As the year comes to a close, it felt like a good time to step back and reflect on what I’ve built so far and what’s really stood out to me. I’ve only reviewed a handful of sets this year, but they’ve been enough to give me a clear idea of what I enjoy most as a builder and what I’m excited to explore more going forward.
This isn’t a definitive “best of the year” list. It’s simply based on the sets I’ve actually built, lived with, and enjoyed at the table.
What I’ve Built So Far
So far, my reviews have focused mainly on Lumibricks, with a single Pantasy build mixed in. That wasn’t intentional at the start, it’s just how my buying habits went. Lumibricks kept releasing sets that aligned perfectly with the kind of builds I enjoy: modular-style buildings, strong atmosphere, and lighting designed into the build from day one.
That said, even with a smaller sample size, a few clear themes emerged very quickly.
My Favourite Build So Far: Lumibricks Art Gallery
If I had to pick one set that stood above the rest, it would be the Lumibricks Art Gallery.
It hits everything I personally look for in a build. The design is confident without being overcomplicated, the interiors are interesting without feeling cluttered, and the lighting elevates the entire model rather than feeling like an afterthought. Once it’s built and lit, it genuinely feels alive.
What really sold it for me was how cohesive the whole experience felt. The build was engaging, the finished model looks fantastic on display, and it slots effortlessly into a modular city layout. It’s one of those sets where you step back once it’s finished and think, “Yeah, that was worth the time.”
Lumibricks Brick Art Gallery
“The design is confident… and the lighting elevates the entire model rather than feeling like an afterthought.”
A Special Mention: Street Fusion as a Whole
While the Art Gallery takes the top spot, it’s hard not to talk about Street Fusion as a line. The Boxing Club, Record Store, and Graffiti Bus Stop all bring something slightly different to the table, but they share the same strengths: atmosphere, strong visual identity, and lighting that actually makes sense for the setting.
Taken together, they create a city scene with real personality. Each build works on its own, but they’re clearly designed to live alongside each other, and that’s something Lumibricks has done very well.
Pantasy: A Different Strength, and a Promising One
My one Pantasy build so far surprised me in a good way. While it didn’t rely on lighting, it leaned heavily into motion and mechanical elements, and that’s where Pantasy really shines.
The moving parts felt purposeful rather than gimmicky, and it made the build feel playful in a way that’s quite different from Lumibricks’ more atmosphere-driven approach. It’s enough to make me genuinely excited to build more from them, especially their modulars and mechanical-heavy sets.
I’m particularly interested to see how Pantasy evolves, especially with their recent moves towards integrating lighting where it makes sense.
What’s Coming Next
I’ve already got several sets purchased and waiting to be built, from both brands and beyond. Next year will definitely see a broader mix of reviews, more Pantasy builds, and a few other brands that have caught my eye.
If this year was about discovering what I enjoy most as a builder, next year is about expanding that out and seeing how different companies approach design, atmosphere, and playability.
For now, the Lumibricks Art Gallery sits comfortably as my favourite build so far. That may change. And honestly, I hope it does.
