While we don’t typically cover new sets in the Classic parts pack theme, when we saw LEGO Classic 11021 90 Years of Play announced, the nostalgia factor caught our eye. Meant to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary this year, the set includes lots of nods to iconic themes and sets from throughout LEGO’s history. Personally, having grown up with some of the early themes like Castle, Town, and of course, Space, this set held a certain charm for me, and I’m sure many of you will feel the same. The set includes 1,100 pieces and is available now on LEGO’s website for US $49.99 | CAN $64.99 | UK £44.99.
The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.
Unboxing the parts, and instructions
The front of the box is adorned with the LEGO Classic branding, along with the colorful spread of parts along the bottom just like the other sets from this theme. What makes this set special is that instead of random creations, this set includes 15 micro models inspired by many of LEGO’s most popular themes. There is also another branding graphic on the lower right corner showing 90 years of play, which includes the original red 2×4 brick which started it all.
The back of the box is much busier. Along the bottom is a narrow strip showing the same rainbow collection of parts, and the LEGO Classic logo is repeated on the top left of the box. The rest of the box shows a twisting timeline showing each micro model, an image of the theme or product that inspired it, and the year it was originally released. The timeline goes from the wooden duck pull toy in 1932 all the way to the Dots theme introduced in 2020.
Along the top are a few images taken directly from some of the themes’ original products, including Fabuland and Classic Space.
Inside the box are 6 numbered bags that go along with the instructions for the 15 micro models. The set includes 5 unnumbered bags with the rest of the pieces for this set loosely grouped by color.
There are also 2 instruction booklets. Booklet one covers the first 8 models from System to Pharoh’s Quest, while booklet two covers Ninjago through Dots.
The build
Bag number one includes a model inspired by the original wooden duck pull toy from before the red plastic brick. Next is a simple house and car from the first LEGO System theme. Finally, a small blue train. The models are very quick to build and pretty basic as well.
Bag number two covers a three-year span, starting with the famous yellow castle from 1978. the model from the Space theme is probably my favorite. Next is a Fabiuland elephant with an outdoor cafe table.
Bag number three covers almost an entire decade, starting with a pirate ship that includes 4 of the new 1×2 inverted slope in black for the stern of the boat. The last model is the Sphinx and an obelisk from the 1998 Pharoh’s Quest.
Bag number four covers both one of the more obscure themes, Belleville as well as one of the most popular among LEGO fans, Bionicle. The Belleville model is a horse and carriage. The Bionicle model is a Toa of fire.
Bag number five covers most of the next decade starting with City and the police station which includes a neat helicopter made with only 7 pieces! Technic is next with a micro articulated digger. Finally, Lloyd’s green dragon is representing Ninjago, another very popular theme that was retired in 2013 but was re-introduced after fans rallied to bring the theme back.
Bag number six covers the last two themes from this set. The Friends theme is represented by a model of a multi-storied house with some trees, while the Dots theme is represented by a miniature version of the pineapple box.
The finished model
The finished models are pretty bland, aside from a select few, with very standard techniques. I probably spent about 30 minutes total building all 15 models. But let’s face it, these sets are really only good for filling out your collection with some colors you don’t normally get. So aside from the micro models which make great desk ornaments, the rest of the parts include both basic bricks and slopes, and a variety of specialized parts that are used in many of the models in a wide variety of colors, including a few light nougat.
Conclusions and recommendations
While I enjoyed building some of the micro models, I do wish that more attention had been paid to making the models just a little bit more involved, using more of the included parts. It felt a bit forced—like LEGO took a normal Classic set and just dropped in a couple of quick builds at the end. Having said that, I would still recommend the set if you are looking to add some of the newer colors to your collection, as with 1,100 pieces for $50 it makes a good parts pack.
LEGO Classic 11021 comes with 1,100 pieces and is available now for US $49.99 | CAN $64.99 | UK £44.99. It may also be available from third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay.
The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.
Pharaoh’s Quest was 2011. Adventurer’s was from 1998.
Thank you Robert. How dare you slight Adventurers like that.