[Review] 71399 Luigi’s Mansion Entryway Expansion

[Darkdragon]

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Set information

Set Name:  Luigi’s Mansion™ Entryway Expansion Set

Set Number: 71399

Number of Pieces: 504

Theme: LEGO Super Mario

Year Release: 01/2022

Prices: £34.99 / $39.99 / 39.99€ (Euro prices may vary)

@Lego US https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/luigi-s-mansion-entryway-expansion-set-71399

@Brickset https://brickset.com/sets/71399-1/Luigi-s-Mansion-Entryway

Box & Contents

Pretty big box for this set, it is skinny but long. I was surprised that even with it's size it has the break-away opening instead of the taped flap.

Five numbered bags of parts and the standard pamphlet inside the box. There was lots of unused space, but overall a nicely designed box.

The booklet that is included with the set is not instructions but a small catalog for the rest of the current sets and a bit on where to find the app. You will need the app to follow instructions, that's how it is meant to be used.  For most sets, however, you can find the PDF instructions over at LEGO Service.

The Build

Overall the build was pretty decent. There was a bit of repetitive parts but not overly much. It's a fairly small set, but the build was more interesting that I had expected it to be.

Bag 1 - Bogmire

First bag and first character! Not a bad start. PURPLE HORNS, and there was one extra! If you like purple, this character is chock full of it. Unfortunately, he does not have any sort of fun articulation.

Bag 2 - Gate & Grave

This is my favorite bag of the set. The parts themselves as well as the finished mini builds. The gate is simply wonderful. It is a functional gate that can be opened, very robust hinge mechanism, and the design/visual appeal is perfect. 

The grave is simple but very effective and can teach us how to not overcomplicate a design and yet have it look great. We also see our first play feature in this build with the platform that fires the back turtle shell.

Bag 3 - Entry Part 1

Not the most exciting bag, but here we are setting the stage for the real meat of the set. Since I hadn't looked through other reviews or watched any videos about the set before building it, I was not exactly sure where they were going with a lot of the build here. The next bag gave me a few "oh neat" moments though.

Bag 4 - Entry Part 2 & Boo

Barcode extravaganza! This section has two interactive platforms and an enemy, so lots to do! It builds upon the result of bag 3 and totally fleshes out the main area of the entryway. The doors are great, I haven't seen door hinges done this way before and really liked the technique.  Even after I have built the whole set, watched videos, and read the official descriptions: I can't help but feel the bucket feature is pointless.

Bag 5 - Entry Part 3 & Polterpup

Not my favorite bag, but not bad at all. As far as parts are concerned, I do like brown window frames and the black windows. As you can see in the photo, the 2x6 dark green brick is a lot darker than the arch. Why? I have no idea. I have seen this a lot in the past with dark red and with tan, but this is very pronounced. 

Our final character of the set, Polterpup! Isn't it adorable? 

Completed set

With all the bags complete, all that's left is to plug it all together. All the Super Mario theme sets have a large footprint compared to number of parts and this one is no different in that regard, but it lays out rather nicely.

Characters

Polterpup - your adorable ghost dog friend. He's just happy to see you! Cute little molded feet, printed eyes and mouth.

Boo - Best just not to look at him  He's got printed face and a trans clear post to let him float above the level.

Bogmire - Don't touch his dripping acid! When playing, use the black turtle shell to knock him down to unblock the doorway.

Play Features

There are quite a few play features in this set. You will, of course, need a Mario or Luigi figure to properly play though. 

• Start out at the gate, scan the barcode there and open it.
• Oh no a Bogmire in the graveyard! Stomp on the platform in front of him to launch the black turtle shell, knocking down the enemy and unlocking the front gate.
• Jump over to the doors, watch out for Boo! 
• Unlock Polterpup and bring him  through the gate on the sliding sidewalk.
• Scan the barcode for the golden bone, you did it!

Conclusion

I really like this set! My hopes were not very high based on the price and part count and even the photo on the box, but there's a lot to do and some great parts and cute characters. It doesn't get much better than this at this price point for a Super Mario theme set. Definitely recommend picking this one up if you are looking to get into the Luigi's Mansion line of the theme. 

Score

Design: 8/10
I've said it earlier in the review, but I will say again that I love the design of the front gate. The whole thing just works perfectly and hope to use it as starting point for a moc at some point. The doors on the entry itself are also very nicely designed.

Parts: 8/10
There are some really nice non-standard parts in here like the design elements used on the gate and the half cylinders used on the sides of the entry. I'm also a big purple fan so having a whole bag of purples was fun too (unicorn horns!).

Build: 8/10
The build was pretty good! There were the duplicated sides on the entry that were not as fun the second time, but overall some nice techniques and small builds here.

Playability: 8/10
For such a small set it has a lot to do! Gates and doors open, there's a sliding sidewalk with a gear to turn it, and a shooting turtle shell. Lots of fun for Luigi.

Price: 9/10
Is the price high for the number of parts, yes. Is the price good for this theme and all the play features, also yes! I try to judge prices within the theme as much as possible as some themes lend to higher PPP than others. This set is a good price point for the play features and that's what's important here.

Overall: 41/50

 

[Redhead1982]

Thanks for the review. Not being familiar with the original Mario, I judge the Mario thrme from a LEGO fan perspective. I find the set average with some neat and funny elements (the gate)/characters (looking at you Polterpup). The price is expected for a licence theme. Hovewer overall the set looks interesting an has good playability, so I'd prefer buying it instead of some others.