King Boo and the Haunted Yard

This is one of my favourite pieces out of the whole of Super Mario Cycle One. I have been eyeing it up on the Lego Website for a couple of weeks and decided that I was not getting the rest of the collection until I got this one. Then I stumbled across it in a local store and it really made my Saturday. We had a bit of a "discussion" about who was building it but unfortunately my 28 year old son won that one so I didn't get to build this set. It looks absolutely wonderful built and is definitely a great display item as well as having play value. This is the only kit with brown base plates but seeing as King Boo is a game boss you can put this anywhere on a course - we've decided that you should battle through the desert and then end up here. Number Of Pieces: 431 Approximate Price Per Piece: £0.10 Build Time: 1.25 Hours more less

In terms of appearance, the set feels like it doesn't really go with the rest of the range. Even though Mario's games have a vastly varying range of environments, many of the sets are based on early games. Which weren't as well travelled as more recent titles. For me, it connects more to the Mario Kart games and of course the excellent Luigi's Mansion series. Regardless of this I really like the set, the play features are fun and the various elements combine well together. Displacing King Boo does feel a little monotonous, especially hitting such a small area of the Swoops with LEGO Mario. I also thought the Goombas were an unnecessary addition. A couple of smaller Boos would have been much better, not only in terms of the theme of the set but also to bring a little more variety to Mario's foes. more less

71377 King Boo and the Haunted Yard Expansion Set is a good set in the theme, with a nice central mechanism and visually offering more than most. Those who are committed to collecting this theme will be doing so knowing that the value isn't great, for most though, the price tag will put them off this set. more less

This is another interesting, goal directed expansion set for LEGO Super Mario. The mechanisms and bonuses are fun to activate, although it is disappointing that the 5 coin bonus tiles are identical – as the game will only allow that sticker to be scanned once during the game. I would love to see how the handle/wormgear mechanism might be adapted for other heroes/villains in other scenarios. I also love the simplicity of the trap door. If you are looking for a star power brick, you have the option of this set, or 71365 Mario's House and Yoshi. If you are after some simplistic castle elements, it is also quite useful. more less