Lego Eevee (72151) review: "I'm calling it now, I think Lego Eevee is the best of the Pokemon sets"

I bring great news: Lego Eevee is not, in fact, cursed.

I feel this may need some context. Lego is brilliant at so many things, from recreating almost anything you can imagine in blocky miniature to mangling your feet if you stand on a stray brick. What it isn't so good at is larger-scale characters that aren't droids or robots. (Exhibit A: Chewbacca, who has Seen Things.) While it's a fun build, the Lego Pikachu and Poke Ball kit slips into that uncanny valley by virtue of him looking as though he's been stung by bees. Lego Eevee, though? She neatly sidesteps that fate, sauntering onto our list of the best Lego sets. Lego Eevee is a perfect little sunbeam. I would die for Lego Eevee.

Lego Eevee features

• A pint-sized Pokemon
• Smallest and most affordable wave 1 set
• For display, and not to be played with (sorry, kids)

This is the smallest and cheapest of all the first wave Pokemon Lego models, and it's too freakin' cute. Sure, the others may challenge the best Lego kits for size or ambition. But Lego Eevee is as cute as a button, and it doesn't cost a small fortune.

Practically speaking, this set doesn't come with a stand like the others but features just as much articulation. You can move the legs, head, tail, and ears however you like – but don't expect this thing to stand up to playtime with kids. It's very much a display piece, and isn't likely to survive contact with younger Pokemon trainers.

Lego Eevee build

• Just under 600 pieces
• Doesn't take more than an hour or two
• Not especially tricky

At a few hundred pieces, Lego Eevee shouldn't take you long to build. It's not a complicated process either; this is the sort of thing you can comfortably finish in an evening while watching TV on the sofa. While there are a few spots where you can come unstuck if you aren't paying attention to piece orientation, it's pretty plain sailing. In other words, it's great if you don't tend to make Lego or are new to the hobby.

Lego Eevee design

• Absolutely adorable
• Accurate recreation of the in-game character
• Posable features add so much character

Eevee leaps from the screen to reality with picture-perfect clarity – it's a gorgeous little model that nails the Pokemon's in-game look. Whether it's the tousled fringe or the shaggy mane, it looks spot on… which is easier said than done for something more commonly seen in two dimensions or on a TV. I don't look at this and go "ah, it's kinda like Eevee. Points for effort."

Despite not being the most flexible model, it's articulated enough to inject a lot of personality into your build too. Much like the Lego Piranha Plant, it's surprising how much character you can add by giving Eevee lopsided ears or just cocking the head.

Should you buy Lego Eevee?

If you adore the franchise and want an affordable yet still detailed way to celebrate it on your shelf, this is the best option. I'm not entirely sold by Pikachu, and while the starter evolutions kit is undeniably amazing to look at, it's so expensive as to be out of reach for many. This more than fills the bill, though.

Its simplicity makes it a great choice for anyone that isn't a Lego regular, too. It won't take long to finish and isn't taxing on the old gray stuff, making Lego Eevee a great gift for yourself or a fellow Poke-fan.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested Lego Eevee

I spent two laid-back evenings putting together Lego Eevee on the sofa while half-watching TV. During that process I focused on the quality of instruction, ease of the building, and any tricky bits I found difficult to construct. I then lived with the finished model on my shelf for a couple of days so I could make an informed verdict.

To get a better idea of our process, check out the full GamesRadar+ review policy.

Want more merch and collectibles? Don't miss the best toys or the best Nerf blasters.