Firstly, congrats to Lego to 'reviving' a set from many people's childhood past. The subtle changes from the first version to this one are impressive to see.I would echo some commentary in the fact that the amount of bricks required to build the 'rock base' did become a bit repetitive. As well, the 'string' used for the crane is not ideal - how about we look to get a bit thicker / firmer rope for this in future sets?However, I would also mention that the change from 'wall panels' to brick built walls is a nice change, and allowed for a lot more functionality + playability afterwards. The improved boat is a great addition - and the added characters is great to see! Finally, the ability to 'break out' different parts of the build to re-configure the entire fort is ... MoreFirstly, congrats to Lego to 'reviving' a set from many people's childhood past. The subtle changes from the first version to this one are impressive to see.I would echo some commentary in the fact that the amount of bricks required to build the 'rock base' did become a bit repetitive. As well, the 'string' used for the crane is not ideal - how about we look to get a bit thicker / firmer rope for this in future sets?However, I would also mention that the change from 'wall panels' to brick built walls is a nice change, and allowed for a lot more functionality + playability afterwards. The improved boat is a great addition - and the added characters is great to see! Finally, the ability to 'break out' different parts of the build to re-configure the entire fort is great, and I'm sure a ton of people will enjoy that added change.Congrats to Lego and the design team - it's a great addition to the childhood nostalgia theme that Lego is leaning in to.

First of all, I am not quite sure why this set is part of the 18+ range beyond creating nostalgia for people who remember it from their childhood. I think this would make a fantastic 12+ setThe set also features LEGO's "new" Multi-builder system. There are 4 instruction booklets for 4 separate parts of the set which can be built at the same time by 4 different people. This means it is great for multi builders, large groups. Though they don't mention this anywhere on the box.Though as a "displayer" of LEGO, I do think this set has some decent play potential. There are only a few "features" like crane, cannon, a few trap doors, but the set is very modular. I could easily imagine children taking a part of the fortress and having their own mini fortress to trade (or ... MoreFirst of all, I am not quite sure why this set is part of the 18+ range beyond creating nostalgia for people who remember it from their childhood. I think this would make a fantastic 12+ setThe set also features LEGO's "new" Multi-builder system. There are 4 instruction booklets for 4 separate parts of the set which can be built at the same time by 4 different people. This means it is great for multi builders, large groups. Though they don't mention this anywhere on the box.Though as a "displayer" of LEGO, I do think this set has some decent play potential. There are only a few "features" like crane, cannon, a few trap doors, but the set is very modular. I could easily imagine children taking a part of the fortress and having their own mini fortress to trade (or defend) with other players.Though after all that praise there are few standout build features that made me say "oh wow" while i was building, and it just misses the mark of hitting that perfect score.8/10 - very good set

As I fall into the 45 - 60 age bracket, it'll come as no surprise to learn I picked this up as I owned the original version of this set back in 1989. It was the last big Lego set I was given in Christmas that year and I loved it. I looked after it and later gave it to my nephew, who promptly decorated the garden with all the parts and figures. Sigh. Well toys are for playing with, so at least he enjoyed himself. I've been fond of Lego's recent recreation of older sets (much better than straight reissues), and whilst this may be very much playing to silly old farts like me, it is a great set.The main advantage this has over the original is the inclusion of a larger boat (a Clipper, apparently - I don't know boats), so you can have hours of fun loading and unloading ... MoreAs I fall into the 45 - 60 age bracket, it'll come as no surprise to learn I picked this up as I owned the original version of this set back in 1989. It was the last big Lego set I was given in Christmas that year and I loved it. I looked after it and later gave it to my nephew, who promptly decorated the garden with all the parts and figures. Sigh. Well toys are for playing with, so at least he enjoyed himself. I've been fond of Lego's recent recreation of older sets (much better than straight reissues), and whilst this may be very much playing to silly old farts like me, it is a great set.The main advantage this has over the original is the inclusion of a larger boat (a Clipper, apparently - I don't know boats), so you can have hours of fun loading and unloading the thing using the crane. Or at least I have, it's a toy right? Play with it!The main build I really enjoyed - the terrain isn't as monotonous as it looks to build, with different techniques to keep it interesting. The overall look once complete is excellent. Although I do have one criticism - I'm not a fan of the way Governor Broadside's office has no back to it and the secondary cannon emplacement gets in the way of being able to do anything useful with the space. Still, I have some bricks of my own so I can remedy that. It's a minor thing when one considers the way this takes the original toy and refines and updates it using modern pieces and techniques.The main selling point of this is the modular nature of the set. You can split it apart and reconfigure it a variety of ways, which also reveals a few underground secrets - hidden treasure, some barrels of ale or similar and a poor pirate who made a wrong turn when trying to escape!I'm also really pleased with all the play features packed in - along with aforementioned underground areas, you've got a prison cell your prisoners can break out of, loads of gun emplacements, those awesome cannons (really pleased these remain as fearsome as ever), a couple of trap doors, loads of little bags of stuff, a kitchen area and table to eat alfresco. Nice! Oh, and I love that the ramp now has studs so you can pose figures on it! How cool is that?Rounding out the set is a selection of cheery soldiers and a couple of pirates. I was surprised to see that three of the soldiers were female, which I appreciated. It's always nice to have some gender balance to historical sets like these.I've been super pleased with the set overall and think it's excellent. For what you get and the play features included, it's a much more worthy retro themed purchase compared to the very expensive Castle and is as good as the superb Galaxy Explorer.