Reflections of an (ex-retired) veteran

[Artifex]

Hail all!

Here follows my impressions and reflections on the new Kingdom line. It's not a review, and those I'll link in what follows (written by our most excellent EB companions). I'll also link some things I mention to articles in Brickipedia.

Well, for starters, a little background: Although I love Lego and it was one of the toys of my childhood and early teen years (along with GIJoe and Playmobil), I haven't bought or played with Lego for a long time. I came from Brazil, and Lego there (and also GIJoe and Playmobil) are quite expensive (I never had a whole collection of any GIJoe, Lego or Playmobil lines/themes).but i wa fortunate enough to have more than a handful of each.

I was lucky to get many cool Lego, though; and the ones I got I played night and day, living as many adventures as a kid's mind could come up with.

Back in the day, it was the time of Crusaders and Black Falcons (sorry, but I do count Lego time based on the Castle line because it's my favorite). The greatest set was the [6080] King's Castle, and every kid wanted one. Building and designs were very simple, and there weren't that many pieces and bricks as are out there today. Take a look for yourself: This was my very first Lego; a race car; and a house (my first Lego house).

As you can see, things were quite different at the time. Very clear cut, straight-forward designs, with only small twists (that made a huge difference) and fewer types of bricks, parts and pieces. Compare these sets I mentioned to nowadays sets like the Green Grocer (here and here), a sports car (here and here); a house (the Apple Tree House) and the 2010 tow truck (here and here). They may not be the exact point of comparison, but I guess you take my meaning.

I left Lego around the end of the Black Knights and the beggining of the Dragon Masters. Although I "grew up" and stopped playing with my Lego, I kept visiting toy stores and kept myself in touch with younger friends (3yo+ younger who used to play with me, mainly neighbors and youger brothers of friends my age), so I sort of knew "what was going on" in the world of Lego.

But I did not buy, build or tried any major sets in the past 15+ years. I got some impulse sets, that's true, but nothing bigger than a minifigure + equipment set. Til 2010. Til this past week.

Last week I finally decided to go back to Lego. In the past few years I've been lurking (and even registering) in forums, saving pics and getting amazed by all the awesome work people has been doing around the globe. Yes, I did clean up my Legos a couple of times this past dozen years, and even built some stuff, but nothing more than an afternoon or a couple of hours without any new sets.

But back to business. So last week I was at Game in Hamleys here in London (I moved ot Londo about a month ago), talking to as many people as I could meet, trying to make up my mind about which videogame to buy (unfortunately, I cannot afford both an Xbox 360 AND a PS3 - and, why not?, a Wii). When I was leaving, I decided to take a look at some Lego and BANG! the new [7946] King's Castle!

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But what caught my attention wasn't the fact that there was a new castle and a new Cstle/Kingdom line - I am/was quite used to that. What really striiked me was the fact that this new castle is so much like the one from my childhood! As I was looking to the new castle, completely amazed, I started talking to Matthew, this nice and kind guy who works in Hamleys and is responsible for all htings Lego (or maybe he's a Lego guy who works at hamleys - whatever). He told that "yeah, this new castle DOES look like the old one from our childhood". Then my eyes found the other sets, and a new world openned its arms to me..

I went back home and I couldn' realy think of anything else; a brand-new start, an awsome revamp of the Castle line of my dear childhood years... I totally forgot about Xboxes and PS3s.

So I started searching the internet for reviews and impressions on the new Castle/Kingdom line (I'll sometimes use one, sometims the other, but I always want to say the Medieval line/theme as a whole). Then I found Eurobrick. Guys, I cannot thank you enough for all the reviews. In one of my very first posts here i said something that I now repeat: you DO have the best reviews in all of the internet! The many pictures, the funny comments, the little stories around some reviews... And the community: What an excellent community we got in here! I'm part of different forums, and few have as good a community as EB. But back to the point.

So the new Kingdom line is like a revamp of the one from my childhood. After reading a couple of reviews here and a few comments around the 'net, I decided that 2010 is my Lego year. I went to a store and caught the [7948] Outpost Attack for starters. As I got home, I openned it up and went through the pieces, parts, bricks, designs and minifigs.

At first, by what I saw on the forums, I didn't really like the new minifigs. Especially the Lions. The design looked pretty horrible. But then, in an in-hand analysis... They are actually awesome! They are very good figures, and the colors and printed armor are really cool and cool-looking. The new faces - although I'm not new to the Lego faces and expressions, I had never seen one in-hand - and they are really cool too! (even if they are not new to you, guys...) The overall color scheme is quite nice, and both the Lions and the Dragons figs deserve praise and respect (even if they don't have - yet! - the right amount of accessories - but I'll come back to that later).

As for the tower, I was intrigue by its design. There was this new piece, which back in the day was quite different (sorry, folks, no links). Also, there were these pieces that I later found out are called "cheese" (because the yellow ones are used as food in other sets), that go up the walls. The tower in itself was quite detailed, with more arches and walls in the front and details in the back (like the archway in front of the "exploding wall"). Nothing like the old [6080] King's Castle or the [6062] Battering Ram tower (yes, that was a tower back in the day).

But what really bought me to the Outpost Attack was the Lion Flag. So many lively colors! Sounded like a call to arms to me - and here I am, my king.

The catapult was another thing that I'd seen on the reviews and made me buy this set as my first one. It looks menacing, well-designed and has the right color scheme (although I do think it's too short). My only catapult is the Knight's Stronghold one, which I never found menacing, but for the counterweight.

So, putting all things together - design, minifigs, colors and, of course, the feeling -, the new Castle line was really promising. And I couldn't just stop.

Reading reviews and reviews, I decided my next move. I wanted a small town with a castle to protect it. Looking at the options, there is the [10193] Medieval Market Village, the [7946] King's Castle, and the many other sets in this theme. So I went to a Lego store and decided to get as many sets as I could. I bought the [10193], the [7946] and also [7949] Prison Carriage Rescue, [7950] Knight's Showdown, [7953] Jester and the [7955] Wizard.

I built the smaller sets first. The wizard was quite nice, with the cool reading scroll/grimoire and the "baby dragon". A pity his beard is black while the minifig face is white and he heas no printing in his chest :( But ok. Nice hat too, but not so nice a wand. Overall, nice figure, and there was nothing like it back in the olden days.

The jester was the right opposite to the wizard: colorful, joyful, full of action. The stand/stage and the studs really give this fig life and movement. I can't look at him and not think he's actually playing with the studs. I can't remember of any jester, and the addition of these guys is really something. We used to have more civilian buildings, but no such lively feeling as this guy brings to any MOC or official set.

The Knight's Showdown was my next choice of building. Although a catapult would not be my choice to attack a single enemy, it's a nice addition to castle walls and defense. The knights look just great, but a pity there are no horses. What is a knight without his horse? TLG failed on this one. A dozen of years ago, noone would be called a knight if he had no horse... Another step backwards are the helmets. I like the Dragon helmet, and there's this nostalgia feeling for the grill Lion helmet but come on - the Black Knights had better helmets! (look at the knight on the left) All in all, I think the Knights Showdown is a must get for the two figs and accessories. One more sword and shield are never too much. I can't remember of any set up to 1995-96 that had two different minifigs (and especially from different factions) with that many accessories. But if I did, I bet there would be horses for the knights.

The [7949] Prison Carruage Rescue makes me think of two sets I had: The [6023] Maiden's Cart and the [6055] Prisoner Convoy. I'm not sure why, but I guess it's the horse and cart and people being carried in those. Although not as big and full of minifig as the Prisoner Convoy, the Prison Carruage is a good set. Obvious playability, nice minifigs and accessories, and the cool barding and the horse. A must to any town, village or castle WIPs and MOCs.

From those small sets I went straight to the [7946] King's Castle. I couldn't help but compare it to past castles, and I have to say it is one of the bests castles TLG has ever produced. It has many features from previous castles, but a "character" of its own: it feels solid (and it should, with those two "rear/back" towers). I was left dazzled a couple of minutes looking at the portcullis, and the ingenious way it's risen and lowered. So different from the old ways, which were much more simple. Even the drawbridge mechanism is quite different, with the attached chains. Although I'm not disapointed in the least, I have to say I like the [6080] drawbridge best: there's nothing like its string going under the bridge!

The two back towers are another strong point of the new King's Castle: they feel like they play different functions inside this structure - they are not just another guardpost or weaponry. The two doors (and you just look at those doors!) are a nice touch, keeping the utility feel of the two structures. Althought the throne is another nice addition, the rooms is just too small and it feels the king willl just fall off and die at any moment.

The minifigs and accessories are another highlight of this new castle set: they are just awesome. The king is especially fabulous, taking a long time to be fully appreciated: quite a sight! The golden longsword, crown and armor are also impressive, and I see no flaw as to the figs and acessories. It's cool to have all those catapults in the towers, too. I never get tired of looking at the shields. The horse and barding is another sight, and that's one stallion you youself would ride to battle!

Speaking of figs and shields, I have to mention this line's Battle Packs. Ok, it's not the same plastic, it's not the same shine, it's not the same grip. But the look is still awesome anyway. Put a bunch of those BP figures anywhere, and you know they will stand beautiful whenever you look at them. They may not be your favorite soldiers ever, but they won't dissapoint you even if they don't look that good near the "non-Chinese" figs.

From the castle I moved to the [10193] Medieval Market Village. I have wanted this set since I stumbled upon it in a Brazilian auction site. Lucky me I finally got one! The MMV took the longest to be finished. Not only because it's got two houses and many details, but also because it was the one set I was really looking forward to lay my hands on. Remember that I had never seen such a beautiful and detailed model before, and there were no big medieval houses around when I was younger. The tree was quite intriguing, for the ones I had were just green structures (althought the Forestmen had some trees more akin to the MMV one). The figures were another highlight of this set, with the kids, old man and the ladies. Fruits, baskets, a tavern. A great set, not only in size and piece count, but nice addition to just about ANY medieval MOC I can think of.

So, after building and playing a bit with all these many sets, and getting acquainted with much more modern building techniques, pieces and design twists, I have to say how abashed I am. Although I had been reading reviews on each and avery Castle set from my days to the present, I wasn't fully ready to everything I found and discovered in the MMV and the new Kingdom line.

The very first thing that strikes me is the attention to detail. Today, it's not just about having a structure, but having it in some detail besides functionality and playability. And not only the buildings, but the minifigs too: they are just fabulous, with all the intricate art (from lowly peasants to the king and his knights, footmen and bowmen). The TLG design team must be really proud of their work. I applaud them.

Playability is the second thing. The buildings are not just beautiful and detailed, but completely playable: walls that come down, doors and windows that actually open and close, secret walls that can come down, catapults everywhere... It's like everything is now really and completely useful, whereas it used ot be just a structure or an expected part of a bigger set. If in the old days we would just sit down and bring things out from our imaginaiton, the kids today have many options right out when they first open the Lego box. The Prince of Persia sets are all about that too.

Then we have all possible combinations and additions one can think of: It's easy to read that someone got three or more of the same set to have more figs or to build bigger castles and larger villages. Increase population. And from what I see, people that have not gone away from Lego this past years are building using every new design, parts and bricks, having MOCs that make it hard to choose which one is the best - because truth be told, they all are. Although we had to mix-and-match with our sets, it seems as if every new sets adds a crystal clear different something, not only minifigs, weapons and a tower or two.

So, from an ex-retired veteran point of view, Lego has grown so much and in so many ways that it makes coming back to it a whole new start. There are just so many things to learn, to see and to appreciate, that it's hard not to think of it as something alive. And growing. Deffinitely growing.

I just became a registered member of this community. It will take some time for me to get totally acquainted with the sets, parts, and designs. So I ask you to be patient. At times I'll be redunctant and boring. I'll ask stupid questions. But keep in mind that I'm coming back after such a long time, that I need to get my time to watch and learn. And be sure that I'll be loving it all the way to fun and design.

Cheers!

[Apache]

Welcome, I'm glad you made it through the DARK AGES and have seen the light. Some people drink heavily, others smoke, snort, gamble, the list goes on...but I would much rather just BUY and PLAY with LEGO like you. I feel the same way about these sets, LOVE THEM. I don't have the Castle yet, just bought 3 of the prision carriages and the impulse sets....but am loving the figs and details as well. Thanks for posting, it was a good read.

[Lordofdragonss]

I just read the whole thing, it was very interesting to see what the "begginer" have to say!

And I bet you will get the new Advent calendar!

I can't wait to see this sets in Poland!

I really want new helmets (yay finaly new helmet!), they are so beautiful!

Edited June 9, 2010 by Lordofdragonss

[Jedi Master Fangorn]

Interesting read. I was completely blown away as well by the Medieval Market Village, and buying that set really got me collecting castle Lego again after not acquiring any since the Dragon Masters, Forestmen, and Black Falcons of yesteryear (with a brief sortie into the fabulous Vikings theme years ago).

Though I don't share your happiness over the Kingdoms line as much as I loved the fantasy line, I completely understand your wonder when you came back to Lego. I have a younger brother who just in the last three years has really begun collecting Lego, and with him I have gotten back into actively collecting as well. Not that I ever got completely out of collecting, but it stagnated for a little while. Some of my best memories forever will be building and playing Lego with him.

I'm glad that you were inspired to come back, and hope that we continue to see innovation by Lego over the long haul such as we have seen over the last 30 years or so.

[squiz]

Great read artifex, good to hear your views and perspective. I havent been out of my dark age long either and always enjoy hearing about people experiences relating to this.

The medieval market village looks amazing, though i havent been able to get one yet. Ive got the money but my local shop hasnt had any in for a while :( Hoping to pick it up soon. I feel the same towards the new kingdoms line as you. A real throwback to the castle sets i loved as a kid. Im hoping to pick all these sets up soon, but its certainly not cheap !

Out of interest where did you buy these sets in the UK ? I havent found the kingdoms line anywhere yet! Was it at a lego brand store ?

[Artifex]

Great read artifex, good to hear your views and perspective. I havent been out of my dark age long either and always enjoy hearing about people experiences relating to this.

The medieval market village looks amazing, though i havent been able to get one yet. Ive got the money but my local shop hasnt had any in for a while :( Hoping to pick it up soon. I feel the same towards the new kingdoms line as you. A real throwback to the castle sets i loved as a kid. Im hoping to pick all these sets up soon, but its certainly not cheap !

Out of interest where did you buy these sets in the UK ? I havent found the kingdoms line anywhere yet! Was it at a lego brand store ?

I got them at the Lego store in Bluewater (the Shopping Centre). Hamleys has the whole line (but for the Battle Packs), but I advise you to compare prices - most sets are (sometimes much) more expensive in Hamleys than in the Lego store. The Outpost Attack is only 1p more expensive, though :)

[Santhor]

Great read, and good to know there's another Castle collector here! I, personally, have always been "into" Legos, ever since my brothers and I collected the first Bionicles and Knights' Kingdom 1 as kids. With the years, I've seen Knights' Kingdom 1 and 2 come and go, then came Vikings (one of my favorites), then we saw Castle, or Fantasy Era, and now back to good ol' classic Kingdoms. While I'll miss the old themes, I always love seeing the new stuff here several months before they're released!

-Santhor