I’ve been a semi-professional LEGO assembler since my childhood so I was excited to review this product. I chose one of the most inexpensive sets from this line, J.B.’s Ghost Lab. The total of 174 pieces didn’t pose much of a challenge and luckily I had my son assist with its construction. Assembly was enjoyable and completed in a reasonable amount of time.

With our set ready-to-go I visited the Apple App Store on my iPhone to download the Hidden Side app. The app opens with the introduction of J.B., accompanied with an extremely theatrical - creepy soundtrack. Users are asked to ‘Find Your Set’ by choosing which LEGO set they purchased and built. I chose Ghost Lab and was then given two choices: Ghost Hunt or Multiplayer. I chose Ghost Hunt. Next came a screen with some tips on how to optimize and guide the AR play experience: Play in a well lit area under adult supervision, Play on a clean - flat surface in a safe environment, Avoid patterned and reflective surfaces. I gave the app permission to use my camera and the once normal LEGO model came to life. Play was advanced by asking the user to center on certain targets on the set. This activated another step where I was asked to spin a piece on my set from one color to another. If I did not properly click each target my battery would get drained a percentage point. I was asked to place a minifigure in a specific location on the set. This helped initiative a game where I had to defeat a ghost named Gary Atric by using a sort of paranormal blaster. I was successful, cleared the challenge, captured the ghost. and earned ‘gloom’ and ‘spirit’ points.

Users can play levels again, or if they have built other sets move on to those challenges. Additional game elements lie in visits to the Workshop where users can acquire new ghosts by spending their points or build their own Ghost Team. Users can choose three ghosts from a collection which grows as they complete additional challenges. The elements of this app are not centered around ‘one and done’, instead the app fosters a total experience to play, earn, and build.