Simply The Best! (Lego in General)

Member Name: Mauri

Product:	Lego in General
Date:	13/11/01 (914 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent Quality, value for money, long lasting

Disadvantages: none

Lego is simply the best, long lasting and value for money toy you can buy. It was voted toy of the century in a recent poll (Fortune magazine and the British Association of Toy Retailers).
I remember playing with it when I was growing up and my kids love it today.

You can buy Lego for any age of child from about 6 months (baby size DUPLO to the 1-3years Duplo bricks and the 4-12 Lego systems. I have three kids that fit in to each of these age ranges and all three are Lego fans.

*THE BASICS*

LEGO was first invented in Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen. The name derived from two Danish words LEG Godt, which means 'Play well'. It wasn't until 1949 that the plastic moulding technology was developed in order for the more familiar Lego bricks to be mass-produced. In the early days you could just buy the simple standard ordinary bricks in different bright primary colours to stimulate the senses of even the youngest child. The popularity of the toy soon spread worldwide.

**DUPLO- This is the introduction to Lego for the youngest children. The bricks are very large and the type and format is limited. Recently themed sets have been introduced form Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Doll Sets with accessories.

**LEGO Systems
Over the years LEGO have introduced 'Systems' which are essentially pre-designed models to build following one of many themes. The systems are based on popular children's characters, thus we have had themed model sets for Pirates, Cowboys and Indians, Space exploration, and Alien spaceships. These systems are changed and updated every so often. At present some of these newer systems include:

*LIFE ON MARS- Space age models of the first Mars explorers plus models for the aliens and the technology they find there.

*ARCTIC- All about artic exploration.

*ROCK RAIDERS- a very popular system, featuring the adventures of intrepid interstellar miners and t
heir nemesis the Rock and Ice Monsters. This system has had an associated PC game featuring the main characters.

*FOOTBALL- You can build your own pitch and plays a sort of Subuteo type game with teams of your choice. This was found to be the best selling LEGO system last year.

*JACK STONE-An extreme adventures set featuring all action hero Jack Stone. These systems include lots of high-tech vehicles and extreme sports models.

*ADVENTURES- Follow the adventures of intrepid explorer Johnny Thunder. A sort of Indiana Jones meets Jurassic Park theme, with a variety of models to build from by-planes to riverboats and dinosaur figures.

*KNIGHTS KINGDOM- Medieval 'system' featuring the beautifully designed 'King Leo's Castle', complete with working drawbridge turrets and secret hiding places as well as working catapults and siege weapons to break it down with.

*LEGO CITY- Probably the longest running of the 'Systems' featuring standard models to build, including police station, cars, fire engine, helicopter etc.

*MOVIEMAKER- This is a film studio system including actors, cameras and sets. It comes with optional computer software to run it, this allows editing of the film as well as the possibility to include special effects and sound. This system was set up in collaboration with Steven Spielberg and the proceeds from sales are to be donated to children's charities.

As well as the systems above LEGO have always been very successful at tying in with popular existing franchises. In recent years they have had rights to produce the STAR WARS figures and models. Thus includes both the original Star Wars films featuring Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker and al the associated spaceships and smaller vehicles as well as the new series from the Phantom Menace, including some wonderful Pod Racer models.
At the moment LEGO are promoting the HARRY POTTER themed models designed to complemen
t the books and the recently released movie. Lego figures of all the major characters are included as well as models of the Hogwart's Express and the Wizards School. Just like the Star Wars system this is bound to be a hugely popular.

New Lego systems are being introduced all the time, which can be a drawback for parents who invariably get asked for the new up to date ones! However the best thing about LEGO is that all systems and all bricks ever built are completely compatible with each other that way the toy never gets out of date or out of style. This is the best part of LEGO whilst other toys that rely on new trends of fashions to sell become redundant when kids get bored with them, by it's very nature any of the themed systems can be cannibalised by kids to be used in any kind of model making they wish. In my experience with my kids the 'systems' are fun to begin with but within a short time all the different brick and pieces get mixed up and new wonderful models of their own invention get created. As the publicity sates 'the only limit is your imagination'.

A further advantage is that the pieces are so versatile that even older kids still can and do still play with the toddler pieces. Lego have always made toys to last and even the oldest Lego pieces are still compatible to the new versions.

Although the LEGO systems or even the basic Lego Building blocks can be quite pricey they are quality products that will last for years. Apart from the fun element Lego as a toy is brilliant in developing motor skills and thought process as well as encouraging imagination. They are also (almost) indestructible!


*ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS*

Recently LEGO have introduced various spin-offs-

*PC GAMES AND SOFTWARE
Various products are available form the simple Lego Creator that allows you to design and built models on your PC. To the games based software; LEGO 'Chess', Lego Island', &
#39;Rock Raiders' and 'Lego Racers'
All the software I have seen is very good value and well designed.

* BIONICLES
A new line of models is the BIONICLES range. These are extraterrestrial robot creatures that are in constant battle with an evil power for control of an island in a mythical world. Aimed at slightly older children these are not compatible with the rest of the LEGO system building blocks, but are well designed and have also an associated PC game soon to be released.

*MINDSTORMS
One of the most recent and most ambitious collaborations that Lego have entered in to is the 'Mindstorms' system. Lego got together with the scientists at the world-renowned MIT labs in the US to produce intelligent Lego models. These are effectively simple working Robots that can navigate themselves around obstacles and react to external stimuli such as light and sound. The Robotic Control System (RCX) is aimed at children aged 12+, but the more basic Robot Scout can be used by children under 12 and does not require a PC to programme it.

*THEMEPARKS
Lego has expanded in to the world of theme parks too. In 1968 it opened the first 'Legoland' in Holland and more recently Legolands have opened in the UK at Windsor and in California
The 'Legoland' at Windsor, is definitely worth visiting.

*ACCESSORIES
From the Legoland Stores or by mail order a variety of Lego accessories are available including Clothing, Bags and Watches. All the items are of very good quality reasonably priced.

*LEGO CLUBS AND MAGAZINES
Lego runs a worldwide clubs for kids. Membership of around £5 a year gets you a monthly magazine introducing new LEGO ranges and additional information on the present range of systems. It also get you discounted entry at the theme parks and special offers on LEGO products not available in the shops.
A monthly LEGO magazine/comic also is produced available in most newsage
nts, featuring stories based ion the characters of the LEGO systems.


Useful website:

http://www.lego.com

(This site is safe and great fun for kids with lots of interactive games to try out, as well as information on all LEGO products)

http://www.legomindstorms.com

In my opinion LEGO is one of the best designed and value for money range of toys available. I would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks for reading/rating this opinion

© Mauri 2001

Summary: