The Sonic games have introduced a surprisingly deep lore that goes far beyond simply blasting through a level in the quickest time possible. These story elements have greatly inspired the plot of Sonic movies, with the third film borrowing heavily from Sonic Adventure 2. This game introduced Shadow the Hedgehog who also debuts in the newly released Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The set is inspired by the finale of the game in which Sonic and Shadow work together to defeat the Biolizard, a G.U.N. experiment which went very wrong. Here’s a closer look at the Super Shadow vs. Biolizard LEGO® Sonic playsets.
Product Details
Set Name: Super Shadow vs. Biolizard | Set Number: 77003 | Pieces: 419 | Theme: Sonic the Hedgehog
Number of Bags: Bags x 5 (paper) | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Stickers: N/A | Characters: Super Sonic & Super Shadow RRP: £39.99/$44.99/44.99€/69.99AUD/59.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online and LEGO Retailer from January 1st
Once the 3D Sonic Adventure games were introduced on the Dreamcast, they gained a story which goes beyond just freeing tiny creatures from Robotnik’s army of robotic Badniks. Sonic Adventure 2 in particular has left a lasting impression on the lore of SEGA’s famous mascot. The game introduced Shadow the Hedgehog and the concept of the ‘Ultimate Lifeform’. This was an effort by Dr Robotnik’s grandfather to save the life of his sick granddaughter Maria. The Biolizard was the first attempt at creating the Ultimate Lifeform and saw a salamander genetically altered but things didn’t go as planned and the Biolizard soon became a threat to Earth. This set is inspired by the final battle on the Space Colony ARK where both Sonic and Shadow harness the power of the Chaos Emeralds to become their Super variants.
The set features another of the speed sphere launchers. This has appeared in numerous sets, oddly the last time it appeared alongside a ‘super’ variant minifigure, the side panels were changed to yellow. Despite featuring a yellow version of the speed sphere capsule, the panels are launcher panels are red. This doesn’t affect the functional aspect of the launcher but lacks uniqueness. Either of the minifigures can be placed within the speed sphere and launched at speed by slamming down on the plunger of the launcher.
The Biolizard is shown in the games as a giant orange lizard-like creature which has been enhanced with a Chaos Emerald-powered Chaos Drive on its back. The LEGO version is a pretty impressive recreation of the creature. The head features a printed element to show the Biolizard’s enhancements. These continue with a pair of lime green flexible rods, which run from the head to the device on the creature’s back.
The Chaos Drive sits in a gap on the Biolizard. It can be dislodged by pushing the black rib-like tubes which are found along the sides of the creature. These are connected to a couple of levers hidden in the gap and cause the engine to be pushed upwards. This features a clear gem, to represent the depleted emerald used to power it.
The set includes two impressive minifigures, they are both the Chaos Emerald-powered Super versions of Sonic and Shadow. Sonic’s Super form appeared in the Egg Drillster set from earlier in the year. This is the same version as that one. As before it’s not just a recoloured version of the normal Sonic minifigures. The head has a more elaborate bunch of quills. Super Sonic is joined by a new Minifigure and another Super variant. During the final battle with the Biolizard Shadow also powers up to his Super form. Unlike Sonic, this is a recoloured version of the usual Shadow minifigure. The photos don’t show it, but Super Shadow is a paler yellow compared to Super Sonic.
Although directly based on the latest Sonic film, it has links to it due to its closeness to Sonic Adventure 2’s storyline. Super Sonic is a fun minifigure, it’s a shame it’s not another unique version of the character. Shadow is equally impressive and does offer something exclusive for the set. It may not seem like it from the images, but the pale yellow colouring of the characters matches that of the game. The Biolizard is an almost perfect recreation of the character, more so from the recent reappearance of the character in Sonic X Shadow Generation. The Super Shadow vs. Biolizard set will be available from January 1st and can be pre-ordered now.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz.com by the LEGO Group for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or SEGA. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
