For fans of the widely adored Animal Crossing: New Horizons video game, LEGO's entrance into this cozy virtual world sparks a blend of nostalgia and excitement. The LEGO Animal Crossing range, consisting of five connecting sets, builds bridges between gamers and LEGO enthusiasts, allowing them to reconstruct their cherished island life. Among these, the largest and arguably most anticipated set is Nook’s Cranny & Rosie’s House.
When you first open the set, seven bags of LEGO pieces greet you, transparent and neatly separated to distinguish between Rosie's abode (bags one to four) and the famed Nook’s Cranny (bags five to seven). The set respects builders who prefer a shared experience, including two individual instruction manuals for cooperative building sessions. Marked for builders aged 7 and above, the array of small pieces might challenge young constructors, but the inclusion of a handy Brick Separator makes assembly more approachable.
Starting with Rosie's House, the eponymous character's LEGO figure displays an appealing design, though her tail poses some minor inconveniences regarding mobility within the set. Rosie's surrounding elements—an orange tree, tea set, parasol, and a charming blue bicycle—exude the game's peaceful essence, enhanced by small extras like a quaint toadstool under the tree.
The house assembly itself mimics the design of other sets in the LEGO Animal Crossing series. Building Rosie's House is an interplay of detailed components and interchangeable window styles, offering personalization while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
Turning the focus to Nook’s Cranny, out pops Tom Nook himself in minifigure form. His iconic island shirt and tail are reproduced with admirable detail, adding a layer of authenticity to the set. However, the replica of his store slightly falters under scrutiny. While you'll find adorable features like colorful canopies and crisp printed signage—a reprieve from the dreaded stickers—it lacks some spatial generosity and the bustling vibe of its in-game counterpart.
This constraint means that Tom Nook stands solo without his business-savvy nephews, Timmy and Tommy—figures whose absence is keenly felt by Animal Crossing enthusiasts. One cannot help but compare this scaled-down version to the more elaborate fan-made LEGO Ideas submission, yearning for a set that would have expanded Nook's Cranny into a grander domain.
With a price tag of $64.99 / £64.99 / €74.99, Nook’s Cranny & Rosie’s House stands as the priciest option within the current lineup. The set numbers 535 pieces, which results in a cost per piece on the higher end of the spectrum. Although justified by the presence of novel figures and detailed printed pieces, buyers may question the value, considering the limitations mentioned earlier.
Ultimately, a separate release of Rosie's House and an expanded version of Nook’s Cranny could potentially appease both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking a more immersive and accurate recreation of the Animal Crossing shopping experience.
The verdict? Nook’s Cranny & Rosie’s House is a charming ensemble, with plenty of engaging elements that capture the spirit of Animal Crossing. Its design encourages both individual and shared building experiences, and the result is undeniably delightful. However, this priciest kernel in the current LEGO Nintendo harvest leaves a taste of what could have been, had the company poured a little extra creative juice and plastic bricks into the mix. Tom Nook's business might be thriving in the virtual world, but in the realm of LEGO, his establishment yearns for the same expansive flair that made him a central figure in the lives of countless virtual islanders.
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