Review: LEGO Super Mario 71369 Bowser's Castle Boss Battle Expansion Set

Without transition, we jump back into the LEGO Super Mario universe with a quick glance at the set 71369 Bowser's Castle Boss Battle Expansion Set (1010 pieces - 99.99 €), the largest box in the range which in principle allows you to complete the adventure and face the ultimate boss of the game: Bowser.

As for all the sets in the range, the assembly of the main module of the castle and the platforms which flesh out the staging a little is done via the instructions in digital format accessible only via the dedicated application to download and install on a smartphone or tablet.

Each step of the assembly is punctuated by a short video that allows you to better understand the features of the set. Do not expect to find here something to learn new techniques, we are more in the spirit of sets stamped 4+ with large meta-pieces and some slightly more creative sequences such as the base of the main structure based on beams Technic or the mechanism that allows the castle's drawbridge to be tilted. The finished product is ultimately only a castle because the main module is visually surrounded by a few platforms with walls or turrets.

If you plan to exhibit the model in order to stage your collection of characters, you can structure it in such a way that it offers a satisfactory rendering without occupying too much area: All the small modules with the walls or towers can be more or less close to the main structure with the statue and the walkway on which Bowser stands.

Once again, the lack of real rules of the game makes the experience disappointing and it is in fact not possible to lose the game except by going over the allotted time. The confrontation with Bowser comes down to milling like a deaf man to slide (very) slowly the big figure on the ramp until it tips over. You will first have to have tapped very (very) hard on the two side platforms to collect the two bonuses present and in the process raise the arms of the statue which will have the effect of tilting slightly forward the platform on which is standing Bowser. All that for this.

None of the expansion packs really overcome the limitations of the concept, regardless of the price or the number of pieces in the box. Here, we are always so bored after a few tries, except that we will have spent a hundred euros to obtain this "castle" with the correct aesthetics but not really faithful to the version seen in the different video games. from which the range is inspired.

In view of the operations to be carried out on this level, to type very hard and to reel without stopping, one is entitled to wonder when the interactive figurine of Mario will give up the ghost. Be careful to hit flat on the various obstacles and bonuses so that the costume's feet take the blow. If you tap on the edge of a part, you risk damaging the sensor placed between the two feet and it is not known at this stage what the reaction of the after-sales service will be on this precise point.

If you only buy this expansion to extract the different characters it contains, you will get here a big Bowser figurine, a Skelerex and a Boo, all three available only in this box and a Lava Bubble which is also present in the sets 71364 Whomp's Lava Trouble et 71376 Thwomp Drop.

Bowser, Skelerex and Boo are quite successful and will easily integrate a small collection of characters. All the patterned pieces are pad printed and it will suffice to replace those affublished with bar codes by neutral elements to obtain figurines with an irreproachable finish. I wish I could have gotten a club for Bowser and a clear mount to "levitate" the Boo, but the designers didn't see fit to force the props.

This extension, however more consistent than the others, does not make me change my mind about the relevance of the concept. We have five minutes of fun and get bored very quickly when we understand that despite all the efforts made by LEGO to offer an immersive experience in the universe of Mario are in vain. We even wonder who these products based on a 30-year-old video game with multiple reissues that appealed to the dexterity and perseverance of the players are aimed at, two qualities that are not really in question here. .

Do not be influenced by the overplayed enthusiasm of certain "reviews" which explain to you that all this is VERY fun, when the products are offered and that as in some cases the publications are sponsored and therefore paid, it is always easier to oversell a concept on behalf of a brand. Do not give too much credit either to those who tell you about their "experience" with children who "had fun" with these products, I had my own panel and I can confirm that the kids in question are. very quickly moved on and a good collective battle of Nerf guns easily replaces a laborious part of LEGO Super Mario.

Optionally buy the starter pack 71360 Adventures with Mario at 60 € and make up your own mind before investing in extensions that do not add much more and do not really extend the life of the product. Keep the box in a corner, having spent a lot of time on the subject, I promise you that you will not be long in trying to resell it all on Le Bon Coin.

I might be speaking a bad tongue, but I'm starting to understand why LEGO has chosen to launch the entire range in one fell swoop instead of spreading out the availability of the different expansions in multiple waves: Customers in the most rush will be tempted to immediately buy several boxes before having had time to really realize the emptiness of the thing.

If you want to read or re-read my test of the concept itself published last June:

I tested for you: LEGO Super Mario

I remind for all intents and purposes that the interactive Mario figurine is not provided in this box, it is only an extension of the game board that does not contain the starting sticker to be scanned to start a game nor that of arrival allowing to validate the progression within the time limit.

Note: The set presented here, supplied by LEGO, is as usual in play. Deadline fixed at July 30, 2020 next at 23pm.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.