Review: Oxford Ancient Korean Fortress (JK3461)

[Vorkosigan]

While clone brand reviews aren't too common on here, I quite like this Oxford set so I thought I'd give it a full write up. Oxford brings original designs and decent quality to the table. I think building non-LEGO brands can provide an interesting perspective on things LEGO does very well and things they could do better, as well as just being fun.

Set: Oxford JK3461

Name: General Sun Shin Lee's Fortress

Parts: 1209

Price: 79900 Won (~$73.72 USD)

Year Released: 2013

The box artwork presents all the play features and showcases the potential for action scenarios.

Here are the contents of the box. The box contained a sturdy cardboard tray as well which is nice to allow storage in the original box, however I was not able to fit it in my suitcase. Note the bags are numbered (with stickers), into 3 groups. There are two large instructions books, but not as thick as LEGO since the instructions are more like classic style LEGO, less hand holding than current instructions. Note the small carrying case included, for storing mini figures and weapons presumably.

I will start with the interesting parts and then show the completed set. First off along the top row here are some very nice roof slopes for creating traditional asian style tiled roofs. There are 3 more variations which together provide a quite flexible system. The fact that they didn't cheap out for one big piece is impressive. The next row we have 1x1 masonry bricks, with a different pattern on each side. This allows for some cool effects by mixing the side facing out strategically. On the bottom left is a quite intriguing snot piece with an odd offset, and lastly a sloped L brick on the right.

Here is the first batch of weapons. The use of the twist off trays is somewhat annoying, but the weapons are generally good with the swords that have sheathes as a particular highlight.

More weapons in pearlescent gold. These new parts are pretty self explanatory, the 4x long technic style pin is the most intriguing for what possibilities it could open up in construction. I don't really get the need for a double fence / railing piece but there it is.

For the last batch of parts the stairs and small BURP (or just URP?) have the most potential. Using only a 2 high section of stairs makes for a more flexible system, although less structural. The URPs have good potential for forming the basis of larger rock wall vs the LEGO version at this size that doesn't have any studs. The bottom row is decorative pieces, note the molding on the barrel lid and the 3D shape of the red flame.

Here is a shot of the instructions. They are very clearly printed with a simple white background.

For the minifigures, here are the "good guys" representing Korea. The printing quality and alignment is a bit questionable.

The "bad guys" are invaders from Japan, though not explicitly designated as such.

The artillery and horses, the cannons have a flick fire mechanism. Good simple builds for the cannon carriages. I don't care much for the molding on the horses heads.

Finally here is the castle itself. It was assembled in 4 pieces with technic style pins for modularity. Note the curved walls made with hinged sections over a tiled base.

The front gate has a play feature of dropping fire (burning oil)? on attackers.

The keep has a table with a map sticker and a nicely displayed sword. If the enemy tries to steal the map or sword you can pull a pin to release a hammer from the ceiling.

There is a jail in the keep with opening door and removable floor above for convenient access. The gold dragon headed statues are a nice touch.

Overall a very enjoyable set with some intriguing parts, good build techniques, and generally solid quality. Although I would be hesitant to mix the pieces with actual LEGO, its interesting to note that the colors are fairly similar. The odd thing is the light gray in use here is a decent match to OLD light gray, while both an equivalent to old dark gray AND dark bluish gray are present.

[BrickJagger]

I actually like this set. Although the figs are a little questionable and there is little interior, the exterior detail and what you're getting for only 73 bucks is really great. Nice review!

[Sebiron]

Oh very cool !! Thanks for the review!

[robuko]

I've been intrigued by these sets for a while. Thank you for the review, there seem to be a lot of good parts. The inverted red corner slopes and flags are nice too.

[Peppermint_M]

I love OXFORD and wish it were easier to get. The figure accessories are fantastic and the high quality means they complement LEGO well.

I have seen one or two sets of this range on eBay and the review is just tempting me to get one.

[Vorkosigan]

On one hand LEGO usually saturates my budget as it is, but it would be interesting to see Oxford sold in the US. You can buy this set on ebay for $130 shipped from Korea which is quite a markup even though some of it is understandably from shipping. Its a shame I see some of the terrible quality outright ripoff brands in stores but no Oxford. Its more LEGO-like than Megablocks and KREO and puts out some solid original designs.

[Master_Data]

Quite nice for a clone brand. Thanks for the review!

[robyanhuz]

very cool !! Thanks for the review!

[Sigolf Brimabane]

I wouldn't "waste" my money on clone brands. But this build just looks awesome. Lego makes way better minifigures though, but the castle is better than many (most?) lego sets available. Looks like it's nice both for playing and displaying! :)

[Borex]

Nice set! I feel kinda triggered to buy me one too.

[Cagast]

Such awesome set for a clone brand. I miss LEGO themes like this

[wilson3a10]

Great. I just wonder where i can buy it

[Princess Amy]

I like the set but the URP actually disappoints me as it could easily have been made of its constituent parts.

[crossmr]

If you want to get Oxford sets, I believe the link in my sig is still working. You can do better than Ebay prices. Koreans who work on overseas shipping are ripoff artists. There are some who go to the states, sell stuff from amazon through a local shopping site.They take the amazon price, adding shipping, then double all of it together to get a price to sell it there. It's ridiculous. They do the same going the other way. There are reshipping companies and Gmarket itself will reship. Buy somewhat in bulk (2-3 decent sized sets at once) and your shipping will work out. This is not one of Oxford's premier lines. Other lines have better figures, military specifically, the recent town figures have all been quite good to me.

Edited June 29, 2015 by crossmr