Category: Gaming

The LEGO Spider-Man sets have been a great way for LEGO to include some more B-level characters into a mainstream set. This set did that with two characters: Hobgoblin and Ghost Rider. It was awesome to get Ghost Rider and his massive motorcycle as well as Hobgoblin on his perfectly-scaled glider build. I have always assumed that the LEGO designers took inspiration from Todd McFarlane’s Spider-Man run for this set, as the early issues of that run had Spidey and Ghost Rider teaming up to take down Hobgoblin, but those comics were so gore ridden and scary that I can’t imagine LEGO green lighting a direct adaptation of anything from those stories. It’s conspiracies like this that keep me up at night, folks… 

This set lives uniquely among all LEGO sets, not only because of it’s heavy nostalgia factor, but also for the fact that it represents two separate locations in one set—something that I cannot think of another example of. The set is based off of the 2002 Tobey Maguire Spider-Man film, and its first location is the spider lab where Peter Parker gets bit by the radioactive spider. The second location is Norman Osborn’s lab where his transformation into the Green Goblin takes place. Two iconic scenes memorialized forever as LEGO builds in the same set; of course this one made the list! 

This set included the exclusive Iron Spider minifigure, however, it was an Avengers set, so I didn’t feel right formally including it on this list. This set was so amazing that it deserved to be recognized, though! It came with five minifigs, all but one of which were exclusive, and came with an immaculately-built street scene of Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum, Peter Parker’s NYC apartment, and a neat little pizza shop. “Pizza Time,” anyone?

Wishiwashi is a water-type Pokémon. While its base form doesn’t make it a particular stand-out, through its schooling ability, it can evolve into a more powerful Pokémon. Its evolved form is feared enough to the point that even Pokémon such as Gyarados flee the scene when Wishiwashi transforms. With very well-balanced stats of 140 ATK, 130 Def, and a total of 620, schooling-form Wishiwashi is a formidable presence. 

Cloyster is a Water/Ice-type Pokémon. Introduced in Generation I, it evolves from Shellder. It has multiple layers of shells, the first one being gray and the second one being violet. Its shell and spikes are harder than diamond. What makes this Pokémon useful is its defensive power. Using the powerful shell it possesses, it is able to defend against enemies. It can also launch its spikes to attack and swim. With a base stat of Def. 180, this Pokémon can prove useful. 

Sharpedo is a dual Water/Dark-type Pokémon. It evolves from Carvanha and its final form is Mega Sharpedonite. This Pokémon has the ability to swim at 80 miles per hour, albeit not for long distances. It uses its fangs as weapons, which can cut through steel. It also uses its spikes to attack its opponents, including ships. Known as “The Brutal Pokémon” and “Bully Of The Sea”, Sharpedo possesses 120 ATK, making it a powerful one to have by your side. 

Starmie is a Water/Psychic Pokémon. It is the evolved form of Staryu. With an overall base stat of 520, it is well balanced. What makes it stand out is its ability to send electrical waves that are powerful enough to reach the furthest ends of the universe. While its 75 Def. and 85 Atk. are solid, the special attack it possesses makes it stand out. Its unique look has generated interest from fans of the series who’ve speculated that this Pokémon might be an alien. 

Omastar is a Rock/Water type Pokémon that evolves from Omanyte. It has multiple tentacles, which it uses to attack enemies. It waits for its enemies to get close, and then it wraps them with its tentacles, while using its fangs to crush them. Its fangs are strong enough to crush rocks. With a Defense base stat of 125 and a Special Attack of 115, there is more than meets the eye to this Pokémon. 

Tentacruel is a Water/Poison type Pokémon. It evolves from Tentacool. Tentacruel has red orbs that glow whenever it is excited or agitated, when it wants to communicate with its own kind, or when it attacks using ultrasonic waves. Tentacruel has 80 tentacles, which can be extended. It uses its tentacles to reach its target and then release poison. With a good Special Attack, this Pokémon surely lives up to its name. 

Wailord is a Water type Pokémon. Wailord is known for its huge size. It is a Wishiwashi predator, but it can only handle its normal form. When Wishiwashi is in its schooling form, Wailord doesn’t confront it. Due to its tremendous size however, it is a big task to ask for any Pokémon to handle this water giant. Its 170 HP is what stands out, while its ability to create huge waves and also defend with its huge size means this Pokémon is good to have on your side at all times. 

Kingdra is a Water/Dragon type. It is the final evolved form of Horsea and Seadra. Kingdra is a powerful water Pokémon, which can break entire ships just by the undercurrents created from its yawn. Kingdra’s immense power has one flaw: It needs to hibernate for periods of time under water.  This Pokémon is said to come out and search for prey during storms, and is famous for having battles with its nemesis Dragonite. It very well balanced stats consist of 95 Attack, 95 Defense, 85 Speed, Special Attack 95 as well as 95 Special Defense.

Manaphy is a Water type Mythical Pokémon. Manaphy does not evolve from another form. Together with Phione, it is a member of the Guardians of The Sea. What makes Manaphy special is its unique ability to make any Pokémon change its actions. Manaphy achieves this by using its Heart Swap Special Attack. It has an extremely well balanced base stat of 100 in all aspects with a total of 600. 

Milotic is a Water-type Pokémon that evolves from Feebas. Milotic is relatively well balanced with 95 HP, 81 Speed and 60 Attack. What sets it apart however is its defensive ability. With a 125 Special Defense—not affected by status condition changes—the “Tender Pokémon” can be a very rigid opponent to beat defensively. This Pokémon is also considered by many the most beautiful Pokémon in the series, so it instantly goes in the fan favorite category. 

Golisopod is a Bug/Water-type Pokémon. It evolves from Wimpod. Known as the “Hard Scale Pokémon” its shell is as strong as diamond. It’s a relentless Pokémon that will do anything to win a battle. With a total base stat of 530, what stands out is its Defense, which stands at 140. It has powerful claws that can rip almost every material in two. Regardless of its strength, it prefers to meditate deep in the water. Versatility in both attack and defense makes Golisopod a very powerful Pokémon to have in your side.

Primarina is a dual Water/Fairy-type Pokémon. It is the final form of Brionne and Popplio. Primarina has the ability to launch water balloons and use its voice to trigger those balloons to explode.  Known as the “Soloist Pokémon”, its strength is also is its weakness. If it repeatedly goes through battles, it can suffer loss of voice. With a Special ATK. of 126 and Special DEF. of 116, Primarina is a strong Pokémon with potent skills on the battlefield. 

Tapu Fini is a dual Water/Fairy-type. It is famous for being the guardian deity of Poni Island together with Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Bulu being the deities of the other islands. This Pokémon has the ability to manipulate water and create a fog that puts its enemies in a trance, and the ability to bridge the worlds of the living and the dead. This bridge is dangerous however, as it can trap those who stay for too long. With a Special Def. of 130 that stands out, along with a 570 overall score, this Pokémon with mystical powers is a powerful ally to have in your side.

Volcanion is a dual Fire/Water-type Pokémon. Its back expels steam, which helps it destroy objects. It is so strong that it can blow away an entire mountain. The fact that Volcanion can live for centuries, combined with the fact that this Pokémon is a Fire and Water-type, should let you know just how powerful and unconventional it is. Volcanion is surely unique and exceedingly strong. 

Empoleon is a Water/Steel-type Pokémon. It is the final form of Piplup and Prinplup. Empoleon is much larger and uses its wings to slice anything it believes is a target. Those wings can also be used as a powerful defense tool as Empoleon is also a Steel type. With a Special Attack of 111 and Special Defense of 101, and with a diverse set of skills, it represents a very strong Pokémon in the series. 

Samurott is a Water-type Pokémon and the final form of Dewott and Oshawott. This Pokémon has the ability to draw its blades to fight. It does so at a speed that is very hard for the opponent to see, and its slashing power is fatal. Also known as “The Formidable Pokémon”, it can attack very effectively by making its leg armor into a sword.

Feraligatr is a Water-type Pokémon. It is the final form of Totodile and Croconaw. Feraligatr has the special ability to increase the effect of attacks with secondary effects, in exchange for neutralizing the second effect. This makes it very formidable in its offensive capabilities.

Lapras is a dual Water/Ice-type Pokémon with a Giganmantax form, which increases its abilities. It is one of the most intelligent Pokémon, as it understands human speech. With its shell protecting a huge part of its body, and its strength to carry over 5000 people without breaking a sweat, Lapras makes for a great ally, especially in the defensive/HP aspect. 

Vaporeon is a Water-type Pokémon and one of the multiple evolved forms of Eevee. This Pokémon has body features that resemble both aquatic and land monsters. It is diverse in abilities too, since it has a very high stamina as well as the ability to become invisible in water. Vaporeon has an HP of 130, which can be useful in a battle. 

 Blastoise is a water-type Pokémon and the final evolved form of Squirtle and Wartortle. With two water cannons on its shell at all times, it is said that Blastoise can shoot through a mountain and at a distance of 10km. While it cannot use precise shooting, it shoots water at a large density so that it can overpower enemies. With its legendary status in the Pok´mon fan-base, overwhelming water power, and high stats of attack and defense, this Pokémon is a huge help in battle and a popular choice. 

Swampert is a Water/Ground-type with extreme strength and speed. It is stronger than most Pokémon with strength as their main ATK and faster than Pokémon with speed as their main ability. Besides offensive ability, Swampert can be very useful defensively through its defensive walls. Swampert can also evolve into a mega form, which makes it even stronger, or 630 base stat to be exact. This Pokémon is simply one of the strongest around. 

This Pokémon is characterized by its ninja-like movement. With swift and unpredictable speed and accuracy, Greninja is considered one of the most lethal Pokémon you could battle, especially in its Ash’s Greninja form. The water/dark type has an attack of 223. This Pokémon is the final form of Froakie and Frogadier. 

Gyarados is a dual Water/Flying-type Pokémon. It evolves from Magikarp, while it further evolves into Mega Gyarados. Its fangs can crush stones and its body is very strong. When this Pokémon goes on the attack, its rampage can last a month’s time since it is known to have a very impulsive nature. Its overall base stat is 540. Gyarados is one of the most feared Pokémon for a good reason, since it has the ability to stay in both fresh and salty water, jump out of it and stay in the wild, as well as a mega form that increases its stats exponentially. With this Pokémon by your side, very few things can worry you.

Kyogre is a whale-like Pokémon. It belongs to the water type, and if it has the blue orb, it can transform itself to have a whopping 770 base stat. Kyogre is considered the strongest water-type Pokémon, and therefore any Pokémon that has a weakness against water types is doomed to have a tough time with this sea ruler. It is most efficient against Fire, Rock and Ground types. Its power is so great that it can cause sea levels to rise. A part of the ancient-trio along with Groudon and Rayquaza, this Pokémon can expand oceans and cause chaos in the battlefield. 

Palkia is a Water/Dragon-type, and represents 1/3 of the Sinnoh Trio along with Dialga and Giratina. Palkia represents space and so naturally its ability is warping space and traveling through different dimensions. It is known that Palkia has battled with Dialga in the past. Its most famous attack is Spacial Rend. With a base stat of 680, its skills are balanced perfectly across all aspects. The ability to warp space and create new realities should be enough to let you know just how powerful this Pokémon is. Tack on its flying ability, and you have a terrifying enemy for any Pokémon, water-type or not. 

This is the first true collaboration between LEGO and any major musical instrument company, so who better than the American classic, Fender? This set has so many great details packed into it that guitarists will love, but more than that, it makes for a great display model for music fans in general. Whether you’re a rockstar in real life or just want to look like one, this set is a great display piece and one that I highly recommend.

Whether or not you thought Ross and Rachel were on a break, one thing is for sure: you’ll love this set! It comes with every main character from FRIENDS and is jam-packed with easter eggs that will please any fan of the show. This is also a rare set that I recommend as a “couples build,” since it’s two distinct models in one set. One of you can build the boys’ apartment while the other is working on the girls’, or maybe you can play a game of trivia and the winner gets to keep the girls’ apartment! 

This is a rare instance of LEGO remaking an old classic almost brick-for-brick, but the 2021 Tumbler is a great display piece that would make any Batman fan’s Christmas unforgettable. The build is solid, it’s relatively easy for a set of its size, and the two exclusive minifigs make this a must-have for any DC or Batman collector.

Super Mario 64 is one of the most influential video games of all-time, so getting a LEGO set based off of this classic title is something many fans have dreamed of for years. It’s a bit puzzling that the set is based around the “?” block since that block wasn’t in the original Super Mario 64, but this set delivers surprises and fun on so many levels (no pun intended!)

This is a set I highly recommend getting this Christmas for two reasons: first, it’s an amazing set, and second, it will likely retire in 2022, meaning this may be your last chance to get it. The set is packed with references to Disney princesses, lore, and characters on the inside, and the outside depicts the iconic Cinderella’s Castle from Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida. With several exclusive minifigures and amazing play features, this is a set I believe people will be bummed they missed out on if they don’t pick it up before it’s gone for good.

The UCS Millennium Falcon is the largest LEGO Star Wars set of all-time, and it used to be the biggest LEGO set ever (more on that shortly.) Still, this set is one of the most desirable LEGO Star Wars sets ever both due to its record-setting piece count and for its sheer size. Who wouldn’t want a giant-sized Millennium Falcon in the middle of their living room!?

Remember I mentioned that the UCS Millennium Falcon was once the largest LEGO set ever? Well, the 2021 Titanic is now the holder of that title with a whopping 9,090 pieces! (Okay, TECHNICALLY the World Map has the most pieces with 11,695, but since that set is almost entirely made up of 1×1 studs and not “traditional” bricks, it doesn’t count in my book.) Anyway, the Titanic is MASSIVE, measuring in at 18 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and a colossal 54 inches long. It comes with a LEGO-built stand to display it on, and it breaks apart in sections so that you can see the inside’s engine room, sleeping quarters, and more. 

Another one of the largest sets of all-time, the Harry Potter Diagon Alley set is a must-have for fans of the Wizarding World. Offering the largest minifigure selection of any LEGO Harry Potter set ever, this set’s main draw is the four buildings that are packed tight with Easter eggs, references, and iconic scenes from the world of Harry Potter. Easily one of the best Harry Potter sets ever!

This is a true contender for my favorite LEGO set ever. As a lifelong LEGO, Marvel, and Spider-Man fan, it’s hard not to love every aspect of this set. It gives you nearly every iconic Spider-Man villain ever, several Spider-Man variants, some great side vehicles, and loads of great Marvel references placed with care in every corner of the set. The build is fun, it displays great, and if you’re into playing with your LEGO sets, it’s great for that, too! 

A holiday classic translated into the world’s favorite brick toy system: what’s not to love? This set released in November 2021 and is already one of the hot-selling items for the holiday season! This minifigure-scale replica of the house from Home Alone comes with every main character from the movie and is an incredibly intricate build. For an added bonus, YouTuber Ashnflash pointed out that the set is broken up into 24 bags, meaning you could treat it like an Advent calendar and build a bag a day starting on December 1st leading up to Christmas Day!