SirBlake

My wishlist is simple. Deliver a new theme that is the same quality (from a design perspective) as kingdoms. Nobody wanted more lions and dragons and the graphic design of kingdoms was so strong that nobody cared. Feel free to rehash old themes if necessary, and while the same ideas are fine (guarded gate, blacksmith, Kings chariot), don't be afraid to explore other concepts. This would include civilian scenarios like MMV and MVR which were both fantastic. Fantasy elements (wizards, dragons and trolls) are fine, just try to limit the wacky vehicles. For example, the troll battle wheel from fantasy was too far out for me. Extra points go to a theme that leverages the best of the Alexandre Boudon (please excuse spelling mistakes there) minifig concepts that include wood, dark and high elf concepts. That would get gobs of money from me if executed properly.

Fair enough. I don't have any problems with the building techniques, I just can't get over castles with tank treads, flying rocket "horses" and rocket sled shields. It has less to do with the bricks and more to do with the concept. Edit: well it does have a tiny bit to do with the bricks because there really isn't anything usable for me. Edit #2: more subjective opinion here, but those videos are AWFUL. I'm sure it's not going to hurt anyone's feelings, but I think it's best that I leave this thread/theme. If you guys enjoy it, that's great. No use in me crying about it any more.

Since you quoted me, I'll address this directly. I don't recall using the word "childish". But not because I don't agree with it in principle. To me, the term is a way to express "goofy, unconventional, unsophisticated, etc.". I think the word "childish" is not the best term simply because we are talking about toys here, and they are childish by their very nature, so we can agree to some degree on that one. That said, from an aesthetic standpoint, some sets/themes are more sophisticated (read: appeal more to adult design sensibilites) than others. It is my subjective opinion that this theme is unsophisticated in that way. As far as coming off as pretentious, that's on the reader. It is not my intent to position one sensibility as better than another, rather this particular design sensibility is neither to my taste, nor consistent with the larger Lego Castle universe that has been established up to this point (with some notable exceptions), and therefore useless to me as a collector/MOCer. For example, "unsophisticated" isn't meant to be an insult either. There's plenty of room for toys that lack sophistication. Just not room in my personal collection. I invite you to provide an example of this happening, because I'm not seeing it.

If this is truly what you think, you just don't get it and there's no use to try and convince you otherwise. Suffice it to say, I and many like me disagree with your position, and that's ok.

I was holding out hope that there would be something useful when actual pictures surfaced, but alas. I will leave you gentlemen to your wacky fun action theme.

Very nice work. I particularly like the sedimentary layering in the rock.

Wow is right! This is fantastic work. Love the color on the latest entry.

I'd like to leave a more thorough reply, but suffice it to say for now that this is more Cook greatness on a really cool set design. Well done!

Still crossing my fingers for a 10-stud wide "Fast Car". Hope it's a good one, and that pictures are revealed soon.

Since I really only deal in castle, money is not really a factor. New designs for parts and figs are the priority and it looks like very little of either will be useful from Nexo based on the pics.

If joust is boring, go straight for Orthanc. I don't have it yet but it looks interesting.

Duuuuuuude. That is a delightful thought.

This is one point that I think there is no confusion on. I have no plans to get anything Nexo. Problem solved, right? Except that with no real castle offerings on the horizon, that leaves me and a great many people out in the cold for at least the next few years. Aside from the occasional creator set (maybe 1 or 2 a year) and some CMFs, what does that leave? Nada. That said, maybe that's the plight of anyone with a sharp focus to their interests. Unless you're a city/town enthusiast, not everyone is going to be getting their favorite theme every year. I may just be spoiled because fantasy and kingdoms had so much to offer. Edit: I should give the Middle Earth themes some credit too.

This isn't an either/or scenario. Just because 2013 sucked and Nexo sucks, doesn't mean there aren't virtually limitless options that would be largely accepted if not loved. There are threads that discuss what people would like to see in the future and a large consensus exists on what would make for a successful theme. TLG doesn't seem interested in delivering on these wishes, so we're left with no new product that we're interested in. Just because no satisfactory solution exists, doesn't mean we have to like the crap that's been served up. If you don't like my opinion on this or others that share it, tough. Welcome to the Historic Themes forum.

This thread seems like borderline trolling. This. Kingdoms joust is a great build with a few techniques that you don't see in most standard sets. If this is set is boring, I suggest you stick with whatever it is that you do find interesting.

Your sanity level is not our concern.

The state of Lego castle sucks, and will continue to suck for at least the next few years. This is how we're choosing to deal with it (in a perfectly civil manner I might add) and her we are getting yelled at again. Dark days indeed.

Heroica would be fantastic, and a perfect example of a theme that wouldn't be rehashes of classic castle, could still have named characters as TLG insists kids need nowadays, and still not be full of tanks and other nonsense. Each set could be a different adventure: Explore the spider cave Find the treasure in the dungeon Defend the castle Travel through the haunted woods Battle the sea monster from the ship Climb the sorcerers tower Ride the gryphon Battle the dragon Supply your adventurers at the market (and defend the townsfolk) These are just off the top of my head.

I'm in.

That's going to come down to a matter of taste. I think Cima is silly and completely uninteresting. That doesn't make you wrong, just different.

1: modularity. The ability for sets to connect in the 80's was one of the best parts. 2: good heraldry designs. See Kingdoms for an example of great execution. Even the same tired lions vs. dragons worked with solid design. 3: civilian presence. It doesn't have to be over the top, but MMV is one of the most highly rated sets for a reason. That's it, that's all. Unless of course I have to vocalize that tanks and spacey junk need not be part of it. That should be a given.

Don't know how I missed this one when it was first posted, but thanks! This is one of the few classic castle sets I don't have, so it's fun to see. Love the alternate build!

2013 was boring, but at least had good bones. Even though I was disappointed with that theme, I still bought most sets because heraldry aside, there was lots of good to be had. Kingdoms was perfect to me. The only downside is that it didn't last long enough. I've already expressed my opinion on this new junk, so I won't belabor the point. Suffice it to say that there appears to be basically nothing that can live within the rest of the Lego castle universe. Disappointment doesn't begin to cover this useless theme or the drought that is likely ahead for those of us that prefer a more traditionally medieval/fantasy setting. I don't think that represents a trend we can count on, though I do expect the pendulum to swing toward something more classic when this Nexo nonsense has run its course.

I hope you're wrong. With little overlap, it seems to be two different audiences. This is just my impression, as I haven't done the math, but it seems to me that the majority of the positive reactions are from people who rarely/never post in the historic forum. I would rather this theme go in the action themes forum or else we're likely to see more collision of tastes and the argumentative BS that goes with it.

Indeed.