12DOVE Verdict
There are bigger and more impressive kits, but The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron beats them by combining an incredibly iconic scene in a dynamic way without completely breaking the bank. It'll look amazing on display, or as a playset for kids too – there's something here for everyone.
Pros
- +
Brings together all the big players
- +
Great for display or play
- +
Instantly recognizable
- +
Recreates a truly iconic moment
Cons
- -
Can be fiddly in places
- -
Instructions could be better
- -
Pricey for what you're getting
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Lego The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron did the impossible – it made me nostalgic for that movie.
The film itself may not be the most popular, but there's no denying how iconic this moment was. That makes it perfect for a brick-based adaptation, and Lego The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron does the team-up justice. Besides recreating a shot I doubted would be possible in Lego form near-flawlessly, it's crammed with clever solutions to make the scene work.
Yes, there are bigger and more impressive Marvel kits. But for my money, this will be one of the best Lego sets for the majority of fans.
Features
| Price | $99.99 / £89.99 |
| Ages | 10+ |
| Pieces | 613 |
| Minifigures | 9 |
| Build time | 1 - 2hrs |
| Dimensions | H: 7in (18cm) / W: 10.5in (27cm) / D: 11in (28 cm) |
| Item number | 76291 |
- Full OG team lineup
- Lots of interactivity with blasters and breakable terrain
- Is built for display or play
As the name would suggest, this kit brings together the team's original MCU lineup to recreate Age of Ultron's opening battle. You know the one – that fight where they assault one of Hydra's last remaining bases in snowy Sokovia.
Practically speaking, that means you're getting mini figures for Captain America (on his WWII motorbike), Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thor, Hulk, and Iron Man. A jeep for them to dramatically leap out of is featured here too, as are defences for the icy forest. This includes a bunker for Hulk to smash, complete with a swivelling turret. Three Hydra soldiers are included too, all with mini blasters that actually fire studs.
Build
- Takes an hour or two
- Posing the minifigs is so satisfying
- Fiddly to (Avengers) assemble 'hovering' pieces
While there were some hiccups, I really enjoyed building Lego The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron. For starters, it's a surprisingly varied process. Although you'd assume it'd get monotonous with its many snowy plates and gunmetal gray siege defences, the designers have wisely broken it all down into chunks that don't see you repeating yourself very often.
Secondly, putting the minifigs into their mid-air poses after finishing a few pages is the sort of reward that makes me feel like a kid again, playing with his action figures. Don't get me wrong, these can be a pain to install and are fiddly in places (much like the jeep's roll-cage, which I can see being hard for young children to construct). But there's something satisfying about clicking the characters into such an energetic action scene.
I didn't appreciate the instructions as much, though. Lego frequently flip-flops between outlining the necessary pieces on-page or not highlighting what you're adding at all, and this The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron is in the latter camp. I wouldn't say it's hard to muddle your way through, but it's frustrating that fans have to play spot the difference when building this set.
Design
- A very dynamic scene with lots going on
- Characters are at their most iconic
- Interactive elements add kinectic energy kids will love
You can't go far wrong when the OG Avengers are teaming up in a boxset (something that doesn't happen too often, sadly). Add some dynamic poses and a striking background for Lego brick perfection.
No, really. I've got almost nothing to complain about with the finished article. Actually, I'd go so far as to say it's the best Marvel kit for most people. Avengers Tower and the Daily Bugle may be more visually impressive, yes, but The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron does a lot with very little. There's no wasted space here; it crams the franchise's most beloved characters and one of their most memorable moments into just over 600 pieces.
It manages to nail the look of frigid Sokovia with minimal parts, too. Despite being little more than a handful of white plates and snowy trees at base, the addition of the bunker, guard tower, and concrete defences immediately bring Age of Ultron's opening to mind. These were among the centerpieces for that battle, so even though they're not full-size here, their inclusion makes the setting instantly recognizable.
There aren't many other kits that bring the original Avengers together in one pack. In fact, only one exists - Avengers Tower, as seen at the Lego store. It's a magnificent kit with 5,000 pieces and 31 minifigures, but you're paying a Hulk-sized price for it.
Speaking of centerpieces, it's fun to see Lego getting creative with a tricky task like this. Having the heroes assume those iconic but gravity-defying moves without cluttering things up is a tall order, and I think the team pulled it off. Translucent stands were a given, of course, but I appreciate how they're often hidden behind other elements or disappear into the background entirely because there's so much else to take in.
Not that you have to sit and stare at this thing. It's perfectly good as a diorama to stick on your shelf (that's certainly what I've done), but it's very interactive and makes an excellent playset for younger children as well. Whether it's Hulk knocking the bunker off its perch by jumping onto the seesaw in front of it or Hydra agents shooting at the superheroes with their fireable blasters, kids will have a blast here.
Should you buy Lego The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron?
Whether you're a grown-up Marvel fan seeking a display piece or a kid wanting a cool toy of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Lego The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron will tick that box. It's a dynamic diorama that's neither too big nor too expensive, while also being interactive enough to provide ample entertainment for younger fans.
It's true that bigger kits such as the Sanctum Sanctorum are more eye-catching. However, the value, price point, and broad appeal of this set make it a great option for most people.
Ratings
| Category | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Build experience | Fitting the translucent stands can be fiddly, but it – and the rest of the build – is satisfying. | 4 / 5 |
| Accessibility | This strikes a good middle-ground between complexity and simplicity. It's not a time-consuming build nor is it a sprawling behemoth, though it does provide a challenge here and there. | 4 / 5 |
| Instruction quality | Most new pieces aren't outlined or highlighted within the book, so you've got to play spot-the-difference. | 3 / 5 |
| Extra features | There's a lack of Easter eggs or hidden features, but the interactive blasters and explodable bunker are fun touches. | 3 / 5 |
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How we tested Lego The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron
Disclaimer
This review was conducted using a sample provided by the publisher.
This build took between 1 to 2 hours across a couple of days, and I made it during the work day as a brain break from writing. While constructing it, I took plenty of notes about high points or drawbacks as I encountered them. I also took into account other Marvel sets and how this one compares to them.
For more, don't miss our guide to how we test Lego or the broader 12DOVE reviews policy.
Want something a little more cosmic? Check out the best Lego Star Wars sets. As for boosting your collection for less, be sure to visit our page of Lego deals.
