Since all the pieces are flat, the instructions direct you to build it up layer by layer. This isn’t too difficult because all the previous layers are portrayed in light blue. This really helps to cut down on the confusion.
Like I said earlier, these sets have the feel of a model kit than a LEGO set. They have a much more technical feel during assembly and less of the fun I experience while building with a LEGO set. Some portions of the construction were even a bit tedious, like the entire layer of 1×1 bricks. This may just go back to the dexterity issue again though.
One thing that I was really happy about was all the extra pieces the set came with. There were more than enough to build a little something extra, or even replace those pieces which might have literally slipped through your fingers.
Ultimately I really like the end product of this little set. Even though I bought it for my figures to play with, I could easily see putting this on my desk at work. It’s playful, yet still very professional. The back of the box says for ages 8 and up, but I have the feeling these little architectural wonders would appeal more to the adult builder.
The Neuschwanstein Castle came with 550 pieces and was a level three (of five) difficulty. Both it and the Eiffel Tower were about $15 at TRU. I feel that’s a pretty decent price based on the piece count. Now I just hope my TRU gets more of the sets in. I think I’d like to try a couple more of the castles.
If you’d like to know more about Nanoblock and their products, check out MyNanoBlock.Com.
-Vault
Okay the shot of he-man building the castle sells the whole thing. That’s adorable!
I was going to say the exact same thing before I saw your comment. That picture is great.
Thanks Dwal 🙂
Yeah, I really want to buy a whole lot of green bricks so I can make a tiny Castle Grayskull.
Someone hide my wallet!
DO IT! DOOOOO IT!
Man, that’s some tiny bricks. I ‘get’ the whole ‘toys for my toys’ thing, I gnash my teeth when I think I missed out when Takara in Japan made a set of ‘gashapon’ figures that were, in effect, GI Joe figures for a GI Joe. That is, scaled so that to a 1/6 scale action figure the toys were 1/6 scale.
My Joes gave me holy hell when they found out.
…What? Your action figures don’t bug you for things and question your purchases? I see a He-Man playing with little bricks above, don’t judge me. 🙂
As soon as I saw these last week I knew you would be doing a review. I picked up the panada. The animals come bagged in a counter dump, usually one shelf down for the boxed architecture. Very nice product and a good, if modest, start in North America
You read my toy buying mind.
I wish I could have bought an animal also. I should take a better look around my TRU. Who knows where they might have hidden them.
I do really like these sets though. They’re like 3D pixel art. Hopefully the company finds a decent following in North America.
They go great with the figures! I would so not have the patience to put these together, but He-Man is a better man than I.
my wife’s been to neuschwanstein when she was younger, and was very excited to learn of this set, till we ran into it at TRU last weekend… her exact words were “for 5 bucks, this would have come home, for 15, i’d like something a little larger” oh well. i don’t know about the pixel art thing, it’s just not my bag. i don’t get this.
I’m a cheapskate and I thought it was a little steep, but it has 500 pieces so, as far as pieces go, it’s probably worth it. Maybe you can pick it up for her as a surprise gift some time. Just tell her you had a coupon. 🙂
Awesome pics!