Earlier this year, the LEGO® Super Mario theme expanded to include sets inspired by Nintendo’s long-running racer, Mario Kart. These still feature Action Tags and the ability to be integrated alongside other LEGO Mario sets, but focus on karts rather than sections of scenery. Several karts and bikes from Mario Kart, along with their drivers, have already been transformed into sets, but the set I’m taking a look at in this review is probably the most exciting. Not only does it include two more colourful karts, but it also introduces a fan-favourite character. Rev those engines and take a closer look at set 72038: Wario & King Boo.
Product Details
Set Name: Mario Kart – Wario & King Boo | Set Number: 72038 | Pieces: 512 | Theme: Nintendo
Number of Bags: Bags x 4 | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Action Tags: 3 | Characters: Wario & King Boo
RRP: £44.99/49.99€/$49.99/64.99AUD/79.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online from August 1st
Since the inception of the LEGO Super Mario sets, the LEGO Group has worked closely with Nintendo to craft the style and playability of the sets. This has resulted in a unique range of sets with their own style. The central point of the entire range is the interactive figures. They may not be minifigures, but their design has translated across the theme. For the first time, a human-like character has been featured in a set, and it’s not an interactive figure. Wario began as a boss in a Mario game but has since gone on to star in his own games. He’s the evil opposite of Mario and is bigger, meaner and more gruff. Which has been captured in his LEGO form. LEGO Wario matches the style of the interactive figures in terms of shape and features. Although it lacks any functional elements, it still has a couple of unique pieces to help capture Wario’s appearance. His cap is a recoloured version of Mario’s, and it also includes a nose and moustache combo, which connects to 2 studs along with a unique 3×5 stud base for his legs.
Wario’s ride is the Badwagon, which was introduced in Mario Kart 8. This kart is styled like an American muscle car. Its wheels can be swapped with those found in other sets, and it includes a shell-firing weapon connected to the bonnet of the kart. It also includes a glider, with this being only the second set to include one. It’s crafted from a large piece of film material and slots over a frame with clips to the back of the kart and any other kart with the same connection point.
King Boo has already appeared in a couple of previous sets, and his design remains unchanged. This is the slightly less spooky version of the character. The only difference between this version and others is the inclusion of a small column of transparent bricks which slot into the base of King Boo, allowing him to fit into his kart.
King Boo’s kart is the Teddy Buggy. This was first seen in Mario Kart 8, and as the name suggests, it’s styled after a cuddly blue teddy bear toy. It’s not really connected to its driver, but it still offers another LEGO version of the numerous array of karts found in the games. Although it features most of the elements of the vehicle from the game, it’s more like a kart than an ATV. Which means it lacks the legs around the wheels. It does have a 1×1 printed tile showing Boo’s logo. It also has the glider connection point and the ability to switch its wheels with other sets.
Action Tags are found in both karts and active Mario Kart-themed mini-games in which you can screech around and activate other sound effects from the game. There’s a third Action Tag on Wario’s kart, which I assume will include some of Wario’s mutterings, but at the time of writing this review, the current interaction figure firmware doesn’t recognise it.
The buildable Wario figure is an impressive take on the character; it would be interesting to see how other human characters could be replicated as non-interactive figures. I’d love to see Waluigi, Pauline, and Rosalina added to future sets. The Mario Kart sets continue to delight by expanding the vehicle count and, in the case of this set, introducing a much-loved character. They also offer a nice balance between recreating the vehicles from the games and matching the unique style of the LEGO Mario sets. Set 72038: Mario Kart – Wario & King Boo will be available from August 1st.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Nintendo. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
