Deathleech

Honestly, if they have a human faction I would prefer colors and symbols be kept to a minimum. More like "REAL" knights back in medieval times. Think CMF Heroic Knight..

This was pretty much everyone's complaint on Brickset yesterday. They all said the price was too high. In the UK I agree, £50 is pretty steep (almost $80 USD). Usually the price in the UK is pretty close to the American price, unlike in other regions such as Australia where it's expected to be through the roof. In the US though, the price seems pretty spot on. The 2012 Dino set, Raptor Ambush was $30 and it had 65 less pieces, 1 less raptor, 1 less minifigure, and didn't have a motorcycle. You figure at 12 cents a piece, the 65 more pieces bring that $30 price tag up to around 38 bucks. That means for the extra $12 you are getting a minifigure, raptor, and morotorcycle. Seems about right when you factor in this is a licensed set and of course going to cost a little more. I mean COULD it have been cheaper? Sure, at $40-45 it would have been a great deal. At $50 it's a little steep, but still not terrible. Considering all the large molded pieces it seems decent enough. I was considering picking up this line, but after seeing the pics I am not so sure. I will have to wait and see how the last raptor set turns out. Comparing it to the 2012 Dino line, I kinda of wish I would have got that theme instead of these Jurrasic park sets...

They are the exact same size as the 2012 Dino Raptors, no? I think the picture just is making them look larger cause they are at the top of it.

Yes, but Galaxy Squad came out in 2013 and got 6 initial sets in the first wave, and then 4 more sets in the second wave all of which were released the same year. It also got 2 polybags. The 2013 Castle line got one wave of 5 sets, and then the 2 battlepacks. The 2013 Castle theme was almost half the size of the 2013 Space theme. In 2011 a measly 4 Castle sets were released. The same year Alien Conquest came out and you know how many sets it had? 7, plus 1 BP, plus 2 polybags. Again, way more than Castle at almost triple. So since 2011 Space has had 22 sets including polybags while Castle has had 12. I was originally responding to the guy who was saying Space has had as few sets in recent years as Castle but that simply isn't true. Space has had way more waves and each wave has been bigger. Pirates would have been a much better example.. but I am sure it would be a nightmare to go combining and splitting forums every time a theme goes on hiatus. It's pretty obvious the forum themes are just grouped based on subject AND what is scheduled to come out. The mods try to keep each section of the forum lively by putting themes there that would fit and based on what is coming out.

The one joust set hardly constitutes a wave. And it was a D2C set? By that logic LotR actually got it's third wave with Orthanc since it was released several months after the second wave? I guess technically the last Castle wave was in 2011 (besides the 2013 release), but meh. I don't consider 4 sets spaced out over a year a real wave. Seems more like they were just giving fans SOMETHING. Especially when the highest price set was $70 and there were only two other sets released in the summer with it, and then a single set in Dec 2011. Regardless, if you exclude the 2013 wave that's almost 5 years of no Castle released if the next is indeed in 2016. If you do include the 2013 wave, that's a 1.5 year gap and then a 2.5 gap between releases.

Ya, I am not really sure where all the wish list complaints are coming from. There have only been a few actual lists in the 12 pages of this thread so far, and it was abundantly clear they were just that - wish lists. Everything else has just been a post mentioning they want the Black Falcons or Forestmen or what have you back.

Ehh, not really. Space has been a little sparse as of late, but in 2013 they had 2 waves of Galaxy Squad and a few years before that Alien Conquest. They have a new bunch of sets come out every year or two. With the Middle-Earth license, Castle has been on hiatus. Since 2009, only one wave of Castle sets have come out. That's one wave of Castle stuff in six years... a little different then skipping a year every now and then like with Space.

Why would they split Castle up into it's own forum and separate it from the History one? LotR and the Hobbit only went from 2012-2014, while Ninja and Western were released three years each. So in the past 35 years, that would be 8 years of none Castle stuff. Hardly enough to have it's own forum. The Middle-Earth theme was placed in history because otherwise, in the past several years, there would of only been the 2013 Castle theme to talk about. The Castle forum would be dead other than MOCs (and GoH). They group it all together to keep the forum interesting and try to make sure there are topics to talk about with new releases and such. I am sure if LotR had ever gotten as big as Star Wars, it would of been broken into it's own forum section.

That's Dennis the Menace all grown up as a knight...

I wouldn't mind them if they got an update and looked more realistic rather than cheesy. Maybe ones with no printing is the way to go so they can have at least a little more use?

Actually he is right... or at least much closer than 8 billion or trillion. This is a point of contention in the Star Wars universe that doesn't really have a great explanation...

I really like his theme too. My only complaints would be the number of dragons in the sets, and the lack of variety in the factions. I know it's called "Dragon Lands" so there are obviously going to be lots of dragons, but having them in almost every set (in wave 2), isn't my cup of tea. I also would like to see more factions than the humans, orcs, and (ack) skeletal undead. The actual builds are amazing though. But.. but... I want tails on them! And shorter snouts.

Fair enough, and I agree they can get a bit tedious after awhile. The big difference with the LotR thread, and (hopefully) this one is that the LotR thread had basically the same ideas repeated over and Over and OVER. I dunno how many times people brought up a Balrog or Minas Tirith set, but it was on almost every list. I like reading wish list when they are original and new (not saying mine is the best, it could use work), not when they are repeated for the 500th time.

I hate the skeletons figs (as well as the Battle Droids from Star Wars). That's a main reason I didn't bother including them as a race in my wish list. I could go for some zombies or Dracular type faction, but please no skeletons... Because an original IP allows Lego to focus on other things? Lego can make more vehicles and sets that better fit their building set model. Lego couldn't make certain vehicles or locations if they were never shown in the LotR movies. Instead they had to focus on huge organic environments or structures, neither of which are really a strong suit for sets with price limits and square bricks. Lego also wouldn't have a license dictating what they can and cannot put in their sets (army builders, certain characters per set). I don't see an issue with a fantasy themed castle line coming out after LotR. The last Hobbit set was released mid-2014. The new Castle theme most likely won't have it's first release until early 2016 at the soonest. That's a year and a half lapse. Plus they released a Castle theme right in the middle of the LotR and Hobbit waves so I dunno why a new Fantasy Castle theme would be any less likely than a "standard" Castle theme with just knights? It's been about the same length of time since we will have gotten either. The excuse that a "fantasy" theme was just done doesn't hold much water when the 2013 Castle line was as basic knights vs knights as you can get. Other than a possible source leaking very vague info, and a cut out, there wouldn't really be anything else to talk about in this thread other than wish lists. I see no issue with people having wish lists or expressing what they hope the next Castle theme will have...

It would definitely be similar to the Lake-town sets, but not exactly the same. I imagine it looking much more dark and run down than Lake-town and with less snow. A place you would never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. I don't think it being released so close to the Lake-town sets would be an issue. Remember it's going to be at minimum a year and a half between the last LT set and when this set would even hit shelves. If the Hobbit wave came out mid-2014, and the new Castle theme is supposed to be released late 2015 or 2016, and this is a set from wave two, that's realistically a 2-3 year gap. I heard Lego was trying to steer away from the high priced retail sets and focus more on the smaller ones so that's why I tried to keep this (and all the rest) of my dream sets under the $100 price tag. It's the same thing, just a common alternative spelling. I was thinking a dark gray with red eyes and white hair to make them stand out. A light purple or white skin color could work too though. For the Lizardmen they could be blue or red to make them look different enough from the green Orcs and Goblins. Maybe something similar to the GW Lizardmen maybe...

Thanks! I actually didn't even put that much thought or effort into these set ideas, it took me longer to format and type the post than it did anything. The hardest part was getting a good mix of each faction in each wave. I never have liked when Lego does only certain factions with each wave then moves on to something new each sequential wave. If someone really likes say the elves, and they are only in wave 1 but they missed that wave, well then they are screwed. That or pay extremely high after market prices. I know people still might miss out buying a set they really like from an earlier wave, but at least the way I structured it allows them to still get some of the minifigures. I also tried to replicate some fan favors such as Medieval Market Village and give a good mix of vehicles and buildings, as you point out, all while making the sets as realistic as possible in terms of minifigure count and price points. Honestly, if Lego came out with anything remotely like this, I would buy TONS of the sets in multiples. that goes for a number of sets too, not just the smallest army builder and blister packs. I know I am a bit bias seeing as they are my ideas though, lol. I would love to see something as a cross between Castle Fantasy and LotR... more vehicles and slightly brighter colors to attract children, but also with enough detail and structure to grab AFOL's attention as well all set in a fantasy realm with lots of mythical creatures and factions.

Ya it's a bit unrealistic to expect that many figures in a large castle set. Luckily if it's an original IP Lego can give us proper battle packs, or at least something close. Four minifigures and a small creature for $12 like in Forest Ambush? Yes please! I would like to see all the factions available in each wave if it went beyond two. Personally my wish list would look something like this (while still trying to be realistic and follow Lego's established formula): Wave 1 Human Footman Polybag - $3.99 Orc Polybag - $3.99 Elf Accessory Set – $14.99 - 2 Elven Swordsmen, 2 Elven Archers, 1 Elven Magician This would be your standard blister pack Lego usually releases with their Castle themes in recent years. There really wouldn’t be a build unless it was a super small catapult. It would just have the minifigures, lots of weapons, and a treasure chest full of stuff. Drow Accessory Set - $14.99 - 5 Drow Forest Lookout - $11.99 - 1 Human Footman, 1 Human Archer, 1 Orc,1 Goblin, 1 Dire Wolf (similar to the dog mold but slightly larger(?) and more feral looking) Build would be a small, extremely rickety wooden outpost with flick fire missile Elven Ambush - $29.99 - 1 Elven Swordsman, 1 Elven Archer, 2 Drow, 1 Black Horse Build would be a small rickety wagon with a treasure chest full of emeralds and rubies pulled by a black horse. Also included would be a tree that flips a minifigure out of it Mine Raid - $39.99 - 2 Dwarves, 1 Orc, 2 Goblins Build would be similar to the Lone Ranger Shoot Out mine except quite a bit smaller. Play features would be a push cart with gold and jewels that goes out of mine and falling rocks/boulders Orc Outpost - $69.99 - 1 Human Knight, 1 Human Archer, 1 Dwarf, 1 Orc King, 1 Orc, 2 Goblins, 1 Large Red(or Black) Dragon A smaller square fort made of mostly brown pieces to simulate wood, with some rocks around it. 2 catapults on the outpost and 1 seperate small bolt thrower for the good guys King's Fortress - $99.99 - 1 Human Knight, 1 Human Footman, 1 Human Archer, 1 Elf Archer, 1 King, 2 Orcs, 1 Drow, 1 Armored Horse Some sort of non-traditional, more detailed castle would be great. Tall circular towers and a non-square would be preferred here. Of course catapults and some sort of large siege engine for the bad guys to attack with would be a must. Wave 2 Human Accessory Set - $14.99 - 1 Human Knight, 2 Human Footsoldiers, 2 Human Archers Orc Accessory Set - $14.99 - 3 Orcs, 2 Goblins, 1 Dire Wolf Treasure Hide Away - $9.99 - 1 Elven Archer, 2 Lizardmen Build would be a small cave with a concealed treasure chest in it that can pop out of the cave when you push a lever from the back Troll Bridge - $24.99 - 1 Human Knight, 1 Human Footman, 1 Goblin, 1 Troll The build here would be a large stoney bridge with a section of it that "explodes" Farm Attack - $34.99 - 1 Human Knight, 1 Human Peasant, 2 Orcs, 1 Dire Wolf, 2 Chickens, 1 Cow (?) Build would be similar to the Mill Village Raid set, except way less minifigures, no cart, and no windmill. The farmhouse might also need to be shrunk a little bit. Play features would include pulley to lift hay up to top of barn, and a cannon to launch it. Elf Encampment - $59.99 - 1 Elven Magician, 1 Elven Swordsman, 1 Elven Archers, 1 Centaur, 2 Drow The build for this set would be similar to the new Elve’s Treetop Hideaway but with less pastel colors obviously and a few flick fire missiles in the tree forts. A small bolt thrower would also come for the bad guys to attack with. Shady Port - $89.99 - 1 Dwarf, 1 Human Knight, 1 Human Archer, 2 Lizardmen, 1 Drow Wizard, 1 Drow, 1 Goblin The build for this set would include a smallish boat and then a dock. Think similar to the two Hobbit Lake-town sets combined. It would be somewhat modular and have 3-4 small buildings with dock that could be hooked together in different formations. Boat would have flickfire missiles and one building would be a tower with catapult launcher for play feature. Prison with exploding wall, and dock that explodes would be included. Wave 3 Dwarf Accessory Set – $14.99 - 5 Dwarves Lizardman Accessory Set - $14.99 - 5 Lizardmen Goblin Engineer - $19.99 - 1 Elven Archer, 1 Centaur, 1 Goblin, 1 Armored Brown Horse This build would include a steam punk style mech suit for the Goblin to fit in. Play features would include swinging "buzz saw" arm on the mech suit. Gryphon Peak - $49.99 - 2 Dwarves, 3 Lizardmen, 1 large molded Gryphon The build here would be a circular mountain with a nest at the top that has three large white eggs. There would be two spots mid-way up the mountain with levers that release to drop boulders. Orc War Machine - $69.99 - 3 Dwarves, 2 Orcs, 1 Goblin, 1 Lizardman, 2 Trolls This would be a huge wagon pulled by two trolls. It would had “wooden” pieces and spikes all over it and a wooden platform with a large catapult for the Orcs to launch boulders at the enemy. The dwarves would have a small wooden barricade with flick fire missile in the center Market Village Assault - $99.99 - 1 Human Knight, 1 Human Footsoldier, 1 Elven Swordsmen, 1 Human Peasant, 1 Dwarf, 2 Drow, 1 Lizardman, 1 Orc, 2 Chickens, 1 Dire Wolf This set would be extremely similar to one of the best sets Lego has ever made, Medieval Market Village. It would be more fantasy oriented though with the elves, dwarves, etc. each having their own little stands with their own flare. The main build would be an inn.

Well considering how poorly the Hobbit merchandise has sold with everyone like Bridge Direct, Games Workshop, and Lego, and considering the LotR has no other media or tie ins to support it, I don't really see toy companies clamoring to get the license once it has expired with Lego. In fact I think WB would be HAPPY to give it to Lego again for one large Ideas set. They would be silly not to.

Ya, I know it's a little different because Lego JUST had the LotR license and going out and getting the license again just for one Ideas project seems pretty unlikely. I don't think it's entirely impossible though. Maybe their internal testing or focus groups didn't really care for a Minas Tirith set, but now Lego sees how much people want one what with Nuju's project hitting 10,000 supports. It's not uncommon for companies to mis-judge the demand, or lack thereof for something. With that said, I think the biggest thing the Minas Tirith project has going against it is the size. Lego doesn't seem to keen on making huge Idea projects. I don't think they have ever even had an Ideas/Cuusoo set that was over $50 MSRP, have they? So why would they make a $200+ set all of the sudden?

I agree with most of the other stuff you said, but Lego DID get a license just for one set each (so far) with BttF and Ghostbusters.

I would love a "true" fantasy theme. The one from a few years ago was a good start, but still lacking a bit I thought. I want to see something a little more detailed. Knights in actual silver knight looking armor, not bright red and blues. Elves with pointy ears and dressed in green with cloaks and bows. Goblins with short legs and bald caps that have big pointy ears and noses. Dwarves with awesome beards and brown earth tones wielding axes and hammers. Orcs with pointy ears and rag tag armor. Huge green trolls, red/black dragons, gryphons, etc. would be awesome. Anything beyond that would be gravy. Lizardmen, undead, drow, centaurs, unicorns/pegasus, etc. would also be amazing.

A couple of things. First off that set you linked uses pieces in colors that don't currently exist. Secondly, it is almost double the proposed price Nuju's set would be. At 10 cents per piece that Minas Tirith you linked would cost nearly $400. Lego has only done a handful of $400+ sets and they are reserved for the very most popular themes. So with that said, of course it looks a little better... there is little excuse not to using double the bricks and in custom colors.

Most of the ones that look "decent" as you put, or really just more accurate, also use an unrealistic number of bricks. Lego is never going to release a $600+ Lego LotR set when they havn't even done that for some of their most popular themes like Star Wars and City. I think Nuju's was the most realistic option. It was priced reasonably around $250, still had the iconic white city's look, and had some nice play features. Was it perfect? No, I think it could have used a little more detail and the trebuchets were rather large, but it was a good representation of something Lego might actually make themselves.

I wouldn't bother in all honest. Most of the really "good" sets are long out of production and the ones left aren't great for army building nor the scenery. If I were you, I would invest in something new and fresh coming out.

Of all the sets in review, I think the piano is most likely. Why? Because it fits the price mold most of the other Idea projects have hit lately (around $20-50), it doesn't require any complicated license, and it's a super recognizable build. Of course I could be wrong, the maze and hornet also seem like possabilities. The Dutchman, AT-AT, and especially the Helicarrier are out due to sheer size (at 10 cents per piece they would all cost over $500 in their current state and the Helicarrier would be near $2000... ignoring the fact Lego just released their own version). Nice eye! Interesting they have only the front gates.. I know a lot of us have suggested doing that. Also interesting how long the walls are on each side, possible Uruk-hai style army builder add on? I would love Lego forever if they gave us a $60 main gate with Faramir, Eowyn, Witch King, and Fel Beast and then a $30 army builder with Gondor Soldiers and Mordor Orcs. Of course, the whole new mold issue is still there...