MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann has been building with LEGO for many years, but he has recently discovered other building blocks. Here he presents 6 alternatives that he likes even better than LEGO.
I have built and played with LEGO for years. But for the past few years, I have also been looking elsewhere. On the one hand, LEGO has become too expensive for me over time, and there are overall few new sets. LEGO has only updated old sets for years, releasing the umpteenth fire department and the y-th dinosaur set. For this reason, I have been “cheating” for a few years and buying alternative building blocks. I still buy LEGO if I like a set, but I’m always surprised at how much is offered to me outside of the Danes.
Basically, the following things are important to me when I buy building blocks:
- The sets should appeal to me, and I want to be able to look at them as well. Play value is also important to me because building blocks are simply toys.
- How many bricks, accessories, and figures do I get for my money, or am I just paying “only” for the name or the license at the end?
- A certain originality is also important to me: I don’t find the fifth fire department set that exciting anymore, but I would rather buy a nice science fiction model or a steam zeppelin.
- Additionally, building blocks have something calming for me because my fingers are busy. Others prefer to knead stress balls.
Most LEGO alternatives offer me exactly that: They provide added value over LEGO by having original ideas, costing significantly less, or simply offering additional accessories like lighting.
By now, I have certainly invested several hundred euros in various building block sets. A half dozen manufacturers particularly impressed me, whom I can truly recommend with some reservations.
This list includes only sets and manufacturers that I have purchased and built. There are surely other recommendable sets, but I cannot assess them because I have not had them in my hands. Did I forget a manufacturer, or do you have a strong recommendation? Then let me know in the comments!
BlueBrixx
BlueBrixx is undoubtedly the most well-known brand for building blocks when looking for an alternative to LEGO. BlueBrixx now has several of its own shops in Germany where you can browse through the sets. BlueBrixx offers an enormous selection: From architecture to display sets for showcasing to pure play sets or huge expert sets, everything is included.
What I see as critical: BlueBrixx also sells sets that clearly have similarities to Star Wars or other well-known universes. BlueBrixx seemingly does not possess an official license.
My current highlights: The inn of Castle Bärenfels (€49.99) and the Advent calendar with Castle Blaustein. Besides that, I also bought smaller sets, such as a railway car. Stickers are sold separately as sheets, printed parts are rare.
Who is it worth it for? If you are looking for building blocks that look and feel like LEGO, then the BlueBrixx sets come closest. Especially since BlueBrixx simply has an enormous selection in its range.
Mattel and MEGA
Many may know Mattel from its MEGA brand, through which the manufacturer has licensed building block sets from Pokémon for many years. The license for Pokémon from MEGA has now expired. However, MEGA Construx also offers other official licenses, including Fallout or Skyrim.
I am really excited about the “Hot Wheels” sets that Mattel currently offers as building blocks. Because these are not only stylish sets but also offer plenty of metal parts and a small mini-model of the real vehicle. And all of this for around €25. For me, these models are a real insider tip right now.
Who is it worth it for? Mattel and MEGA likely have the most official licenses besides LEGO for Witcher, Halo, or even Game of Thrones. If you are a fan of such sets, it might be worth taking a look. Personally, I just don’t like the mini-figures that look more like action figures.
