I eagerly unwrapped the smart Lego box and was delighted to find it was suitable for those aged 8+ - it sounded right up my street!
Following the plans, I quickly assembled the castle/game and was pleased with how rapidly I was able to follow the instructions. When a friend pointed out that I am in fact fifty years old, I confess it took the sheen off my pleasure.
All joking aside I'd comment that Lego has moved on since I first opened a box some 40-odd years ago, but this has been a necessarily evolution as the company strives to maintain a share of the marketplace. Kids these days are more savvy and exposed to all manner of competing attractions. Can a plastic toy still enchant and enthral like it did in the mid-late 1960s? Not being 8-12 (possibly the age group the makers are aiming for) I can't comment, but I must confess that I enjoyed the time I spent with it. Hopefully, the fact that it features characters from one of the most popular book series' of all time will give it more credibility with the pre-teen generation.
So, this is a toy, albeit updated, from a more innocent age. The game itself may be a bit too basic perhaps for those weaned on the likes of Wii and PlayStation, but the sheer tactile joy of assembling the plastic pieces will surely put a smile on many a young `un's face. I found the whole experience rather charming, even if I am a bit older than its target audience.
I'm not meant to give away or dispose of any Amazon Vine products I've ordered, however, on this occasion, I hope they won't mind me giving this to a local children's ward where I'm sure it will provide many hours of entertainment.
A lovely product that brought back happy memories.