Posted By Adam White on Dec 21, 2020 | 2 comments

Mario is best known as a plumber but over his 35-year history, he’s dabbled in many other roles, many of which have seen him slip into a number of odd outfits. These new threads often give Mario some new abilities. Which is also the case for LEGO® Mario and the Power-up Packs. In addition to the four packs released back in August, LEGO Mario will soon be able to call upon the power of the Penguin and Tanooki suits. But do they add anything to the overall LEGO Super Mario experience? Read on to find out in my review round-up of the two new additional Power-up Pack suits.

Both Power-up Packs include a new pair of dungarees, which are themed towards the power-up suit they are representing, along with 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. Both of the Power-up suits also provide LEGO Mario new abilities.

71384: Penguin Mario Power-up Pack

The Penguin Suit made its first appearance in the New Super Mario Bros. game on Wii. In its LEGO form, it allows LEGO Mario to slip around and swim, both giving you the chance to collect bonus coins. Unlike every other Power-up Packs, this particular suit also includes a pair of flippers, which can be slotted into the hands. The cap is also slightly different so when both of these pieces are connected to LEGO Mario, he looks more like a Penguin.

71385: Tanooki Mario Power-up Pack

The Tanooki Suit not only appeared first in Super Mario Bros. 3, but it’s also one of the most iconic power-ups next to the Fire Flower suit. Tanooki is basically a racoon and in the games, Mario is graced with the ability to perform spin tail attacks and can take to the air via a floaty jump and glide. The LEGO Power-up Tanooki suit has similar functions, rapidly tilting LEGO Mario from side-to-side will activate the floaty jingle where you’ll gain more coins. You can also twist attack enemies. The cap element is similar to the one used for Cat Mario, obviously recoloured here. The suit part, unfortunately, doesn’t include a separate tailpiece, instead, it’s printed on the back.

Overall

Alternate suits have become a big part of the Mario series of games. So it’s nice to see these replicated in the LEGO Super Mario sets. Despite the small nature of the sets, they add unique play functions as well as giving LEGO Mario a nice new look. I like that different eras of Mario’s costuming changing escapades have been covered with these new sets. For a seasoned gamer like me, I have fond memories of the Tanooki Suit, with the Penguin Suit more familiar to younger Nintendo fans. Although for me penguins mean an epic race down a snowy slide more than a wearable suit. Please note LEGO Mario is not included with these sets.

Coming January 1st: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand

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.

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