Nintendo's alliance with Lego, which previously gave us the LEGO Super Mario sets, has taken another step into the whimsical world of Animal Crossing. Fans of the video game were delighted to hear that Lego would be launching sets based on the adorable anthropomorphic characters and serene island life they had immersed themselves in through Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The collaboration is a nostalgic nod to Lego’s discontinued Fabuland series and is tugging on the sentimental strings of both old and young fans.
Unveiling the box of Bunnie's Outdoor Activities reveals Lego's switch to eco-friendly white paper bags, a change that is thoughtful for the environment but may inadvertently trap smaller pieces. This set contains just two bags, each with another smaller bag inside, as well as the all-important instruction booklet complete with Bunnie adorably guiding the build process.
Upon commencing the build, collectors first assemble Bunnie herself, whose sizable head marks a notable deviation from standard Lego figures. With a marshmallow ready for roasting, builders then create Bunnie's campsite, which includes a tent, a tree module replete with tools and an eight-legged critter, a splashy waterfall feature, and a cherry tree concealing a surprise.
The construction process is straightforward, but it involves some crafty touches that might transport long-time fans back to the island they painstakingly curated in the game. The set components can be rearranged in various ways, mirroring the game’s terraforming capabilities, although detaching and reattaching these segments can be more finicky than fun.
Despite the gentle introduction to the island-build, there are some details that could have used enhancement. The foliage of the fir trees appears rather plain compared to the rest of the detailed set. Additionally, the functionality of Bunnie's vaulting pole, which leads to her unfortunate face-plants instead of smooth leaps, could also be improved.
While the set is captivating for its callbacks to the game, with printed elements instead of stickers and adorable designs, the simplicity of Bunnie's Outdoor Activities may leave adult fans yearning for more complexity. Considering the price point of $19.99 / £17.99 / €19.99, the value falls in line with other licensed Lego kits, but it's debatable if the nostalgia and a game entry on the box justify the purchase for more seasoned Lego enthusiasts.
The concept of connecting Bunnie’s campsite to other sets such as Kapp'n's Island Boat Tour is appealing, and the idea of expanding your physical island elicits intrigue. Yet adult collectors might feel there's a missed opportunity for more inspired, display-worthy sets, akin to those offered for other franchises like Indiana Jones or Disney's Snow White.
In assessing LEGO Animal Crossing offerings, they weigh differently on the fun-versus-functionality scale. The series does not carry the same interactive punch as the Super Mario sets, nor does it achieve the structural innovation seen in the pricier, adult-targeted sets.
Despite this, there's joy to be found in revisiting the familiar, albeit through simple plastic bricks. The LEGO Animal Crossing sets have effectively captured the game’s essence, particularly charming for those who fondly recall starting their own island adventure. The play potential is there, amplified by LEGO's inherent encourage of imagination and customization. The added layer of Animal Crossing's charm may indeed be enough for some fans, young and old, to invest in bringing a piece of their virtual paradise into the tangible world.
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