Blocks Magazine issue 70 out now
Posted by Huw,
It’s a packed issue of Blocks magazine this month, available now at blocksmag.com and in UK shops from August 6, headlined by an epic look back at 15 years of LEGO videogames with the people who made them.
Issue 70 also includes a deep dive into the creation of the new Haunted House set with Design Manager Jamie Berard, who shares a look at sketch models and development builds, plus tips on making all of those fairground rides fit together seamlessly in a layout.
In an exclusive feature as epic as the games themselves, 15 years of LEGO videogames looks back at every single LEGO game that has come from TT Games since Star Wars set the trend in 2005. Head of Design Arthur Parsons and four of his talented colleagues share unique insights, reflections and behind-the-scenes secrets as they look at the development of the games over the years, from Harry Potter to Marvel’s Avengers and everything in between. They even provide a sneak peek at LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
Physical bricks are never far from the Blocks crews’ minds though, with attention turning to the incredible Haunted House that recently launched in the Fairground Collection. As well as reviewing the set, Blocks sits down with Design Manager Jamie Berard to find out about the collaboration that went into designing this incredibly tall model. There are images showcasing the various sketch models and prototypes that the design team built, too.
With so many fairground and theme park ride sets now released, what’s the best way to set them up in a layout? A special feature looks at just that, showing how to build complementary models such as a ticket booth, entrance, shooting gallery and walkway. It’s not this issue’s only building guide, with Technique revealing how to put together attractive display bases.
As much as the LEGO hobby is a distraction from the outside world, lockdown has been happening – and now that he’s back in the office, Model Designer Milan Madge reflects on his experience designing a really, really big set away from the LEGO Group’s resources. Working from home might be tricky for anyone, but it’s all the more so with thousands of LEGO bricks to accommodate.
If nostalgia for LEGO themes had a name, it would be Blockstalgia. In this month’s edition, Blocks takes a look at Indiana Jones’ memorable appearance in the brick. Spotlighting three classic sets from the theme and introducing three new vignettes – one for each of the first three films – it’s a celebration of the whip-cracking archaeologist that belongs in this magazine.
The 116 pages of Blocks Issue 70 are rounded out with a guide to LEGO Super Mario, reaction to LEGO Art and an interview with the designers of the exclusive LEGO House Wooden Duck. All of the regulars are in there too, including Top Ten, Month in MOCs, Rebuild Challenge, Ideas Showcase and Piece Perception.
LEGO Monkie Kid 80009 Pigsy’s Food Truck is up for grabs for Blocks subscribers. To be in with a chance of winning and to get Blocks magazine delivered every month – ahead of the shops – visit www.blocksmag.com and check out the money-saving subscription deals available.
Everyone who subscribes to the print edition by September 1 will be in with a chance of winning (existing subscribers will automatically be entered into the prize draw).
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13 comments on this article
When are they gonna review the new Harry Potter sets or have I missed that issue?
@Jelippo said:
"When are they gonna review the new Harry Potter sets or have I missed that issue?"
I just skimmed over the stack of the last 10 issues, and none of them obviously contain any Harry Potter stuff.
@Jelippo said:
"When are they gonna review the new Harry Potter sets or have I missed that issue?"
You haven't missed it! We'll be reviewing them in a future issue.
The Haunted House feature interview and review really are excellent - seeing the scratch builds was a nice insight! @Chris_Blocks
I pick up Blocks at the newsagents every month. Really enjoy it.
I would subscribe but the postmen round my way would destroy it. I have all the issues in perfect condition since and including no. 0.
Always look forward to my Blocks magazine arriving in the post this months edition is once again fab!
I asked in the comments on the article for the previous edition of Blocks if anyone knew where it was stocked in the UK. I've since found that it is available in one of my local Sainsbury's (a very big store with a full home and clothing section) but the WH Smith's in my city doesn't have it. Thought someone might find this useful.
@Snazzy_Bricks said:
"Mmmm. I wish Blocks was available to US consumers to buy without Euros"
Try https://pocketmags.com/us/blocks-magazine - I subscribe to the digital edition in dollars and it works fine.
Too bad I can't find it in the US since the corona started
That's great, just bought myself a digital copy of this one.
Just flicking through it, and the first thing I like is that you get someone's real opinion on stuff.
Usually there's the youtube / free opinion trap where someone was sent a product for review from the manufacturer which taints the whole thing.
Blocks doesn't seem afraid to give a product review an absolute thrashing.. hahaha.. I love it.
@kingbrick said:
"Blocks doesn't seem afraid to give a product review an absolute thrashing.. hahaha.. I love it.
"
That is true and does indeed make a refreshing change from so many uncritically positive online reviews.
However, some of Blocks’ reviews are bizarre. Clayface Splat Attack (70904) which inherently has almost nothing to commend it is among the top 7 sets Blocks has ever reviewed for example. And Chicago Skyline (21033) according to Blocks’ review would only ever be of interest to Chicagoans because the city’s architecture is not interesting! Weird.
Does the magazine show/say anything new about the skywalker saga game or is reiterating already known info?