Mazin

Oh, i forgot to ask one important thing. You've mentioned in Your first port that You wanted to do a digital (?) background for this set. Are You still going to pursue this idea or did You abandon it? ;) There's still a little bit of time to try working on it with Paint or other magic making device :)

Yeah, modern parts seem to be an issue, they should provide more and more new creative possibilities, but they seem to be a problem sometimes, don't they? Then again, the simplest solution to that headwear problem would be to switch them between characters :) Pirate in a morion helmet, and skeleton in a bandana. I think this could look quite well, ignoring the fact that skeleton's bandana would probably decompose together with it ;)

Very nice, i'd go straight to the point where i have to say that i like the modelurity of Your version, but i also do prefer the second layout You've presented :) Or at least this idea makes me wanna buy at least two boxes of this toy to be able to costruct both layouts, or to merge them freely. I also like those soldiers, all 3 groups look attractive giving us a damn hard choice to pick one up, but i'd go with one of those red groups to be honest. Armada was always a second tier for me in the Pirates theme ;) Then again their red leader is truly outstanding! All of those red officer are extremely well done actually and i'd love to get all of them. So i hope i'd build a set pear each of them, should You dedice which one to drop ;) And am i wrong or is this the first set to include both red and blue soldiers? Or at least that's what i see on one of Your pictures ;) Now with the compound itself i like that little bridge, but i also miss the boat garage. I see that You've made it possible to switch this part of the structure from serving one purpose to another ( and i guess, buying two copies of this set would allow to have both of them at the same time ;) ). So i'm not sure how to judge it. Then again it's easy to give bonus points for some extra elements You've included - like those little flags hanging from the building, and battlements and lanterns and lintstocks. I would prefer to get a bit more watter and a bigger jetty by the building tho. The walkway under that roof and by the prison is very thin, and so it serves no real purpose, maybe that's the esthetic idea, to make it look like a little ledge coming out of the structure, but i'd suggest extdenting it to the sea a bit, as it would give it more play value.

Now that's some build! Am i wrong or does it look much bigger than the original? Tried to compare both, and they seem to have the same size, but there's something about Your approach that make it look more massive. Maybe it's the color i don't know. The color seems to be a problem in both versions actually. In my oppinion at least. Although i have a huge sentiment towards the classic set, and Yours is a remarkable redesign, i must say it also looked depressing. Most of the pirate sets were quite colorful, had a lot of charm, and fun in them. This one always seemed darky, and it retained that character in Your version. So i guess i should to congratulate You for doing a good work ;) Tho, wether this kind of set would be made part of a special collection for older fans or would be released for kids withing the regular line, i believe it should be more a bit more appealing. Like the Eldorado, made me wanna scream "mom, buy it for me! i wanna play it now!" again. This one doesn't give me that feeling, even tho it used to be quite important for me. But then again i'd also point out, that those lighter, brown elements, like hanging walkways did a lot of good for the overall look of the classic one. And although i like the way You did Yours, i think that You might have overblacked Your remake with those choices ;) It's just too dark for my taste. And the red boat in the original was a nice contrast to the island's leading color scheme too, while Your are also a bit darky, or dull, and byt that i mean that i don't realy like that new raft ;) It's bulky and perhaps too wooden. Our friends did a lot of fine rafts in their entries, so i'd take a close look at their work to strenghten Your craft by simple changes. Perhaps You could give it a nice red striped sail actually? Id's say it would be a big game changer. So, adding color here and there is the most important goal to make it more attractive in my humble opinion. Note that Your netting that allows to climb up to the top of the structure is quite dull as well. And that raft needs to be reworked. Still i do believe a lot of folks would have a lot of fun with Your version. And You did deliver an outstanding piece of Lego heritage. That counts. And with great box and nice playfeatures. That armory an the twin bed alone are those simple elements that make it a lot more attractive for me.

Awesome work, truly impressive remake. Given a chance to spot both version in a toyshop i would probably hae doubts which one should i chose ( guess i'd have to take both ;) ). One simple thing that makes Your design more appealing is that table, brilliant! What an addition! Simple element that gives it so much more charm and play value. I'm already imagining all those scenarios that i could it for. And other features are outstanding too. Een the seagull is a nice touch, and it's nest makes it look even more friendly. I'll redo that boat tho, it looks good on the first pic, but upon reviewing it on other photos/renders it's quite weird actually, i wouldn't mind that unorthodox sail, but it's a bit thick for my taste, and the mast seems too fat as well, it's not appriopriate for thise size of a vessel ;) Not happy about that gun on the bow of the boat either, it looks like taken out of Space sets realy. And the rudder could be definitely done better, we've had some entries with nice boats and i guess You could borrow this particular element from them :) Perhaps their masts could be inspiring as well.

Nice work. Simple, yet very well thought out and well desgined. With little bonuses to the original here and there. To be honest i prefer the classic pirate tho, Your new version looks like a bootleg, or chinese Lego minifig, so i would suggest changing him into someone more appealing ;) I also think that it might look better if You'd add a proper torch, or just a brown stick to go with the actual one, this could give it a more adventurous treasure seeking vibe, hinting a possibility that this little cave might be just an entering to a much bigger stash ;)

Nothing wrong about that, i think that it looks amazing and as the one who regularly dislikes custom made boats and canoes, i'd say this one is charming, and it does look classic. Guess that Lego would probably use some stickers or custom made pieces with some sort of patterned brick for that thing on the left side of the boat, sorry, forgot the name, but it s a well done set. And, since among kids parents is that type of people who declines to buy any militaristic toy this "native fisherman" could sell well as an excuse to get a harmless looking toy :) And the turtle is a nice touch, without it it would be a bit different, and more lonely, this sidekick adds a lot of value and storytelling prossibilities :) Even the fact that Your islander wears a mask is a huge plus, a simple tribal warrior woudlnt be that intruguing :) So i woudln't even bother adding any other element to this design, as this would probably also raise the price. And simplicity of this makes it actually stand out :)

Very nice design and presentation! This is the kind of set that i realy need during all that exhausting reviewing work ;) Very refreshing. Simple, but briliantly thought out as it's got everything. A bit of fortification, a bit of port, lots of highly playable accecories and elelements useful in constructing, a classic soldier facing a newly introduced by interesting nemesis, a sctructure built with different bricks and colors, but still impressivly consistent in appearance. Wow. Even that ladder and torch and that weapon holder ( whatever it's proper name is ) give it so much visual value. So visually it's a little paradise, to me as an ethusiast at least and hopefuly it would be as popular with kids as a toy :)

Truly remarkable craftmanship mein herr. Estethically this might be the best ship in Lego pirate theme ever. I like it's shape, both color versions, and sails, even tho they are not made out of a real material ( not yet at least ), and that additional little island is a nice bonus. Then again, maybe it's a presentation, maybe it's this gothic feeling, this overhelming darkness that it doesn't look like a legit classic Lego set. I know that Lego went a bit away from the first wave colorful vessels and islands into territories of different tones, but this one carries this a bit depresive autumn vibe, instead of fun, that i'm looking for in Lego ;) I know that these colors rule because this is a remake that's supposed to use original colors, but there something darkmarish about it ;) And then again, original Baracuda had a lot more soul and charm the the original Schooner :) Anyway, i'd realy like to see some closeup of it's interiors if possible. You've mentioned that the stern is openable and that there are secret compartments, it would be cool to have them photographed/visible on renders as well. Same goes for the gunk deck, so far i've been able to see that there 4 gunport and a huge space behind them for the artilerrymen. I believe that there's a staircase just by it and probably some door to captain's cabin, so it would nice for reviewers to see it, as all those elements would probably let You score some additional points, since You seem verys skilled at brick building :) And, when i went to Your gallery on flickr i saw that You've made an another version of Your corvette, in Imperial colors, so i wonder it it could be possible to merge those two versions, like, since pirates used to attak under false flag tactics, maybe they could also sail with exchangable boards on the hull? So that Your ship could be used as both a legit pirate ship and a pirate ship disguised as an Imperial vessel, and then it could be used as an imperial craft if prefered. Two-three toys in one :) But it's just an suggestion that popped up in my mind upon seeing that Your corvette/schooner is sort of a chameleon, cause obviously i have no idea if such proposal could be doable ;)

Nice presentation, letting this vessel live in it's natural environment is something different from ship entries we've seen so far ;) And i'll give You points just for the simple fact that didn't decide to do an another Carribean Clipper or any schooners ;) But it's hard to judge Your design itself since we can see only it's exterior, and i'd like to get more insight into how the gun deck looks like and what's hidden inside that stern. I wonder if captain's quaters are easily accesible, thus, if the stern is openable some way. Same goes for the forecastle, it seems nicely done from the outside, but im curious what inside. Now, definitely then most conspicuous element of Your vessel is it's color... i'd say there's a bit too much of it realy, and You should lowe those numbers down. It's higher part, with sails and flags is ok, nothing seems problematic there, and in the lower part i like the brown and white elements of the hull, but then this whole middle part is one big mashup of colors and ideas ;) I mean, i don't even mind red windows and red handraill, but adding green parts of handrail in there, and yellow, is just oo much. If i can be honset, it looks a bit like if a kid would wanna build something, but would run out of one color and used a different one instead, and just didn't mind that it doesn't compose well. It would probably work better if You'd use mix those more esthetically, if instead of doing red, and green, and black sections of handrail, You'd design something nice and continuous out of those tones. Or if You'd just pick maybe two colors instead of three, or four, like only white and blue, or green and white, or even white-blue-red, etc, but if it would be well combined together. And than white deck is a bit too shiny in my opinion :) It gives me this impression as if the whole steering wheel area was built on top of a modern yacht made out of fiberglass :) But the most confusing section is that central exterior of the hull, where the gun ports are. It just seems like if that part of the ship was cut, and a whole new block of blue was sewed in. It doesn't add up. I'd ust go with continuous white and brown scheme for the entire hull. Or design it as striper of white and brown, or chequerboard, could be mixed with blue, just too make it look more constitent. If You would want to keep that blue part in place anyway, then maybe that bow and part of the stern ( at least the rudder ) could be changed from white to blue as well, to again, give it a more continuous look, as i believe that would work better. Now about those gunports. Are they actually openable? They are opened on one of the photographs, but on others those horns seem to be blocking them. Or maybe it is required to remove those horns or to turn them in order to open embrasures?

Great design again! You should start a lego landscaping academy, cause i'm always surprised how good Your work can be with plants, rocky elements, sand, and there's so much life in here. I don't think that this island even needs a jetty, perhaps a boat would be more useful, but i like it anyway. It sort of creates this lazy atmosphere and i guess we can't have them always fighting and plotting against each other ;) I like that those hanging creeper create a sort of bead curtain in an entry to the cave, it's one of those details You didn't have to add, but it only enhanced thevalue of this set. I wonder if this could be made in a way to resemble a read bead curtain tho, cause right now those minifigs probably have to make a bit of an effort to get into that cave. And taking about accesibility of the cave's interiot, removable roof is always a great idea, but it still looks that it won't be easy to play inside it as that opening from the top is rather small. I'm curious abaout that separate minirock in the water, does have any play features? Does it have any role in this set? Can't seem much from these angles, but is it only a decorative piece? Or is there a secret stash in there as well? Certainly looks intriguing, as if it wasn't left there without any purpose ;) And excelent characters again, Your choices of minifigs are another inviting factor to becoming owners of this set. And that inslander totem is just hilarious, i woudln't even cover that with leaves :) It would be even cooler if that tongue could trigger any playfeature, like if you'd pull it it could reveal a secret entry to the cave, or a forgotten drinks bar hidden behing the totem, since Your pirates love bottles so much ;)

Nice simple moc, but if it was a legit lego set i'd forget about all that water and leave just a shipwrecked fellow fighting off that shark, simpler and cheaper, and perhaps that anonymous wooden element could be replaced by some real one-piece furniture that would add move value to it, like a door? I have a similar set released by Playmobil ;) https://www.amazon.pl/PLAYMOBIL-SpecialPLUS-70598-tratwą-rekinem/dp/B08KTN7BXX

I guess could like it because it's something unique, weird and offers plenty of arms, but honestly i prefer the original or Your first version. This one looks too much like a beast in my opinion ;) And, while i'm not familiar with the original, on pictures it seemed simple and almost perfect, so why even redo it? ;) Or maybe i'm wrong and Your approach would give it more playvalue? Then again, i like Your cart and probably prefer those new handles to the original, it's guns and change of colors that bothers me. Brown will always be proper a shade for Lego pirates muskets and pistols for me. Still, i guess it doesn't realy hurt, muskets are still muskets. And if i was a kid i might be dreaming to get them in this new cool color, as everything new in Lego = attractive to me back then. Tho, one thing i'd change right away is that go pirate in white bandana. He looks more like a tourist on a holiday at the beach, who dressed up as a pirate, so i'd prefer to alter his attire or face. Give him black pants, or even switch them with the older guy, then they would look more interesting, or give an eypatch, or just one leg, probably would be harder for him to push or pull that guncart then, but he would surely finaly look like a decent seadog ;)

I like it, nice work. Tho i'm not sure if it could be released as a legit set, it's kinda unorthodox. I don't think Lego would use a baseplate that wat, moving a tower to complete edge of it, leaving the baseplate almost completely empty. Typicaly the tower would sit in the middle of it. BTW, do i see it corectly and pirates had to to get rid of the palm tree to reach the chest? :) Interiors are quite empty too. Tho, i actually like that sitting area in the lower part, it has this charm of Lego's classic simplicity, it's the upper floor that bothers me, as there's nothing there. Not sure how it could be upgraded tho. We've seen some very decent sitting areas for officers and offices, map rooms, etc, in other entries, so maybe You could go the same way, surely there would be just enough space to put a little table there, and decent chair, a candle, a quill and a book to chronicle garrison's daily activities? Lower part could also be upgraded into a proper soldiers' mess, with good size dinner table to fit all of them, and food and drinks. Those would surely add some play value, as kids always like to feast with their pirates ;) And then this whole dinner set could be movable, to allow soldiers to eat outside during nice weather, to make a good use off all that empty space in the heart of the island, just on top of the hidden treasure. Then, should the looters take control of the island, they could just move that furniture back to the tower. I'd say that Your second jetty could gain more life too, I like it's simplistic look, but i guess some viewers will point out the fact that it may be too undeveloped for modern sets. Tho, 'm not sure what it's supposed to be connected to, and so if any upgrades to it would interfer with that other set. It's just that right now it's one brown catwalk realy. So perhaps something could be added in to give it more play value? Perhaps a secret compartment hidden beneath? Or more barrels here and there, a gun rack, drying fish, a freshly cought octopus awaiting to be prepared for meal, etc. And as much as i like that door, i'm not sure if it necesary in there. Ditching it would make more room and easier access to the inside of Your tower. Exterior of the tower then is probably the best thing in here, i realy like that battlement on top, and the use of two small flags instead of "obligatory" big one brings some freshness to this universe.

It's one impressive build, but also extremly hard to judge as the presentation is extremely crowded, it's all so mixed up, it's very confusing. Like i realy like Your throne, but i like it because i can see it clearly on the picture with character presentation, it's an dissapearing when i look at the whole set. And looking at the set i have only questions. There's an impressive hut, whats inside it, how does it look from different angles. Same goes for the statue, same goes for the rock formation. A want to know if there's a hidden comparment under it, if they are play features included, etc etc. The problem is that althought You've invested lots of work and passion into this structure it kinda looks like a blurred photo Indiana Jones would obtain and would have to orchestrate a dangerous and expensive expedition to see what's actually in there ;) That is if that crocodile wouldn't get him first of course ;) Wow, that a hell of a beast! Surely he was well fed on intruders. I'm not a fan of such radical changes to the Lego world, both him and the giant shark seem completely unnecesary in my opinion, classic are all right, and all that manhours could be spent on inventing other stuff rather then reinvent an already exsisting piece :) The same way, i'm not a fan of that boat and the sail. But characters are pretty cool. And i love this cage made out of spears. So, i do wanna believe it's all fine of work, but it's need a better presentation, with so many pieces included ( which would probably make it a rather expensive set ) we should be allowed to see clearly trough the whole thing, to megablocks if it's worth it and what does it have to offer. Like the throne, i love that throne, i would buy this set only to get it, but i would never have discovered that it's there if there wasn't a separate pic included ;) So maybe it needs a different background, with softer color/s, or maybe it shouldn't be that confined, but rather spread on a much larger area :)

Lovely simple set, looks both modern but with classic Lego soul, so i realy admire that :) That's all Lego should be about, giving something that can look as a car, fort, ship, plane, but shouldn't be too detailed as Lego sets are not supposed to be proper models and then kids' imagination should add everything else to any set, so that it would be completed :) So well done! I like both versions actually, not sure which type of a roof i'd pick, so i hope You'll include that abandonded version in Your other moc some day, ha? :) And the staircase is so nice too, i don't even mind the lack of any handrail, its good enough the way it is. Fine job with the jetty as well. I'm not sure if i'd include prison, with such a small outpost it would be more logical to turn that room into something that would serve garrison's own needs and make soldier's duty more pleasant. But then again, it's a cool story-building section, so it's not a waste to go with it. Honestly, if they would ever make a cartoon set within Lego Pirates i'd love this build to be included, more than the original, it's just as it would be made for it. From the front side at least, well, most sides, it's not that interesting from the back, as shown on the 3rd photo, as it's just one continous structure with nor real playvalue in there, and very little space on the island from here. But then, it fall into the classic way sets were build, back of almost every location was largely neglected. I'm not saying that it doesnt look nice, it does! But it's just that i don't think i'd play with this part of the set too often. One way to improvie would be to add pieces that would help climb up perhaps? Some protruding elements, or cracks in the wall, or vine climbing up the wall, so that intruders could use it to climb too. Or a maybe a some fishing net could hang from there, as soldiers are probably hungry and could use some shark jerky, dried octopus for lunch ;) I'm not so fond of that retrenchment by the cannon tho, it looks as if it was built out of chains You know, anchor chain to be more specific. Or maybe that's the idea and soldiers decided to make a use of elements from some nearby wreckage? Anyway, I'd switch it to something that could pass as bricked wall or a small palisade. Tho i do like the color You've chosen for it.

Ok, first i'm a bit confused if it's a remake of Forbidden Cove or a set simply inspired by FC, i believe You should clear that up in Your post's name as it's important to know which category does it fall into :) It's definitely a very nice MOC, with lots of work, thaught and nice details, and I realy like the overlll look with all those plants, "the face", and those spikes with skulls by it are just awesome! And that crest on the back, characters seem to be an interesting group as well. But i thing that islander's boat is a bit unfitting in there, he seems to be out of place, gone fishinh, You know. A classic canoe or a raft, even a small catamaran with a sail would work better in there. Then about the island, i think that it might be a bit overfocused on that roof. If it was a display piece, then it's completely understandable, but with a playable set and with Lego's simoplicity i'm not sure if it this part needs so much detail, especially that nothing's realy happening under that top, it's just a watch tower, all we can do is put that single guy in there and seems that's it, with very little space from what i can see. And then, with the whole impressive rock structure under it, it seems there should be much more room inside. Seeing the first picture i was sure they would be a whole compartment in there, with the tower thing being detachable perhaps, at least my mind got used to that idea after seeing mane previous entry ;) Anyway, right now i have this feeling that this area is a bit "undeveloped", too tiny, and there could be more inside. Tho, using that golden skull is nice and original idea. With so many Pirate sets providing hidden treasure i believe they could make a rule that every chest and every secret stash could host a different special item, to trigger the 'collect them all" trend among fans ;) So that's a big plus! With the crest behind, maybe i'm a purist, but i think it could use, ekhm, symmetry? I like the fact that if gives as such pieces as the tamtam and islanders' shield, and those spears, and the mask. The playable feature You've mentioned is cool too, but maybe there could be two tamtam used on both sides, or two shields, for both esthetics and to make players choose which tamtam/shield is right? And if he would pick the wrong one, it could trigger a trap... but i know, i know, Your set is probably done now and it wouldn't be easy or possible to implement any drastic changes, especially that You want to focus on other entries, but it's worth and fun to discuss such possibilities, so that maybe this set could look even better in the feature. So, to sum it up... The good stuff: nice overall look making it a very displayable build, great work on decorative elements, interesting characters and pieces included, and the GOLDEN SKULL as a special item, not available in any other Pirates set! ;) On the dark side: uniteresting replacable kayak, very little space inside the rock, and not a lot of playvalue within the island itself, as it's just a huge rock, with highly detailed roof realy, that i'd probably dismantle for pieces rather than use constantly ;)

Lovely! Nice set of elements and colors, Black boat corresponds nicely with his own outfit, and that box full of supplies is a simple, but realy cool idea to bring more life and playability into it. That sail is kinda placeholder till the proper piece gets produce tho, i guess? ;) And think that You could perhaps sacrifice one element from a box to add someting on the bow of the boat, like a simple figurhead that would bring color into all that blackness. A red parrot perhaps, if it would fit in there. I can't see much on this single photo, but i do believe that cover on the barrel could be the first piece to go if You'd like to consider this suggestion.

I'll do that! right after i'll finish downloading a trailer to that new exciting Command & Conquer game, thank You ;)

It's one of those ship designs that seems bulky at first sight, but grows on me the more i look at it :) I realy like the way You did interior on this vessel, aftercastle is just amazing, stern is perhaps the best ever made in Lego Pirates, and it's nice that You've added all those ways to reach captain's quaters. Mast are very unorthodox, but they are charming, something very cool about them. I think that it could use some changes in the crew tho, perhaps there's one skeleton too many? If he could be replaced by an another worthy sea dog it would give it more value, say, a female pirate perhaps? Or if You'd want to keep that second skeleton then maybe he could take a position in a cage hanging from the mast, or tied up to the mast, as a warning to never disobey captain's orders ;) And that hook, seems like it a thing that could wreck a real havock during a storm or a battle, as it could swing dangerously around and injure or even impale someone. I'd totaly advice to secure it somehow. But maybe, maybe that hook could be used for some more important role than a decoration? With Lego sets and ships i believe they should differ not only with size but their purpose, they all could have a different specialization, and this one seems like a vessel that still needs a real soul. So maybe it could a whalers ships? Maybe there guys are hunters, praying on sharks, orkas, walruses and other animals of the sea. Or they could be still pirates, but doing some fishind during their free time ;) This whole hunting and corpses may be a bit creepy, but what i mean is that we've had plenty of ships in the line, official or fan made, but they lack something that coud be a real addition to the franchise. And i think it could and should be done by focusing on more diversity in new ships, not even the way they are designed, but by bonus features coming with them. Then again the question is if a whalers ship, i've suggested, would actually fit into the classic vibe of the line ;) But it's awlays better to do some brainstorming and even throw those ideas away, then don't do any at all ;)

Lovely idea, i like the choice of accecories, main character, crow's nest as a craft and the way that hidden stash is built. Very nice. I'd say that there's lot of good thinking in here, play value and i would say life too, tho Your palm tree looks a but whitered ;) it's sort of reminds me of a chinese cabbage honestly ;) i understand that You've wanted to use it to establish the fact that it's clearly thats an island, and nothing fits an island better than a lonely palm tree, but i wonder if this element could have been done in a better and provide more fun during plays. Like what if there was a little islanders totem instead? Or if it was a pirate's/soldier's grave, or even small mast, top of the mast, which could hint, indicate a possiblity that there's a whole wreck burried under that little piece of sand ;) A wreck with even more treasure ;) Then again i think it could use little color, maybe i'm just a purist, but i do think it would look better if You'd change that paddle into red at least :) And if any changes would allow that a red parrot could sit somewhere on the highest top of the island, to greet tourists, it would give it even more charm ;)

Glad i could of help :) Realy looking forward to see what next You will do with it. And there;s still plenty of time to use Your ideas as new entries. It would be cool if Your other ceations could work together to make something bigger, be set in the same "shipyard"/ self-sufficient" universe ;) Maybe You could try to "sell" some of those equipment shops in the mini build category? :) Like, for example, every self respected shipbuilders used modelmakers, before constructing the 1:1 size beast. So maybe that's one of the little scene from the shipyard's life that could be passed in that section? I'm saying this cause i saw You've actually put a small model inside Your general store. Right now it's sort concealed within this extreme construction, and i think it would look cool as it;s own little set :) I hope to see more stuff from You :)

Wow, that's some huge entry, by both number of pieces and words used in description ;) You do realize that You've written more text for this entry than most people will read in a year, right? ;) and this says a guy who writes too much ;) But then i must admit i envy Your impressive knowledge about Lego of that era. Stunning research! I know nothing about Lego bricks, and You're a profesor here, but maybe You should approach this project with more fun in Your mind, rather than being so focused on wether those pieces are proper or not :) I mean, when You create Lego with classic looks, it should be more about giving them a classic vibe, pieces don't matter that much to be honest. Like with the new Eldorado Fortress, a lot of people criticize it, my eyes can spot some modern parts too, BUT there's a kid in me who wants to buy it as much as if it was available in a toy shop back in late 80s/early 90s :) But back to on Your design... my first impression is that it looks much better when it's walls are confined into that square and You should probably use it as Your first picture, cause that would draw more people into it. First photo is the most important one in a presentation, others are just a bonus. And the photo You currently use is kinda weird, mainly because of that line breaking rules of the physics, tho i understand it's program's fault, not Yours. With castle itself i think it's an impressive work, and i guess a lot of folks would want to buy it, for those pieces at least or to be able to say that they've added it into their collection. I ike those battlements and ref roof and terrace. BUT it kinda looks like a remake of Eldorado to be honest, it needs something that would instantly make it a legit original set. And it needs more life on those wals, especially lower parts. Right now it;s a proper fortification, surely pirates would have nightmares while thinking how to get into it, but Lego sets are meant to be toys, and it could need more areas that could blow kids' minds. And to blow those minds maybe some of those walls could be blown? Like they do often with modern sets, where with a push of a button a piece of building can fall down. Or maybe, like i suggested in another entry which had a similar type of build, maybe this fort could be still being build? Or maybe it could be even a bit run down being damaged by a hurricane or something. They could have bullet holes here and there, or cracks from an earthquake. Or "garbage" could be used during construction, like they actually used to do, and so certain not fitting pieces would be vissible in the structure, perhaps even skulls it workers had to deal with a real tyrant. I know that all of this i've said wouldn't make it a proper unconquered fortess then, but it's like with defending locations in modern computer games - there;s always plenty of ways to get in, always causing defenders to have to run from one corner to another to repel an attack. And historically most of fortresses or walled cities had strong parts and weaker undefendable points, so maybe that's the idea You could follow to upgrade it. Or it at least, You could try to bring more colors into that white hell ;) I mean, it's too monotonous right now. I'd add grey bricks here and there, or sandy ones, or red ones, if available, to make it actually look like something build by workers' hands, where some parts are different then others, loosing more or less white plaster here and there. Actually, You've even used one piece of yellow with red bricks in the castle's couryard. So why not use more of them? Also plants or vine could be added to wall as well, to make it both visually more eyecatching and to be perhaps even be used by pirates to get in. Also those walls could have some protruding elements, that invaders could use to mimic Assassin's Creed moves and climb up ;) You have some lanterns by the gate, perhaps more of them could be fixed into walls, so that soldiers could be able to guard them better during the nigh, as it would be easier for them to spot if there's anyone trying to approach them. You also said that there are certain rooms inside this facility, and that they are accesible when this structure is dissassembled. As it would be cool if You could post pics of them, i'd say that it would be also better if those rooms could be reachable even when the fort takea the the form of a square. I woudlnt like to have to keep turning those walls to be able to play with all the features waiting for me inside. Maybe there could be more cannons installed into those walled-in areas, ha? Or if You think one cannon is enough and it should stay were it is, than maybe windows could make a different. And if installing windows wouldn't be wise due to safety concerns, they perhaps muskets could be fixed in those places, so that just their sight would scare the hell out of intruders :) Anyway, You said You want suggestions from us, and that You will keep working on it, so here;s few words from me, hope i didn't dissapoint You and hope You will make it even better. Can't wait to see how it turns out :)

That's a fact. Well, maybe we could just pretent their went that far north to get a chrismas tree for a governor? After all, christmas can be celebrated everywhere, even tropics, and it doesn't count as proper christmas if there's no christmas tree... nor christmas presents... and what better present to put under that tree than a Pirate Lego set? ;) Oh, i got it! I figure it out. Let's turn it into a special chrismas edition battle pack, we'll just give those soldiers an axe or two, to cut that tree, perhaps a colorful chain to decorate it too, and all it still needs is a miniature box of a classic Pirate Lego set under it to make it legit :) And a roasted turkey over that fire perhaps. And then, since Christmas is a time of peace and reconciliation, maybe they could invite a pirate to feast with them? ;) And there You have it, best pirate lego set ever, ranked #1 among most seeked christmas gifts in 2023 ;)

Holly Brick! You must have started working on this thing like 5 years before this contest started! :P Or You must be the faster Lego designer in the world ;) Very impressive! I love all those details inside the bulding, like hangers, and outside, like that watter running trough that pipe and making bubbles, or wooden finishes on wheel-maker's hut, honestly, there's so much brilliant stuff here invading my eyes and my mind, that i guess plenty other ideas must be probably hiding from my mind ;) Then again, every viewer will definitely find something more attractive for himself in this set to fall in love with :) And for a moment, seeing that You've added that galleon on the last photo, i thought that would be included as well. Still, an awesome display! But, that's also how i see it, it would definitely have to be a collectors' toy to be released the way it is. Therefore i honestly think that this leviathan would work better and be more sellable as a legi Lego offering, if it was divided into a two sets, as a shipyard and a general store separately. Pairing them in just one box is too much in my oppinion. And actually pairing those two particular insitutions - shipyard and store - is not a choice i'd go with it. I'd let that general store live on it's own, and since it's multi-floor structure it would be cool if it had an option to be be easily turned into separate few one-floor buldings, that could have openable walls. This way one building could be transformed into a small alley of pirate/merchant friendly insitutions. If shipyard could go in package with other facilities, i think it would work better if it was surrounded by some shops that would actually produce ship equipment. Like cannon makers, sail makers, line makers, mast makers, anchor makers etc. And then the shipyard itself could actually go with a small ship, Lego sloop or somesuch, that could allow two possible ways to play - as ship's skeleton with different ship parts laying around, that could enable "kids" to easily assemble it and then launch it, or just ot be used as an already finished ship that has been succesfuly launched onto the sea. Kinda two cool toys in one, like they did with Baracuda Bay. But this is just how i would try to do it if i'd run pirate department at Lego ;) Your creativity here and manhours invested in this project surely deserve at least a honorary hug from the judges ;)