Okay, it looks like there's a lot of moms reviewing this lego-copy set, but we all know building is a man's thing! They are all right, it is a pretty awesome set. The comparison picture in the ad is actually TRUE for a change, it says "Other Brands -expensive -few pieces - simple box." They are right, we have a few true brand sets, they are more expensive and do come with smaller sets for the price, and they do come in a normal, simple, cardboard box. This set achieves all of those over legos.
There are a LOT of pieces, and it will be hours of work to complete it. I haven't reviewed this in so long because it's been getting pieced together in time. But, does make some busy work. The price is EXCELLENT in comparison, and it is pretty nice, it comes in a decent feeling plastic container, which is also good for when you're part-way through an assembly and have to stop, you can just throw it in the bin and it's all kept together and small pieces aren't going to fall out.
As far as age, I have two future men on board, one is 6, and the other just turned 4. The recommended age is 6, and it's pretty good for a recommended age. My 6 year old will find the parts and put it together, my 4 year old will just play with parts after I assemble them and take them apart. I would say it will take some organization and focus that is needed for school to be ready to attempt this.
The quality of the parts feel just as good as the name-brand. It comes in it's own bin, so you can keep all the parts together, and for how many pieces of a set, it's priced very well. The only thing I can complain about that I didn't even realize until several hours of work was, it doesn't come with the people! So, if you want to compliment this set, you may want to search for some police and/or bad guys to throw in, otherwise you're going to have an abandoned police station, which isn't normal, unless you're in Seattle. But, at least Sonic the Hedgehog helps out there.
