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So, as someone who has never bought or built a Brick Shop set before, I just finished building the Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar and I've got to say I'm impressed. Lego will have some competition if Mattel branches out into different themes, or poaches 3rd party licences that have been a staple of Lego for decades (like Star Wars). There were only two major flaws I had with the build:
1. Stickers are awful. Instead of stickers, Mattel should just stick extra blocks that have pad printing along side parts that don't. Then everyone gets the option of which one they prefer.
2. One of the red pieces for the car seat was discoloured. Not only was it a slightly different shade of red, but it also had black streaks mixed in with it. Looks to be a quality control issue. This was the only piece that had it, but this is also my first Mattel Brick Shop set, so in terms of first impressions this was a big letdown. I hope this isn't a common issue.
For those that are wondering if Mattel bricks are compatible with Lego bricks. From the limited Lego I have right now (I've only just started to get back into it this past month), I can say yes, but it is currently inconclusive. I need to do more tests, but the platform piece for Lego minifigs clicked in like Lego.
Mattel Brick Shop sets appear to give you more bang for your buck when it comes to the plastic pieces. Plus they make some unique pieces that would be extremely handy for terrain and structures. I did notice a slight difference in colour when connecting the black platform piece to the black pieces for the Cadillac GTP Hypercar, the best way I can describe them is that they're not black, but the darkest shade of grey you could imagine.
As a side note for the other colours, the red and blue is different Lego's red and blue. This might make for interesting shade techniques when combining brands. All in all Mattel has what it takes to go toe to toe with Lego, providing they don't just stick to cars.
