The worlds of LEGO and The Legend of Zelda have finally converged, creating an enthralling construction experience for fans of both the franchises with the release of the LEGO Zelda Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 set. This set lets builders dive into the mystical world of Zelda, offering the choice between recreating the iconic Great Deku Tree as seen in either "Ocarina of Time" or "Breath of the Wild."
Priced at $299.99, which when broken down roughly costs 12 cents per piece, this set includes 2500 pieces. It's designed for adult builders, as indicated by the 18+ label due to the complexity and the sheer number of small components.
Upon unboxing, you are greeted with 20 bags of bricks, along with a brick separator—a handy tool for any LEGO enthusiast. The set also features four minifigures: Young Link and Adult Link from "Ocarina of Time," each equipped with their respective weapons and accessories, and Link and Zelda from "Breath of the Wild," detailed with elements like Zelda’s Sheikah Slate.
The initial stages of the building process allow for a sense of nostalgia meshed with anticipation as you start piecing the base and the trunk of the Great Deku Tree together. The manual, thick enough to serve as a doorstop, provides clear instructions, making the assembly process smooth and enjoyable.
The intricacy of the set is commendable. For instance, once assembled, Hestu the character stands at the front with his maracas—which actually produce a rattling sound when shaken, thanks to a clever use of a loose stud inside them. This attention to auditory detail adds a layer of interactivity often missing in static models.
Visually, the model is stunning from nearly every angle. The ground around the tree is dotted with small LEGO pieces representing foliage, and hidden Koroks invite you to peer closer, discovering the richly detailed world of Hyrule in miniature form. However, the back of the model is less detailed, which is understandable given it is meant to face against a wall or backdrop when displayed.
One of the major features of this set is the ability to manipulate the Deku Tree's facial expressions. Builders can adjust the mouth and eyebrows, simulating conversation—a playful feature that adds character to the model.
As a bonus, the set includes a mini-build of Link’s treehouse from Kokiri Forest, complete with a Hylian Shield, potions, a compass, and a Hookshot. Although small, this addition is a thoughtful nod to the game’s setting.
The major drawback, however, lies in the set's 2-in-1 promise. Transitioning from one game version to the other is not as straightforward as one might hope. There are no specific instructions included for converting the built model from one version to the other, which means deconstruction and careful following of the manual in reverse is needed—an intimidating task given the set’s complexity and size. This can be a significant time investment and might deter some from experiencing both versions to their fullest.
In summary, while the LEGO Zelda Great Deku Tree set presents an impressive and highly detailed model that captures the essence of "The Legend of Zelda," it requires a significant investment, both financially and in terms of building time. Its stunning attention to detail and playful features make it a remarkable piece for display. However, the challenge in switching between the two versions could be a sticking point for those looking for versatility in their builds. Despite these minor issues, this set is a commendable addition to LEGO’s lineup for fans ready to immerse themselves in the task.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
