Building The Mighty Bowser (71411) Set – One Of the Best Sets Out!

I recently built the LEGO The Mighty Bowser (71411) set after having it stashed away in my cupboard since Christmas. My lovely Wife bought me this monster of a set, waiting for the perfect time to build it, which happened to be a weekend that I had off. Containing 22 numbered bags, plus an extra plate or 2, I knew it would take awhile, which it did, the entire weekend has been consumed.

This is far from a review post, think of it as an appreciation of the wonderful job the LEGO Designers did, the simple yet mind blowing mechanics hidden inside and how well the set looks as a whole. This truly is a delight to behold and a prime example of how LEGO can get things right!

You start off the build by putting together the display plinth, or stage as I call it, this alone takes up 4 bags. This may look boring to construct but I assure you it is just as enjoyable as Bowser himself, adding a couple of playability features as you go helps break up the grey elements. These play features include a pull-out plate where Mario, Luigi or Peach can be placed, activating the ‘Boss Battle‘ element of the set. Here you need to attack Bowser twice, once by jumping on him several times, followed by toppling one of the towers to unveil a ‘POW‘ block, this allows you to finally defeat him.

Throughout the Bowser build itself you come across some very interesting techniques, from general LEGO Brick stacking to more detailed and complex formations. First things first though, a solid base from which to build out from, this being Bowser’s body.

Starting off with his body actually makes sense as this holds the model together at its centre, popping on limbs and his head as you go. This section involves a lot of Technic parts to add the necessary strength, without them the model would just collapse. Also hidden away in the body is the mechanism that will eventually control the head along with the playability feature of shooting a fireball out of his mouth.

As the build goes one you make the limbs, these aren’t repeated as such but mirrored to reflect each side, so you kind of get into a rhythm of building which makes the time pass by quicker, ultimately taking away that feeling of a set dragging or being too repetitive.

Just before you add the arms let’s take a look at what The Mighty Bowser looks like shame we, very reminiscent of a T-Rex with those stubby arms. If Mario were to battle with him now Bowser would be ‘armless, get it? Harmless.

Bowser’s head though is something else, the way it’s designed, built and generally looks is total genius. The green & reds colours mixed with the tan works so well, allowing for some great contrast between them all.

Popping the eyes onto turntables is another little detail that I love, allowing for subtle changes in emotion, add in the eyebrows that pivot and you have yourself a fully expressive character!

Arms that have fantastic articulation, bending in the places arms should bend. Hands & Fingers that can actually grip objects and hold Mario or whomever he battles – outstanding.

This truly is a set that has everything; a fun and engaging build experience, both standard and technical elements, playability aspects and so much more. For a set that retails for £229.99 it’s great, getting it cheaper else where is a bonus, if you’re looking to purchase this set then do shop around, some retailers have fantastic deals, I’ve seen it go as low as £150.

For a set that has everything, including ooddles of nostalgia, it’s definitely one you need in your collection!