BrickPrick

Lego: Best i can do is to let you all wait to infinity and beyond. As for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, i could see Lego releasing some special colored minifigures, comparable to HP's gold ones, just more in a silver-ish tone. If not, i'd be okay if they were to repeat 2024's approach of releasing never before made characters. Or any anniversary figs are reserved for 2029, while 2027 just gets a classic line-up of sets with some branding on the boxes.

I hope for everyone's sake that it's gonna be something special. In order to provide better balance again, the overall breakdown of sets would have to fundamentally change. Just reduce the amount of additional formats (helmets/midi-scale/buildable characters) by half and use the freed up system scale slots to deliver a more nuanced line-up of play sets. In terms of both sub-themes and price ranges. Otherwise it either gets worse or it just jumps from one extreme (clone craziness) to the next (OT overflow). The thing with anniversaries is you are at a point when almost every year is one of them happening, adding even more to the difficulty of balancing things out. However, what if some ROTS sets would have been released at the expense of some 2025 TCW ones? Granted true balance would still be missing, so some people would probably be indifferent about it. But given the occasion, it could have been a better offering than what we got, yes?

Yes, Lego is merely using the prequels as a backdrop, just picking out the clones to position themselves as their evergreen theme. A real shame. It might be unrealistic to expect a full blown anniversary wave at any given point, but would it kill them to give us at least a couple of overhauled classics? Even this year's ARC-170 and Clone Turbo Tank, which are technically based on Episode III, feel like more excuses for Lego to crank out clones. Which is odd, because they obviously belong in such sets. While there are some bright spots here and there when it comes to anniversaries, Lego usually left a lot to to be desired. I just think a little more focus on the subject matter would not noticable harm their overall sales. Like you already alluded to, the Lego Harry Potter theme is much more limited in scope than Star Wars is. Hence why they soft-reboot the Wizarding World every three years to clear up shelve space for newcomers. However, since this is about balancing out different set formats first, sub-themes second, i still think this comparison isn't far fetched. Like, Star Wars having so many possible sub-themes now, shouldn't stop Lego of doing some smaller sets again. Especially this year when you could have some very fitting duel sets sitting on shelves. In this department, the Lego HP theme still excels at and i am jealous of that. Don't you think a ROTS system scale set with zero clones in it would still sell pretty well in this day and age, Lego? Or would it just not fit your formatting, since it isn't a Mech, 4+ set or, well, just not expensive enough? Come to think of it... Would we have gotten a Palpatine's Arrest remake if the Diorama Collection wasn't paused for this year? Debatable. But it would at least increased the chances of that to happen. Oh well.

I think, i missed the mark completely with this one. Typically all for more in-depth, extensive conversations. Like to look at things from several angles. But my seemingly impulsive, drive-by posting doesn't do it justice whatsoever. I might be a little burned out on this topic and need to take a break from constantly commenting on it. Enough other things to focus in here. I still agree that the root of the problem lies in the overflow of non system scale sets. That's the cause of this mess, the clones are but a symptom. While pleasing everyone is next to impossible, better balancing out sub-themes would go a long way in pleasing a lot more people again. Oh man, the Bongo is the 4+ set i never knew i wanted. If this is what it would take to get a Boss Nass minifigure, so be it. Yes, it is. That's neither what i meant nor does it reflect my actual thoughts on this topic. At the worst, people are despicing or mourning the current state of Lego Star Wars, not other parts of the community. And they might not like the fact that clones are selling really well. Like, they don't want Lego to continue this path, but knowing all too well why they keep on doing it. My words were chosen very poorly that moment. I didn't intend to offend anyone. And i want to sincerely apologize for any caused inconvenience. This won't be happening anytime soon again.

And you think they don't know that? That's exactly why they despise the Clone Bros so much. They don't want this whole thing to be that popular and Lego putting clones front and center, because it prevents them from getting the sets they are actually interested in.

Oh great, even the thought of more Marvel junk getting moved over to Lego Star Wars is like a dream come true for me. Well yeah, i am well aware of that. Hence why i am hoping for this to be one of Lego's inaccuracies, when they mix and match scenes how they please. I'm probably reaching in that regard, but i wasn't ever this close of getting this particular Cad Bane, while also being fully aware that it's still a long shot. Yes, i gotta imagine Lego to release as much Mando stuff in 2026 as possible. So some left over Mando show sets, to accompany the Mando movie, wouldn't surprise me. While that obviously doesn't rule out more TBoBF sets, the Duel set seems like an unlikely inclusion. Of course, this might as well be another "somebody saw or heard about figure X so it was assumed it's gotta come with set Y" type of situation. The most recent example would be the Galactic Marines with the UT-AT. Although the Turbo Tank shows yet again Lego doesn't mind pairing completely unrelated minifigs with another vehicle. If they can do this with whole characters, they can change up a single figure's outfit.

Oh man. After the helmet leak i am slightly more excited and worried at the same time. Since Lego won't do anything based on the season's finale, this duel with Cobb is the only option for a TBoBF Cad to show up. Getting a Vanth after all this time and no Bane would feel like a gut punch to me. Here's some hoping it's just one of those infamous Lego inaccuracies. Though, ironically, this would be the first time Lego got the color of post Episode VI Boba Fett's helmet right. Just give me a modern version of Cad Bane that isn't actually releasing in the most expensive, underwhelming set of the year.

Yep, Lego does what's best for their business, aka what makes them the most money. It's just naive to believe they decide things on a anti-this or anti-that basis. Of course! How did i not put those two puzzle pieces together? Maybe because this set doesn't strike me as a Battle Pack. So i was thinking of the original 501st Super BP. Suffice to say, this licensed theme has been the perfect fit for Lego to produce minifigures ever since. Heck, Star Wars is this monstrous merchandise machine in general. There's basically nothing that doesn't exist by now. Oh yeah, i can definitely relate to this madness. I'm a sucker for a variety of different troopers. Preferably on clones and imperials. For the right price, i don't regret anything. As far as the Empire is concerned, i too hope Lego will follow suit and explore more options. The ones you mentioned are on my wishlist as well. Some Rogue One love for it's 10th anniversary would be also greatly appreciated.

Yep, i just want to make the clear distinction between variety and quality. I, of course, understand how the clone craziness can impact people's enjoyment of Lego Star Wars when they are not terribly interested in that era to begin with. Honestly, if this year was full of, say, ST themed sets, i wouldn't be all that stoked about it either. But if the sets in question are revolving around the idea of much requested and long overdue remakes, delivering exciting new minifigures and the quality is up to snuff for the most part, i could and would still acknowledge and appreciate these aspects. Just credit where credit is due, is all i'm getting at. No need to call it out as the worst thing ever just because it doesn't fulfill your personal preferences. How funny would it be if you are to get your big OT blowout to celebrate the 50th anniversary, only for Lego to go back to clones immediately the year after. While i would be somewhat appreciative of Lego being more transparent in terms of their themes' commercial performances, i also don't really mind it, because this means we have more stuff to talk about. Okay, so the "501st vs. Jar Jar" (what's the meaning behind this reference?) is the 75280 Super Battle Pack i was already assuming. I am sick of just thinking about the possibility. And i remember people in here were already tired of 501st Battle Packs when the original 332nd one was leaked for 2023.

More like... how do all these freaking adults dictate what Lego is supposed to make and is what's killing a lot of system scale set slots in the first place. Star Wars started out as cinema. Now it came down to creating a lot of annual content, which, in the age of binge watching society, is usually forgotten a lot quicker than movies which are considered cult classics and an integral part of pop culture. It all might went hand in hand with the returning PT hype and heavily requested Lego TCW comeback. Since then it sold very well for the Lego group, so they just kept the ball rolling and overcompensating in the eye of many (myself included) consumers. Nein, danke, ich verzichte darauf... und das will ich nicht hoffen. Look, i know the clone craziness has gotten out of hand and is way too much by now. But when i see comments like "worst Lego Star Wars year ever", i'd imagine the quality bar to be at an all time low. And this is clearly not the case. In that sense, it doesn't matter if we're getting five TCW/PT based sets or double that. That's a diversity problem, not quality. The latter, to me, is still an essential factor for judging a year of Lego Star Wars. There will be more OT-themed days ahead. Everything will be just fine... eventually. I'd think 2027 at the latest. That's the advantage when you always play catch-up to previously released sets... you never depend on specific waves for bringing something worthwhile. Besides, as you said, there is hardly any shortage of other points of interest to invest in. =)

Not even close. It would have to be a desasterous year to even plunge to the same low level. Where is the like button? I couldn't agree more even if i tried. What's gotten worse and is peak problematic for 2025 is the severe lack of variety in sub-themes, which is primarily caused by the absolute overkill of 18+/non system scale set formats. However, what's left of it does not represent a quality problem for the theme as a whole. No amount of clones can change that.

Yeah, i could see it as some sort of hybrid-situation. Though other than this set having an extraordinary long shelve life, we will probably never know for sure. What was the fourth Clone Battle Pack, by the way? You got the 75345, 75359, 75372 and...? Is set 75280 still available? So unless you think the series is about good vs. evil, you are saying the Clone Bros are the worst and you guys are... still bad, but just not as worse? I'd definitely like that definiton. Though i don't think it mashes well with your "honorable heralds" description.

I can not agree more on this. It feels so strange, because it's not been that long ago since i praised Lego Star Wars for their range of smaller solid sets. To witness this steady decline in favor of all these adults oriented products and additional formats, is a sad state indeed. Microfighters and Battle Packs are more expensive than they ever been, the latter severely lacking in variety. You get those miserable Mechs, heavily overpriced 4+ sets and Jedi Starfighters. And that's basically it. The absence of any Duel sets left a void that Lego should fill in again as soon as possible. And where is your typical (so not overpriced beyond belief) release in the 40s price range? By today's standards, it almost feels like true system scale sets sort of start at ~60 bucks. I think Obi-Wans Delta-7 is an outlier and keeps on selling really well. Like it doesn't seem like a set whose sales Lego would have overestimated and thus didn't overproduce it. They may have decided to extented it's shelve life to compliment the upcoming Jango's Slave 1 release. Only if the leaks are true, which they more likely are not. Please don't... i just can't do this anymore.

Ko-to-yah, Mandalorian Man. I've aimed for twelve bucks and ended up getting it it for eleven (27% off), which given the value is a good deal. I like to see it as the old Microfighter price point plus a little extra for the awesome head mould. Oh yeah, it's every bit as good as i imagined it would be. As i said, very happy with it. Personally giving strong Lego Star Wars minifigure of the year vibes. Though the upcoming TCW Obi-Wan might be tough to beat. Now the maker knows how long it's actually gonna be until my next 2025 set. Still have a couple 2024 sets to get before they retire.

Yeah, that's what i thought. The super simplistic faces were a great fit when the figures had very sparse printing as well. But nowadays they would just clash with the much more detailed quality standard. Lego may do more replica figures like they did for the 20th anniversary or something. Though i would rather they repeat the 25th anniversary and give us brand new characters. I actually think so as well. It's impressive how well Lego nailed the shape of the ship, given such a small scale. I also like the part usage of blue lightsabers for the engines. Just a pity they didn't add the droid's body. But other than that, this is basically the perfect Microfighter.

Ko-to-yah, Mister Darth Bane. Eh, other than using it for specialized minifigures for the occasion, i don't really see the appeal. Ko-to-yah, Sir Clone Commando. Ha, that's kinda dark. It's like these postings are gonna write themselves, right? Hopefully before Lego officially reveals the August wave... which could still be a few weeks away. Two more things i want to see more of after Plo's Microfighter. First, i hope this set opens the door to give us more desirable minifigures that also haven't been made for quite a long time. Second, the hard plastic dual mould for his head and mask might be a good indicator for replacing other characters rubbery faces in the future. Looking at you, Kit Fisto.

Ko-to-yah dear Eurobricks enthusiasts out there. Where are you, Plo Koon? You're here! You're not suddenly getting blasted to bits over Cato Neimoidia with next to no chances of survival. You're here! You're right here, and you're ready to fight! What a magnificent minifigure all around. I knew the dual moulded head is an incredibly impressive improvement over the last one, but yeah... Actually seeing and feeling it in person is always another thing. Only owning the original version as well would have made the upgrade even more visible to me. Oh boy, do i love it when Lego just works and reminds you of simpler times. After more than a quarter century, they just delivered one of the best looking Jedi minifigs ever. And i could not be much happier right now.

Yep, this facial expression is clearly a reference to Obi Wan's visit on Kamino. More specifically, the "visible confusion" meme which happened during his chat with Lama Su. I don't know why so many people generally seem to say "angry", when it really isn't. Almost like it has to be "angry", if it isn't the most obvious happy face in the Lego world.

It's coming in too hot... Is that still a Lego minifigure? Other than no dual moulded legs, it looks like custom level of quality. Probably the best Obi-Wan they've ever done.

Oh man, i would get them all one by one... slowly but surely. I already mentioned you could do an entire CMF only based on the Mos Espa Podrace participants, but it would also serve as a great MBS set. I know the chances of that happening are astronomical at best, but a man can dream. I at least hope the format finally returns next year.

Yeah, that's why i said they don't do them like this anymore. Comparable to the Lego catalogue layouts. They are a shadow of their former selves. Back in the day, full of life, imagination and creativity. You would see cool shots of a kid's room or something. Nowadays, usually really bland, shallow and uninspired. In addition, here look, there is an app you can use your smartphone for. But that's just the world we're used to live in, i suppose. One of so many great commercials. Loved that the guy made even the villains sound like a hero. Soon, Plo Koon my boy, you will be with me soon.

"YOU CONTROL THE ACTION!" Oh man, they don't do them like this anymore. Today you just get some lame social media advertisements, a decent designer video or something like that. But to my knowledge none of these cool TV spots.

Well, what do you know, just when you order something else as an alternative for the time being, your number one choice reaches and even exceeds the expected price point a bit later on... that's usually how it goes. Was too late to cancel the Battle Pack, so now i got that and the Microfighter. Hold on to your precious plastic pieces, Plo, i'm coming for you! Random or not, you can't deny it would include nothing but brand new and even some desirable minifigs, which would be the main draw for many people in such a set. Additionally, we anticipated the return of Duel sets and this would be a quite unique one at that. All of this is obviously highly hypothetical, because, as you said, it sounds fake as megabluck. This is exactly what i said about the sad TBoBF situation. They have made but two sets in total and both (especially the Mando Starfighter based on his glorified episode) doesn't scream like the Boba Fett show. I was so sure we would at least get a bacta tank chamber as modular expansion for the palace, but nope... nothing. Just unfortunate to see how the "MCU-ness" impacted some sub-themes of Lego Star Wars merchandise for the worse. Word up, man.

I don't know how to explain this, but sometimes you connect sets with the year it could release in and it just sounds like a good fit. Like, for instance, the TIE Avenger and 2026... Beyond mere wishful thinking, it just sounds right to me. Akin to when you rate something and think "yep, that's a 9/10". Same goes for set numbers. I look at the AT-TE and think 75337 is a perfect fit for that. Could it have been 36 or 38? Sure enough. But it ain't no 37. Or like the aforementioned legendary leaker who said "he trusts the source, but it's still early days, so he gives it a 6.5/10 in terms of credibility."

Neither did i! I would be over the moon if my profile picture finally became reality, but i won't allow myself to even be cautiously optimistic about this one. Damn it, why can't it be a relatively reputable source making that claim. Having just talked to my grandma in spirit, she didn't even take those leaks seriously. That's exactly how they do it. Plus then stealing the legit leaks and claim those for themselves. Just pathetic.