Blocks is taking a look at LEGO themes perfect that are perfect for gamers – whether you love the high octane action of Fortnite, the nostalgia of Super Mario or the calming world building of Animal Crossing.
LEGO sets and video games have been crossing paths for decades now. First with goofy games like LEGO Island, then with more refined experiences beginning with 2005’s LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game. Soon, all sorts of licensed LEGO themes were getting the digital treatment — Indiana Jones starred in two games, LEGO Batman became a franchise in its own right and even the likes of LEGO Incredibles had a full release.
But things rarely went the other way. Popular video game franchises almost never crossed over into the physical world of the LEGO brick. The first major video game based theme was Minecraft, which first launched as a full theme in 2014… and even that stood alone for a long while. Now, in 2024, there are plenty of themes for gamers to dive into, and Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, is grabbing a controller and grinding through five awesome LEGO themes for gamers.
LEGO Fortnite
The newest video game theme in the LEGO Group’s catalogue, LEGO Fortnite is set to release its first wave of sets in October 2024. The theme will start off with a solid line up of four sets that includes some of the game’s most iconic characters and imagery. 77071 Supply Llama is a fun mid-sized set sure to delight collectors, putting hundreds of sloped pieces to work creating the llama’s pinata-like coat. 77073 Battle Bus is another fantastic set for the debut wave, as the bus look to be a fantastic build for the price, with a minifigure roster that looks nothing short of perfect. Nine of Fortnite’s most recognisable characters are represented, including the lovable Peely.
LEGO Animal Crossing
Another recent theme, LEGO Animal Crossing takes the charming world from the popular NINTENDO series and transforms it into the brick. A total of seven sets make up the current LEGO Animal Crossing Island. Sets like 77049 Isabelle’s House Visit perfectly capture the game’s cosy aesthetic and adorably translate the animal characters into minifigure form. Hardcore LEGO fans were quick to point out that the theme bears a striking resemblance to the LEGO Fabuland sets of the 1980s, adding some extra appeal to LEGO fans who aren’t as into the games.
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LEGO Super Mario
LEGO Super Mario is admittedly a bit of a controversial subject matter among fans of the video game franchise. On one hand, it’s great to have sets based on such a legendary character. On the other, the LEGO Group’s seeming refusal to put even a single minifigure in any of the sets drives some fans up the wall. The theme does have a cool concept with its large-scale, tech-infused figures, as it lets fans recreate the crazy level design of the games and play it out in real life. And its large 18+ models are stunning builds — 71411 The Mighty Bower truly lives up to its name. But the theme’s lack of minifigures is what’s holding it back from becoming a true classic in the eyes of many fans.
LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog
The LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog theme is what fans wish LEGO Super Mario could be. After beginning with a LEGO Dimensions level pack and an Ideas set, 21331 Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone, LEGO Sonic developed into a full-fledged theme, minifigures and all. Even with its focus on minifigure-scale sets, LEGO Sonic still works in the blue hedgehog’s super speed, using large, rounded elements to hold Sonic. A brick-built contraption then launches the assembly out at sonic speed — there’s even rings to collect (or more accurately, run over). Much like other video game themes, LEGO Sonic is still in its early days, but with minifigure scale sets, BrickHeadz and busts already on shelves, the theme appears to be here to stay.
LEGO Minecraft
Without a doubt, LEGO Minecraft still holds the crown as the best video game theme, even a decade on from its official debut. LEGO Minecraft is unique in the fact that all the sets can be combined together to create a full Minecraft world. That’s not to say that the LEGO Animal Crossing sets can’t all be set up together, but LEGO Minecraft sets are designed to be seamlessly combined and rebuilt into whatever you want your world to be. And the theme isn’t afraid to get a little wacky, with sets like 21244 The Sword Outpost, which prominently features a pixel-art sword as its centrepiece. With the game still receiving consistent updates, LEGO Minecraft is sure to dominate the world of LEGO video game themes for years to come.
What’s your favourite theme inspired by video games? Let Blocks know on any of our social media channels.