DISCLAIMER: THIS REVIEW WAS GENERATED USING AI WITH PROMPTS AND GUIDANCE FROM A HUMAN AUTHOR.

Review: Castle in the Forest (Bootleg Knockoff) – Set 85668, 1928 Pieces

Overview
The bootleg Castle in the Forest (Set 85668) is a detailed medieval-themed build with 1928 pieces, split into three distinct modules: the main keep, a cave module on the right, and a smaller castle section. It also includes a raft side build and six minifigures: female archer, male archer, farmer, guard, knight, and pirate. The set arrives in an unmarked box without official LEGO branding or packaging.

Ordering & Packaging
Purchased from jooooy.com for \$64.52, the bricks come packed in one large bag containing six smaller bags, which themselves contain even smaller bags inside. One of the larger bags holds big elements. I use tackle boxes to pre-sort bricks from the “1” bags before building, though there is only one big bag labeled “1.”

Instructions
The instruction booklet features a white cover with a set image and the text “85668 18+ 1957 pcs/pzs.” The building steps are densely packed, with up to 21 steps per page and no clear indication where bags 1, 2, and 3 end, which can cause confusion. Due to this, I switched to using an online version for better clarity.

Build Quality & Features
The part quality is generally good. Pieces fit together smoothly but require more force than official LEGO bricks to fully lock. Notably, the included chain piece is a single connected element, unlike some knockoff sets where the chain links connect to studs and easily break.

The set’s three modules connect via 2x2 plates with ball joints, but these connections are fragile and not strong enough to support the weight when lifted. The left-hand castle wall is hinged, providing access to the stairway inside, which links the entrance hall with the banquet hall via a small room.

The left-hand side roof features dark blue shingles made of tile elements instead of slopes, giving a textured, detailed look. The rear castle wall exhibits a distressed stone masonry texture, enhancing the sense of age and history.

Small narrative touches enrich the build: a wise old owl perches in a tree on the left side of the side castle module, next to a green rope ladder. A red crab, which appears only in the parts inventory and last instruction image, is presumably meant as a random decorative piece. A smuggler on a raft, equipped with a Forestmen shield, accompanies the raft side build, where a sword is embedded in a tree stump.

Interior & Hidden Details
The castle foundation rests on a dark stone grey Mountain Bottom piece (BURP), inside which sit two dark grey stalactites and a hidden treasure chest. When closed, this area is only accessible from the river underneath the castle.

Although not mentioned in the instructions, leftover brick yellow (tan) 1x2 tile and 1x2 brick pieces can be used to complete the horse figure once the knight is dismounted.

In the original official set, a small blue bird sits in the tree near the build, but this bootleg replaces it with a white bird (a minor con).

Minifigures
The six minifigures include a female archer, male archer, farmer, guard, knight, and pirate. While detailed, the minifigs have stiff joints. A notable issue was a loose right arm on the farmer, where the hand swivelled too freely and replacement hands failed to fit securely, forcing use of the less loose hand. When trying to clip the pitchfork into this problematic arm, it tends to tilt and does not stay upright, affecting poseability.

The horse figure assembles from multiple parts rather than a single molded piece, which is different from the official LEGO design but not necessarily harder to build.

Pros

* Exceptional value at around \$65 compared to official prices exceeding \$470 (used) and \$560 (new).
* Good quality parts for a knockoff, including a well-made chain piece.
* Three-module design with play features like a hidden cave entrance, trapdoor into the river, and hinged walls for interior access.
* Rich narrative and decorative details like the owl, rope ladder, smuggler raft, and hidden treasure.
* Minifigure variety adds roleplay options.

Cons

* Fragile construction: weak module connections and side walls attached by only one row of studs, easily dislodged, especially when opening the pivoted blue roof.
* The bricks under the last floor that make the corbels are delicate, only being held in place with one stud, and are prone to breaking off.
* Stickers replace printed pieces on shields and some tiles.
* Instructions are cramped with unclear bag transitions.
* Minifigure joint stiffness and loose parts on some figures. When clipping the pitchfork to the farmer’s problematic arm, it tilts and fails to stay upright.
* Minor Con: The small bird is white instead of blue for some reason.

Note on Structural Design
Both the official LEGO set and this knockoff share the same structural weakness re...

Not a Bad Set but there are some missing pieces and the Mini figs and stickers looking a bit cheap.

Perfektes Preis/Leistungsverhältnis - toller Bauspaß und sieht auch gut aus !

1928pcs 85668 Castle in the Forest Ideas 910001 including mini figures

Das Paket kam sehr schnell bei mir an, was mich gefreut hat. Leider haben beim Aufbau einige Teile gefehlt, was mich sehr geärgert hat. Ebenso sind die Sticker leider auch nur eine 3/5, da sie meist nicht komplett zugeschnitten sind und dadurch beim Lösen reisen können.
Manche Teile waren etwas ungünstig gegossen, sodass sie sich nur mit viel Mühe befestigen ließen. Dennoch ein für diesen Preis nahezu unschlagbares Set.