The format of the majority of LEGO® Super Mario sets might not be everyone’s cup of tea but they do a pretty good job of recreating many aspects of gameplay from across the Mario series. This particular expansion set isn’t based on a singular moment from a certain game, instead, it’s inspired by aspects of gameplay featured in many different games. This expands the lava-based biome and integrates into any of the previous or upcoming LEGO Super Mario sets. Here’s a look at the Lava Wave Ride.
Lava Wave Ride
Set Name: Lava Wave Ride | Set Number: 71416 | Pieces: 218 | Theme: Super Mario | Action Tags: 4 | RRP: £29.99/$34.99/34.99€ | Number of Bags: Bags x 2 (plastic) + Loose Elements | Instructions: LEGO Super Mario App | Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & General Retail From January 1st, 2023
The ranks of Bowser’s army are filled with many different Koopa Troopas. This includes some special variants that pack an extra punch. One such foe was first introduced in Super Mario Bros. 3. The Fire Bros. are a fiery version of the Hammer Bros. but instead of flinging tools, they spit out fireballs. As they continued to appear in Mario games, their attacks evolved to have them throwing their projectiles instead of coughing them up. They would often be found in lava-filled areas, which are closely associated with Bowser’s dwellings.
Despite lava being quite prevalent in the Mushroom Kingdom, it’s only featured in a few of the Expansion Sets and it’s only been the focus of a couple of sets. This particular set is quite small and therefore doesn’t require a lot of construction but it’s quite fun to play with. As you’ll know the modular nature of the Mario sets means they are basically a collection of minibuilds which are combined into a larger set.
The two primary components of the expansion set are a stone perch for the Fire Bro to hang out on and a large see-saw contraption. This is decorated with masonry bricks and a row of fire elements. These were introduced in the LEGO City sets but they are perfect for the Mario sets. This is also the main play feature of the set. Two pairs of curved roller coaster tracks form the main rail upon which a skull platform is connected. This uses a coaster cart as its base and also features an Action Tag. The idea is to sit one of the interactive figures on this platform and move it from side to side. Scanning the Action Tag triggers a mini-game and the more you fling Mario and chums along the track, you pick up bonus coins. If you manage to make the figure reach either end, you may dislodge either of the Lava Bubbles. The interactive figure is only connected via 2 studs so if you are too vigorous with your swinging, the character can fall off the platform.
The Lava Bubbles have appeared in a number of LEGO Super Mario sets and their build is consistent throughout. They are built around a pair of 2x2x1 bricks and then clad in tiles and plates. One tile features a pair of printed eyes and the other has an Action Tag. The Fire Bro is a similar build to other Koopa Troopas and uses the same unique shell element. But it has a slightly different head to incorporate its helmet. I like the use of an orange-coloured power blast element to represent the characters’ fire-throwing abilities.
Overall
It may not seem as exciting as some of the others but it’s a rather fun set to play with. I like how it captures the spirit of the gameplay from various Mario games but still remains essentially a LEGO set. Any set which expands the available character from the Mario universe is also going to be popular with Nintendo fans. I fully understand why some people aren’t fans of these sets. They do offer some fun play features but I wouldn’t say they are in-depth build experiences. For those, you’ll need to try one of the larger Mario sets.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
