Listen, Lego has always been cool, but the big success of The Lego Movie has only reminded us all that the brick-building line is more than just a toy -- it’s a way of life! The bottom line is we at IGN love Lego -- always have, probably always will. And while there are so many awesome Lego sets out there, past and present, the following 10 are the Lego sets that truly rocked our world. Imperial Flagship While Lego has been doing pirates since the 1980s -- as well as Pirates (the Johnny Depp kind) more recently -- this beauty is surely the, ahem, flagship of the theme. Like most of the items on this list, the Imperial Flagship makes for a great display piece (assuming you’ve gotten past the whole “I’m too old to play with Lego publicly” thing). It’s also a nice reminder that not all Lego collections need to be based on franchises. 9 Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon Look, there are a lot of excellent Star Wars Lego sets, and there are a lot of excellent Star Wars spaceship Lego sets.
Some would say the Star Destroyer should be on this list, or the Super Star Destroyer, or the Imperial Shuttle (sorry Peer!). But in the end, you gotta go with the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon! There have actually been about seven different Lego takes on the Corellian freighter, but the Ultimate Collector's set from 2007 and its 5100-plus pieces takes the prize. It also cost $500 at that time, which makes it the most expensive Lego set (in retail) ever. 8 The Batcave Lego has given us some really nice superhero sets over the years, with the company creating both Marvel and DC collections. But this Batcave set from 2006 is one of the finest examples of this partnership. Also called The Batcave: The Penguin and Mr. Freeze's Invasion, the set features over a thousand pieces, a chamber for Bruce Wayne to magically switch into his bat-costume, a bat-computer station, a vehicle repair bay, and of course several minifigures (good guys and bad). A different Batcave set was released in 2012, though this one remains a favorite if only because it was a nice preview of what the Lego Batman video game would be like two years later.
7 Technic Grand Prix Racer As part of the Technic Lego theme, the Grand Prix Racer -- which came out just last year -- isn’t simply a building set, but also features moving parts and “realistic functions” like independent all-wheel suspension, moving pistons, and steering capabilities. You can also power it up by adding a motor set (sold separately!) to this two-foot long baby, or convert it into a race truck. As for where you can play with this thing, you might need the Technic Mobile Crane to build some roads… 6 Galaxy Explorer Spaceship! While Benny “the 1980-something space guy” from The Lego Movie finally did get to build his ultimate spaceship during that film’s climax, for those of us who were around way back when, the original version of that vehicle still holds fond memories. The Galaxy Explorer, first released in 1979, was a jewel in Lego’s Space line of the era, though it must be noted that Benny was apparently not a part of that ship’s original crew, who were red and white spacemen.
But for those completists who need the movie version too, Benny’s Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP! set is coming this June. Read on for more Lego goodness...Top ten toys 2016 - Hatchimals, LEGO and Crazy Cart Shift should be on your Christmas list HERE'S our pick of the best toys of 2016 and what you must have under the Christmas tree this year. There’s just 37 days until Christmas and if you need some help picking the best childrens' presents to pop under your tree, this might help.Daily Star Online has been having some fun playing with all the latest and greatest toys and here’s our pick of this year’s gifts for kids.........................................................Razor Crazy Cart Shift • £219 from ArgosThe incredible Crazy Cart is back and this time it’s even easier for kids to pull off the ultimate drifts and spins.With a top speed of 8mph, the Crazy Crazy Shift is like a mini dodgem on steroids and offers the ultimate way to learn some cool stunts without complicated controls.........................................................
Hatchimals • £56.95 from Tesco DirectThese furry friends have become the surprise hit of 2016 and with the Hatchimals sold out across the UK.The cuddly chicks come tucked inside brightly coloured speckled eggs and must be loved and cared for before they begin to peck their way out.Once born, kids then have to “raise” them through three more stages from “baby” to “toddler” to “kid”. Top toys of 2016 REVEALED - the presents every kid wants this Christmas Rogue One hits cinemas on December 14th and the new Star Wars LEGO sets are a must-have for any little fans.The Rebel U-Wing Fighter is StarTech’s favourite of the series and even includes spring-loaded shooters, foldable wings and five mini characters.........................................................Nintendo Classic Mini • £49 from GameIf you want some Nintendo nostalgia, the mini NES console should be on your children’s wish list.This tiny games machine plugs straight into your TV and comes packed with 30 classics including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong.There's even miniature versions of the famous Nintendo controllers.
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hyperfire • £29.99 from ArgosEvery year Nerf make its blasters bigger and better and now it returns with the Elite Hyperfire.This foam shooting mega machine is capable of blasting five darts per second and has a range of 90 feet. Perfect for terrorising the relatives on Christmas Day.........................................................Kidizoom Selfie Cam • £49.99 from ArgosLet your little one have bundles of fun with the brand new Kidizoom Selfie Cam, featuring a selfie stick so they can capture the perfect selfie every time!Designed specifically for kids, the camera has a twist lens to take both front and rear facing pictures, and includes built in selfie apps for creative and engaging play. Propel Star Wars Deluxe Edition Speeder Bike Battling Quadcopter • £199 from Toys R USTake to the skies and battle against the Rebellion with this high performing Star Wars Speeder Bike Battling Quadcopter.Meticulously designed this quadcopter is a must have for avid Star Wars fans.