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LEGO Nexo Knights summer sets review

The LEGO Nexo Knights adventures are still going strong, with ongoing new episodes to continue the story, and new sets to play out all the action. At the beginning of the month, six new LEGO Nexo Knights sets were added to the selection, including the much anticipated Knighton Castle. Today we will look at each of the sets in more detail. 🙂

LEGO Nexo Knights is an interesting mix of the fantasy elements of LEGO Castle, the technology of LEGO Space, with some LEGO Bionicle and Hero Factory bits mixed in for good measure. LEGO Nexo Knights is also somewhat similar to LEGO Ninjago, especially when it comes to vehicles. We have talked about the story of LEGO Nexo Knights already (see links at the end of this post), so I won’t repeat that here, but in general, the good guys are technology-enhanced knights, with vehicles and buildings that sport a handsome dark-blue/blue/translucent-orange color scheme. And the badguys in this season are mostly gray/purple/light-blue dragons, monsters, and storm clouds.

LEGO Nexo Knights is mostly aimed at young boys, however the theme also has quite a bit of appeal to older LEGO fans because of the interesting color-scheme and great variety of unique elements, minifigs, and minifig accessories. In addition, you can often find some of the older sets on sale, so it’s relatively easy to build up your stock with these unusual and useful pieces. Below, I have included some of my thoughts on each of the new sets, as well as video-reviews by JANGBRiCKS, so you can see them in more detail.

#70361 LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS MACY’S BOT DROP DRAGON: This is the smallest set in the latest LEGO Nexo Knights release, with an interesting dragon, that incorporates quite a bit of LEGO Technic and other unusual pieces. This is a simple set compared to the other ones, but it might still be worth getting it just for the parts. Also note that it can be combined with one of the previously released LEGO Nexo Knights Battle Suits to create an ultimate battle suit. Here is the official description: Pit the flying Stone Stomper against Macy and the buildable Bot Drop Dragon, featuring two wings with mounted stud shooters, minifigure cockpit, movable tail and Macy Bot release function. The Stone Stomper’s shield can be used as a hoverboard to role-play an aerial dog fight scene. Includes one scannable shield and three minifigures: Macy, a Macy Bot and a Stone Stomper. 153 pieces. Price: $14.99 – BUY HERE

#70353 LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS THE HELIGOYLE: Probably one of the best features of the LEGO Nexo Knights sets are the monsters. While some people say that the gray and purple color-scheme is too plain, I personally like it, because this plainness allows the monsters to be incorporated into many other fantasy stories. Take a look at all those wings (they spin like propellers!), sharp claws, and thunderbolts! Also, notice the unique headgear on the harpy! Here is the official description: Take to the skies for an awesome LEGO Nexo Knights aerial battle, featuring the highly posable Heligoyle beast with spinning wings, opening jaw with monster teeth, stud-shooting claws and Bouldron air-drop attack function. Includes two scannable shields and three minifigures: Clay, a harpy and a Stone Stomper. 318 pieces. Price: $29.99 – BUY HERE

#70354 LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS AXL’S RUMBLE MAKER: Some of the most interesting sets in the LEGO Nexo Knights collection are the good guy vehicles, known for their fun transforming features, and for resembling traditional weapons like a sword, bow, crossbow, mace, etc. This particular vehicle is no exception, and it is jam-packed with action features, and surprising transformations, so make sure you check the video-review below to see who it works. One thing I will point out right away is that the small, detachable tank can be combined with the previously released LEGO Nexo Knights Battle Suits to create with an ultimate battle suit. Combinations like this are another unique feature of the LEGO Nexo Knights sets. Here is the official description: Drive the Rogul out of Knighton with the 3-in-1 Rumble Maker, featuring dual rotating drill weapons, flip-out wings, detachable tank with caterpillar tracks, axe holder, two minifigure cockpits and two stud shooters. Includes three scannable shields, and three minifigures: Axl, an Axl Bot and a Rogul, plus a Brickster figure. 393 pieces. Price: $39.99 – BUY HERE

#70355 LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS AARON’S ROCK CLIMBER: The vehicle in this set is an interesting mix of the aesthetics of older LEGO Space crafts and the functions of LEGO Technic cars. The monster also looks very good. Here is the official description: Summon your courage for a beastly LEGO Nexo Knights encounter and drive the futuristic 3-in-1 Rock Climber with detachable crossbow and mini-flyer after Lord Krakenskull on the buildable Krakenbeast monster with posable limbs and tail weapon. Includes three scannable shields, and three minifigures: Aaron, an Aaron Bot and Lord Krakenskull, plus buildable Krakenbeast and a Bouldron and Brickster figure. 598 pieces. Price: $59.99 – BUY HERE

#70356 LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS THE STONE COLOSSUS OF ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION: This is my favorite LEGO Nexo Knights set amongst the new releases, because of the awesome Stone Colossus of Ultimate Destruction (coolest name ever!). I agree with JANG in his video-review (see below) that the completely straight legs and the attachment of the arms to the shoulders are a bit weird, but overall this monster can play a proper fearsome foe in any LEGO story. Here is the official description: Gather all your courage and team up with LEGO Nexo Knights heroes Macy and Stone Clay to take on Jestro, General Garg and the Stone Colossus of Ultimate Destruction. This huge buildable figure features a rapid-fire 6-stud shooter, two legs with built-in opening prison cells, chomping jaw, large movable wings, ‘punching’ arms and Forbidden Powers crown. Attach Stone Clay to the shield glider with movable wings and insert his sword to use as a flying weapon. Includes four scannable shields and four minifigures: Jestro, General Garg, Stone Clay and Macy, plus a buildable Stone Colossus of Ultimate Destruction figure. 785 pieces. Price: $69.99 – BUY HERE

#70357 LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS KNIGHTON CASTLE: The Knighton Castle has been a very important setting for the LEGO Nexo Knights story, and it’s great to see that it was finally included in a LEGO set. The castle comes with many surprising features, and overall looks very good. If you are into the LEGO Nexo Knights theme, or futuristic LEGO castles in general, I think you will be very pleased with it. Make sure you check out the video-review below to see all the interesting play-features and details. Here is the official description: Explore the awesome 2-in-1 Knighton Castle and defend the king! Unclasp the main gates and fold out the walls to roll out Robin’s vehicle with two stud shooters and Merlok 2.0 in his Mechlok robotic suit with wizard’s hat. Engage the enemy and avoid capture in the rolling stone prison. This feature-packed LEGO Nexo Knights play set also features a tower formed by the detachable Rumble Rocket transporter, living quarters with two bedrooms, dining room, armory and a command center for endless hours of siege role-play fun. Includes 6 scannable shields and 8 minifigures: King Halbert, Fancy Pants, King’s Guard, Robin, Aaron, Lance and 2 Stone Stompers, plus a Hamletta pig figure, 2 Brickster figures and the White stone statue figure. 1,426 pieces. Price: $129.99 – BUY HERE

While we don’t know how much longer LEGO Nexo Knights is going to continue, I find it pretty impressive that it has been able to survive this long amongst all the hype for The LEGO Ninjago Movie sets, LEGO Star Wars sets, LEGO Super Heroes, and other popular themes. While the combination of LEGO Castle and LEGO Space may be strange to some, it clearly captured the imagination of young LEGO fans. If you prefer LEGO’s own themes over licensed properties, LEGO Nexo Knights can provide some great options, especially in the form of spaceships, land vehicles, mechs, and monsters. You can find all the new sets, along with some of the previous releases, under the LEGO Nexo Knights section of the Online LEGO Shop.

What do you think? How do you like the latest LEGO Nexo Knights releases? Are you planning to get any of them? Or do you have some of them already? Feel free to share your thoughts and own review in the comment section below! 😉

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

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LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox review

One of the most interesting sets that was released this month is the #17101 LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox robotic kit. As there has been a lot of questions about the set, I thought to discuss some of the basics you need to know to get yourself familiar with the LEGO BOOST robotics system. So let’s take a closer look. 🙂

One thing to mention right away is that the LEGO BOOST app is an integral part of the #17101 LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox. In other words, you can’t use the LEGO BOOST set without first downloading the app. Even the instructions are on the app, so you won’t even be able to build any of the models without it. And to use the app, you will need a compatible tablet. The requirement for Apple products is iOs 10.3 or newer, and the tested devices are as follows: iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 2, and iPad 4th generation. For Android devices, the minimum required specifications are Android 5.0 or above, Blutooth 4.1 or higher, 1 GB RAM, 1.4 ghz dual core processor, 8″ display or larger, microphone, and speaker. Tested devices are as follows: ASUS ZenPad S 8.0″, Google Pixel C, HTC Nexus 9, Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8″, Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 8″, Nvidia SHIELD Tablet (LTE), Samsung Galaxy Tab S, Samsung Galaxy Tab A, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 nook, Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet (LTE) Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (LTE), and Xiaomi Mi Pad 2. Please note that while these Android tablets have been tested, the list won’t automatically exclude your device, unless it is outside the required minimum specifications. Notice though, that the Kindle fire is not on the list, and the LEGO BOOST app is currently not listed at the Amazon app store. For a regularly updated list of compatible devices, and links to download the LEGO BOOST app from the Apple App store and Google Play store, check the LEGO BOOST Device Guide.

Now that we sorted out what kind of tablet you need, let’s take a look at what’s in the LEGO BOOST box! The #17101 LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox includes three LEGO BOOST Bricks: the Move Hub, the Color and Distance Sensor, and the Interactive Motor. The set also includes 847 bricks (including the three above mentioned BOOST bricks), one LEGO BOOST poster, and a playmat.

The LEGO BOOST Move Hub contains two motors with tachometers, the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) connections with your tablet, two input and output ports, a 6-axis tilt sensor and a multicolored light. Also in the hub is the battery compartment for six AAA batteries and the green “on” button. The LEGO BOOST Color and Distance Sensor can sense both distance (how far from an object it is) and different colors that are placed in front of it. It can also be used as a motion detector or just as a light, enabling the user to choose between four different light modes; red, green, blue, and a combination of all three. The LEGO BOOST Interactive Motor has the same functionality as the motor in the Move Hub, but as a detachable unit.

The playmat is an important part of the initial experience kids have with LEGO BOOST. The playmat is only needed for the three models (getting started vehicle, Vernie, and the M.T.R.4) that move. The playmat contains a grid that is calibrated to the movement commands in these models. It allows kids to understand that one move block in the coding enables the model to move one square on the grid of the playmat.

Once you have the LEGO BOOST app downloaded, and the #17101 LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox, you can begin building and experimenting with the five different LEGO BOOST models. In the video review below by the BrickVault, you will have a chance to see all five models in action, and you will also get an introduction to how LEGO BOOST works.

As you can see in the video above, LEGO BOOST is very user-friendly and programming the robots is quite intuitive. Compared to LEGO MINDSTORMS, LEGO BOOST is for younger children, with the recommended age-range of 7-12 (although older kids and adults are definitely welcome to play with it as well). LEGO BOOST is based on fun and easy-to-do icon-based coding, whereas LEGO MINDSTORMS is for older kids who are ready for complex coding language. Also, LEGO BOOST doesn’t have a P-Brick that can be programmed as with LEGO MINDSTORMS. For LEGO BOOST all the programming and operating of the robots takes place via the tablet. In addition, LEGO MINDSTORMS is based on the LEGO Technic platform, whereas LEGO BOOST is mainly based on the regular LEGO building system. This makes customizing the LEGO BOOST robots a lot easier for younger kids, who are not as comfortable with using the more complex LEGO Technic system.

LEGO is clearly investing time and energy into the LEGO BOOST system, so we can expect more buildable models, coding ideas, games, challenges, etc. The official LEGO BOOST website is the place to check for any news and new developments. Also, since this is a brand new system, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are going to be some kinks with the initial version of the app, but I’m sure LEGO is going to keep it regularly updated to iron out any issues, and upgraded to remain compatible with both Apple and Android devices. If you live near a LEGO store, you can sign up for LEGO BOOST workshops to learn how the system works (take your tablet or smart phone!). The initial round of workshops is held August 1st-6th and 14th-20th.

Here is the official description of the set: Combine the versatile LEGO building system with advanced technology to boost your creativity with the awesome LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox. Download the free tablet app to your device and follow the step-by-step instructions to build and code any of the five multifunctional models. Experience Vernie the Robot—a moving and talking robot; the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4)—a robust, versatile rover with four different tool attachments including a spring-loaded shooter; the Guitar4000—a musical instrument with pitch bend and sound effects; Frankie the Cat—an interactive pet that plays, purrs and expresses its mood; or the AutoBuilder—an automated production line that really builds miniature LEGO models! Bring your creations to life with the app’s intuitive, icon-based coding interface and complete an array of exciting activities designed for each model. This set also includes a playmat for use with specific activities, and a LEGO BOOST wall poster! Includes over 840 LEGO pieces, plus a LEGO Move Hub, Interactive Motor, and a Color & Distance Sensor. Vernie the robot stands over 10” (27cm) tall. M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) measures over 4” (12cm) high, 9” (23cm) long and 5” (14cm) wide. Guitar4000 measures over 1” (5cm) high, 16” (42cm) long and 5” (15cm) wide. Frankie the Cat stands over 6” (17cm) tall. The AutoBuilder measures over 10” (27cm) high, 7” (19cm) long and 6” (16cm) wide. 847 pieces. Price: $159.99 – BUY HERE.

What do you think? How do you like LEGO BOOST so far? Are you planning to give it a try? Have you had a chance to play with it already? Feel free to share your thoughts and own review in the comment section below! 😉

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

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