ARC2149Nova

I love how absolute cheeky this answer is. That's pretty much saying "No. This is what you get, so deal with it." I think it's quite clear how this is going to pan out. Lego had a goldmine, only to fish out copper and head to the market. I really wish more of you would see the signs and understand that this is not going to go well. Nintendo/Japan/Kids/Whatever else can't save Lego if Lego doesn't play their cards right. It's an innovative new real/virtual mix toy, and those always do so well. I'll give you a good example of this (apparent) concept done right: Hidden Side. Hidden Side is very much an AR experience, but figures to back it up, and wonderfully make sets, both location and vehicle-based. Mario needs to be treated like Minecraft on steroids, but without proper figs (Simpsons' style, Normal style), and some kind of major location that will draw in EVERYONE (casual and hardcore fan alike), something that's for play and display, then it's over before it begins. It's hard to accept, but this is the deal: This theme needs normal sets. To all those arguing "this isn't it!" (which it is, let's not kid ourselves), Lego would surely showcase both. It would be clear that this is only a small part of the theme. As it is, Lego's only promotion of this is their new board game-esque line of Mario sets. Some will like it, some will love it, but it would be a bigger hit, a home run, if they did normal sets, with minifigures, No one, not even me, would question Lego's direction and objective with this theme if they did that.

One of the reasons that "video games with real toys" doesn't work. It's been done with Angry Birds (not in Lego, but still), and most people would rather play actual Angry Birds than mess with toys. I see Mario being no different. Kids are bored easily nowadays. Gone are the days of actually playing with your toys, now it's video games. Whether that's bad or good is debatable, but what isn't is how that inevitably affects a very physical toy like Lego. People always say that Lego's target audience is children, but how many of us (myself included) actually know what children want? Sometimes they don't even know what they want. I might be defeatist, but I am stating my conclusion given prior evidence. Themes like this have come and gone in the past (like Lego's board games), cool ideas that don't stick around, because they overestimated their target demographic. All that makes this different is brand recognition. Unfortunately, that only goes so far. So, keep your hopes up, maybe enough people will buy it that it stays afloat. I know what I see in stores around me. That said, how far can these sets go? Will all the steam die out in a year? Or can such a system last for the long haul? If Lego's going this far out of the box, there has to be a plan.

This one is the best! This is golden. I'm not here to rain on any parades though, I'm just here to say that I knew this was coming. Lego has gone crazy, but sometimes crazy works. This is why you don't discount skepticism, it helps keep expectations realistic. I hate to say it, but I can almost see the clearance tags already. They would've been better off making this a traditional theme. Lego's board games and gimmick themes never got far in the past, and sadly, I don't think Mario's brand recognition can save this. Hopefully I'm wrong, and someone finds joy in this, but, I forsee many more disappointed at release.

Though here's where the UCS sets come in. I'm positive a lot of non-Lego fans, or casual Lego Star Wars fans love the UCS series. It's already a perfect subtheme for AFOLs young and old. Even if some don't like the minfigures (like you mentioned), then there isn't a focus on those, at least with most of them. But, I hope these do well enough that we see Scout Troopers, Rebels (Pilots need extra bricks for insignias), Clones (extra bricks for legions), and more. It'll be all worth it in the end if Lego doesn't abandon these after launch. So it begins... I like the PT more myself, but I certainly wouldn't scoff at seeing more OT sets. I think that the more recent Disney films (TLJ, Solo, ROS) have soured tastes overall in terms of both the franchise itself, and its merchandise. So, someone who doesn't exactly care for the ST might get annoyed at the overwhelming amount of sets dedicated to it (especially if said sets are overpriced or otherwise flawed), when other trilogies are more or less shafted. That said, the OT has got plenty of love in 2018, and the PT got some rehashed affection in 2019, but for many of us, we could use something new. Personally, while I'm tentatively excited about this new wave, the standout sets to me are the AT-RT/BARC and AAT. AT-AT depends on the size/figures, and that's about it. Anyway, I do agree that it's pretty flawed to expect Lego to ignore Star Wars' principal trilogy. That said, with the sequels over, I hope that going forward we get more unique and interesting sets from the OT and PT.

So... A-Wing? I guess we'll see in a month.

So, do we have any idea what the UCS is? Could it be something ESB related?

Funny enough, a lot of the 4+ sets are actually pretty useful figure wise, (Scout Trooper, Rebel Trooper, Wedge) even if the builds are chibi and simplified. Did we really have a non-system wave in 2018? Looking through Brickset the only sets out of place are the CCBS ones. We actually got a winter, april, and summer wave. We just didn't have a fall wave because Solo came out in May. Also, I think many OT fans would've snagged a few Rogue One sets regardless of their opinion on the movie (an excellent AT-ST and Y-Wing, not to mention that Stormtrooper Battle Pack with OT helmets).

This. How do people not get this? It's almost as if people expect Lego to receive nothing but praise. Good sets these may be, but come on, were they needed? Were they even wanted? Most of us would agree that we never asked or needed this, but somehow everyone's expected to love it unconditionally? If you like them, good. Forgive me if some of us don't share the same sentiment. And as you mentioned, some of us had high hopes for the CCBS line (myself included), but look how that ended. At least Brickheadz are still a thing... Giving a company unconditional praise for whatever they stick to the wall is absurd, and expecting an entire community to love everything said company does is equally absurd. As the old saying goes, you can not please everyone, and that's fine. Without "negativity" or sometimes valid criticism, Lego will just get lazy. I for one don't mind the existence of the helmets, but a whole subseries? Taking up more space from actual system sets? Lego is really just banking on us to buy whatever they put out, which is insulting. Also, most of us have warmed up to the Stormtrooper, so I feel your challenge is too late. However, with that said, if they really wanted to knock this out of the park, then a better helmet for a higher price point would've been palatable. But as it is, it'll do the job. Enjoy the helmets if you like them, no one is robbing you of that, but people are seriously starting to defend Lego like somehow not liking everything they do is a crime. Now, as for the TIE Pilot, is it really a bust and not a helmet? If it's a bust like Vader and Sith Trooper it'd be out of place among the helmets, but as a helmet, it makes sense for a third offering. And any hints as to May's UCS?

So much this. It's almost like they're just mocking us at this point. How long have some been crying for a Jedi Temple, Yavin IV, Saw Gerrera, various ships from Rebels, etc? Lego went so far as to give a set clone collectors might have wanted (Geonosis Troopers), only to flip us the bird with the laziest battle pack ever. I'm so close to done with LSW it's sad. Hopefully pictures of the summer wave (including whatever those 4 clones are) will pick up our collective spirits. This is a crap "anniversary wave". I remember ten years ago, we had an AT-AT, our first Wampa cave, and two battle packs, not to mention Slave I with that sweet sweet new Boba Fett Helmet.

Good points. Hopefully you're right. As long as the sets are good and well-made, and the figures are decent, this has a lot of potential.

I don't hate licenses, but, sometimes pointless tie-ins are pointless, and Trolls and Minions will inevitably lower the excitement for Mario. Some will see it as yet another pointless tie-in, whether that's true or not. Not saying Mario is a pointless tie-in, but Trolls and Minions help feed the "license overload" that some people believe in. In an off year, Mario is an exciting announcement, it still is to some, but some of us sit and wonder why another theme (licensed or otherwise) over more love being given to other themes. Both sides are equally valid. I'm tempering expectations to ensure that I'm not disappointed. That's never a bad thing. You can be excited, but understand that some of us aren't going to be as hyped.

I'm not being biased, I'm choosing to not get hyped. I understand that there will be themes outside of my interests, that isn't the issue. The issue I have is that I've seen way too many one-off themes to have much hope for Mario being any different. I'm not a TMNT fan, but the theme was good. I'm not even a Minecraft fan, but I appreciate the sets (even if I don't own them). Many themes have so much potential, but end before it's realized. (LotR, Scooby-Doo, etc.) Again, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I hope the theme does well, and that fans of Super Mario get what they want out of it, but I'm not going to feel the hype just because "it's popular" or "kids like it". Bias, positive or negative can be harmful. And if I seem anti-Mario or whatever, that's not the case. I just don't trust Lego to handle the license well. They've screwed up past and current licenses, to the point where it's miraculous certain themes still exist. But, every now and then, they get it right. (Harry Potter reboot, for example) At the end of the day, the fate of this theme rests on Lego's ability to knock it out of the park in one shot. A weak, mediocre, of even midway first wave would be disastrous. A strong first offering will ensure the theme lasts. Star Wars is also really popular, doesn't help Lego if they mishandle the sets. Again, all I'm saying is temper the hype, and wait for more info to surface. Hell, today or tomorrow pictures drop, I might join the hype train alongside you all.

I never said there weren't. However, many fall in the opposite camp, as well. Anecdotal evidence (on my part too) doesn't mean much. I'm happy there are folks getting what they want, but when this theme inevitably falls short of expectations, and sales lack, and Lego deems it a failure, then we'll see. Of course, that may never happen, and Mario might be our new Minecraft. Either is possible, but don't ignore the possibility of failure. Poor argument. Kids don't have the buying power to decide what sells and what doesn't. We do. Parents do. Kids do not. If this theme does well, it'll be the hardcore Nintendo community/AFOLs, and not Kids. Will kids want this theme? Sure, why not. But don't act like they're the be all end all. Any theme is a gamble, and I'm just not going to feed the hype. Lego's disappointed me enough for me to remain hopeful at anything they announce. It's not that I want this theme to fail, to be clear, I hope it is successful, but I'm not going to be singing Lego's praises just yet. Wait until pictures drop at least. Then we'll have a better idea. As for Overwatch, what reasons do we have? Any rumors? Any leaks? Or just some unused set numbers? I would love for a second year, but I'm not holding out much hope. Overwatch merch has died down considerably, and I don't think Lego is any different. And as was mentioned, the timing was poor, sadly. Answer me this: Couldn't Lego have just made Mario? Why is it the third announced license this year? I for one would be far more positive if Mario was the only new license, and not another in the mass of new licensed themes. Yes, Mario is leagues above Trolls and Minions as a franchise, but for this year, in the Lego-sphere, they are peers. Also, this isn't about popularity, it's about "Will it sell?" and if it does, "Will we get more sets?" if both answers are "Yes", then good. But until we see the sets, the sets get released, and we see if 2021 brings us more Mario, I'm reserving my hype. Guys, don't set yourselves up for disappointment. I've been down this road before with Scooby-Doo. I'm not letting it happen to me with Mario.

I certainly wouldn't be surprised, I'm expecting it. This needs all the right pieces to fall into place, and frankly, I don't see that happening. Not just sales, but consistent set design, proper figures (mini or big), and, best of all, a decent consumer base. The "Fans" want Zelda, the "fans" want Nintendo, not necessarily Mario. The "Fans" will buy Mario hoping it gets them Zelda/Pokemon/etc. Of course, I'm not saying that no one wants Mario, but let's keep things in perspective. Look at Star Wars, Marvel, Space, Castle, DC, etc and see how much of a damn Lego gives about what the fans want. Minecraft has the advantage that Creator has, being a "do-whatever-you-want" theme with some proper builds and a modular structure. But, I guarantee you that Minecraft stayed in Micro-scale, that theme would've ended quicker than you can say Enderman. The figures are interesting, the builds are simple yet often quite flavorful, and Minecraft is a relatively relaxing game about exploration and building, so it's like the perfect Lego game, without obviously being Lego. Overwatch is a different basket altogether. While initially it probably did well, there's no second year for Hasbro's Ultimates line, and no confirmed Lego waves this year either. That theme is, as far as we know right now, dead. Which is unfortunate, as I like the characters and locations. Back to my point about a consumer base, there aren't a lot of Nintendo fans who buy the Mega Construx stuff (I know, I work in gaming retail, and most video game customers don't care about building toys). Lego is by far a more popular brand, yes, but that means little to the average gamer. Lego's licenses bank on not just Lego fans of X property, but also X fans who might buy a Lego set or two. A lot of Mario toys (save plushies) stay on the shelf. It's a slippery slope. I hope I'm wrong, and that Mario lives a long Lego life, but I'm keeping expectations low as possible.

So, I'm 50/50 with this. On one hand, great for Nintendo fans, no question. On the other, why? Just why? Minions, Trolls, and now Mario. 3 new one-off licences, and before anyone says different, make no mistake, this will be a one-off. Unless they do some really deep dives, this can cover Super Mario Bros, Galaxy, Odyssey, and the Donkey Kong games. Maybe even Mario Kart. It's also frustrating to see this when Star Wars could've gotten an anniversary wave for Empire Strikes Back, and a Season 7 wave for Clone Wars, but no, a mishmash of sets and that's all folks. Not to mention themes like Space and Castle, which have dead for years, and people are clamoring to be brought back. Actually, I change my mind, I'm 25/75 on this, and far more skeptical than positive, sadly.

A nice wave of ROTS sets for whenever they show that film more love. Duel in the Senate ($89.99): Chancellor's Podium, 2x Senate Pods, Bail Organa's Speeder. Darth Sidious, Yoda, 2x Shock Troopers, Bail Organa. UT-AT ($119.99): Ki-Adi-Mundi, Commander Bacara, 2x Galactic Marines, 2x Super Battle Droids. Tri-Droid ($39.99): Battle Droid Commander, 2x Battle Droids, 2x Super Battle Droids. Separatist Shuttle ($29.99): Anakin Skywalker (Vader), Wat Tambor, Security Battle Droid. Tank Droid ($24.99): 2x Wookie Warriors, 2x Battle Droids. Invasion of Kashyyyk ($109.99): The obligatory HMP, Wookie Catamaran, Sea Wall and tower. Merumeru, Wookie Warrior, Kashyyk Scout Trooper, 2x Super Battle Droids. Speeder Bike Patrol ($19.99): 2x BARC Speeders. Commander Neyo, Stass Allie. The Blade of Dorin ($29.99): Plo Koon, R4-F5, 442nd Clone Trooper. Republic Gunship ($139.99): Clone Pilot, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, 2x 41st Clone Troopers. The Invisible Hand ($159.99): General Grievous, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chancellor Palpatine, Anakin Skywalker, Count Dooku, R2-D2, 2x Super Battle Droids. ARC-170 ($89.99): Odd Ball, 2x Clone Pilots, Red Astromech. Coruscant Clone Troopers ($14.99): 3x Shock Troopers, Phase II Clone Trooper.

Noo...It'll take a lot of modding to get the feet right, the body needs more beef, and we're not even getting into the cannon and sidechair. It's not impossible, but like you said, you'll need at least 2 mixed together with a few other bricks. Should be a fun project though.

"Out of box" pictures are warming me up to the Stormtrooper. It's still lacking, but it's okay.

A Stonewars ambassador told us here on this forum several pages ago.

The only one that was named in Legends was Sergeant Barlex, aka a normal Airborne Trooper, so really no point in naming him. Boil could've been there, but since he's not in the movie, no chance. I'm hesitant to think it's an Airborne, just because of the helmet difference. Not saying a journalist/leaker wouldn't still know it's a clone, but I'm inclined to believe it has the normal Phase II helmet. But, an Airborne would make more sense for a one-off figure. (And yes, I know we have them already). So much this. The most recent mainline purchases I've made have all been in the $20-$30 range. I want to get some of the bigger sets, but I can't justify the price for most of them.

I mean, we do have Gree... Besides, is 99% really ignorant of other Star Wars lore? I'm sure it's a lot less than that. Besides, obscurity means nothing to the Star Wars fandom. That being said, since it's not Cody, the only reasonable figure is a normal 212th trooper.

Honestly, considering the niche of these, Lego should've gone for a bigger budget/price point, if it made the helmets (looking at YOU Stormtrooper) better. Boba is pretty spot on, and the Stormie may look good at literally one angle, but one angle does not make a 3-Dimensional product. Curves, man, curves. Stormie needs them. My only other thought would be different prices within the collection. Boba is fine at $70, but Stormtrooper could've been $90-$100 with better side profiles. I don't know. Hopefully we get helmets like Vader, and Clone Troopers (phase I and II, with extra bricks to make different ranks/legions), from there, maybe Snowtrooper and Scout Troopers? It has potential, to be sure, but if launch is this 50/50, then I don't have high hopes for a consistent subtheme.

Looking at pictures of the Krusty Krab in show, maybe the best option is replacing the reddish brown with dark brown and olive green mixed together. It seems like a more accurate color palate, and would help give it that "drowned" look.

Hello, US resident here, confirming that Walmart frequently marks sets down lower than MSRP. For comparison, Anakin's Starfighter from 2018 was $16 at release, with a standard MSRP of $20. $30 sets are usually $25, and the gap sometimes reaches to about $10. So Walmart listing it for $60 actually seems pretty much a confirmation of it being more than that. Hence, $70.

@Guyon2002 They don't have to be ashamed. I'm not trying to insult any designer/artist, but if the work is terrible, it just is. I like writing, if something I do is terrible, I don't feel bad, I just try for better. Apologies for misreading your statement as I did, but I don't think calling the product itself a disgrace is harsh. I'm sure the designers did what they could given whatever constraints they were put under, but the finished work leaves far too much to be desired. In short, I'm separating art from artist, criticising one isn't the same as attacking the other.