Your Opinion On: Pirate Fantasy Elements

[The Eye]

Every now and then, LEGO does something that either results in a lot of love or a lot of hate. Many of these things are fantasy items added into pirates, such as the Skeleton Pirates of 1996, the Cannon Rowboat of 1989/2009, the Mermaid of 2009, or the volcanoes on tiny islands of 1995.

What is your opinion on these elements? Do you love them, and wish to see more of them? Or, would you like to see less of them and more historical accuracy? You can give your opinion on the pirate sets, but no bluecoat/redcoat flaming please (unless it's in good fun! )

A poll would be nice, if someone could oblige?

Edited April 16, 2010 by The Eye

[Commodore Hornbricker]

I guess I don't mind anything you mentioned. Mermaides have a practical application as mastheads, etc and skeletons are always needed (they don't have to be living dead) and I would by 100 impulse sets today if they came with a cannon and a bluecoat!

[General Armendariz]

I guess I don't mind anything you mentioned. Mermaides have a practical application as mastheads, etc and skeletons are always needed (they don't have to be living dead) and I would by 100 impulse sets today if they came with a cannon and a bluecoat!

I'd have to agree with hornbricker, I always thought the Pirate skeletons were just dead pirates from past battles. Like the POTC ride.

And Mermaids could be real Besides LEGO has never really been 'realistic' The Agents line has giant Robots attacking cities, not something that happens in real life. Thats why the slogan in 2001/2002 was "Just Imagine..."

Just my 2 cents.

[lisqr]

I'd like to see more fantasy elements. Why stop at mermaids? Add some siren, ghost ship, sea monsters and so on.

[The Eye]

I guess I don't mind anything you mentioned. Mermaides have a practical application as mastheads, etc and skeletons are always needed (they don't have to be living dead) and I would by 100 impulse sets today if they came with a cannon and a bluecoat!

Don't stop there! One can't live on impulse sets alone! How about a Bluecoat Flagship?

[David Thomsen]

I don't really mind at all - it is supposed to appeal to children after all, and it tends to be internally consistent within the theme. I really just think of it as the charm of Lego, and when I was a kid, I didn't think twice about a cannon in a rowboat.

[Commodore Hornbricker]

Don't stop there! One can't live on impulse sets alone! How about a Bluecoat Flagship?

Let's not get carried away. I wouldn't want them to hurt themselves. I don't think a Bluecoat could manage to sail much more than a row boat in open water. :pir-skull:

[Pyramid]

I consider fantasy a necessity to my displays. I have a modest Atlantis army attacking my imperial port. (5 Mantas, 2 Shark-men, 1 Squid Leader). I also have a few skeleton pirates.

[Capt. Thomas Foolery]

I hearrrrrrrrtily agree with the prevailing sentiment on board here - fantasy elements = good.

Because, let's be honest here. None of us are truly fans of 100% historical pirates. That's like admitting you're a fan of rape, murder, arson, torture, and a great number more unsavory things that a human can do to another human. The allure of piracy is rooted very firmly in its fantasy elements. Buried treasure, maps where X marks the spot, walking the plank, hidden tropical coves populated with mermaids, voodoo zombies, etc. All of these have very little place in the reality of pirates as our conceptions of pirates are mostly founded on what Hollywood has indoctrinated us with. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just another great story to tell.

I, for one, am kind of perplexed by those who are obsessed with recreating 100% accurate historical elements through LEGO. For me at least, it doesn't seem like a very worthwhile venture. (If you do it, that's fine - just not my cup of tea, er...rum) I find it far more interesting when people create rather than re-create, so long as its recreational (how's that for clear logic). Capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Piracy is far more exciting than simply making a copy of it. I think that's why so many people on here make references back to the PotC ride at Disney. It's completely inaccurate as a historical portrayal, but the adventurous spirit and the fantasy that drives it are all there.

So please, LEGO, keep introducing more fantasy elements to the Pirates line. If you don't like them, we always have the option of using them as mastheads instead.

[General Redwater]

My opinion is that fantasy elements are okay, but I would rather stay more practical. "Krackin attackin" ( although a good set) was a bit too fantasy like. A kracking attacking a raft bigger than itself makes no sense, but I am sure that kids like it so why not make it?

Let's not get carried away. I wouldn't want them to hurt themselves. I don't think a Bluecoat could manage to sail much more than a row boat in open water. :pir-skull:

True! Harbor sentrys are all their navy ever will be.

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General Redwater

Edited April 15, 2010 by General Redwater

[The Eye]

My opinion is that fantasy elements are okay, but I would rather stay more practical. "Krackin attackin" ( although a good set) was a bit too fantasy like. A kracking attacking a raft bigger than itself makes no sense, but I am sure that kids like it so why not make it?

True! Harbor sentrys are all their navy ever will be.

-

General Redwater

The redcoats have had their own share of cannon-rowboat action, in the Loot Island set.

What is everyone's opinion on Loot Island? I think it's fantastic- a nice new baseplate, awesome features and a cool castaway. Add that to the Imperial Fort and you've got a battle!