While the LEGO Super Mario Play series received several Mario Kart-themed sets last year, it was the larger 18+ set that caught my attention with a wonderfully designed rendition of the famed plumber in his Standard Kart. Resting at an angle on its provided stand, the set proved to be an eye-catching piece sitting atop my shelf, and everything I’d wanted from a LEGO Mario Kart set. So, you can imagine my excitement following LEGO’s tease earlier this year that we’d be getting another, this time featuring Mario’s lankier brother.
In the box, not only are fans getting the second plumber in larger LEGO form, but instead of simply replicating the Standard Kart in a shade of green, they’re getting an entirely different one. Outside the traditional Standard Kart and Pipe Frame (debuted in Mario Kart 64), the Mach 8 is fairly notable, especially since it featured in videos that went viral on social media during the whole ‘Death Stare’ phase of Mario Kart 8.
So, let’s start with what is easily the highlight of this set – the Mach 8 kart – this occupying the lion’s share of the 22 bags you’ll find in the box. Unlike the standard kart, the Mach 8 is narrower but longer, almost like a bobsleigh shape. Technic pieces make up the base frame of the kart, while building out its curvy structure is done by attaching smaller sections one by one. I must admit that watching the initial barebones skeleton of the Mach 8 slowly morph into its familiar, sleek and smooth form with every added segment was really satisfying. The same can be said for adding on the wheels, massive motorbike-style beasts with their printed hubcaps poking out the kart’s sides in an exposed manner.
Interestingly, despite feeling more like a display piece, the Mach 8 does feature some movable and mechanical elements. For starters, turning the steering wheel to the left and right moves the front two tyres (albeit in a limited fashion). Meanwhile, the flames protruding out of the back of the kart’s exhaust rotate as you roll Luigi along a surface, thanks to it connecting to one of the set’s rear wheels. Again, while I will be using this as a display piece more than anything (meaning I won’t see this neat effect at play much), it’s still a nice added touch to see.
As for Luigi, just like Mario before, LEGO have done a wonderful job recreating the plumber complete with his trademark lankier look, skinnier face, differently styled moustache and of course his iconic green hat. While Mario had his legs fully extended, Luigi has his bent, allowing him to fit inside the kart’s narrower frame.
If you’ve read any of my past LEGO reviews, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of printed details on LEGO pieces rather than having to deal with small, finicky stickers. Thankfully, the Luigi set is totally sticker-free, everything from the plumber’s eyes and ears to the kart’s iconic letter ‘L’ plates all in glorious, printed form.
While you can rest the vehicle on its wheels (and potentially risk it rolling right off your shelf), the set also includes a small stand that not only keeps the kart in place but also allows you to angle it slightly, giving the pose a more dynamic feel and look.
One thing I wasn’t expecting was the fact that you can actually switch Mario and Luigi between their two karts. That means you can fit Luigi inside the Standard Kart and Mario inside the Mach 8. While not quite a perfect fit, it was definitely a pleasant surprise and one sure to please fans who want to mix it up every now and again.
I always felt the pricing of the Mario and Standard Kart set was pretty great, at nearly 2,000 pieces and a set that looked impressively sizable on a shelf. While Luigi is slightly more expensive, it’s understandable given the extra 200 or so pieces involved in his set. Between the two, I actually enjoyed building Luigi slightly more, largely thanks to a kart that has a bit more of a unique look about it. Plus, it’s hard not to love the unique look of its wheels spreading out on either side of the blue rocket-like structure.
It’s a first-place finish past the checkered flag with the LEGO Mario Kart Luigi and Mach 8 Set. Just like last year’s Mario build, there are some truly ingenious building techniques at play for the kart itself, whilst Luigi too looks equally as great as his brother. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that the younger sibling bests Mario. Just. Fingers crossed, we see more of Mushroom Kingdom’s racers given this 18+ treatment in the future. How about Toad in the B-Dasher or Princess Peach in a Pipe Frame?
Review Copy Provided by The LEGO Group
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