Earlier than this month, it had been years since Lego had made any units based mostly off the Lord of the Rings films. 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 offered 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 acquired 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. For those who’re used to the extra complicated adult-oriented builds Lego has put out lately, you possibly can most likely end in about 16 or so hours of constructing—should you’re not, count on to spend nearer to 24. Unfold over a number of days, it’s a herculean activity both means. 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 further 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 symbolize a few of the different dwarven representatives on the council of Elrond). Virtually 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 truly 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 tough to construct?
Like most of its latest “adults solely” units, Lego recommends Rivendell to builders aged 18 and up. For those who’re not used to Lego’s grownup units, Rivendell options quite a few superior methods which have turn out to be commonplace in its bigger units that could possibly be tough to wrap your head round—and on the whole there are many steps that require a number of builds of the identical repeating factor, or intelligent bits of positioning, to get good. The directions as ever are clear sufficient that nothing is just too onerous, however the quantity of small items and complex steps could make it intimidating, particularly in locations the place it’s tough to see what you’re truly constructing in direction of till it’s lastly coming collectively. For those who’re looking for 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 should you don’t have a variety of expertise with Lego’s fashionable 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 by it, the tip product is one thing that looks like an absolute love letter to the Lord of the Rings movies, and that can get you thru the more difficult, delicate elements of placing it collectively. For those who’re a Lego collector with no familiarity with the films, that is nonetheless an unimaginable constructing expertise, stuffed with good methods and items of design that may be appreciated even with out data of the supply materials. However contemplating the value, it’s a lot tougher to advocate even on the energy of that have should you’re not already a dieonerous fan of the films. Talking of…
How a lot is Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set? Is it well worth the value?
Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell prices a whopping $500—not the costliest set in latest reminiscence, however nonetheless a giant hit to your pockets (as soon as once more, for full disclosure, Lego offered io9 with a replica for evaluate). 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 a variety of very small items. Ultimately, it’s a stunning show piece, and the period of time you’ll spend money on constructing it is sufficient that you just’ll really feel the standard the set instructions. Even although the value is on the form of excessive level that can give most informal followers pause, there’s sufficient love and care, and scale within the ultimate construct, that it largely feels price that tag.
For those who’re a diehard fan of the movies, it is a will need to have, and it’ll be round for lengthy sufficient you can possible wait some time for gross sales to knock no less than a few of the value right down to take the sting off of the sticker shock. For those who can drop the cash for it now although, it’s completely among the best Lego units you should purchase on the minute.
Now, click on by to see a breakdown of constructing the set, and many extra footage! Lego’s Lord of the Rings Rivendell set is accessible to order direct from the corporate now.
