ARC2149Nova

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.

UCS Krusty Krab? I'll take twenty! Spongebob is without question my favorite franchise (Star Wars is second), and I would love this to be a real thing. The detail is amazing, and incredibly accurate. "Is this the Krusty Krab?" Yes. Yes it is.

I mean, while building isn't my forte, I do have an eye for design, and I seriously think "parody/knockoff stormtrooper" when looking at that helmet. If it needed a higher price to be more accurate, then I'm sure some would be willing to drop the cash for a better model. Lego probably expects these to be a niche anyway, so go big and make bank.

So, not being able to do better means it's above my criticism? What kind of logic is that? It's a terrible representation, especially given how good the Boba helmet is for the same price. There are mocs in the same style that are definitely better than this. Not saying it needs to be MOC quality, but for an official product, the rounds on the helmet (the central vents) are way too broken up and inconsistent. Top half until just below the lenses is okay. I'm certain the curved bricks could be utilized more/better, the chin grill and filters are okay, but the mouth grill is too big, the face is sloped with no definition (nose curve, cheek curves, chin curve), no dimples, I could go on. But, I'm not interested in debating this. I stand by my original statement. It's far from perfect, whereas Boba is pretty much spot on.

Good LeGod Almighty, what've they done to my boy TK-421!? Boba gets the respect he deserves, as always, and as always the Stormie gets shafted. Might pick up Boba, but that Stormtrooper is a disgrace.