Huw Millington has published his review of set 9474: The Battle of Helm's Deep on Brickset , and he's quite enthusiastic. Sold for $130 in the US (€140 in Germany) for 1368 pieces and 8 minifigures, this set is the flagship of the LEGO Lord of the Rings range.
It's true that the assembled model is impressive: over 50 cm wide and 25 cm high. The fortress is divided into six sub-sections joined together by Technic pins. The walls are made of bricks rather than meta-pieces, giving them a more realistic look and adding to the inventory of useful parts for MOC builders. You can always extend the wall using set 9471 Uruk-Hai Army , which will also allow you to populate your battle with a few more fighters.
Small interesting detail, to allow a rider to arch himself forward when the horse is standing on its hind legs, just add 2 plates under the feet of the minifigure. This heightening allows the minifig to be tilted in a more realistic position.
Huw Millington believes this set is worth its price. This is undoubtedly true for collectors who don't mind spending a fortune. For children (the box indicates an age range of 10-14 years), it's less clear. €140 for a castle and a few figures is a steep price to pay. With the same budget, it's possible to find much better play options. But this set is clearly not intended for children who are either unfamiliar with the Lord of the Rings universe or simply don't care about it, preferring superheroes and spaceships.
Fans of overpriced goodies will be here in their element and they will show no objectivity, passion taking precedence over reason. Others will think twice before spending $ 140 on this set.
