Sonic the Hedgehog™ – Green Hill Zone LEGO Set Review (21331)
Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 2022 Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone LEGO ideas set, released on January 1st, which includes 1125 pieces and comes with one minifig. This is the first large set to be based on Sonic The Hedgehog, with the previous being a level pack for LEGO Dimensions back in 2016.
The original idea for this product came from Viv Grannell (aka toastergrl on LEGO ideas) with their Sonic Mania Green Hill Zone, which looks fantastic and quickly reached the 10K club. Featuring modular elements, a range of buildable characters and a big jump; it’s clear to see how their building style inspired this great new LEGO Ideas set.
So let’s take a look: Inspired by one of the most iconic levels in gaming history, Green Hill Zone takes on a new life in this stunning lego set. It’s got the palm tree, bridge loop, big jumps and even the vertical loop. They didn’t miss a trick in terms of memorable features of the level; even the powerup item boxes are included, of which you get a range of powerups to pick from.
Each level section is modular, so you can put them together in whichever order you like and even connect a second set if you wish to make your level even longer.
Speaking of length, this set measures 36cm wide and includes a display piece and a lower blank trim, which adds to the premium feel of this set. One thing that sadly feels a little less premium is the number of stickers in this build; the side panels of the loop feel like they could have been made up in a similar way to the earth of the ground; however, they are three stickers for each side which gives it it’s the colour change.
Be aware, though, to create all those stunning earth colour changes in the level design requires you to do repetitive 1x1 building throughout. Still, they have smartly done this at the start of each module, so you get to do the unique aspects rather than doing the same task multiple times at once.
Some of my favourite aspects of this set are the buildable characters. Let’s take a closer look at each of them: First up, we have the mini-figure of Sonic the Hedgehog, which is unique to this set. Next up, let’s look at the buildable figures, of which there are three in this set.
Crabmeat is one of my favourite aspects of this set; I think they have done a fab job bringing this character to life and feel very accurate to the game.
There’s also a motto bug, and whilst I’m not a big fan of these in the game as they usually get me, I think they look great in this set.
Finally, we have the villain himself, Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik. Featuring two giant hand pieces which are unique to this set. One of my favourite aspects of this buildable figure is the legs; they look great yet are so simple to put together. I was a little disappointed in his moustache as I expected it to be more front-facing, but overall I think this is a great character and even more so when you look at the design of the accompanying Eggmobile.
It’s not just the set and characters with some great features. The manual has this cool process bar throughout, so you see how far you have progressed and after each of the module sections, you are rewarded with a chaos emerald to display on the stand with Sonic.
With complex sets like this one, you never really want to put them away, but sometimes you don’t have the space to display it 24-7 or maybe you are moving/travelling. Fear not, what’s great is the build fits within the box built, so if you need to store it at any point, that’s a big bonus as you don’t have to rebuild, and it’s safely protected.
An RRP of £59.99 and coming in at 5.3p per piece makes this a very well priced set especially considering it’s a licensed set and features a few unique pieces.
Overall I think they have done a fantastic job bringing this nostalgic and iconic level to life; this has quickly become one of my favourite sets I own. Being a fan of sonic growing up and still playing today, it was a no brainer for me to pick this up on day one, and I’m glad I did as the final build looks brilliant, and I can’t wait to put it out on display!