May 20, 2023
LEGO Minecraft BrickHeadz | Unboxing, Build & Review | Virtual Blocks to Real Bricks
Discover the evolution of Minecraft from code to global phenomenon. Watch us unbox, build, and review the sets in this BrickHeadz series!
Buy: LEGO Minecraft Sets
Buy: LEGO Minecraft Sets
Table of Contents +
In mid-2009, one of my friends got me a code to try out a new game. “It’s awesome”, he said, “It’s going to change things”. Kind of a bold statement for something that was still in its beta stage of development, but he felt strongly about it.
What I got when I booted it up was a decidedly blocky world made up of things called “voxels”, and light survival gameplay with a focus on breaking down voxels of different materials to build your own shelters, or really anything your imagination could come up with.
“Kind of like LEGOs”, I thought.
I ended up not playing much of that game. It wasn’t really for me, and I forgot about it soon after. So imagine my surprise when the full game launched a few years later, and became the biggest game on planet Earth in a short amount of time.
It’s called Minecraft, maybe you’ve heard of it.
And now, here I am, reviewing the LEGO versions of characters from a game I thought for sure would be nothing almost fifteen years ago. Not too long after covering the same line of kits for one of the biggest IPs in the world, The Lord of the Rings. I definitely have egg on my face, but I’m happy Minecraft is still going strong, and even happier that I now get a chance to connect with it via something I actually really enjoy: LEGOs.
Ok, they’re LEGO BrickHeadz, but that still counts! And these little guys are absolutely delightful, so let’s dig into the three currently available sets in the LEGO BrickHeadz Minecraft collection.
LEGO BrickHeadz - Alex (40624)
When Minecraft initially launched, the face of the game was a blocky chap named Steve. That was it. Steve was on the box, in the game, and, in many people’s hearts, the central character of Minecraft. Fearing a lack of diversity in the project, Mojang added Alex several years after launch, in the Summer of 2014.
Regardless of how you feel about that, Alex is the only full human representing Minecraft as far as this LEGO BrickHeadz series is concerned. And, considering the source material, she fits in with the rest of the BrickHeads perfectly.
As with other BrickHeadz I’ve constructed in the past, Alex’s build time was in the ballpark of half an hour, and it was a pleasant experience. All of her pieces have different enough colors that I didn’t get tripped up by bricks with similar shades, and everything comes together satisfactorily.
Her bright orange hair is fully represented, complete with her ponytail that cascades over her shoulder. Her signature green shirt is also here, but in a lighter shade than what I’ve come to expect in her video game counterpart. The front of her shirt is also the only printed piece on the whole figure, which just gives it a little extra visual interest and seems like an attempt to make it more game-accurate. Besides that, Alex does come with a powerful diamond pickaxe accessory, which is fitting for any full human coming from the Minecraft universe.
LEGO BrickHeadz - Zombie (40626)
Next, we have the Zombie. Honestly, this choice was kind of a letdown for me. I know people love the zombies and they’re iconic to the game, but I would have much preferred a Creeper, as simple as most of its body would have likely been. They could add Creepers in another wave of Minecraft BrickHeadz for sure, but coming right out the gate with a Zombie, which has the same shape as Alex, feels a little lame.
Personal gripes aside, I did also have some issues getting the Zombie built due to my moderate color blindness. The Zombie’s skin is light green, and its hair is also green, but a few shades darker. There’s a clear distinction once everything has been put together, but having all of the bricks jumbled in a pile in front of me gave me a little bit of anxiety.
Slow and steady is the way to go though, and the Zombie came together in just slightly more time than Alex. Again, it’s the same overall shape, but the distinctive blue shirt and purple pants make it stick out and make up for the gree-on-green upper half. Also like Alex, the front of the Zombie’s shirt is a printed piece to provide texture.
The only accessory here accessory is an iron axe, but it’s the signature dead, black eyes of the BrickHeadz line that pulls everything together.
LEGO BrickHeadz - Llama (40625)
While I was less than enthusiastic about the inclusion of the Zombie over a more iconic and recognizable enemy type, you just can’t go wrong with the Llama.
Just look at it. It’s F***ing delightful.
And! The Llama gives us a nice break from the humanoid shapes of the other two figures, delivering something more visually interesting while also being more fun to put together. The majority of the Llama’s body is white with a few grey bricks, and then you have these fantastic pops of color around the sides.
It’s next to impossible to confuse one piece for another here, which I was grateful for. I took my time with the Llama, resulting in a slightly longer forty-plus-minute build time, but I don’t regret it at all. It’s definitely my favorite of the group, and the way the ears and nose/mouth are represented just make me smile.
Conclusion
Overall, I enjoyed constructing these Minecraft BrickHeadz. I don’t have the same kind of connection to the franchise that most people my age and younger have, the very connection that makes Minecraft a viable IP for LEGO, but I can’t deny that these characters are a perfect fit for the BrickHeadz design LEGO is shooting for.
I hate to harp on the fact that I think the Zombie is a bland choice for inclusion here, but I think this initial wave could have really benefitted from something with a more interesting shape. Just look at how successful the Llama is, it stands out and it’s way more fun to build than the same bi-pedal characters that make up most of the BrickHeadz line anyways.
While you’re here, you might want to check out the Marvel, Star Wars, or other LEGO sets we have on Poggers.com, or any of the other nerd merch we have in stock.
For more content including build videos, you can catch us on YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter. Tweet us with what you might like to see next, and maybe we’ll feature it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Buy: LEGO Minecraft Sets
Buy:LEGO Minecraft Sets
FAQ
What is Minecraft and how does it relate to LEGO?
+Minecraft is a popular block-based sandbox game where players explore, build, and survive in pixelated worlds. LEGO has created BrickHeadz sets featuring iconic Minecraft characters, blending the block-building concept with LEGO's creative play.
What are BrickHeadz?
+LEGO BrickHeadz are collectible figures with a distinct blocky design. They capture the essence of characters in a unique style, offering a fun building experience and great display pieces.
Who are the characters in the LEGO BrickHeadz Minecraft collection?
+The collection includes Alex (40624), a prominent human character; Zombie (40626), a classic Minecraft enemy; and Llama (40625), a friendly creature.
How long does it take to build these BrickHeadz?
+Building time varies, but generally, each set takes around 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on your building speed and experience.
Are the BrickHeadz Minecraft characters accurate representations of the game?
+Yes, the BrickHeadz maintain the blocky charm of Minecraft characters. They feature distinct colors and details, capturing the essence of the game's aesthetic.
Are these sets beginner-friendly?
+Yes, the sets are designed for a wide range of builders, from beginners to experienced LEGO enthusiasts. Clear instructions make the building process enjoyable.
What sets the Llama apart from the others BrickHeadz sets?
+The Llama offers a visually appealing break from humanoid shapes, showcasing unique colors and features that make it a standout build.
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