JekPorkchops

The new images are definitely not CG, they're nice actual pictures (which SW uses a lot, luckily).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hothbricks/with/29322657101/ Well there is this…

Was there confirmation that it's gonna be the S3 separatist shuttle Phantom? And not just the upgraded S2 Phantom?

It's just that the SW line this year has exponentially decreased in quality and value, compared to itself and the rising quality of other themes. As a kid I would've complained about it as well, since it would be even more expensive for me in comparison. Also, as the most popular toy brand, they think they can get away with all of the corner cutting moves they make (and frankly, they're right). The fantastic RO wave does not save 2016 from being the worst IMO. As for your final point, just like TFA, a remake with incoherent little extra pieces added here and there does not make for another amazing thing.

This is golden. But it is indeed ironic that out of all the sets they photograph, this is the one on which dust is clearly visible in the final official pictures. Maybe it's because this model has been on a desk at Lego for such a long time?

That U-wing lower window seems a little strange to me. Kinda kills the flow. Is that accurate to the actual ship? And yes, the statement that the new DS will be a great building experience for those owning 10188 is ridiculous.

I believe it was rumored to be one of the $25 / €35 sets.

Also, I think it should be mentioned that this model has had no actual design phase.

For that price you can only get a small ship with a couple of stud shooters and 2 minifigs nowadays. A GR-75 transport could probably be done with a 90 dollar set slot if it were still 2013.

Very good points about the cheap shock value. I know it isn't original and I stated that. I meant that it could've added a lot more depth than the existing 'heroic heroes battling villanous villains' (though I was unaware of the dilemma's in the books). It's just that there wasn't really a linear story after a while, with all of the unsolved cliffhangers and what not, and that's why such a sporadic twist might be a thing. It doesn't really take a dump on existing material. In my version, the heroes of Alpha team are going up against the other teams and Makuro. There isn't really anything in the show that makes you root for Makuro. He just seems like a good ol' guy who founded it all, but this could be deceiving (not that it has to). Just throwing out some ideas.

Other than the fig selection, these details have not been mentioned before. Do you have a source?

Also, as a long time Lego SW collector, I don't see the old minifigs as a downside. Sure, they don't fit with the current ones and they would't appeal to today's kids, so I get the upgrade. But as a set by itself, the 10188 is fantastic! I still buy lots of sealed old sets when reasonably priced and I don't mind the old figs. I quite like them for what they are, a piece of Lego history. Of course, I do keep them seperate from modern sets, which might be a negative factor for current collectors, but in case of 10188: you can just update the figs if it bothers you. Long story short: get 10188 or be happy when you still have that one (in case you still have it as MIB, I advise to just build that one).

What if the secret was the semi-typical 'good person/organisation was bad all along'. Not that original, but it would give HF a lot more depth. What if Mr Makuro was actually evil? He could plan to get the entire galaxy under his authorisation over time. Assisting in this task would be the seemingly good Heroes, as they could be considered as a galactic police force. Secretly, they could be designed to be Makuro's army to stop any rival groups and tribes (the other Villains). It could explain why Furno and Evo, while programmed to be nice guys, have no real sense of morality, as The Outsider stated. Also, the Fire Villains could have been purposefully created by the HF, instead of it being an accident, so that the Heroes could stop them and seem heroic (and it would warrant the Upgrade).

To me the new TIE is the only improvement (besides the minifigs). I'd say this rehash is worse than the original with its ugly visible yellow and tan technic constructions. Didn't have high expectations yet I'm still disappointed. Though this saves me a ton of money as I already own 10188. Weird that that is still my favorite set ever, yet I completely despise this remake.

Wasn't there a Rogue Friday this year?

Why after season 4? S4 and 5 are by far the best of the bunch (at least most of the episodes are phenomenal).

Would really like to find out that secret. I have recently wondered about the principle of a factory that builds heroes. This cannot be done, a being needs to do something first to become a Hero. I only thought about a moment in the story in which the heroes were faced with this problem (as the public became more skeptical about the organisation) and that they needed to prove that they weren't just designed to be like that, but that they could actually be heroic.

There was a redesigned Phantom for season 2, which was the old one but with bigger engines (for hyperdrive), wings with more streamlined corners and an astromech slot on top. (I'm hoping the set will be this version.) The new ship appears to be a bluish modified Neimoidian shuttle.

Damn, if Krennic's shuttle is indeed $110 it means it's going to be one of this year's overpriced €140 sets. Pricing for the U-wing seems a lot less attractive as well.

Those minifigs are amazing. It appears that there are two handles in the back of the Striker, so I think the wings move seperately. I love the shape of the craft in that main rear box image. All of the other angles don't really do it justice. I don't like the way the spring-loaded shooters are just tacked on. Does anyone know why the back round part of the middle fuselage uses one of those TIE hatch pieces on top, yet the front uses none? Those round shapes looked pretty similar on the real thing front to back, I wonder why Lego didn't use the same technique twice.

Then it would still be a purely OT based set, just with minifigs that can also be used with your RO sets (but there are already lots of figs we already have, which will be compatible with RO).

Landspeeder is around 30 euros, just like the 2010 version. I wouldn't count on a Bantha being included. Though I do really want one.

It's kinda weird to me that the mounted blaster on top of the tank hinges along with the hatch as well.

I think it is more likely that the 'Phantom 2.0' set will literally be the upgraded Phantom from season 2, rather than the season 3 ship that seems to replace it. Chopper's inclusion would then make sense too, as there's an astromech slot on top of the craft.

TFA is already covered exceptionally well. The only major things needed are the Finalizer, a regular FO TIE and some form of Starkiller base. Add a couple of background stuff (quadjumper, ressistance base, scenery for final scene) and a complete Maz castle and you'd literally have the entire movie in Lego. There are tons of obscure vehicles and even major ones from the other movies yet to be recreated.