LEGO Horizon Review: A Stunning Fusion of Gaming and Brick-Building Art

April 21, 2025 Emery Person

When two creative giants collide, magic happens. That’s exactly what you get with the LEGO Horizon Forbidden West: Tallneck set — a unique collaboration between LEGO and PlayStation that brings one of the most iconic machines from the Horizon series to life in brick form. Whether you’re a fan of the Horizon franchise, a seasoned LEGO builder, or both, this set is a treat for the senses.

But does it live up to the hype? In this LEGO Horizon review, we’ll break down the set’s design, build experience, display value, and overall appeal to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your collection.

What Is the LEGO Horizon Forbidden West Set?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover the basics. Released in 2022, this LEGO set is based on the Tallneck, one of the towering, giraffe-like machines from the Horizon Forbidden West video game. With 1,222 pieces, it’s designed for adults (18+) and falls under LEGO’s premium display model category.

Key details:

Set Number: 76989
Piece Count: 1,222
Recommended Age: 18+
Includes: Tallneck model, display base, Watcher machine, and a minifigure of Aloy

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

A Striking Display Model

One of the standout features of this set is its visual accuracy and attention to detail. The Tallneck’s unique silhouette is perfectly captured with elegant curves, angled plates, and well-integrated joints. The base mimics the Horizon environment with overgrown terrain, a traffic light, and subtle post-apocalyptic cues.

What we love about the design:

Faithful recreation of the Tallneck’s mechanical beauty
Minimal use of stickers (mostly printed elements)
Dynamic posing options for both the Tallneck and Watcher

Aloy and the Watcher: Small Yet Significant

The included Aloy minifigure is one of the set’s highlights. Complete with her signature outfit, a Focus accessory, and a bow, the minifig is a perfect miniaturized tribute to the fearless heroine. The Watcher, with its posable limbs and eye-color variations (red, blue, yellow), adds an extra layer of interactivity and lore.

Building Experience

A Relaxing Yet Rewarding Build

With over 1,200 pieces, the LEGO Horizon set offers a build that’s both challenging and meditative. It strikes a balance between intricate assembly and repetitive, calming sections.

Highlights of the build process:

Clever part usage to recreate curved elements
Modular segments that come together satisfyingly
A well-structured instruction manual with in-universe lore snippets

This is a build you’ll want to take your time with — perfect for a rainy weekend or as a break from daily routine.

Value for Money

Is It Worth the Price?

At retail, the LEGO Horizon Tallneck set was priced around $90 USD, and considering the piece count, licensed branding, and display value, it offers solid value for adult collectors.

What makes it worth it:

High-quality parts and printed elements
Excellent display appeal for fans of Horizon or sci-fi in general
The novelty of combining LEGO with a gaming IP like PlayStation

The set has also become a bit of a collector’s item, with prices rising post-release — a testament to its popularity and limited production run.

Who Is This Set For?

This isn’t just a toy — it’s a display centerpiece that appeals to:

Horizon fans looking to bring their favorite world into the real world
Adult LEGO enthusiasts seeking unique builds
Gamers-turned-builders curious about LEGO’s foray into pop culture

While kids might enjoy the visual aspects, the build complexity and display-first design are clearly tailored for an older audience.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break it down at a glance:

✅ Pros:

Beautiful, screen-accurate model
Great inclusion of Aloy and Watcher
Engaging build process
Excellent display value

❌ Cons:

Limited playability (not built for rough handling)
Slightly niche appeal if you’re not into the Horizon series
Might be hard to find at MSRP now

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Fans

The LEGO Horizon Forbidden West: Tallneck set is a masterclass in design and cross-medium storytelling. It’s more than just a LEGO set — it’s a love letter to fans of the Horizon universe, offering a creative and satisfying way to celebrate the game.

If you’re a fan of Aloy’s adventures or just love high-concept, beautifully designed LEGO builds, this set is an absolute must-have. Even if you’re not familiar with the game, the model’s aesthetics alone make it a striking addition to any collection.