For the last of my LEGO® Super Mario set reviews, it’s time to take a look at one of the most complex and feature-heavy sets of the new wave. Although not as large in terms of scale or pieces as Bowser’s Airship, the Reznor Takedown expansion set has way more to offer in terms of play. This is thanks to a number of working sections that combine to create an impressive addition to the LEGO Super Mario line-up. As well as offering the ability to accommodate two-player play, it’s also one of only a couple of the latest sets to have more direct inspiration from the Mario games. So let’s take a closer look at the Reznor Takedown LEGO Super Mario Expansion Set.
Product Description
Make the LEGO® Super Mario™ universe extra exciting for kids with this Reznor Knockdown Expansion Set (71390). It features buildable rotating platforms that spin by turning LEGO® Mario™ and/or LEGO® Luigi™ (figures not included) on the connected stand. Use the Skewer to knock the 2 Reznor figures off the rotating platforms and rescue the Blue Toad from the top. The set also includes a seesawing Grrrol, ? Block and a Special Pipe: Speed Run for speed challenges. (Note: the 71360 or 71387 Starter Course is required for play.)
Teaming up is fun
Kids can play solo, team up or compete against a friend who has a LEGO Mario or LEGO Luigi figure. Check out the free LEGO Super Mario app for building instructions, creative inspiration and more.
- Set Name: Renzor Knockdown Expansion Set
- Set Number: 71390
- Pieces: 862
- RRP: £64.99/$69.99/69.99€
- Action Bricks: words
- Availability: LEGO.com, LEGO Stores & LEGO retailers
As with all the brick-built recreations of the various characters included in the LEGO Super Mario sets, they have each appeared in one or more of Mario’s gaming adventures. The headlining bad-uns here are a pair of Reznor. They are best described as a combination of rhinoceros and triceratops. They first appeared in Super Mario World and their appearance and actions have remained largely the same ever since. These rhino-dinos can spit fireballs and have a liking for perching on rotating wheels.
The focal point of the set is a rather elaborate Ferris wheel-type structure, which features four platforms. It’s joined by a battering ram, see-saw and the usual mix of additional platforms and plates. A large portion of the build is attributed to the wheel structure. It’s built-in such a way to allow it to be rotated by a twistable platform at its base. A series of splat gears connect them both. As with many of the Mario sets, the mechanism to create movement is very satisfying to interact with. The section which rotates features four arms, two of them act as perches for the Reznor creatures, one is a simple platform and the final arm includes an item block.
Accessing the item block is actually achieved with another buildable section. This is a sort of flippable piston. With the platform hovering over the piston section, hitting the flipper causes the piston to rise and push up the Action Brick section. In doing so Mario or Luigi can then scan it.
This isn’t the only additional contraption that links up with the wheel. In order to dethrone the Reznor, you need the use of a battering ram. This is a clever little build, in which one of the interactive figures can sit on a platform, which moves to activate the ram. It lines up perfectly with the wheel platforms, so timing it uses right will cause the ram to knock the Reznor off of their platform plates.
But the fun doesn’t stop there as there is another section that doesn’t directly interact with the wheel but is a fun play feature nonetheless. The seesaw platform is home to Grrrols, a spiked stone enemy first featured in New Super Mario Bros. U. They are similar to Thwomps, but instead of dropping from above, they roll along surfaces. At each end of the seesaw, there’s an Action Brick, tapping them causes the seesaw to do what it does best and tip. This causes the Grrrol to roll.
In addition to these larger sections, there’s a couple of smaller platforms and plates which connect everything together. Plus the expansion set includes a Speed Run Pipe, which offers you a chance to gain some bonus coins during a limited time. This can also be added to other LEGO Super Mario sets to extend courses.
As well as two Reznors and the Grrrol, the set expands the Toad Troop, to include a blue variant. This is built in the same way as other Toads, except it uses different feet, has a surprised face print and of course has blue dots on its cap.
Action Bricks are an important aspect of the LEGO Super Mario sets and this set included plenty of them. With each platform on the tower’s wheel featuring a scannable plate, the top of the tower with Toad is placed, each end of the Grrrol seesaw, both of the Reznors, the battering ram, the turning plate and the Speed Run Pipe. Bowser’s Airship looks cool, but this expansion set offers way more. In terms of building, play features and Action Bricks. It’s also a nice take on how a similar situation is from the games.
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The Reznor Takedown Expansion Set is also available as part of the VIP Ultimate bundle. This includes a collection of LEGO Super Mario sets.
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This set was requested by BricksFanz.com and provided by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Nintendo. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
