2009 Pirate Set Impressions - the good, the bad and the ugly

[Mister Phes]

I realise some of you have already shared your thoughts in the New 2009 Pirates Set List thread so the purpose of this thread is to consolidate your opinions of the new sets - speculation and general discussion can remain in the other thread.

Based on the images what are your thoughts on these sets?

Here's an example to get you started:

Set 6243 (the ship)

Overall

I think these sets are worthy enough to relaunch the LEGO Pirate theme, however there is still room for improvement, particularly in regard to design. It's great to see new faces and torsos while retaining the Traditional Imperial Guard Flag motif. Everything that should be in the pirate theme is here, from the animals to the brick textures on the wall pieces.

What I like

• A return to the old style shooting cannons is brilliant!
  
• The inclusion of Imperial Guards - it seems almost everybody wants more of these guys
  
• The new dress on woman captive has some nice details. It's also good to have an actual dress piece for the Pirate theme.
  
• Giving the monkey a banana is a nice touch
  

What I don't like

• The new Jolly Roger (Skull and Cross Bone) Design on the sails and flags - it looks too "<insert that tiresome argument>" and may initially repel some AFOLs.
  
• There's only 4 pirates - that's not enough to crew a ship that size!
  
• The shark is too big. Replace when an original shark and add an extra pirate mini-figure or two.
  

Then repeat that for each of the sets... You don't have to review all the sets at once, you can do them one at time and come back later.

If a reviewer strays too far beyond that format their post will be moved to the New 2009 Pirates Set List thread.

Please DO NOT post set names or pictures

And please note the LEGO Group may never read this information as it is for our discussion purposes only.

Here's the BBCode for this format, just copy, paste and replace the details:

[em=1]Set number (do not use leaked names!)[/em]

[b]What I like[/b]
[list]
[*] First thing I liked
[*] Second thing I liked
[/list]

[b]What I don't like[/b]
[list]
[*] First thing I disliked
[*] Second thing I disliked
[/list]

[Moose]

6243 Pirate Ship

What I like

• Color Scheme of the ship
  
• No repeat minifig heads
  
• SOLDIERS
  
• Shooting cannons - i never had them when i was younger
  
• New bird
  
• The fact that its a new pirate ship and i never had a pirate ship when they were around before
  

What I don't like

• The face of the pirate behind the woman, its smiling - not very piratey
  
• The big shark
  
• The skull and cross bones - looks like a <insert that tiresome argument> alien
  
• The length of ship seems a little short but i could be wrong, ive never had one to compare with. Also, the front looks a little empty
  

Edited August 22, 2008 by Moose

[Admiral Blockbeard]

6243 (Pirate Ship)

What I like

• Mermaid legs!
  
• Similar design to classic
  
• New Figs
  
• More hull and railing pieces!
  
• Small Ladder
  
• Yellow GOLD treasure set
  
• Return of full soldier! shakos
  
• They clearly saw our contest designs!
  

What I don't like

• The back is FAR to "Heavy"
  
• Appears Juniourized
  
• STICKERS (on shako!)
  

[Sting]

Hellelujah!!!!

Pirates has returned! So has some wicked new town sets - Construction sets building actual buildings and not just digging, a brand new and unbelievably awesome "Agriculture" style City line. Wicked new Indiana Jones set based on the old sets (its still no Johnny Thunder, but some of these set designs are AWESOME). Good Castle line...

LEGO!! THANK YOU FOR WAKING UP. But your still a teeeeeny bit drowsy.

6243 (Pirate Ship)

What I like

• From what it looks like, using the old ship bases!
  
• Good amounts of sails!
  
• Lattice windows and fencing! Everywhere!
  
• The room underneath the bridge looks like it could be full of cool little details!
  
• Old Cannons!
  
• The colors of the ship itself - more realistic then some of the older Pirate ones.
  
• The awesomelanterns like all the old Pirates line had! (so simple, yet I loved them!)
  
• The cool new parrot
  
• Comes with some wicked Imperial Guards to battle. Always love when lego included a few of the enemy faction in one 'teams' set.
  
• Come to think of it, I just love how they obviously took influence from the Old Pirates line. (Phes, we will probably have to think of a term for the Pre-HORRIBLE PERIOD OF LEGO Pirates and these new ones... I guess Classic Pirates works!)
  

What I don't like

• I agree with Phes - don't like the jolly roger. Luckily its only on 2 sails.
  
• Needs more figures. This ship is definately too small to be the biggest Pirate set. Why not make this one the Pirate's Flagship and then make an even bigger (3 or 4 cannons) Imperial ship? Lego is still missing out on the opportunity to make a big, beautiful Imperial Galleon!
  
• The front hull (I forget what its called :( ) could maybe be built up a bit. Maybe I am just being picky - but the good thing - definately more pros than cons!
  

6242 (Imperial Fort)

What I like

• LOVE the use of the old Imperial Logo. Definately helping out the AFOL with 100s of Imperial Guardsmen.
  
• Did I mention those AWESOME Imperial Guards? They look great - and the golden insignia on the Shako is a beautiful touch.
  
• The 'dock' style layout reminds me of Imperial Trading Post and Imperial Outpost - 2 of the coolest Imperial bases.
  
• Old palm tree, monkey, and gator.
  
• The barrel O rum underneath the boat house thing.
  
• Possible use of old 5 wide castle walls with the "brick showing through" pattern.
  
• They actually included a Guardsmen Base - didn't expect that!
  

What I don't like

• As much as I do like the new Imperial Guardsmen, I think Lego missed an opportunity to really ramp up the guardsmen. They could have made them look more new and different - I am not saying change for the sake of change, but I am saying they could have done something slightly more exciting.
  
• Needs more guardmen. The set isn't that big, but this is the Guardsmen "Main" set, and three just ain't enough.
  
• No backpacks on guardsmen - granted these are supposed to be navy units and wouldn't carry their backpacks everywhere, it made them look bulkier and differentiated them from the Pirates more.
  
• Love the shako's, but they could have made some Shako's plain black so the one with the gold insignia could be more rare and used for Seargents.
  
• Needs an admiral or governor figure... we have our Grunts, our Officer... I want a white gloved fat cat! Oh well, maybe for the Flagship! *crosses fingers*
  
• From what it looks like, those "brick showing through" pattern pieces may just be big ugly square wall pieces - I know thats not much different then the classic Castle Wall pieces, but they had a certain charm that a big ugly square piece doesn't have. They required a little more skill to put together better.
  

6241 (Island)

What I like

• Imperial Guard with Cannon! Thank you for not making these figures super rare!
  
• Cool little dock.
  
• Old, filthy, bearded pirate obviously gone slightly crazy by too much time in the sun!
  

What I don't like

• The baseplate is nasty. Rock formation looks like its made of 10 pieces. Needs to be bulkier.
  

6239 (Cannon Battle)

What I like

• Imperial Guard with Cannon!! Love those things. This set is great a army builder! Its a good thing lego isn't teasing us with these cool new figures - they are actually making them available in smaller sets.
  
• Torch looks awesome!
  
• Leads to a promising restart of the cool small sets lego used to have for Pirates.
  

What I don't like

• Hopefully the Imperial Guard gets a musket and the Pirate will get a sword too. I loved when you got the mini pirate sets and each figure would have more weapons then he could hold. Gave more variety!
  
• This Imperial Guard could really use a backpack... alone on an island with artillery! C'mon! LoL.
  

6240 (Raft)

What I like

• Barrel on top with captain looking out!
  
• Colors of the raft itself look great.
  
• Cool Parrot!
  
• I actually kinda like that big ugly octopus!!
  

What I don't like

• Needs a sail.
  
• Kind of boring compared to the other sets - I am tired of Creature vs. Man violence! Bring on the battle of the factions!
  

All In all an excellent restart of Pirates. Lets hope they do well - and maybe we will get some bigger and better sets. These sets in vision are better than the 1997 (the last line) of Classic Pirates - but the design is still a little less inspiring than the 1997 sets. It is very close though - I have to say I am wholeheartedly impressed and excited for this rebirth. I can only hope it gets better - we need more figures, and bigger sets. I guess sales will determine if we get that!

Edited August 22, 2008 by Sting

[Gen. Knowledge]

The Port on page 21

What I like

• Soldiers with shakos
  
• Firing cannon
  
• Similar Imperial Guard theme
  
• Gold epaulets
  
• It's pirates and it's back!
  

What I don't like

• Not enough soldiers to be a fort
  
• Buildings are too simple
  
• Alligator, get rid of it and add 2-4 more soldiers and while your at it get rid of the monkey and rat also, please.
  
• Overall concept. Why don't TLG make a fort that is similar to the castles (from the castle theme) in size? This looks more like an add-on to the Imperial Trading Post. I'll still be buying a few of these just for the soldiers.
  

Tony

[cartoondude]

Island

I like

-the stranded old guy minifig

-the new fish pice being cooked

Dont like

-palm tree

I like the whole pirate theme and am looking forward to getting some of the new molds like the telescope.

So the shark is a little cartooney, i like that. HARHarhar

[Fluyt]

6243, Ship

What I like

• 2 factions
  
• Female minifig
  
• Lattice windows
  
• Normal cannons
  

What I don't like

• Shark
  
• Ugly skull & crossbones on the sails
  
• The stern is too big and it could have used another midsection
  

6241, Island

What I like

• Another Imperial, with shako
  
• Normal cannon
  
• Dark blue or black rowing boat
  
• Torn pants print
  

What I don't like

• Hidious baseplate
  
• Skull & crossbones design
  
• Catapult thing
  

6242, Imperial base

What I like

• More Imperials
  
• Normal cannon
  
• Gold epaulettes
  
• Overall design
  

What I don't like

• Hidious, non-poseable 4+ palm tree (the trunk, the leaves seem to be normal), why does everyone think it is a normal palm tree?
  
• Stickers for the walls
  
• Skull & crossbones design and the dynamite to some extent
  

I've left out the raft and the smallest set, not that much too say there.

The whole theme looks ok, but it could have been so much better, like some of the pirate torso's are nice (so they can do it), but some are too "cartoony" or something, just cant word it. And in general there aren't nearly enough weapons and no backpacks.

Edited August 22, 2008 by Fluyt

[Kamzel]

6242 - Fort

What I like

• Old-style Imperial flags
  
• Plumes
  
• Crane
  
• Rat, Monkey
  
• Easy to make it larger (modularity)
  

What I don't like

• Two pirate captains?
  
• Lack of backpacks for Soldiers
  
• Crocodile
  
• Buildings are a little too small
  
• New pirate flag (Jolly Roger)
  

6243 - Ship

What I like

• Nice colors
  
• It is not a large, empty ship like the Vikings' one
  
• Windows and other details
  
• No strings
  
• Parrot, Monkey, Mermaid!
  
• Female figure that will look good in Castle as well
  

What I don't like

• New Jolly Roger...
  
• Rear cannon
  
• Ship has no anchor
  
• Again - no backpack for a soldier
  

The funny thing is that AFAIK LEGO currently makes white backpacks for... Mars Mission. So perhaps in the final sets the soldiers will have them?

[Dreamweb]

From what it looks like, using the old ship bases!

The middle sections look like the old pieces, but the bow and stern pieces are a new thing (no anchor ports for example, the shape is slightly different as well).

6243 (Pirate ship)

What I like

• New hull pieces in a new colour (hey, diversity is good!)
  
• The figurehead
  
• It comes with soldiers!
  
• The girl (has she been kidnapped?)
  
• The dark blue boat
  
• New parrot
  
• The sterncastle - actually it might be the best-looking one since the BSB!
  
• The amount and colour of doors and windows
  
• plus all the new torsos, hats, faces etc.
  

What I don't like

• The sails - although maybe I'll get used to them
  
• Chains instead of ropes
  
• The shark - definitely too cartoonish
  
• The stern cannon looks like it's about to fall into the water (however I don't mind having an extra cannon in a set )
  
• Could use one more middle section, looks a bit short
  
• Could use one more pirate minifig
  

Edited August 22, 2008 by Dreamweb

[Nikola Bathory]

6242 Fort

What I like

• The old Imperial Logo
  
• The Imperial Soldiers look great
  
• The buildings are a bit small, but cosy and with a very good design
  

What I don't like

• Is that a second Pirate captain? or an Imperial officer??
  
• No backpacks for the soldiers
  
• LEGO, please add one more Imperial soldier! It's their base, after all!
  
• I would prefer a second cannon instead of that crane.
  

[Dreamweb]

6240 (the one with the octopus)

What I like

• The octopus!
  
• The spyglass
  
• The parrot
  
• The cool-looking minifigs
  
• The good-old "crow's nest" barrel
  
• The box with jewels
  

What I don't like

• I don't seem to find anything that can be used to propel this raft. The oar looks like it's used for steering, and there's no sail... Strange.
  

[Joey Lock]

6243 (Pirate ship)

What I like

• Cannons
  Plumes
  Figurehead
  Red shako feather
  

What I don't like

• No other Red Shako Feathers, We need more!
  More Figures
  Looks like a Childs built it, Why is it loggy!
  No junior Skull
  More Cannon
  

[Capt. Bluebeard]

Set No. 6239 (The one with the cannon wagon)

What I like:

• It comes with a pirate and a Redcoat, so there's some playability.
  
• It has a cannon, on a wagon no less!
  
• Neat cannon lighter piece.
  

What I don't like:

• There appears to be no treasure. Hmm....so what are they supposed to fight over?
  
• There also seems to be lack of "creature feature". They could've at least put in a parrot.
  

Set No. 6240 (The one with the octopus)

What I like:

• The nice looking raft.
  
• The crow's nest. It's nice to have somewhere to put the second pirate without having to actually put him on the raft.
  
• The new spyglass piece.
  
• It comes with a parrot and an octopus (which I still have yet to own for some reason... )
  

What I don't like:

• The pirate with the blue bandana is ugly.
  
• The fact that it comes with treasure. Why does it need to be there? Why would an octopus want to steal a couple of jewels?
  

Set No. 6241 (The one with the marooned pirate)

What I like:

• The minifigs are awesome!
  
• Interesting new fish-piece.
  
• The new base plate.
  
• It has a crocodile, thus adding to the playability.
  

What I don't like:

• It needs a proper palm tree, instead of that sorry excuse.
  
• The tiny catapult.
  

Set No. 6242 (The Fort)

What I like:

• The outstanding minifigs, especially the new Admiral, complete with gold epaulettes!
  
• The (possible) POTC reference.
  
• The prison building. I especially love the lamps.
  
• The crane. You can tell TLG looked at the old forts when making this one.
  
• The 1x1 Technic brick in the bottom of the building could mean modular expansion.
  
• The shed-like thing where the rum is kept.
  
• The fact that they kept the old Imperial flags.
  

What I don't like:

• The tower looks a bit empty, but I could be wrong.
  
• The <insert that tiresome argument> palm tree.
  

Set No. 6243 (The Ship)

What I like:

• The beautiful mermaid figure.
  
• The new wench (let's face it, a new Pirate theme wouldn't be complete without one).
  
• The fact that you get a parrot, a monkey and a shark, all in the same set!
  
• The entire ship looks fantastic!
  
• The captain's quarters.
  
• You get a couple of Redcoats to fight and capture.
  
• That the colourscheme is much better than that of the Cross Bone Clipper.
  

What I don't like:

• The cannon at the back is out of place.
  
• The skulls on the sails.
  
• Needs more cannons.
  
• No anchor.
  

Bluebeard, out-

Edited August 23, 2008 by Capt. Bluebeard

[Scyzoryk]

6241 (Island)

What I like

• The Hobo
  
• New Fish piece
  
• Navy rowboat
  
• Baseplate
  

What I don't like

• Dock/Catapult Thingamajig|
  
• Freaky Looking palm tree thing
  

I'll do more later, now I have to go.

[Zarkan]

The Pirate line as a whole

What I like

• The figures are awesome, with great new torsos and hats, and fitting faces.
  
• The overall look resembles the old pirates a LOT.
  
• FIRING CANNONS!
  
• Lots of acessories, including a few new ones.
  
• Tons of great pieces.
  
• The amount of figures in each set is good.
  
• Design as a whole is great.
  
• Lots of animals in the sets. :happy:
  

What I don't like

• Some sets need one or two new figures.
  
• Design is poor in spots.
  
• Stickers.
  
• <insert that tiresome argument> palm trees.
  
• No rigging on the large ship.
  

6243 (Large Pirate Ship)

What I like

• The color scheme is fairy subdued, compared to the pirate ships from the last few years of normal pirates back in the mid 1990's
  
• There's lots of acessories, and at least three firing cannons.
  
• The design is very nice overall.
  
• Pirate lass is awesome!
  
• Includes a monkey, shark, and parrot.
  

What I don't like

• The design is missing rigging, which is a bit annoying. I wish they had brought back the old string pieces with the lego stud ends.
  
• The ship needs at least two more pirates to have a full crew. However, since we get two imperials in the kit, this is understandable.
  

6242 (Imperial Base)

What I like

• The set has a great figure selection and lots of acessories.
  
• A rat, crocodile and monkey are included.
  
• It also includes 3 Imperial flags, dynamite, and a black barrel.
  
• Design is really nice for the most part.
  

What I don't like

• Brick walls appear to be stickers.
  
• Palm tree looks <insert that tiresome argument>.
  
• The little corner shanty doesn't look that great.
  

6241 (Pirate Island)

What I like

• It has an awesome new sand baseplate.
  
• The set includes a crocodile, roasting fish, cannon, treasure map, and lots of other goodies. :happy:
  
• The shipwrecked sailor (Ben Gunn?) is awesome AND hilarious.
  

What I don't like

• The set is very basic, construction wise.
  
• Doesn't include a REAL palm tree (although we'd probably get a <insert that tiresome argument> one if it did).
  
• The dock isn't that great.
  

6239 (Small Cannon set)

What I like

• This looks to be a great army builder kit, since it includes a cannon, imperial soldier, and pirate.
  
• The acessories are nice.
  

What I don't like

• Could have included another imperial soldier - the smallest castle set from 2007 had THREE figures.
  

6240 (Raft and Kraken)

What I like

• The raft is decent.
  
• Includes some great acessories, and what appears to be a spyglass.
  

What I don't like

• The "Kraken" is extremely disapointing - I wanted more than a red octopus. :sad2:
  

Edited August 22, 2008 by Grevious

[Mister Phes]

6241 (Island)

What I like

• The "Robinson Crusoe" mini-figure - this fellow encapsulates the whole stranded on a desert island image perfectly. The beard and torn cloth legs are brilliant touches!
  
• The fish and campfire pieces. These are great new pieces which could easily be used in other sets or MOCs.
  
• The inclusion of the Imperial Guard and cannon.
  
• The set uses the more recent plant pieces introduced after the pirate theme was discontinued
  

What I don't like

• The base plate. It seems far too big for the number of pieces included. The set would work better if the island was constructed from a flat base plate which was built up with bricks and plates, like 6254 Rocky Reef .
  
• The structure aplomb the island housing the treasure chest looks far too flimsy. A BURP covering the back would really strengthen it and make the entire structure seem secure.
  
• The Fang pieces at the front of the jetty - maybe suitable for Castle or Viking but look out of place in pirate
  
• The pirate flag - the skull looks almost alien.
  

[Moose]

6241 Treasure Island

What I like

• The mini figs are fantastic to say the least (although i wish the every soldier came with a backpack. since they are infantry, give them backpacks! hattip to mister phes for the edit)
  
• The rowboat in its new color! yum
  
• The gator/croc
  
• Cannon
  
• Again, no repeat faces
  

What I don't like

• Like mister phes said, why are there teeth on the dock?
  
• I dont understand the whole dock, its very weird looking
  
• That skull piece used on top of the "cave," hideous
  
• Youve got to be kidding me with those trees
  
• The "cave" looks like a bunch of random pieces thrown together, ew
  
• The baseplate doesnt seem to fit in with this set
  
• The entire set seems as if it was designed for a much younger audience, like 4 year olds. Everything just seems thrown together rather quickly without too much thought and consideration thrown in. If not for the great figs, thered be no shot i got this set. but i'll buy it strictly for the figs, boat and cannon
  

Edited August 23, 2008 by Moose

[Mister Phes]

6242 (Imperial Base)

What I like

• The Imperial Guards have returned but haven't been removed from their original identity.
  
• The original flag insignia remains yet there's been some innovation by making the larger flag material based.
  
• The brick patterns on the walls.
  
• The rat is a nice detail. Plus the monkey and alligator are great inclusions - the larger Imperial Guard sets (Imperial Trading Post and Treasure Outpost) lacked animals so its good to see there are three in this set.
  
• The features like the crane, cannon and cell door - these are nice details and add to the playability.
  
• The Imperial Guards finally have wooden decks! By that I mean the set uses brown plates instead of black.
  
• The bridge seems like a simple but clever construction
  
• The black/navy coated mini-figure - very mysterious because we don't know who he is yet
  

What I don't like

• The structures seem a bit "blocky" although not too bad. The earlier Imperial Guard structures seemed a lot more elegantly crafted.
  
• The one piece palm tree trunk - that's aweful! Bring back the original system.
  
• The middle structure - it doesn't seem all too much and looks like it could use a few more pieces to flesh out its design.
  
• If this is base then there are not enough soldiers. A couple more would be ideal.
  

[Tobiasz]

6243 Pirate Ship

What I like

• Colour scheme of the set - dark and red brown
  
• Great minifigures with women - I think she isn't a member of pirate crew, she is probably the kidnapped doughter of the admiral and the soldiers try to rescue her
  
• New parrot and monkey with banana
  
• Mermaid !!
  
• Classic style of the ship - it looks similar to old pirate ships and I think it's even better than 6289
  
• real look stearn with classic windows
  

What I don't like

• Ulgy desing of sails - that skull looks very childish and in my opinion it is the worst thing of this set, lego should safe the old desing of the skull
  
• ulgy shark
  
• no rope, compass and anchor - but it could be placed on the other side and we don't see it
  
• cannon on the stearn don't fit there
  
• the ship could be a bit bigger
  

[Dreamweb]

6241 (The island)

What I like

• As usual, the minifigs, especially the torn trousers - I think they'd look cute on a girl minifig
  
• The new fish piece looks really cool
  
• The baseplate - I don't understand all those people who keep bashing it, you don't know if it's a one-piece... And even if it is, I don't mind - I like the dunes, very realistic.
  
• The railing pieces - I'm always short of them
  
• The cannon, it's good to have another one - although it's badly placed, reminds me of a certain set from the classic Pirate line. But it's still a very useful piece.
  

What I don't like

• The new pirate flag - looks like some alien's skull to me...
  
• The placing of the cannon - see above
  
• The catapult, if that's what it is - it doesn't quite fit in there... Looks like Lego is on a mission of putting those silly-looking weapons anywhere they can
  

[Mister Phes]

6240 (Raft)

What I like

• I like the fact that there are two animals in new colours. I don't mind the octopus myself.
  
• The set uses jewels instead of gold coins which is a refreshing change.
  
• This set appears to mark the introduction of telescopes which is definitely a useful piece for the Pirate Theme
  

What I don't like

• The raft. Structurally the base seems alright but the crows nest doesn't look much at all. It seems to need a bit more than a single mast piece to hold the basket up.
  
• The colour scheme. I don't think the brown and tan work very well together because the tan is far too light. I suspect replacing the tan for a dark shade of brown would be the solution. The set could still have two different shades of brown but the second shade wouldn't be so gaudy. Right now the raft base looks like chocolate and Nugar...
  

[Derek]

6241 (island)

Like:

-Baseplate seems interesting...

-Fishie piece

-Golden Treasure chest

Dont like:

-Could use one or two more figures...

-Damn Catapult...

-Whimpy fort/shelter/whatever it is

6240 (raft)

Like:

-Size, good for a $10-ish set

-Crate

-Octopus (I dont have one...)

Dont like:

-Appears to be only 1 oar

-Raft could be a bit bigger, or another section could be added to the set

6239

Like:

-figures (Seems to be a great army builder...)

-Size/price- Appears to be same as the Castle Crossbow Attack

-Cheap cannon

Dislike

- Not much

[jamtf]

6243

What I like

• colour scheme (or color scheme for our members from the US)
  
• first pirate ship with soldiers included
  
• latticed windows
  
• Polly the parrot
  
• mermaid figurehead (finally!)
  
• new torsos for soldiers and pirate figs although I thought I noticed the return of the vest and anchor tattoo
  

What I don't like

• shark
  
• castle-like gown on lady (sort of captured Elisabeth Swann look-a-like instead of another Pirate wench)
  
• skulls on sails
  
• white oars
  
• stickers or prints on shako's
  
• cannon at the back of the ship (not too realistic, might put holes in own sales if aimed in the wrong direction )
  

Edited August 25, 2008 by jamtf

[Mister Phes]

6239 (the one with the cannon)

What I like

• The Imperial Guard with cannon concept - the designer was obviously inspired by my 6238 Imperial Ground Forces MOC
  
• A all new map for the pirate theme
  

What I don't like

• I'm not exactly sure what that grey structure is yet. It looks like a statue better suited to the Island sub-theme.
  

[Kliq]

Pirate Ship

What I like

• I love the fact that it's nicely sized. Obviously they'd want to put out a really neat one right away, but I still love it.
  
• I think the oversized rear issue is actually a good thing. That probably means there's going to be a cool interior!
  
• I love that it comes with both pirates and soldiers. Adds some playability right out of the box.
  
• Cannons! Regardless if there is an oddly placed one in the back, I am so happy they went with the old style and not a Bionicle launcher or something.
  
• The pirates themselves. I've read some grumblings about their design, but I think they are so cool, and remind me of the later pirate torsos.
  

What I don't like

• I'm not a big fan of the sails. The masts don't look as bad as RBR, which is awesome, but I don't really like the design on the sails.
  
• The number of pirates. Granted there are soldiers as well, but I thought it was so neat that the SES and BSB came with 8-9 pirates. I'm sure I'll be buying enough of the cannon set to fill out the ranks though.
  

The Cannon Set

What I like

• Small, affordable way to get a cannon, soldier, and pirate!
  
• Very cool to buy multiples of to really build up your forces.
  

What I don't like

• Nothing really, this set is so cool. If I had to pick something, it would be a more orginal barricade.
  

Island

What I like

• The bearded pirate! So cool!
  
• I'll say this here since I haven't yet, the telescope!
  
• I actually like the design of this set. Broken down stuff is always neat to me. I can understand the 'teeth' pieces. It's like they killed something like a shark and attached it's teeth to the dock. Kind of looks like the Islander's sets in my opinion.
  

What I don't like

• Really the only thing I don't like is the baseplate. There are too many smooth edges and not enough studs.
  

Soldier Base

What I like

• I love the multiple buildings like the Imperial Trading Post. I'm fortunate enough to have one, and this would look so great beside it.
  
• The minifigures! A cool mysterious man in black, in addition to some soldiers and pirates.
  
• I know I'd only be getting my hopes up to think that it's modular, but oh well. I know there have been other sets in the past with similiar looks that didn't end up being modular, but who knows!
  

What I don't like

• The number of minifigs. While there could never be enough, a couple more would have been nice.
  
• It looks like the brick printing on the walls is actually stickers. You can see them overlapping multiple pieces, and are in different places on similiar walls. Not too bad since you can choose whether or not to add them, but I would have liked the old printed pieces.
  

Raft

What I like

• I actually enjoy the structure of the raft. It's just big enough but not too big.
  
• Again, I just love the minifigures.
  

What I don't like

• The octopus is a little strange. Sure it could prove to be a hindrance, but that's about all.
  
• This goes for all of the sets in the theme, there aren't that many weapons to go around. I remember the old sets always had more than enough.
  

Overall, I love the beginning of the theme, and am sure that it can only get better. I'm sorry if I didn't give enough criticism, but I'm just so happy to see them back, that maybe I'm blinded.