I built the LEGO Super Mario: Mario & Standard Kart (72037) set which I picked up on release day. It didn’t take me long to get stuck in as it had been on my wishlist since its announcement. So over the past weekend I grabbed the box, made a space on the floor (yes, I like to lay on the floor) and started building!
For a set that has 1,972 pieces and a retail cost of £149.99, I wasn’t expecting many numbered bags inside, but it has a whopping 17 in total. Granted not as many pieces in each one but still enough to make the build flow at a great pace.
This isn’t your usual review post, think of it as an appreciation of the wonderful job the LEGO Designers did, the simple yet mind blowing mechanics hidden inside and how well the set looks as a whole. This truly is a delight to behold and a prime example of how LEGO can get things right!
You start off the build by constructing the Kart, which takes up 9 bags. This section half of the set is amazingly detailed and full of varying techniques combining standard bricks and Technic elements. Just like The Mighty Bowser (71411) set, it takes the best from both worlds and creatively puts them together for us to enjoy. I personally can’t get in with LEGO Technic, but when it’s used primarily in a standard LEGO build, I don’t mind it at all.
With the base together, you then layer bricks and pieces on top to ultimately build the Kart. There are somea handful of notable part usages and techniques that create a fantastic effect and help the angles lineup, for example the bulky middle sections of the Kart has a white stripe running through it, halfway along there is a slope, this is created by constructing a small block of bricks and then clipping it in place to create the desired effect – genius!
The wheels are massive and some of the biggest I’ve got in a LEGO set, of course there have been bigger but for me this is a first. These slot in place later in the build and move rather freely, the hobcap style tiles are gorgeous and full printed – there ain’t no stickers here. Even the large ‘M’ tile at the front of the Kart is printed, it’s a great piece to have and one which can be taken off and used on other sets and in MOCs & photos.
I must mention the steering column and mechanism, its a rather simple concept but it works so well. Using a series of ball & socket pieces, Technic bars, and pins, they all come together to make the basic axel turn and the Kart steer. Turning the steering wheel makes the wheels move a considerable amount, but once you pop Mario behind the wheel and add that extra bit of weight, they seem to not turn as much, which is a shame, as the first thing I did was try and drive it along the table, it went freely but the turning circle was limited.
Speaking of Mario, he is a really pleasure to build, from his little boots to his cute ears and iconic hat.
This part of the set is the last 8 bags and again don’t contain many parts each but obviously when combined make one of gaming histories most recognisable characters, Super Mario. Starting with the body section, you layer bricks and pieces using the SNOT technique (studs not on top), this allows for blue sloped pieces to be added and essentially clothe Mario in his dungarees. Next are the legs, which are the same build but mirroreed to create the left & right legs. There isn’t any additional articulation sadly, you can’t position him in any other way and is limited to sitting. The arms are the same and are a mirrored build, again no elbow articulation, just basic hand movement.
The head and hat is a really enjoyable section of the build and you can finally the Italian Plumber really come to life. Using the printed facial pieces. Popping the eye tiles onto the head, his specialist and exclusive Moustache plate and his round, bulbous, nose – it’s perfect!
This truly is a set that has everything; a fun and engaging build experience, both standard and technical elements, playability aspects and so much more. For a set that retails for £149.99 it’s great, getting it cheaper elsewhere is a bonus, if you’re looking to purchase this set then do shop around as it isn’t a LEGO store exclusive, Smyths Toys Superstores and Argos also stock it so keep your eyes peeled.
For a set that has everything, including ooddles of nostalgia, it’s definitely one you need in your collection!
LEGO Super Mario & Standard Kart (72037)
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