dj2005

Wow, I wouldn't mind having you design some (more like all) of the official LEGO space sets. The design is just perfect.

These two links work for me: http://www.br-eng.info/words/index.php/sea...s/?ins_qry=4819 and http://www.br-eng.info/words/index.php/sea...s/?ins_qry=4806

This is one of those sets that make me really want to start building up a city. It's a great value, has a lot of useful pieces, and is just plain fun to play with. I do miss vehicles having doors though. Great review. I was a bit curious as to how the dumping mechanism worked. As well as the sticker count.

Thank you for the reply, Sandy. I used Brickset's 2007 and 2008 castle categories to form what sets came out on which dates. They state that the Dwarves' Mine was released during Oct. 2007, which is the same date for most 2007 castle sets. On to why I think the 2008 sets didn't compare (like your post, this is all in my opinion): King's Castle Siege - Dwarves' Mine = both were released during 2007 so both are 2007 sets. Because of this factor, 2008 has no large base sets. Not to mention, both of these sets are wonderful. I have yet to see anything in 2008 compare to these two sets. Skeleton Ship Attack - Troll Warship = The Troll Warship set is a mere 500 pieces, yet costs $80 USD. I just feel it is overpriced and am not a fan of flick fire missiles. No base for the ship to attack either, just a knight on a <insert that tiresome argument> dragon. Skeleton Tower - Tower Raid = I agree! Tower Raid is a great set. I think it would've been very nice if the tower itself was a separate set, as well as the siege tower. This way the tower wouldn't look like the wind could blow it down (which it probably could). Skeleton's Prison Carriage - Troll Assault Wagon = The Skeleton's Carriage does bring along atmosphere and can create some good role-playing. It also has a good selection of knights and skeletons (along with accessories). The Troll Wagon just isn't fleshed out. It holds a regular troll and a couple of flick fire missile (already stated my opinion on those) and that's about it. The giant troll is nice, however. 161 pieces for $20 is really pushing it, especially when it isn't even in a licensed theme. Knight's Catapult Defense - Troll Battle Wheel = Bit hard to compare a $10 set to a $40 set. I feel the plausibility lacks in this set. To go into more detail, I am a bit confused as to how it actually functions. From what I can assume, the wheels roll from the feet of the two regular trolls hanging on for their lives (hope they have good health insurance). How would it even turn? Have one of the trolls grind their feet on a wheel to provide friction, thus, making a turn? Considering their size compared to a wheel, I think not. On the bright side, I can't help but chuckle imagining this thing rolling down a hill at full speed and slamming into a castle's wall (ouch). And yes, I know LEGO allows the imagination to run wild. Still, at least make it somewhat realistic. Knight's Catapult Defense - Dwarves' Mine Defender = Okay, now this is a fair match. The Defense comes with two knights and two skeletons (one being black, the other white). Both sides have their designated areas - knights have the catapult and the skeletons with their small blockade/fort. All troops are armed and set comes with four shields that can be picked up during the heat of battle. The Defender set comes with a very nice dwarf and two trolls. The trolls have absolutely nothing to use other than a sword. The dwarf has no weapons other than his catapult, of which the blades have trouble working like they should due to not having enough friction on the wheels. In the end, the Defender is quite lacking compared to the Defense and the only true appealing factor is the dwarf and perhaps accumulating more trolls. Giving the dwarf a copper battle axe and the trolls another weapon and even a shield or two would've made this set much better. The Final Joust - n/a = The Final Joust is only an average set for $8. Comes with two nice minifigs and horses, along with a good amount of accessories. $8 is a bit much for what one gets, though. Battle Packs - Impulses = Good point as I forgot about the Battle Packs. In this case, the impulses win. The Knight is a great impulse set, the Troll Warrior is good for building up the forces of evil, and the Good Wizard is not available for us in the US (hehe). Normal Chessboard - Huge Chessboard = Another good point as yet again I forgot about the chessboards (I'm too poor to afford one). 2008 wins again this round as the chessboard looks great. n/a - Advent Calendar = Good for most of the world except the people who TLC decided to not sell to. I have no urge to pay marked up prices for one. Still, a win for 2008. I should note that I'm glad people liked the 2008 lineup as that means for castle LEGO for all of us. I probably just have weird tastes. Finally, I am glad to hear that TLC is continuing with the theme. I tried to read all of TLC's announcements and never saw a mention of castle (only saw just about every other theme). Three large sets and more impulses sounds fantastic to me.

I've checked several rumor threads and still haven't obtained a sure answer concerning a question of mine. Has TLC made any announcement of them continuing the current Fantasy Era castle line? I mean, it'd be a shame to have this current theme only run for one year (late 2007->mid/late 2008). Hell, many of the 2008 sets were either impulse or average in terms of design/value compared to what the 2007 sets introduced. Since there hasn't been any confirmed answers so far, I suppose the answer would be a resounding no?

If you are fine with buying the current Fantasy Era Castle sets and since you are on a budget then I personally suggest 7090 and 7091. If you are looking for a decently priced base to create playability, then the Dwarves' Mine (7036) set seems to be a winner.

A troll taking a bath - classic. Overall, a lot of creative ideas are woven throughout this MOC (many that I will now have to use in my LEGO sets!). A large range of minifigs and differing landscapes create an image that is both balanced and interesting. Nice work, indeed.

Hooray for Arden Fair Mall!

Now that is an evil Wizard! I wouldn't mind purchasing a set like this.

Another wonderful creation. I wish I still had my Blacktron LEGOs. What is keeping the rear engines connected?

Probably to reduce the size/complexity of the package, thus, saving TLC money. I don't see it being a big deal as customization is always an option. Concerning the set: Not much to say other than it does what it's suppose to do: build up one's army of knights. The variance of faces and accessories are great. I especially love the chrome sword. The price isn't bad either since the package comes with five nice figs and some great equipment.

You're really rolling these reviews out, huh? I am not sure how I feel about this set. While it does include five figs, three are skeletons and are generally worth much less than say three trolls/orcs (I know they didn't exist at this point in time so this is understandable). The amount of horses is nice, but I'm not a big LEGO horse fan. What this set does have is a great appearance and brings atmosphere to the table. $20 is an affordable amount for those of us who do not wish to splurge too much on a toy while being enough to actually get a large enough set to create something out of. Personally, I'd rate it in between average and above average. Like another Castle set (I can't remember which), I just feel this one also lacks something.

I agree that this set is worth the price considering the amount of minifigs and even a skeletal horse. It also comes with a lot of blue 1x1 slopes that are always useful and quite rare to obtain. Another weapon for the soldier operating the catapult (or a shield for the other soldier) would have been great, but that is pushing it. The crossbow itself is quite nice and is better than what most $6 sets come with, IMO. Overall, a good set indeed. Thank you for the review and the other review concerning The Knight, of which I hope to buy in the near future as it looks like it comes with a great deal of goodies. The weapon rack is useful, too.

Definitely a work of art. It is so creative that I have a hard time imagining how long it must have taken to build. I love the crabs, coconuts, waves, hummingbird, seagull... and everything else!

This is great stuff!

I rated this poor due to the fact the set is unimaginative (looks like a bunch of plates where thrown together) and it just isn't worth the money LEGO is asking for it, IMO. I've never been a fan of the non-articulated "jellies" so I'll leave my disgust for them out of this post. However, unlike the set, the review is a fine work of art that clearly depicts the goods and provides valuable insight/opinions about the set's playability, usefulness, and overall value.

New look here. Easier to find the sets and overall just looks very well done. Thanks again for all the effort you're putting into the index, KimT. And thanks to all the reviewers.

I must admit, I am quite surprised that there haven't been any reviews of either 7036 Dwarves’ Mine or 7094 King’s Castle Siege. I mean, these are some of the largest sets in the current Castle lineup and are generally very well received by the public. Were you able to find any in your search that didn't pertain to your rules, KimT?

It is within the sticky titled "History & Adventure Index." I agree, this list is extremely useful and I've used it a ton over the past few days.

Good review for a simple set. While it does come with the basics for an impulse set, I just feel that it lacks something though I am not sure what. Perhaps a printed magic scroll? I am still not a fan of the printed cap (especially the stars), but I do like the printed pants displaying his various goodies hanging from his belt. The plain torso is to be expected from a wizard minifig I suppose. Overall, it's not a bad set but it certainly feels to be lacking something, IMO.

Those are Giant Trolls. The regular sized green guys (such as is included with this set) are Trolls. Yes, they look like Orcs but LEGO calls them Trolls.

Good review KimT. Pictures are clear and show each of the pieces in great detail. I agree with your comments as well. I'm a bit curious, does the knight's helm have a hole for plume? I've been debating whether to purchase this set or not. I'm not a big fan of horses so I'll likely barely use them, but I do like the unique minifigs, weapon rack/weapons, and the fact that the divider has a few useful pieces that can be added to other sets. However, I just don't feel the set is worth $8 when compared to Crossbow attack and the Knight's Catapult unless the buyer is really wanting some mounted minifigs. Luckily, Amazon just lowered their price of this set from $8 to $6 (along with another 20% if using Bill Me Later... just in case anyone was also in the same situation I was in). At that price, it's damn well worth it.

Was hard to choose just one option but I think I would like to have the Forestmen sets come back. They are neither good or evil so this creates a lot of playability. The Elves surely aren't a bad choice since they would likely be bundled with a lot of new, cool pieces. Lastly, I would also like to see better skeletons. All they need are better arms and a fixing of the eyes on the black skeleton, IMO.

I completely agree. This is an amazing review - bits of humor, great photography, and detailed descriptions/photos. Based upon this review I've placed an order for this set (along with some convincing from Amazon's 20% sale ). The only drawbacks in this set that I can see concerns the tower with it being 1) small compared to the seige tower and 2) missing a few walls. However, this is also the joy of LEGO as one can simply purchase a few bricks and build their own walls and/or expand the tower's size (or even attach it to a castle). Of course, this increases the price of the set, but considering how cheap bricks are on BrickLink, Tower Raid is still a very good value. I hope you continue doing reviews, pedro.