had been years since Lego had made any units based mostly off the Lord of the Rings movies. However the iconic brick maker got here to us on the flip of the tide with the newest grownup collectors set—a recreation of Rivendell from The Fellowship of the Ring as epic as an prolonged version trilogy marathon, and simply as satisfying.
Lego supplied io9 with entry to a replica of the brand new set, and after a number of days of livid constructing—and cursing of 1×1 tile items—we’ve obtained our intensive impressions of what it’s like constructing one of many greatest units the corporate has ever made.
How lengthy does it take to construct Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set?
Whether or not you’re an skilled builder or a Lord of the Rings fan leaping into Lego for the primary time in years, it’s going to take you some time to complete Rivendell. If you happen to’re used to the extra advanced adult-oriented builds Lego has put out lately, you possibly can most likely end in about 16 or so hours of constructing—in case you’re not, anticipate to spend nearer to 24. Unfold over a number of days, it’s a herculean process both approach. Placed on the prolonged editions within the background (you’ll even have time for The Hobbit trilogy, if you would like!) and get cracking.
What number of minifigures are in Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set?
Rivendell comes with a hefty 15 minifigures—every member of the Fellowship (Gandalf the Gray, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Aragon, Boromir, Legolas, and Gimli), three additional named characters (Elrond, Arwen, and an aged Bilbo), and three unnamed characters (two Elven attendants, one male and one feminine, and one unnamed dwarf, meant to characterize a few of the different dwarven representatives on the council of Elrond). Nearly each determine comes with equipment and alternate face prints for various expressions, and each Gandalf and Gimli even have alternate hairpieces to indicate them with or with out their headgear.
That whole doesn’t really embrace one other 5 and a half minifigures peppered all through the set—gray collectible figurines representing numerous statues round Rivendell itself.
Is Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set troublesome to construct?
Like most of its current “adults solely” units, Lego recommends Rivendell to builders aged 18 and up. If you happen to’re not used to Lego’s grownup units, Rivendell options a variety of superior strategies which have develop into commonplace in its bigger units that could possibly be troublesome to wrap your head round—and on the whole there are many steps that require a number of builds of the identical repeating ingredient, or intelligent bits of positioning, to get excellent. The directions as ever are clear sufficient that nothing is simply too laborious, however the quantity of small items and complex steps could make it intimidating, particularly in locations the place it’s troublesome to see what you’re really constructing in the direction of till it’s lastly coming collectively. If you happen to’re in search of a difficult, satisfying construct, you’ll have one in Rivendell.
Is Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set higher for Lego followers or Lord of the Rings followers?
Like I discussed earlier than, Rivendell is an intimidating set in case you don’t have loads of expertise with Lego’s trendy collectors-focused units. However there’s a lot element and so many little Easter eggs all through the entire thing that even when it takes you some time to get via it, the tip product is one thing that seems like an absolute love letter to the Lord of the Rings movies, and that may get you thru the tougher, delicate elements of placing it collectively. If you happen to’re a Lego collector with no familiarity with the films, that is nonetheless an unbelievable constructing expertise, filled with good strategies and items of design that may be appreciated even with out information of the supply materials. However contemplating the worth, it’s a lot tougher to suggest even on the power of that have in case you’re not already a dielaborious fan of the films. Talking of…
How a lot is Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set? Is it definitely worth the value?
Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell prices a whopping $500—not the most costly set in current reminiscence, however nonetheless an enormous hit to your pockets (as soon as once more, for full disclosure, Lego supplied io9 with a replica for overview). Lego fans’ fabled “value per half” ratio makes it round eight cents per piece, however that’s not likely a great way of wanting on the worth of a set that’s, whereas not within the majority, nonetheless stuffed with loads of very small items. In the long run, it’s a beautiful show piece, and the period of time you’ll put money into constructing it is sufficient that you just’ll really feel the standard the set instructions. Even although the worth is on the form of excessive level that may give most informal followers pause, there’s sufficient love and care, and scale within the ultimate construct, that it largely feels value that tag.
If you happen to’re a diehard fan of the movies, it is a should have, and it’ll be round for lengthy sufficient that you could seemingly wait some time for gross sales to knock not less than a few of the value all the way down to take the sting off of the sticker shock. If you happen to can drop the cash for it now although, it’s completely among the finest Lego units you should purchase on the minute.
Now, click on via to see a breakdown of constructing the set, and lots extra photos! Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set is available to order direct from the corporate now.
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