Theme Revamps

[Aanchir]

This is just something I've been wondering about lately. SPIII is a very nostalgic sort of theme, even for a reimagining-- the sticker sheets, online animations, and minifig designs feature "easter eggs" alluding to older Space themes, but as of yet we haven't seen a full-blown return of any of these themes besides Space Police itself. What would you do to bring themes like Blacktron, M-Tron, etc. into this new era?

Blacktron's probably the theme that most merits a revival, since it's had two incarnations which both involved fairly regular interactions with the Space Police. But bringing them into the modern era is a challenge: story-wise, we never got a good look at them beyond that they're spies, and that the set names imply "alien invasion" themes. The best way I've thought of to bring them into the more "urban" setting of modern-day Space Police is to change them from foreign spies into corporate spies.

I'd like to hear other people's thoughts on this. What Space themes would you like to see in the Space Police III world, and how would you update them for a more modern feel?

[Legorski]

I would really want the Insectoids to return. Lovely minifigs with lovely bug machines! 8D

[Steel Dragon]

I love Insectoids to death, for some reason that's beyond me, but like Blacktron they really didn't have much story. Does anyone know what other Space themes were around at the same time as Insectoids? I thinlk that would help with integration.

[Aanchir]

I love Insectoids to death, for some reason that's beyond me, but like Blacktron they really didn't have much story. Does anyone know what other Space themes were around at the same time as Insectoids? I thinlk that would help with integration.

Insectoids was really the last Space theme to really be a part of that deep, distant Space feel. There were no other Space sets at the time besides Space Port, which was an Earth-centric theme that set the stage for the similarly Solar System-centric Life On Mars.

Insectoids was cool, even if the light-and-sound brick is one of the most annoying LEGO parts of all time. >.<

[Legorski]

Insectoids was cool, even if the light-and-sound brick is one of the most annoying LEGO parts of all time. >.<

True, especially if you have an annoying bother that loves to play it over and over again. XD

[Steel Dragon]

True, especially if you have an annoying bother that loves to play it over and over again. XD

So true. I had forgotten about Space Port, and yeah that's true.

[Aanchir]

Spent yesterday evening transcribing the "theme summaries" of Space Police, M-Tron, and Blacktron from a German 1991 catalog off Peeron. From what Google Translate gave me, there's not much new info there on what the organizations are-- Blacktron is a spy network intent on stealing computer technology from M-Tron, and M-Tron is some kind of high-technology, big-name corporation. Both of those ideas work nicely with the urban setting.

Of course, the fact that computer technology was in its infancy during M-Tron's heyday (the early '90s) means that they would still need a major revamp if their technology is supposed to look top-of-the-line. Still unsure if I could do anything with the "M-Cola" gag from one of the SPIII animations (upper-left screenshot). High-tech vending machine, perhaps? Certainly the clunky "computers" from M-Tron sets bear enough of a resemblance to make it work in an MOC.

Does anyone know where I could find scans from late '80s and early '90s magazines? That seems like the best place to look for further info on "what some of these SP-era themes were about in the first place".

[Lordofdragonss]

I would love to see Insectoids and Exploriens again... That would be nice if Lego continues this new space theme, but not as Space Police but as "Neo space". I want to see how all space races live together!

[Delta 38]

I would love to see Insectoids and Exploriens again... That would be nice if Lego continues this new space theme, but not as Space Police but as "Neo space". I want to see how all space races live together!

Personally, I didn't get any of those sets, but it would be interesting if they returned.

(By that, I mean I missed out on buying the sets at the time).

Edited January 19, 2010 by Delta 38

[Dannylonglegs]

I would really want the Insectoids to return. Lovely minifigs with lovely bug machines! 8D

I love Insectoids to death, for some reason that's beyond me, but like Blacktron they really didn't have much story. Does anyone know what other Space themes were around at the same time as Insectoids? I thinlk that would help with integration.

I would love to see Insectoids and Exploriens again... That would be nice if Lego continues this new space theme, but not as Space Police but as "Neo space". I want to see how all space races live together!

Hurray! People like insectoids! And here I was thinking I was alone in the galaxy

as for a theme to reincarnate I thought about that to, and I decided that I would like to see Spyrius redone with a cohesive color scheme! (the torsos bit) and better robot mechas.

I would as well wish to see the reinstatement of Insectoids, and Blacktron *shivers*

Exploriens were pretty rockin' to, and I think a well done redo is well within the reach of the mighty Lego company.

But Insectoids... Now that would rock!

~Insectoid Aristocrat FTW

[Steel Dragon]

Hurray! People like insectoids! And here I was thinking I was alone in the galaxy

as for a theme to reincarnate I thought about that to, and I decided that I would like to see Spyrius redone with a cohesive color scheme! (the torsos bit) and better robot mechas.

I would as well wish to see the reinstatement of Insectoids, and Blacktron *shivers*

Exploriens were pretty rockin' to, and I think a well done redo is well within the reach of the mighty Lego company.

But Insectoids... Now that would rock!

~Insectoid Aristocrat FTW

I was wondering when you'd show up in this thread!

[Spacefan]

A return of any past space theme would be nice, as long as set designs are well realized and have a cohesive color scheme. Though I would want to see a return to more printed elements, or at least a lesser use of stickers. A large spaceship with good interior room is my favorite set description by far.

[vexorian]

Insectoids :(

As a kid I always loved space themes and was a tradition to get space sets for christmas. That year I watched a TV advert of insectoids in cable and they looked awesome... except that apparently the store from which I use to get LEGO from had problems in customs that year and they didn't get ANY set from that year :( . It was a sad christmas and insectoids never arrived to this city :(.

Anyway. I would bring spyrius, except since nowadays bad guys are always non-human, the spyrius droids would have the lead role ^^.

[Aanchir]

A return of any past space theme would be nice, as long as set designs are well realized and have a cohesive color scheme. Though I would want to see a return to more printed elements, or at least a lesser use of stickers. A large spaceship with good interior room is my favorite set description by far.

I actually have always preferred stickers, at least when they're not covering multiple pieces. It gives you the option of using the parts without applying the stickers, so you're not stuck with a bunch of theme-specific patterns. I've had a lot of printed parts in my day, and rarely find much use for them outside the theme they were released in. There are certain instances where stickers simply shouldn't be used (for instance, on 2x2 round bricks, where they peel easily), but I'd rather forgo patterns entirely on those parts than accumulate a bunch of printed ones that I can never use.

Insectoids :(

As a kid I always loved space themes and was a tradition to get space sets for christmas. That year I watched a TV advert of insectoids in cable and they looked awesome... except that apparently the store from which I use to get LEGO from had problems in customs that year and they didn't get ANY set from that year :( . It was a sad christmas and insectoids never arrived to this city :(.

Anyway. I would bring spyrius, except since nowadays bad guys are always non-human, the spyrius droids would have the lead role ^^.

Insectoids was sort of fun, but it never really thrilled me, probably because there was only one faction and no conflict. Collecting weird orbs (where did those even come from in the first place?) isn't much of a challenge when they're just scattered on the ground with no competition for them. Maybe there was more to the story than I remember, but I can't really check since I haven't done a good job keeping track of my tattered old LEGO Magazines.

Spyrius was a theme I really liked. The feel of it is also something that we haven't seen in quite a while-- sure, Power Miners and Exo-Force had mechs, but I can't remember when we last had a flying saucer or similar spacecraft.

I don't think you'd have to get rid of the humans-- after all, Agents had human vs. human conflict. If you need to give the humans cyborg parts to appease the parents, so be it-- it shouldn't detract from the theme.

Of course, you couldn't have both Spyrius and Blacktron, since the themes have basically the same premise: spies trying to steal technology from peaceful factions. Sadly, Blacktron would likely get precedent due to historical interactions with Space Police and the fact that there were two iterations to draw from.

[brickme]

Suddenly from a far off a voice says softly "blacktron". Anyway that was a great theme and lego should have another go at it with space police making a return or maybe a classic space would be cool.

[Dannylonglegs]

I was wondering when you'd show up in this thread!

It appears that my reputation precedes me

I think that Spyrius is most likely to return, as it hasn't been directly referenced (I'm sorry Rench but you sorta ruined my hopes that Blacktron would return with your "Cameo appearance") But hey, weirder things (I think) have happened.

Insectoids is in the open though, just waiting for it's turn to return.... We're waiting

~Insectoid Aristocrat

[CP5670]

I imagine that SP3 takes place a long time after the old themes, simply because of the time that passed between their (real world) releases. Maybe Rench's uniform can be taken to mean that Blacktron is still somewhere out there and operating in secret, or that he personally wants to bring them back to power.

Does anyone know where I could find scans from late '80s and early '90s magazines? That seems like the best place to look for further info on "what some of these SP-era themes were about in the first place".

You can check out most of the catalogs on Peeron and Brickfactory. There is a third site I've seen but I can't remember the link now. It's worth looking at the catalogs from different countries, since they aren't just translations of each other but often have entirely different dioramas and descriptions. The US and UK catalogs say different things about Blacktron II for example. (they are either "spies who want to steal M:Tron computers" or "a strong power in the universe", suggesting that they are some kind of separatist faction or foreign state)

Actually, the best sources of information about the old themes seem to be the S@H catalogs and Lego club magazines. I only have the ones starting from 1995, but they say a lot of stuff about Exploriens in particular. I don't know of any place to find scans of these big catalogs unfortunately.

I love Insectoids to death, for some reason that's beyond me, but like Blacktron they really didn't have much story. Does anyone know what other Space themes were around at the same time as Insectoids? I thinlk that would help with integration.

Roboforce was the other space theme in 1998 (only in the US though). I believe they fought against UFO from the previous year, but I don't think I have any catalogs showing them in the same scene as Insectoids.

Edited January 21, 2010 by CP5670

[Dannylonglegs]

Roboforce was the other space theme in 1998 (only in the US though). I believe they fought against UFO from the previous year, but I don't think I have any catalogs showing them in the same scene as Insectoids.

And in the Insectoids Book they were encountering Exploriens, who would also be a good candidate for a renewal. UFO may be a bit hard to redo, especially after the trauma that was Mission to Mars, where something very simmilar happened, but minus nice looking figs.

~Insectoid Aristocrat

[Aanchir]

It appears that my reputation precedes me

I think that Spyrius is most likely to return, as it hasn't been directly referenced (I'm sorry Rench but you sorta ruined my hopes that Blacktron would return with your "Cameo appearance") But hey, weirder things (I think) have happened.

Insectoids is in the open though, just waiting for it's turn to return.... We're waiting

~Insectoid Aristocrat

You know, Insectoids also got a cameo-- some "I *heart* Insectoids" graffiti on the sports car in Hyperspeed Pursuit. Not that I think a cameo rules out a revamp-- LEGO makes the rules, and I don't think they'd firmly avoid remaking a theme just because of a minor appearance in a sticker or decal.

[osakana]

The "vs." theme of Insectoids were originally "Rock Riders", which were planned as space theme. Sadly it became separate action theme.

[Clone OPatra]

I think that with LEGO's current nice style Ice Planet 2002 would make a nice revamp. Either as its own thing, or tied to SPIII, some cold-weather space sets would probably look great now. And I say now, because I think the original Ice Planet sets looked pretty horrible.

I think Insectoids is the worse system theme or subtheme that LEGO ever invented. I hope that LEGO decides not to redo Insectoids, because I think there is so little good original material that it would be difficult to make a good redux. The only thing I liked from that theme was the helmets, so maybe LEGO will invent a nice, new bubble helmet.

Perhaps RoboRiders could make a decent redo theme. The idea was interesting, though the sets were too square in my opinion. While exploriens were also ok, I think the color scheme was a bit boring, so I'd rather LEGO made something with a flashier color scheme.

[Legorski]

I think that with LEGO's current nice style Ice Planet 2002 would make a nice revamp. Either as its own thing, or tied to SPIII, some cold-weather space sets would probably look great now. And I say now, because I think the original Ice Planet sets looked pretty horrible.

I think Insectoids is the worse system theme or subtheme that LEGO ever invented. I hope that LEGO decides not to redo Insectoids, because I think there is so little good original material that it would be difficult to make a good redux. The only thing I liked from that theme was the helmets, so maybe LEGO will invent a nice, new bubble helmet.

Perhaps RoboRiders could make a decent redo theme. The idea was interesting, though the sets were too square in my opinion. While exploriens were also ok, I think the color scheme was a bit boring, so I'd rather LEGO made something with a flashier color scheme.

Space Police on Ice? XD But the new Space Police Helmet and Hoth Visors do look great together. Ice Planet 2002 + Space Police = Great possibility! XD

[Oky]

Does anyone know where I could find scans from late '80s and early '90s magazines? That seems like the best place to look for further info on "what some of these SP-era themes were about in the first place".

Well, Algernon has made some "theme reviews" of Spyrius and Ice Planet. Those have some catalog scans and are very useful for clearing things up a bit.

I wonder why those haven't been indexed by the way...

As for me, I'd say either Spyrius or M-Tron. M-Tron is unlikely since it's a civilian faction and today's themes are all about conflict, but I can definitely see Spyrius happening with some stylish new Mechs and Saucers.

[user]

As for me, I'd say either Spyrius or M-Tron. M-Tron is unlikely since it's a civilian faction and today's themes are all about conflict, but I can definitely see Spyrius happening with some stylish new Mechs and Saucers.

And posiibly a swerrt new color scheme!

[Dannylonglegs]

I think that with LEGO's current nice style Ice Planet 2002 would make a nice revamp. Either as its own thing, or tied to SPIII, some cold-weather space sets would probably look great now. And I say now, because I think the original Ice Planet sets looked pretty horrible.

Yeah, Ice Planet would redo well.

I think Insectoids is the worse system theme or subtheme that LEGO ever invented. I hope that LEGO decides not to redo Insectoids, because I think there is so little good original material that it would be difficult to make a good redux. The only thing I liked from that theme was the helmets, so maybe LEGO will invent a nice, new bubble helmet.

*Menacing hiss!*

As for me, I'd say either Spyrius or M-Tron. M-Tron is unlikely since it's a civilian faction and today's themes are all about conflict, but I can definitely see Spyrius happening with some stylish new Mechs and Saucers.

Hmmm.. M-tron would be nice, especially since Atlantis didn't totally steal it's color scheme...

You know, Insectoids also got a cameo-- some "I *heart* Insectoids" graffiti on the sports car in Hyperspeed Pursuit. Not that I think a cameo rules out a revamp-- LEGO makes the rules, and I don't think they'd firmly avoid remaking a theme just because of a minor appearance in a sticker or decal.

Well, Rench has a torso (and there was Blacktron graffiti too)

~Insectoid Aristocrat