When The Lego Group announced that its biggest innovation since 1978 would be a tiny proprietary Smark Brick, reactions were divided. Some expressed concern that this could signal the end of imagination from a company that thrives on creativity, while others found the idea intriguing.
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Unlike Lego Mario, which primarily triggers sound effects via barcode scanning, the new NFC smart tiles act as programs that inform the Smart Brick about the vehicle or character it represents, allowing for dynamic interactions with other smart components in close proximity.
One of the most exciting features of Lego's flagship set is the ability to have a lightsaber battle. By clashing two Smart Bricks with smart minifigures, users can hear the lightsabers buzz and clash, with Darth Vader occasionally breathing menacingly.
Another fun feature is placing Emperor Palpatine on his throne to hear The Imperial March play. While these interactions are enjoyable, they can seem a bit predictable.
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However, more creative scenarios emerge when you place Vader next to Palpatine and the throne, provoking a conversation in an incomprehensible language that captures the essence of the characters, allowing your imagination to fill in the blanks.
Additionally, placing a Smart Brick on a Dewback allows users to stroke its tail and hear it react, creating a magical experience. In the Mos Eisley cantina, users can make a Lego-poemed version of the Cantina Band's music play at various speeds by shaking the brick, with clever minifigures like Darth Vader contributing vocals.
A dogfight between an X-Wing and Darth Vader's Tie Fighter features a more sophisticated interaction, where players can "hit" targets and hear corresponding sound effects, including explosions, as the Smart Brick keeps score.
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The most impressive demonstration included a police car set that reacts to the presence and location of smart police and robber minifigures. If a robber approaches, the car sounds an alarm. If a police officer approaches, the car reacts accordingly.
