Lego has been dabbling with video games for years, trying to blur the line between physical bricks and digital devices. And in its latest attempt, a toy range named Hidden Side, the world’s biggest toymaker treads down an increasingly popular route.
With Pokémon Go, Harry Potter and Minecraft already well invested in AR, and iOS’ ARKit technology able to provide increasingly impressive results, it is perhaps not surprising to see Lego also venture down the same path. But for a toy designed to spark imagination rather than simply show it on screen – is it a helpful addition or an unwelcome distraction?
Hidden Side is a toy range first, but its hook is how each set has an extra layer of playability when paired up with the free Hidden Side game for your mobile phone and tablet. Here’s how it looks in action:
LEGO Hidden Side Trailer – El Fuego’s Stunt Truck Watch on YouTube
Each physical set features a combination of ghosthunting kids Jack and Parker on a mission to rid their neighbourhood of spectral possession, aided by punky scientist J.B. (a loving riff on Ghostbusters’ Holtzmann) and Spencer, a friendly ghost dog.
Their enemies? A gaggle of ghosts able to possess others, which allows for physical Lego minifigures to be customised with some creepy possessed parts. And it’s here the app comes into play.
Hidden Side’s ghosts exist entirely in the digital version of your Lego creation, when scanned via your phone’s camera. Each set in the Hidden Side range unlocks an AR scene around it, turning your carpet or coffee table into a spooky background. The set itself also becomes augmented, with parts coming alive, Lego rats scuttling about, and extra detailing becoming visible.