LEGO Castle 40601 Majisto’s Magical Workshop gift-with-purchase review

Fans of Classic Castle sets can rejoice, as the latest LEGO gift-with-purchase has arrived in the shape of 40601 Majisto’s Magical Workshop.

Back in the mists of time (okay, 1993), the LEGO Group released 6048 Majisto’s Magical Workshop, a 176-piece Classic Castle set that included two minifigures and was part of the Dragon Knights subtheme. Fast forward 30 years and fans of the theme are now being treated with an upscaled and remastered version of the same model, although this time around a number of cosmetic changes have been made to the build.

Available free with spends of £220 / $250 / €250 from November 18 to November 19 during LEGO Insiders Weekend, 40601 Majisto’s Magical Workshop clocks in at an impressive 365 pieces and boasts two minifigures. Measuring over 19cm in height, this updated and limited edition version of the Classic Castle set may be larger overall than the original design, but it’s essentially the same basic building that was released in 1993.

By removing the lock on the front door, 40601 Majisto’s Magical Workshop can be opened up to reveal the blue wizard’s domicile within. The interior offers up a more detailed look than was seen in 6048 Majisto’s Magical Workshop, although it’s one that does still include a treasure chest, ladder and cooking stove on one side, and a table with stickered scroll tile and two glasses on the other.

It’s worth noting that some elements found in 6048 Majisto’s Magical Workshop are missing or have been replaced this time around, These include the barrel and green baseplate, blue flames instead of red dragons, blue window pieces swapped out for stickered pieces and more modern versions of spears, axes and swords added for decoration.

Frustratingly, 40601 Majisto’s Magical Workshop’s roof sections seem like they should be hinged for easy access to the interior, but then again they weren’t in the Classic Castle set, so it’s not really a big deal. Instead, builders have to remove a small, printed keyhole piece on the front door to swing the model open wide and place the included characters inside.

Speaking of which, 40601 Majisto’s Magical Workshop comes with minifigures of Majisto himself and a female Dragon Knight. The former is identical to the one that appears in last year’s 10305 Lion Knights’ Castle and lacks any sort of printing, which still feels like a missed opportunity to add some extra details to the character.

For those who aren’t aware, Majisto was the very first LEGO minifigure to be given a name and was also known as Merlin in the UK, Serlin in Germany and Pocus in the Netherlands. This version lacks the silver parrot that accompanied the wizard in 6048 Majisto’s Magical Workshop and swaps out a glow-in-the-dark wand for a clear yellow version.

The Dragon Knight gains a new printed torso design that’s sure to excite fans of the Classic Castle theme and an alternate brown hair piece, but only one printed face option. The modern look of the minifigure’s helmet, a lack of shield and no printed legs may prove slightly irksome to some, but they’re design choices that are unlikely to be too controversial.

All-in-all this feels like an impressive and substantial GWP, even if the steep price of entry to obtain the promotional set might prove a little too rich for those wanting to add the model to their collections. It’s also great to see yet another classic set receiving a modern remastering, following in the footsteps of last year’s LEGO 90th anniversary 40567 Forest Hideout (reviewed here), one that not only pushes all the right nostalgia buttons, but also gives us hope for even more such updated builds to come.

40601 Majisto’s Magical Workshop will be available from November 18 to November 19 with purchases of £220 / $250 / €250 and over, while stocks last. Click here to check out all the LEGO Insiders Weekend 2023 deals.

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

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