We recently talked about the new LEGO City Space sets, but they are not the only awesome LEGO Space sets this year. LEGO Friends also got a Space sub-theme this year with three sets, and they are designed to be compatible with the LEGO City Space sets for the ultimate space exploration experience!
The new LEGO Friends sets follow the same white and orange color-scheme as the LEGO City Space sets, and even the alien life forms are similar. And the buildings can be combined as demonstrated in the image above. Look how seamlessly the airlocks connect! The only difference is that instead of the translucent-black windscreens used in the LEGO City sets, LEGO Friends uses translucent-purple. And of course, LEGO City sets come with minifigs, while LEGO Friends sets come with mini-dolls.
The #42602 LEGO Friends Space Research Rover tells the story of Olivia and William exploring an uncharted planet. They’re searching for signs of alien life and the rover has everything they need, including a science lab and hover scooter. The space rover comes with an extending the arm to capture evidence of alien life on the camera. The back opens to reveal the research area, where there are fold-down beds, plus a bed and food for the dog. 514 pieces. Price: $49.99. Available at the LEGO Friends section of the Online LEGO Shop.
The #42603 LEGO Friends Stargazing Camping Vehicle is different from the other LEGO Friends and LEGO City Space sets. Instead of featuring space exploration, it’s about two friends watching the sky from planet Earth. It includes a 4×4 vehicle with a camping trailer and self-folding tent, a buildable telescope, and a starry backdrop. 364 pieces. Price: $29.99. Available at the LEGO Friends section of the Online LEGO Shop.
The #42605 LEGO Friends Mars Space Base and Rocket is the largest of the new LEGO Friends Space sets and follows the same modular design as the LEGO City Space sets so you can rearrange the different pods to customize the build. The pods include different spaces for science, communication, growing food, and relaxing. There are lots of accessories including a rover, drone, and scientific tools. 981 pieces. Price: $79.99. Available at the LEGO Friends section of the Online LEGO Shop.
I really like the crossover between these two themes. Yes, one uses minifigs and the other mini-dolls, but in the minds of kids and creative adults, they can coexist peacefully. Another major plus of these sets is the modular design. This allows LEGO fans to build and rebuild the set in different ways without fully taking it apart. I would also add here that the Mega Construx Space set released a few years ago is also orange and white (well, more like very light-gray), so you could even do a cross-brand display. Just sayin’…
What do you think? How do you like the new LEGO Friends Space sets? Do you have any of them already? Are you planning to combine them with the LEGO City Space sets? Feel free to share your thoughts and own reviews in the comment section below!
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Seeing Space relegated to a sub-theme of City a few years back was disappointing, but this cross-theme branding of space (City, Friends, Technic) is pretty neat.
Lego would need to make their own Space themes significantly different from Star Wars (and occasionally Super Heroes) in order to avoid competing with themselves…
Wow. I wasn’t aware that these sets are compatible! That combined space station on the first picture looks fantastic! Lego should advertise this more!