One of the core play features of the entire LEGO Super Mario theme is the interactive figures. When the theme launched in 2020, the Adventures with Mario set included the first interactive figure. Mario was later joined by Luigi and Princess Peach, who also appeared in their own Starter Course sets. Last year, all three interactive figures were repackaged in new Starter Courses, which included an interactive figure and various bits and bobs to complement other Super Mario sets. With the introduction of the set inspired by Mario Kart, a new starter set has been released themed around Nintendo’s long-running kart racer. Continuing the reviews of the newly released LEGO Mario sets, here’s a look at the Mario Kart – Interactive LEGO Mario & Standard Kart set.
Product Details
Set Name: Mario Kart – Interactive LEGO Mario & Standard Kart | Set Number: 72043 | Pieces: 278 | Theme: Nintendo
Number of Bags: Bags x 5 | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Action Tags: 8 | Characters: Interactive LEGO Mario, Bob-omb & Thwomp
RRP: £44.99/49.99€/$49.99/149.99AUD/129.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO retailers
The focus of the set is the standard kart, which is a much smaller version of the one featured in the excellent Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set. It’s also the same version of the kart featured in set 72032. The Standard Kart first appeared in the Nintendo DS version of Mario Kart and has become the de facto vehicle for most games since. In LEGO form, it is built to accommodate any of the interactive figures, with an Action Tag located in the driver’s seat. This activates a Mario Kart-themed run, complete with classic Mario Kart music. The kart also includes connection points to add shell-shooting weapons, a banana skin and one of the gliders found in other sets.
The kart isn’t the only thing from another set to reappear in this set. The interactive LEGO Mario is the same as previous versions. It requires two AAA batteries (not included), which are placed in the back of the figure, and you’ll need a screwdriver to access them. You’ll also need to pair it with the LEGO Super Mario app to update the figure with the latest firmware. This is required to read the set’s Action Tags. Once updated, you don’t need to use the app to interact with other parts of the set. Thankfully, the most recent Mario sets have also started to add paper instructions. So they can be built traditionally or using the digital app build guide.
The rest of the set consists of smaller, buildable elements. These include trackside scenery, a winner’s podium, and a couple of different-coloured island plates. The other pieces are enemy characters, including a Bob-omb and a Thwomp. This is a new version of the aggressive stone projectile. It’s a little smaller but a much better representation of the Thwomp. All of these elements can be combined with any of the previous and future LEGO Super Mario expansion sets.
The set includes several Action Tags. They are found on the Bob-Omb, Thwomp, Item box and in the kart. There are also tags on the winner’s podium and the scenery island plate. Together, these can be used to start and end a coin run.
If you don’t own any of the interactive figures or the Standard Kart set from earlier this year, then it’s a worthwhile set to own. But if you do have any of those sets, this one offers very little more. The Thwomp and podium are the unique aspects of the set. As the Mario Kart sets may appeal to those less interested in standard expansion sets, it makes sense to offer a new Starter Pack focused on karting. The Mario Kart – Interactive LEGO Mario & Standard Kart set is available now.
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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.
