Set Name: Up-Scaled LEGO Minifigure
Set Number: 40649
Pieces: 654
MSRP: $49.99/CA$64.99/AU$79.99/£44.99
Theme: Minifigures
Age: 10+
Available: Jun 1st, 2023 – tba
Why I bought this set
After the commercial failure of the Up-Scaled Harry Potter figures, I feared Lego would not continue this line. I am thrilled they have! While I would love the pirate you can only buy in Denmark’s Legoland, I was giddy when I first saw the figure’s official images.
It’s a series I would happily collect as they feel like mascots to the Lego room or even just a fellow Lego friend to have while building. I was attracted to the look of the build – clean, simple, happy face. The relatively low entry point was also a massive positive. I picked this up days after release, along with the summer VIP pack. Great deal.
Set contents
This 654-piece, five-stage build comes with a 96-page manual. The packaging is different, with a side opening. I’ve only seen this once in the Black Widow SDCC set, though I believe this is how many Idea sets were packaged. It’s a small detail, but I like that it opens this way, as you can use the box as a tray while you build! The figure is displayed fully at the front with a closed hat, and the back shows the mech aspect inside the cap.






Set overview
The finished product is exactly what you’d expect from the box. It’s a striking, if simplistic, classic minifigure – only giant! The three primary colors generate a vibrant model highlighting the clean, traditional appearance. The figure has a fully tiled exterior, so he looks fantastic from all angles.



To watch my speed build, click below! (I just started my YouTube channel, so forgive the quality. It will improve. 😛 )
Minifigures
The set comes with one minifigure that has been replicated in the build. As such, he is bland or classic – with no print detail. Typically, such a plain minifigure would get criticism, but it works in this set to see it and the build side by side.
The minifigure sits in the head, like he controls a larger version of himself. I’m sure Lego wasn’t going with a philosophical approach when designing this set – but it does have a statement that we control ourselves about it. Or, you know, it’s just fun to make a large version of ourselves and walk around.



Set highlights
Each component that makes a minifigure is replicated in the brick build and can be separated the same way. If Lego makes more of these sets, you could switch out legs and torsos like you can with minifigures. It’s fun to put these sections together. The legs, arms, and heads articulate too!






I adore how they’ve concealed the mech aspect of this set. All those elements are tucked away under a large cap piece, so if that’s not your thing, this is easily hidden.



The printed face piece is a real bonus for this set. Lego could have made this a sticker element and provided a couple of options to select a face of choice. However, the printed piece has no flaws, and our minifigure looks sleek because of it. Finally, the considerable hinged element for the cap further adds to the refined look.


Set revisions?
My only issue with this set is a major one, and it’s that it’s top-heavy. The body is solid, whereas the legs are somewhat hollow. There is no issue if the figure is standing straight or sitting – the balance is acceptable not to topple over. However, if you wanted to position the figure in an in-motion pose – it won’t work; the figure will fall over. In general, the leg portion is flimsy compared to the top half.



Ratings
Build: 5/5
I had a lot of fun building this guy! The techniques are relatively straightforward, though there are a few technical components to attach all the parts and achieve limb articulation. The pieces are split into manageable stages, which makes building more manageable.
I found the build relaxing due to the vibrant colors and the lack of stickers – which always increase my anxiety!
Display: 5/5
This superb display piece is sticking, vibrant, and not intrusive. I suggest displaying the figure in a standing position as the bottom of the feet aren’t as polished as the rest of the figure, so it doesn’t look as pretty when it is sitting.
You can show the interior mech mechanics or keep the look clean, and the cap closed. Depending on what you are conveying, both work beautifully. My model is sitting by my desk as a mascot for my builds. He makes me happy to see that little smile.



Price: 5/5
This isn’t a licensed set, so you’ll get more Lego for your money. The price per piece (PPP) is attractive at 7.6 cents. For that price, you get one minifigure and several large parts (the cap and the printed face element). There are also a lot of tiled pieces to give the figure a smooth exterior, which always drives the PPP upward.
As this is a Lego-exclusive set, you aren’t going to get this on sale, so don’t wait around for one. At best, pick this up with a VIP add-on pack, as the price of this set and the threshold for one of them are the same. That’s what I did to secure my Summer VIP pack! Or wait for a double-point promotion.
Final thoughts
I was excited to get this set, and it was my first build after a month away from Lego. It was a pure delight. It took about an hour to assemble, and I feel joy each time I look at him. I hope Lego produces more of these types of figures. I slightly regret not picking up the Harry and Hermione versions, as they are now retired and were on super sale. If they make Marvel Up-Scaled figures, I will need more shelves.
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