At this point, the team behind Sonic the Hedgehog has one shining memory – Green Hill Zone from the series’ first-ever game. It makes sense that Sonic’s return to Lego form, after the repellent 2016 Lego Dimensions run and the rather chic recreation of Green Hill Zone last year, would be yet another rehash of the iconic level. We’re not complaining though. See, this isn’t just another set that’s meant to sit on the shelf. Lego’s latest sets featuring the blue hedgehog are actually meant to be played with.
Well, all four of them are. Yup, Lego is massively expanding its Sega collection on 1 August 2023 with the release of four different sets, ranging from the R640 ($35) base Speed Sphere Challenge all the way up to the R1,800 ($100) Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge.
The R1,800 Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge
While this isn’t nearly as pretty as the original Green Hill Zone set, it has one major draw – the launcher – whose job is to send a sphere-encased Sonic shooting around a loop, through a ring, and across the bridge towards the patiently-waiting Dr. Robotnik. In total, you’re looking at a 300-piece set that includes an Amy figurine, accompanied by a few other sets to help flesh the level out.
Tail’s Workshop and Tornado Plane
Of course, Lego is hoping that it’ll be able to entice collectors into owning all four sets, allowing them to mix and match pieces to create one giant cohesive Sonic the Hedgehog world. That’s the point of the 376-piece Tail’s Workshop and Tornado Plane set, which harks back to Sonic 2 and which will cost you R730 ($40) to own. It’s not quite playable until it’s combined with the previous set. If this is the only set on your list, you may be condemned to owning yet another shelf piece.
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Amy’s Animal Rescue Island
Following a similar vein to that of Tails’ set, Amy’s Animal Rescue Island is a 388-piece build that’ll need the help of a launcher to make it properly usable. If you’re just looking for a decorative piece though, the R910 ($50) set has a waterslide and a triggerable trap concealing a Chaos Emerald. You’ll also get Tails and Amy minifigure, with a crab enemy to tie it all up.
Speed Sphere Challenge
The Speed Sphere Challenge is designed to be a far-shorter Green Hill Zone course that only features the launcher, a Sonic-sphere, an arch, and a ramp with a breakable Chaos Emerald at the end. There’s no Dr. Robotnik or Amy to accompany Sonic, but if you’ve already pre-ordered the flagship set, you’re all set. Just cough up R640 ($35) and… voila.