When I was a kid I loved visiting my Aunt and Uncle’s place. After greeting them, I’d race inside at full speed, trying to beat my brother to prime position in front of their console set up to play Super Mario Bros. We would often spend a rainy day or two swapping between our LEGO set and this game.
Since I caught wind of LEGO’s latest collab earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Super Mario : Adventures with Mario Starter Course. When it arrived, I initially hid it from the kids, contemplating making it myself first! However, I know that they love Mario and LEGO just as much as me, so I relented and we spent and afternoon putting it together and having a great time together.
LEGO Adventures with Mario Starter Course
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From the pictures on the box, we anticipated that The Adventures with Mario Starter Course wouldn’t take much to set up, however, we were surprised that it took us a little longer than expected. We were distracted again and again by Mario himself – he is unlike any LEGO figurine that we’ve come across.
You see, LEGO Mario is possibly one of the most tech loaded to be released. He has colour sensors, plus LCD screens in his eyes, mouth and belly to display over 100 different instant reactions to the movement. He even has an inbuilt speaker! The kids absolutely adored hearing the iconic sounds and music they know from Super Mario Bros as they bounced LEGO Mario around the course they created.
LEGO Super Mario™ app
New to our LEGO experience was the build. Typically we utilise a LEGO instruction booklet that steps us through the construction phase. The Adventures with Mario Starter Course instructions are online via the free LEGO® Super Mario™ app.
Sunshine remarked that this was the easiest way to build a LEGO set as she was able to manipulate the image of each step in 3D so she could see exactly how it was placed. The app also provides inspiration for fun, creative ways to play, and more.
For a list of compatible Android and iOS devices, visit LEGO.com/devicecheck.
Playing with the LEGO Super Mario
Once the kids constructed the LEGO set they began to play. It’s such an interactive set, as simply by moving LEGO Mario around the course the kids have set up, he can collect virtual coins by running and jumping along the course. By linking the app via bluetooth, the kids also get instant feedback and rewards for creativity. I must admit to playing along with them too – I’m still humming the music!
So What Did The Kids Think?
When a toy can cross generations and be just as exciting for the adults as it is for the kids you know you have a winner. Days after the initial build, Sunshine and I have found ourselves sitting around our set and playing different courses together. We’re currently trying to work out which course pays out the most gold coins!
Based on our experience, I think this LEGO set is the perfect gift for kids aged 7+. You may even find it hits the mark for some adults too – I have my eye on Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle Expansion Set and Mario’s House & Yoshi Expansion Set.
The Adventures with Mario Starter Kit retails for $89.99 with expansion packs from $12.99. You can view the full range here. LEGO Australia provided us with the Adventures with Mario Starter Kit for review. All opinions are our own.
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