Before taking up plumbing, Mario began his career as an ape-chasing carpenter. These sudden job changing antics would become a key part of Mario’s history, but he has dabbled with far more than just leaky pipes over the last 35 years. The four Power-up Packs have been inspired by Mario’s love of costume changing, with each giving his blocky alter ego a new ability and fun new effects. The Power-up Pack outfits have been inspired by numerous eras of the Mario franchise from the first proper outing in 1985 to more recent adventures. But do they add anything to the overall LEGO Super Mario experience? Read on to find out in my review round-up of all four Power-up Pack suits.
Each pack includes a new pair of dungarees, themed towards the power-up suit they are representing, a cap plus a small display stand to mount both elements of the power-up suit when not in use. These display platforms can also be incorporated into courses. As soon as LEGO Mario is slotted into the suit, he instantly recognises it and activates the relevant power. This includes that all too familiar power-up jingle and sound effects, plus the power-up icon appears on the tiny LCD screen. Each suit also provides LEGO Mario new abilities.
71370: Fire Mario Power-up Pack
The Fire Suit is one of the first-ever alternate suits, appearing in the 1985 classic, Super Mario Bros. In-game the suit would be gained after collecting a Fire Flower. The Fire Suit gives Mario the ability to shoot fireball projectiles. In LEGO form, sharply tilting LEGO Mario forwards virtually throws a fireball, which results in collecting a few bonus coins.
71371: Propeller Mario Power-up Pack
Mario gained the ability to don the Propeller Suit, in the reimagined version of the classic side-scrolling formula for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. The suit gives Mario the power of limited but reusable flight. For LEGO Mario, sharply launching him into the air activates flight mode, then floating through the air may pick up some additional coins.
71372: Cat Mario Power-up Pack
The Cat Suit made its debut in Wii U’s Super Mario 3D World and has since appeared in other titles such as Super Mario Maker and as pixel art in Super Mario Odyssey. Jumping into the Cat Suit allows characters to climb walls, scratch enemies and move quicker. For LEGO Mario, the suit has a similar use, allowing him to walk up vertical surfaces and find bonus coins. Plus he meows, which is slightly creepy.
71373: Builder Mario Power-up Pack
The Builders outfit is one of the more recent additions to Mario’s wardrobe. Making its debut in Super Mario Maker, the suit was first featured in artwork and promotional material for the game. It later gave Mario the ability to throw hammers just like the Hammer Bros. Koopa Troopers. LEGO Mario gains increased strength and the ability to perform a super ground pound. Rapidly tapping LEGO Mario on a surface, uncovers coins and he can also take out enemies more quickly.
Overall
The ability to gain new powers from popping on a new outfit has been a part of the Mario series since the very first game. So it’s only right LEGO Mario can benefit as well. Not only do they give the character a new appearance, but they also offer genuinely fun ways to interact with the character. It’s rather impressive how quickly LEGO Mario gains the ability once fitted with the new outfit. I also like that each change of clothes can be displayed on a little themed platform when not being used. My favourite is the classic Fire Suit, it’s also the most satisfying to use. But saying that all the suits offer fun ways to interact with LEGO Mario. Please note LEGO Mario is not included with these sets. Please note LEGO Mario is not included with these sets.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz.com 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. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
