Algernon

Are these sets available now?

Power Miners is another classic example of a theme that was despised at first but then (at least generally) accepted. I still don't like it too much, but I'm much warmer to it than I was when I saw the first pictures. Of course, I cherished Rock Raiders, so I'm a little biased (PM has absolutely no homage to RR).

Yeah I'm pretty sure there is a giant shark set, but I'm not really sure if there are any high-rez pictures of it. It might be an exclusive.

Really now. LEGO is LEGO. Technic is no less LEGO than System is. All of these sets are, down to the last stud, made by the exact same company that produced the cherished "classic" sets of old. But a company has to evolve and move forward. Otherwise, it would go bankrupt (and as we all know, it almost did!). So LEGO has to expand it's library of parts in order to keep the sets fresh. And really, is it so bad that the pieces are, on average, much bigger than they used to be? The kind of aesthetics that are being accomplished with the new library of parts wouldn't have been possible in the 70s. The last set that you mentioned looks very smoothly constructed- the large pieces on the bottom just help the rounded, sleek look of the model. It makes the set look better. Why is that bad? If you're afraid that you won't be able to build anything from parts so large, then you are severely lacking in imagination. If the designs are less inspired, it has absolutely nothing to do with the inclusion of large parts, it just means that LEGO's art team is having a bad day. It wouldn't have been any different back in the "good old days". A lot of classic Space sets looked horrible. This isn't directed at you so much as the general "anti-juniorization" outcry I've been reading all over this forum... it annoys me.

2009 had one or two decent sets that I failed to pick up due to price point. I see several smaller sets here, though, that look just as good. However I will completely agree that the cage is total crap. I mean, just look at it. Wow. As Crazy stated, though, those awesome figs might justify a purchase, even if they're the only thing that is.

I think this is the only set that people can accuse of juniorization, but if they would just look at it they'd see that it's made up of many smaller parts. It's just well designed so it looks sleek and whole. That's a plus, not a reason to complain.

Lol. Well, if there's one thing that everybody here can agree on, it's that SPIII's aliens are a million times better than MM's. They don't even compare. On to the two new sets... actually I like them a lot. The Raid ship thing isn't too impressive but the small size and valuable pieces make up for that. The big purple freighter is AWESOME though. I love the design and the fact that it comes with a space ATM. If I buy any LEGOs next year, it'll be that one.

Actually, I really like the way PM 2010 is looking right now... which surprises me because I think 2009 was severely lacking.

That's good; sometimes they get sent out to certain stores early, too. Maybe I'll get a hold of these after all. Lol I will don't worry. On the subject of juniorization, these sets are perfectly innocent as far as I can tell. Just because the subs look sleek doesn't mean they're <insert that tiresome argument>.

Yeah sorry guys I've just been real busy lately (yeah I know I sound like a broken record). Oky: just tinker around and post what you come up with! Remember what I say isn't the final word, I'd like to hear what everyone else has to say as well. Tereglith: I like that backpack lol. Sure, we can make that an impulse.

Like others have said, I think that it's pretty unlikely for LEGO to end SPIII with two sets that seem to be hinting pretty strongly at future releases. I am liking the look of said sets, too; more purple! And does anybody remember the much-maligned Mars Mission? In it's second year two smaller sets were released in January, followed in June by some of the theme's strongest sets to date. I think Space Police will do the same thing. Don't worry, we're not through with this yet. (and even if we are, maybe that means M-Tron 2 is on the way!)

Anyone thinking about a release date yet? I'm hopeful that these sets will be out by Christmas.

If I wasn't sold on this theme before, I most CERTAINLY am now!! Firstly I'll have to say that every single minifig in this theme is absolutely fantastic. The divers are all kinds of awesome and extremely collectible; that scuba helmet is just oozing with awesome. The Sharkman looked a little uninteresting until I saw him from this view; WOW! He looks great too! The Manta ray guy is also a sight to behold when viewed from this angle, but I rather think that his face is way outdone by his awesome mask. I only wish he came in black! But the best minifig by far is the Octoman. It's as close to a Davy Jones as we'll ever get- and frankly I think he looks WAY cooler than Davy Jones anyway! He's really the only reason to get the Atlantis Ruins, besides the cool squid monster it comes with. Now onto the sets: 8059- Definitely not the most remarkable set from this theme... but it's not as bad as people say. I think it will be fun to play with. Impulses- not much to say about these, but for those who just want the minifigs and not the sets, these are perfect! 8061- Since when did a city look like an outpost? This set is a little too bland for my liking. It's not bad, but it needs a little oomph to merit a purchase. The only reason to get it is the Octoman and huge monster squid. But those might be reasons good enough... 8060- This set is only cool because it looks like the submarine equivalent of a stunt fighter. Otherwise it has a very skeletal, Exo-Forcey (as some have mentioned) kind of feel that I have trouble forgiving. It's not terrible, but if it's even a dollar over $19.99 I'll pass on it. 8075- EASILY the best set this theme has to over!! Awesome design, great detail, original look and stylish construction, this is by far one of the most promising sets of 2010! I even like the little rover it comes with! Too bad the minifigs aren't exclusive. 8079- ...whoa. That is one cool sea creature. Still I'm not sure if I'll get it... it's not as striking as some of the other sets. 8056- Nothing special, but I like the design of the crab creature. I might pick it up. 8057- This is sure to be a hit- well designed, cool figs, and cheap. I'll be sure to get it! All in all I have to say that this theme is looking VERY promising!

Yep I was originally very iffy on this theme (the first pic that was leaked is still the least appealing set in my opinion) but now that we have all of this detail I have to say that I'm more excited for this theme than pretty much everything else slated for 2010. Besides maybe Prince of Persia. I love most of the vehicles (red or not, this color scheme is far superior to Power Miners), I love the Atlantian creatures, and I love the figs from both sides. To be honest Space Police is looking far less interesting to me than this theme. (I always did love Aquanauts).

The biggest difference between Star Wars and Star Trek is that Star Wars has gone into the toilet in recent years and Star Trek has just received a remake that will boost it to new heights.

Really loving that transforming steam beast. Reminds me of 9. I like that Queen, however I'm iffy on the hair and I think the general colors should be more "rusty". Less blue and silver and more old gray and brown. That way she'll look really weird. And lets not overlook the possibility of a brick-built queen...

The Underwater Scooter is looking particularly good. Should be nice and cheap, too.

My thoughts exactly.

Where's the pic of the squid guy?

Why don't any of the pictures work? Anyway, I'm falling in love with this theme. The minifigs are top-notch (those divers are freaking awesome) and the vehicles do look pretty cool, even if I'm not sold on the red color scheme (and it's way better than lime green and orange). The Atlantians look great too. So far I think this theme has a ton of potential. This is one of the best vehicles in my opinion. But the other sets have cooler Atlantians. I'm getting Alpha Team + Aquanauts vibes from this theme, which is awesome.

My profound apologies for my absence. I have been very busy with school and personal issues and I have fallen out of LEGO collecting. I will update the topic tomorrow. :)

DAYUM, those Prince of Persia minifigs are SWEET. That alone justifies this theme.

I get all my big LEGO purchases off of Ebay- I can usually save upwards of $20 that way.

Just order my Galactic Enforcer for a steal at $66 off of Ebay ($78 with shipping). Can't wait!

Ahh, the original Blacktron had some of the coolest Space minifigs ever. You should take a picture with the helmet down, though, to get the full effect.