Lego Super Mario is a bizarre mix of custom-designed plastic levels and a huge Mario Lego figure with game-changing outfits

Nintendo often does videogames in a decidedly nonconformist manner (Wii; Labo), and so it should come as no surprise this is also its approach to Lego. Due for release on 1 August, Lego Super Mario (£49.99) is a collaboration with the kings of plastic bricks, and it’s unlike any Lego you’ve seen before. Resembling a mash-up of Lego kits, Super Mario Maker, and an old-school boardgame, Lego Super Mario finds a massive Lego Mario figure bounding about custom levels, unsportingly jumping on brick-built turtles, collecting coins (which show up on Mario’s LED chest) and avoiding getting a kicking from various lurking plastic hazards. We’ll be honest: it looks weird. But also, it looks like nothing Lego and Nintendo have ever tried before. That can only be a good thing for the future of the plastic brick and Nintendo alike. Pre-order the £49.99 Starter Course and Lego will lob a free set your way. On 1 August, you’ll also be able to grab several expansion sets, including Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle (£89.99), and natty new threads for Mario by way of various Power-Up Packs (£8.99 each) that impact on play in unique ways. Check out Lego’s video to see the sets in action, and Nintendo showing off Lego Mario’s wardrobe.

Craig Grannell Contributor

About

I’m a regular contributor to Stuff magazine and Stuff.tv, covering apps, games, Apple kit, Android, Lego, retro gaming and other interesting oddities. I also pen opinion pieces when the editor lets me, getting all serious about accessibility and predicting when sentient AI smart cookware will take over the world, in a terrifying mix of Bake Off and Terminator.

Areas of expertise

Mobile apps and games, Macs, iOS and tvOS devices, Android, retro games, crowdfunding, design, how to fight off an enraged smart saucepan with a massive stick.