LEGO Designer reveals why the Super Mario 64 set is a ‘?’ And not a ‘!’
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The Lego Super Mario 64? Block warmed up Nintendo fans when it was announced on social media. Its ingenious folding design in particular provides a true moment of awe as the harmless block unfolds to reveal intricate micro-scale recreations of iconic levels from Super Mario 64. It’s a fitting way to celebrate the game’s 25th anniversary, as well as a sign that Lego is committed to creating more Nintendo games geared toward adults, in addition to its Lego Super Mario range for kids.
Did we love 71365 Super Mario 64? Lock in our review, praising its countless Easter eggs and surprises, and calling it “one of the best sets to be released in a long time.” But we still had some questions about the design: like why did Lego prefer one? block instead of Super Mario 64! block, and how exactly they came up with the spectacular folding design.
So we emailed set designer Daire McCabe some questions – here’s what he said.
Nintendo Life: Why did you choose Super Mario 64 for this set and consider other designs based on this game?
McCabe Circle: We started designing the cube and the mechanics, and together with Nintendo, we wanted to bring back the magic of Super Mario 64 because we felt it was one of the most beloved games of all time. Many of us grew up playing the game, so we thought this set would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate all its nostalgic moments and iconic levels.
Where did the initial concept come from? Was it Nintendo or the Lego Group?
The initial concept is the result of a unique partnership between the LEGO Group and Nintendo that allows us to bring Mario and his world to life in a whole new way. Together, we have created an entirely new play experience that reinvents the way fans interact with LEGO sets, and the? Block is no exception.
How was Nintendo involved in creating this set?
The creative teams of both companies have worked together to bring this product to life.
How did you come up with the idea of a folding design and how difficult was it to create?
We tested dozens of iterations with all sorts of elaborate hinges and deployment mechanisms before deciding which version to experiment with in the final set.
One of the biggest challenges we faced in the design process was figuring out how LEGO Super Mario 64 works. Block would open up and transform to reveal recognizable microscale levels. We tested dozens of iterations with all sorts of elaborate hinges and deployment mechanisms before deciding which version to experiment with in the final set. This design allowed us to include most of the details, and we felt that unfolding it was the most fun and amazing gaming experience.
The unfolded design is a sequence of movements that activate each other; It was an exciting challenge to make all those parts of the sequence work smoothly, using hidden guides within the block and rounded edges on the main screen. We also wanted the? The block will look smooth when closed, which led to some interesting construction techniques used for the hinges and doors.
Super Mario 64 is one of the few Super Mario games that doesn’t feature question mark blocks, so what led to the decision to use a question mark block for this set? Did you consider using an exclamation point block instead?
Are you right in that? Block didn’t appear in Super Mario 64. Including him? Blocking was an intentional choice, and one that we called on the pack. With ? Blocks, you never know what you’ll find inside, so this? Block includes fun secrets and surprises for fans to enjoy.
How does the set integrate with the Lego Mario and Lego Luigi figures?
For interactive play, fans can add a LEGO Mario or LEGO Luigi figure to hear unique music and sounds from the video game, as well as search for hidden Power Stars that reveal secret reactions from the figures.
What unique pieces did you have to create for this set?
We created two completely new elements for this set. Item # 79389: 1×1 plate with 2 module down support, and item # 79491: 2×2 rounded corner plate to make the corners of the? Block as smoothly as possible.
What microfigures are included and how did you decide which ones to include?
The set includes Mario, Princess Peach and King Bob-omb, plus Chain Chomp, Big Bully, Mr. I, Lakitu, Penguin, Baby Penguin and a couple more hidden in the model that you will have to discover for yourself. ! We chose the characters that were the most iconic of the levels depicted on set.
What influenced the choice of the four levels shown and did you consider using other levels in the game?
The choice of levels was largely based on what we all thought would be fan favorites.
We have some huge Super Mario 64 fans on the LEGO Super Mario design team, and the choice of levels was largely based on what we all felt would be fan favorites. Of course we had other levels in the run-up, but we couldn’t adjust to all of them.
Peach’s Castle was always meant to be the centerpiece, as it is the centerpiece of the video game.
Was there anything you were unable to include due to time or budget constraints?
There are always many ideas in the development of all sets, but naturally not all of them become the final product.
This is Nintendo’s second screen-centric set after the NES 71374 console. Are there plans for more Nintendo games in the 18+ range?
We do not comment on future product launches, but we are excited to be working together and look forward to an ongoing relationship.
Are there plans for a range of Lego Super Mario-themed minifigures to accompany the interactive and screen-centric Nintendo sets?
We do not comment on future product launches.
Have you already bought and built the set? Do you want to pick it up for the holidays or are you not interested in this particular block? Let us know with a comment below.
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