Lego is set to release its new Pokémon Smart Play sets this weekend, offering an interactive experience that goes beyond traditional building.
The Smart Play series allows fans to not only build Pokémon figures but also to train, battle, feed, and heal them. Each Pokémon character becomes interactive when a special 'Smart Brick' is slotted into it, enabling communication with other Pokémon's Smart Bricks and with 'Smart Tags' on in-game objects. For instance, placing a Smart Brick into Jolteon allows it to interact with a nearby Squirtle set, or it will emit snoring sounds when placed on a bed. Each set includes unique smart objects that can be combined for varied interactions.
Interactive Battles and Mini-RPG Mechanics
A significant feature of the Smart Play sets is the ability to engage in battles. Shaking two Pokémon figures together initiates a battle theme, and players can move the figures to simulate attacks. Holding a figure's shake action charges up an attack, though overcharging can temporarily daze the Pokémon. The battle concludes when a Pokémon's HP reaches zero, indicated by a light on the victor. Players can also use a training smart tag to gain an attack boost before a fight or a potion smart tag to restore health after a battle.
This integration of mini-RPG mechanics into Lego sets aims to enhance imaginative play, allowing children to simulate the actions they might have previously only pretended to perform with static toys.
Variety in Sets and Pricing
Launching on August 1, the Smart Play series will feature 12 different sets. These range from smaller, simpler figures like Pikachu and Eevee to more complex builds such as a Charizard with articulated wings. Other notable sets include a Pikachu-shaped house with a hidden bed, a Squirtle on a car capable of shooting 'water' discs, and a Mewtwo figure housed in a tank that opens by turning a wheel. Lego's inclusion of a blocky Bidoof was also highlighted.
The pricing for the sets varies, with smaller options starting at $15 and the most elaborate sets reaching up to $120. This tiered pricing aims to make the collection accessible to a wider range of consumers, leveraging Pokémon's inherent collectibility.