Kiddos can build a set like normal, and then see it come to life on their device.
Earlier this year, Lego previewed its Lego Hidden Side building sets, which combine traditional Lego bricks with a mobile app that lets builders interact with their sets through augmented reality. Now, the sets have hit store shelves, and there are plenty of cool options to check out.
At launch, there are eight different Hidden Side sets to choose from, and they all fit into the same overall storyline: Builders will travel to the town of Newbury, where they’ll team up with characters named Jack and Parker on their quest to solve the town’s mysteries, stop a phenomenon known as the “Gloom,” and battle the ghosts haunting each environment (or building set).
The sets range in price and size from $19.99 for J.B.’s Ghost Lab (a 174-piece build) to $129.99 for the Newbury Haunted High School set, which includes 1,474 pieces. Each set has a recommended age rating of 7-9, depending on the one you choose.
Once each set is constructed, builders can open the Hidden Side mobile app and point their device’s camera at the model to interact with it. They may need to interact with the real world model to make things happen in the app as they work to capture ghosts.
The Lego Hidden Side mobile app also includes a game kids can play without needing any of the building sets. It lets kids become one of the ghosts and travel to different parts of Newbury to spread the Gloom. The app can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices. It’s rated 4+ on iOS and E for Everyone on Android.
Brandy Berthelson has been writing about video games and technology since 2006, with her work appearing on sites including AOL Games, Digital Spy, and Adweek. When she’s not gaming, Brandy enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling with her husband.
