 | | | | | | |
| |
|
What a boost in Castle traffic in the last week! There has been quite a bit of
discussion about how system castle is about to be completely and forever
replaced by a Castle/Bionicle combo. This info has been gathered (or created)
based on leaks, rumors, and incomplete or incorrect info.
It’s important to remember that until you have the actual product in hand, or
you have seen/read an official announcement, you don’t know the full story.
Rumors can stir up a bit of craziness that generates yet more rumors. The castle
furor is a great case in point.
Yes, there is a new Knights Kingdom series coming next year, which does include
what we call “constraction” (constructible action) figures. Those figures are
previewed currently in the UK edition of LEGO Magazine. Some people have
(illogically and hastily) reached the conclusion that these figures = Castle =
System-scale Castle is no more. Once this conclusion was reached, panic and
hysteria ensues. “Castle has been replaced by Bionicle! By Galidor! Bionicle,
Galidor, and Castle have merged into one! System Castle is dead! LEGO doesn’t
care about castle fans!”
This is just plain wrong.
The inclusion of one thing doesn’t equal the demise of another. Back to the
“wait for the facts” discussion: Who said System scale Castle is dead? Not us.
Hey, it’s one of our core, classic themes - do you think we’re just going to
trash it?
Without giving away the farm (or fiefdom, for you castle folks), we can say
that the existence of these figures in no way precludes the existence of a
System-scale Castle theme. And the figures are unequivocally not a replacement
for the Castle theme that you all know and love. They are a new dimension to the
theme - an addition - which we believe will help draw even more kids to the
Castle theme. And though Brad was intentionally cryptic about Castle at the
NWBrickCon Q&A (Q: Castle? A: Yes) he wasn’t talking about these figures.
System-scale Castle is very much alive. It should be added that the existence of
Harry Potter also doesn’t preclude the existence of a more traditional
System-scale Castle theme - we’ve not said otherwise. And - here’s a bit of
news, by the way - there will be new Harry Potter sets in 2004; and yes, we do
have the license through the next movie... at least.
Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner year
for Castle-heads. And that’s all we’re going to (or can) say about that - for
now.
Let the reading between the lines begin!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Without giving away the farm (or fiefdom, for you castle folks), we can say
that the existence of these figures in no way precludes the existence of a
System-scale Castle theme. And the figures are unequivocally not a
replacement for the Castle theme that you all know and love.
|
Thank you for explanation. I’d like to ask: how about Pirates? We heard the new
Pirate sets will be 4+, with Jack Stone scale figures. That means no more
regular minifig scale Pirates?
Thanks in advance and kind regards,
--
shgg.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Andrzej M. Szlaga wrote:
| |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Without giving away the farm (or fiefdom, for you castle folks), we can
say that the existence of these figures in no way precludes the existence
of a System-scale Castle theme. And the figures are unequivocally not a
replacement for the Castle theme that you all know and love.
|
Thank you for explanation. I’d like to ask: how about Pirates? We heard the
new Pirate sets will be 4+, with Jack Stone scale figures. That means no more
regular minifig scale Pirates?
Thanks in advance and kind regards,
|
The take-away from my last message should be (in part) that no new product by
default leads to the demise of another product.
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
The take-away from my last message should be (in part) that no new product by
default leads to the demise of another product.
|
So what you are saying is... that... F-F-FABULAND LIVES!!! :) ;P
..Heehee, seriously though, thanks for your words on all this. The Harry Potter
vs System-Castle concerns have been here for some time. It is nice to here at
least some counter-point to that.
I can’t really comment on the more recent concerns, as I haven’t had the time to
lurk (much less post) much outside of .starship during recent months (planning a
wedding is eating into my Lego® time). But I can say this: No matter what
happens, Lego® Castle will always exist as long as I continue to have the bricks
to build it. ;)
Cheerio,
-Hendo
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
The take-away from my last message should be (in part) that no new product
by default leads to the demise of another product.
|
|
In lugnet.castle, John P. Henderson wrote:
| |
So what you are saying is... that... F-F-FABULAND LIVES!!! :) ;P
|
Yes it does, just in the form of a certain mouse¹...
Jason Railton
¹ I’m still curious how much it costs to license a trademark that, according to
the law at the time it was registered, should have expired two decades ago...
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hi Andrzej,
In lugnet.castle, Andrzej M. Szlaga wrote:
> I'd like to ask: how about Pirates? We heard the
> new Pirate sets will be 4+, with Jack Stone scale figures.
Since I own the latest german dealer's catalog, I can tell you that for certain:
Pirates are Jack-Stone-scaled in 2004. Sets are with many large elements, but
also with a few very nice parts (new pirate flags, maps on 4x4-tiles, chrome
weapon...). Sorry, I'm NOT allowed to upload pictures before mid-december and I
will NOT send pictures by mail. But I would bet we will see the pictures
somewhere in the next days :-)
> That means no more
> regular minifig scale Pirates?¬
Let's hope TLC will make a Pirate-theme with minifigs in the future too.
René
http://www.creativity-contest.net
http://www.1000steine.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.pirates, René Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
Hi Andrzej,
In lugnet.castle, Andrzej M. Szlaga wrote:
| |
I’d like to ask: how about Pirates? We heard the
new Pirate sets will be 4+, with Jack Stone scale figures.
|
Since I own the latest german dealer’s catalog, I can tell you that for
certain: Pirates are Jack-Stone-scaled in 2004. Sets are with many large
elements, but also with a few very nice parts (new pirate flags, maps on
4x4-tiles, chrome weapon...). Sorry, I’m NOT allowed to upload pictures
before mid-december and I will NOT send pictures by mail. But I would bet we
will see the pictures somewhere in the next days :-)
| |
That means no more
regular minifig scale Pirates?
|
Let’s hope TLC will make a Pirate-theme with minifigs in the future too.
|
I was convinced after seeing the set numbers on the pirate sets (7070-...) that
the sets would be minifig scaled, because recent minifig-themes (orient
expedition, world city) are all in the 7-series, whereas the new 4-juniors
sets (formerly known as jack stone) have set numbers starting with “4”. The new
“bionicle-castle” sets also fit this reasoning since they are in the
8-series like “old” bionicle. Therefore I was not surprised they were not in
minifig-scale when the pictures popped up.
Guess the logic does not hold for the pirate sets (still hoping it will
though...)
Rick.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Thank you for explanation. I’d like to ask: how about Pirates? We heard the
new Pirate sets will be 4+, with Jack Stone scale figures. That means no more
regular minifig scale Pirates?
|
Did the existence of Jack Stone prevent LEGO from ever making regular minifig
scale City sets again?
I would guess that there will probably be regular minifig scale pirate sets
again someday. However, they have to give the 4 year olds something cool to play
with too, and in 2004 that something is going to be Pirates.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
"Rocco J Carello" <rogue27@mac.com> writes:
> > Thank you for explanation. I'd like to ask: how about Pirates? We heard the
> > new Pirate sets will be 4+, with Jack Stone scale figures. That means no more
> > regular minifig scale Pirates?
>
>
> Did the existence of Jack Stone prevent LEGO from ever making regular minifig
> scale City sets again?
>
> I would guess that there will probably be regular minifig scale pirate sets
> again someday. However, they have to give the 4 year olds something cool to play
> with too, and in 2004 that something is going to be Pirates.
Well, remember what happened with Town. First they came out with Jack
stone, to get the tykes hooked. Then this year we have Extreme Sports
island, World City, etc. which are the minifig-scale versions of Jack
Stone. The kids who played with Jack Stone could then "graduate" to
these newer minifig town themes.
One might venture to guess that these weird-scale knights and pirates
are a precursor to minifig-scale sets in future years for those same
kids when they get a bit older.
In other words, it's a GOOD thing!
--Bill.
--
William R Ward bill@wards.net http://www.wards.net/~bill/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMMER, CLOSED COURSE. DO NOT ATTEMPT.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Yes, there is a new Knights Kingdom series coming next year, which does
include what we call “constraction” (constructible action) figures.
|
What a perfectly cromulent word! ;-)
| |
Without giving away the farm (or fiefdom, for you castle folks), we can say
that the existence of these figures in no way precludes the existence of a
System-scale Castle theme.
|
Thanks much for the update -- it’s highly appreciated!
Kevin
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
> Without giving away the farm (or fiefdom, for you castle folks), we [can] say
> that the existence of these figures in [no way] precludes the existence of a
> System-scale Castle theme.
> [...]
> Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
> year for Castle-heads. And that's all we're going to (or can) say about that
> - for now.
phew!
Thank you for this update,
Regards, René
http://www.creativity-contest.net
http://www.1000steine.com
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
year for Castle-heads. And that’s all we’re going to (or can) say about that
- for now.
Let the reading between the lines begin!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
|
Jake,
Let me be the first to say I was wrong to over-react. Of course, I’m sure you
can understand our/my misgivings. I did see the Galidor Knights as a possible
way to pull people into LEGO Castle generally.
Also, let me thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for our
community.
I’ve said it before and will say again, YOU ROCK!
-Lenny
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hello!
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Some
people have (illogically and hastily) reached the conclusion that these
figures = Castle = System-scale Castle is no more.
|
So, being one of those people I apologise.
If it was an illogically is a different point. I think from what has happened to
the Castle line for the last year and the Pirates line for several years now let
room for demoralising thoughts...
| |
Hey, it’s one of our core, classic themes - do you think we’re just going
to trash it?
|
Well, the original Knights’ Kingdom line nowadays consists of King Leo’s Castle
6091/6098 only, not a single new set in the whole year 2003, not even a new
legend. So what were we supposed to think when we saw this new “Knights’
Kingdom” sets? As LEGO drifts more and more away from minifig scale (Pirates
will be Jack-Stone-based, Hockey is - sorry, Bionicle-heads - bionicle-ised, the
models from the Designer Sets - as great as they are - are not
minifig-compatible) it simply seemed to be logically consistent that those
Knights’ Kingdom constructible action figures were meant to replace the minifig
knights. Well, it seemed (as it seems).
| |
Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
year for Castle-heads. And that’s all we’re going to (or can) say about that
- for now.
|
Fine. I’m at ease again :-)
And I really don’t want any further hints on upcoming releases. I can live
perfectly fine without the knowledge of what will be in the future... No more
rumours... Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.
Bye
Jojo
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
> It should be added that the existence of Harry Potter also doesn't preclude
> the existence of a more traditional System-scale Castle theme - we've not
> said otherwise.
> And - here's a bit of news, by the way - there will be new Harry Potter sets
> in 2004; and yes, we do have the license through the next movie... at least.
> Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
> year for Castle-heads. And that’s all we’re going to (or can) say about that
Hi Jake,
Thanks for those three very critical bits of information!
The fact that Harry Potter & Castle can coexist is interesting.
(many thought there were parallels to how Star Wars disallows Space.)
Much obliged, your clarity is appreciated,
--==Richard==--
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
> It should be added that the existence of Harry Potter also doesn't preclude
> the existence of a more traditional System-scale Castle theme - we've not
> said otherwise.
> And - here's a bit of news, by the way - there will be new Harry Potter sets
> in 2004; and yes, we do have the license through the next movie... at least.
> Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
> year for Castle-heads. And that’s all we’re going to (or can) say about that
Hi Jake,
Thanks for those three very critical bits of information!
The fact that Harry Potter & Castle can coexist is interesting.
(many thought there were parallels to how Star Wars disallows Space.)
Much obliged, your clarity is appreciated,
--==Richard==--
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hi Jake,
I was so excited when I found out there'll be new HP sets! I LOVE Harry Potter!
Can I ask if Lego plans on asking rights to make HP merchandise like you do with
Bionicle & Star Wars, etc. Like the pens, keychains, sticker books, backpacks,
T-Shirts, etc..
Much apprecaite any answer.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Nagel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
| |
Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
year for Castle-heads. And that’s all we’re going to (or can) say about that
- for now.
Let the reading between the lines begin!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
|
OH, BOY!
This leaves me just tingling with excitement! I can imagine it now, making up
for all those years of missed classic sets...
But I think I’ll just keep my speculations to myself!
Andrew
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Cool. It’ll give the castle folks an opportunity to start collecting castle
poops in the new grey :)
Adrian
--
http://www.brickfrenzy.com
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Please don't take this as a smart-*** response. It may seem that way, but it's to
get you to think about something here...
Jake McKee wrote:
> The inclusion of one thing doesn’t equal the demise of another.
<cough>grey, dark grey, brown<cough>
> Back to the
> "wait for the facts" discussion: Who said System scale Castle is dead? Not us.
> Hey, it's one of our core, classic themes - do you think we're just going to
> trash it?
"Hey, grey is one of our core, classic colors - do you think we're just going to
trash it?"
Can you see why Castle fans might be worried?
Hopefully you'll get more facts on the color change soon. Whether or not that will
ease the pressure in here or not all depends on WHAT info you get.
--
Tom Stangl
***http://www.vfaq.com/
***DSM Visual FAQ home
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
> "Hey, grey is one of our core, classic colors - do you think we're just going to
> trash it?"
There are already a bazillion threads about the color changes. This isn't one of
them.
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Rocco J Carello wrote:
> > "Hey, grey is one of our core, classic colors - do you think we're just going to
> > trash it?"
> There are already a bazillion threads about the color changes. This isn't one of
> them.
In case you haven't noticed - Gray is one of the primary colours when it
comes to castles ;-)
Seriously - Tom raises an important point here: "How reliable is TLC?",
and I see close connections between changes in bricks/colours and
changes in sets.
concerned, Christian Treczoks
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| |
|
In lugnet.castle, Christian Treczoks wrote:
> Rocco J Carello wrote:
> > > "Hey, grey is one of our core, classic colors - do you think we're just going to
> > > trash it?"
> > There are already a bazillion threads about the color changes. This isn't one of
> > them.
> In case you haven't noticed - Gray is one of the primary colours when it
> comes to castles ;-)
>
> Seriously - Tom raises an important point here: "How reliable is TLC?",
> and I see close connections between changes in bricks/colours and
> changes in sets.
Yes, Tom does raise an important point. However, it is the same point that was
raised in all of the "color change" threads, and it is off-topic in this thread
no matter how far he wants to stretch a tangent that connects them.
Personally, I am sick of reading about the color changes. Normally, people would
say, "nobody is forcing you to read about the color changes, so stop
complaining," if somebody said they were sick of reading about color changes.
Naturally, I have stopped reading the color change threads.
Unfortunately, I rather feel as if I am being forced to read about the color
changes when somebody posts about them in unrelated topics as if there was
actually something new to say on the subject. There is nothing new to say on the
subject. We are smelling the glove. Get over it, or post in one of those long
circular threads where people argue about it all day long. This thread is
supposed to be about 2004 Castle Products as the title would suggest.
And no, I don't see "close connections between changes in bricks/colours and
changes in sets". People who have seen the new Snowspeeder and Millennium Falcon
seem to agree that they are better designs than the originals. Better designs.
Who is going to complain about that and how is it relevant to the color change?
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Rocco J. Carello wrote:
> > "Hey, grey is one of our core, classic colors - do you think we're just going to
> > trash it?"
>
> There are already a bazillion threads about the color changes. This isn't one of
> them.
For those of us who are concerned about this colour change issue, Thomas message
is pertinent enough to deserve belonging to this thread (or any other for that
matter).
If the old greys/brown are in fact being replaced (yes, there are some of us
that can hardly believe it...) i have to tell you that TLC doesn't deserve my
confidence anymore and, almost any rumour will start to make sense from now on.
There again, i find Thomas message quiet ON-topic!
Maybe you don't feel that way, but changing a basic color like (light) grey, is
just a thing that *could not* happen. Therefore, please excuse the ones of us
that feeling offended and betrayed just can't get over it.
Best,
Paulo Renato
P.S. Many thanks Jake for your much appreciated efforts!
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
> For those of us who are concerned about this colour change issue, Thomas
> message is pertinent enough to deserve belonging to this thread (or any
> other for that matter).
I could be wrong, but I don't think it's okay to hijack any thread you want with
color complaints. No message is that important. That just seems like simple
posting etiquette.
What is the point of starting a thread to discuss a topic if the replies can be
on any subject under the sun? If people are going to do that, we may as well
just have monkeys banging on keyboards. The purpose of having a threaded
newsgroup is to make it easier for people to read about topics they are
interested in and skip the ones they aren't.
Jake started two threads. One for discussing the color issues, and one for
discussing the castle sets. Don't you think the the color complaints would be
more effective in the proper thread? If I was going to post opinions about the
replacement colors, I know I would want to post in a thread where people are
actually discussing the issue instead of creating noise in unrelated threads.
> TLC doesn't deserve my confidence anymore and, almost any rumour will
> start to make sense from now on.
The new Castle sets are going to have Belville style figures with bat-wing
helmets and trans-orange flames in their mouths. There is going to be a new
catapult with spiked wheels like on the WarCraft computer games. There will also
be new elf minifigs that work in a medieval bakery and make cookies. There will
be two large castles, one for each of the two main factions. When you put the
flag of one faction onto the roof of the other faction's keep, it will play "O
Fortuna" from a little speaker under the drawbridge.
> Maybe you don't feel that way, but changing a basic color like (light)
> grey, is just a thing that *could not* happen.
Maybe it should not happen, but it most certainly could.
> Therefore, please excuse the ones of us
> that feeling offended and betrayed just can't get over it.
I'm not telling anybody how to feel. It's okay to feel offended, betrayed, and
unable to get over it.
... but it's still off topic.
I could tell you how I feel about the color changes, but that would be off
topic. I could tell you that they've changed a basic color like Red in the past,
but that would be off topic too. I could tell you that Ancestral Recall is a
powerful blue instant in Magic: the Gathering, but I would still be off topic.
In fact, this whole message is off topic.
Now, to try getting back on topic:
I'm looking forward to the 2004 Castle Products. If they are well designed and
priced fairly for their quality, I will buy them. If I don't think they are
worth my money, I won't buy them. I can't really say anything else until I have
more information, but that O Fortuna thing sounds pretty cool.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.castle, Rocco J. Carello wrote:
> > TLC doesn't deserve my confidence anymore and, almost any rumour will
> > start to make sense from now on.
>
> The new Castle sets are going to have Belville style figures with bat-wing
> helmets and trans-orange flames in their mouths. There is going to be a new
> catapult with spiked wheels like on the WarCraft computer games. There will also
> be new elf minifigs that work in a medieval bakery and make cookies. There will
> be two large castles, one for each of the two main factions. When you put the
> flag of one faction onto the roof of the other faction's keep, it will play "O
> Fortuna" from a little speaker under the drawbridge.
Laughs out loud! Where O where did you get the O Fortuna idea from?
Anyway, as soon as you have some pics of these sets, I will start to believe in
them....
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
snipped the message :)
Hey Rocco,
Way to go! I agree with you completely! Keep threads seperate, that is the
point of having threads. I have been trying to avoid the color threads (that
doesn't sound right...oh well) but have been reading the new castle products
thread. I have been ready to bail out on that if turned into a color change
thread too. Thanks for your post!
Josh
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
Rocco,
I think you need to reread my original post. It was about the Castle line. I used
the color issue to point out that rumors of Castle demise were perfectly
understandable.
Reread, and chill out. It's not your thread, you don't own it, anyone can actually
post anything they want in it at long as it meets ToS. That's beside the point,
though, since my post was ON topic.
Rocco J Carello wrote:
> > For those of us who are concerned about this colour change issue, Thomas
> > message is pertinent enough to deserve belonging to this thread (or any
> > other for that matter).
>
> I could be wrong, but I don't think it's okay to hijack any thread you want with
> color complaints. No message is that important. That just seems like simple
> posting etiquette.
>
> What is the point of starting a thread to discuss a topic if the replies can be
> on any subject under the sun? If people are going to do that, we may as well
> just have monkeys banging on keyboards. The purpose of having a threaded
> newsgroup is to make it easier for people to read about topics they are
> interested in and skip the ones they aren't.
>
> Jake started two threads. One for discussing the color issues, and one for
> discussing the castle sets. Don't you think the the color complaints would be
> more effective in the proper thread? If I was going to post opinions about the
> replacement colors, I know I would want to post in a thread where people are
> actually discussing the issue instead of creating noise in unrelated threads.
>
> > TLC doesn't deserve my confidence anymore and, almost any rumour will
> > start to make sense from now on.
>
> The new Castle sets are going to have Belville style figures with bat-wing
> helmets and trans-orange flames in their mouths. There is going to be a new
> catapult with spiked wheels like on the WarCraft computer games. There will also
> be new elf minifigs that work in a medieval bakery and make cookies. There will
> be two large castles, one for each of the two main factions. When you put the
> flag of one faction onto the roof of the other faction's keep, it will play "O
> Fortuna" from a little speaker under the drawbridge.
>
> > Maybe you don't feel that way, but changing a basic color like (light)
> > grey, is just a thing that *could not* happen.
>
> Maybe it should not happen, but it most certainly could.
>
> > Therefore, please excuse the ones of us
> > that feeling offended and betrayed just can't get over it.
>
> I'm not telling anybody how to feel. It's okay to feel offended, betrayed, and
> unable to get over it.
>
> ... but it's still off topic.
>
> I could tell you how I feel about the color changes, but that would be off
> topic. I could tell you that they've changed a basic color like Red in the past,
> but that would be off topic too. I could tell you that Ancestral Recall is a
> powerful blue instant in Magic: the Gathering, but I would still be off topic.
> In fact, this whole message is off topic.
>
> Now, to try getting back on topic:
> I'm looking forward to the 2004 Castle Products. If they are well designed and
> priced fairly for their quality, I will buy them. If I don't think they are
> worth my money, I won't buy them. I can't really say anything else until I have
> more information, but that O Fortuna thing sounds pretty cool.
--
Tom Stangl
***http://www.vfaq.com/
***DSM Visual FAQ home
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In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
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System-scale Castle is very much alive.
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YES!!!
Stephen
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Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
year for Castle-heads.
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I want to say that it is very cool to have a representative of a large company
personally post responses to the concerns of a minority of a minority. (Castle
builders as a subset of adult builders who themselves are a small percentage of
LEGO’s market)
Anyway, I look forward to seeing what your associates will deliver in the coming
year. What you’ve just posted would qualify as hype, so our expectations are
higher than they’ve been in years. I hope the quality of the products can meet
or exceed our expectations.
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I agree. It's nice to see a company like Lego pay attention to the less
than 200 adults who build plastic castles.
I hope the new sets in 2004 are worthy of the special post!
-Aaron
"Rocco J Carello" <rogue27@mac.com> wrote in message
news:How4s5.538@lugnet.com...
> > Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a • banner
> > year for Castle-heads.
>
>
> I want to say that it is very cool to have a representative of a large • company
> personally post responses to the concerns of a minority of a minority. • (Castle
> builders as a subset of adult builders who themselves are a small • percentage of
> LEGO's market)
>
> Anyway, I look forward to seeing what your associates will deliver in the • coming
> year. What you've just posted would qualify as hype, so our expectations • are
> higher than they've been in years. I hope the quality of the products can • meet
> or exceed our expectations.
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In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
snip
> Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
> year for Castle-heads. And that's all we're going to (or can) say about that
> - for now.
snip
While I greet this news with some relief, I would like to voice some concern
over this, some of the recent posts (no, I'm not going to bring them all up
again) mentioned that castle has had some sets over the last 2 years, however,
these sets (guarded inn, black falcons fortress and the blacksmith shop) are
only available either from the internet, or through (I think) the Lego shops.
They are not available to the general public who generally impulse buy. If they
see it in their local toy shop/department store etc and they have money in their
pocket, then they buy it.
So far, there are no Lego shops in my country (New Zealand), and I have not
heard of any plans to open any here, after all, the entire population of the
country is considerably less than a lot of US (and European) cities.
So the point I am getting to is, IF there are any new castle sets to be released
next year, I just pray that they are not shop@home internet specials, because if
they are, then I am doomed to just browsing the sites showing the sets and
sighing and thinking "Oh well, maybe one day . . . ."
As an aside for Lego to think about.
Personally, I think this is the second year that Lego has dropped the ball over
christmas sales. For the second year running Megablocks have put out large
displays of fantasy/dragon sets (I have not purchased any so far, so I don't
know what the quality is like) and, unfortunately, there are no corresponding
Lego castle themed models on the shelf to compete. I think this would have been
a great opportunity for Lego to have produced a special run of the guarded inn,
black falcons fortress and blacksmith shop and released them to department
stores, toy shops etc, because judging by the way the Megablock sets sell out
rather rapidly, their are a lot of kids (and adults) who want to buy castle
sets.
Anyway - here's hoping (with all fingers crossed etc)
Ken Bailey
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Ken Bailey wrote:
> While I greet this news with some relief, I would like to voice some concern
> over this, some of the recent posts (no, I'm not going to bring them all up
> again) mentioned that castle has had some sets over the last 2 years, however,
> these sets (guarded inn, black falcons fortress and the blacksmith shop) are
> only available either from the internet, or through (I think) the Lego shops.
> They are not available to the general public who generally impulse buy. If they
> see it in their local toy shop/department store etc and they have money in their
> pocket, then they buy it.
Well, I can only second that. Even though I have the next LEGO shop more
or less around the corner (half an hour drive+searching for a parking
lot ;-), I usually do not buy there.
The more interesting sets have been available only through S@H or the
brand stores (too limited selection to go there, though) lately. Retail
stores are left with the leftovers. I wonder which granny is going on a
web site to buy a chrismas present for the grandchildren?
I am always amazed how those "educated people" who run such a company
can defy common sense (on this and many other occasions). If I weren't
such a fan of the product, I wouldn't mind getting the popcorn and watch
TLCs continuous commercial suicide...
concerned, Christian Treczoks
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(canceled)
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In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
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Yes, there is a new Knights Kingdom series coming next year, which does
include what we call “constraction” (constructible action) figures.
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After the stupendous success of Galidor, I have nothing but great optimism for
this product line.
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The inclusion of one thing doesn’t equal the demise of another.
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I’m sorry, but very often this is exactly the case, at least for several years.
The inclusion of juniorization equaled the demise of good piece:price ratio in
LEGO sets for close to a decade. The inclusion of broad expansion into
non-brick-based merchandising has equalled the demise of quality releases in
brick-based products. The inclusion Creator tubs has equalled the demise of the
very popular 1200-piece tubs. The inclusion of fast turnover, unsupported themes
has equalled the demise, in those themes, of longitudinal collectibility and
play value.
The inclusion of one thing doesn’t automatically lead to the demise of other
things, but the business plan of TLG for at least several long years has favored
profit driven products-du-jour at the expense of quality exploration into other
arenas. It can certainly be argued that products not currently on the market
are merely “on hold,” but, absent some assurance from the company, then such
arguments are no different from wishful thinking. Even with the company’s
assurances, we’re still stuck with several years without a favorite product or
product line.
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Let the reading between the lines begin!
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I wasn’t born a clone-zealot, but I was driven to it by years of disappointment
in a brand that I had, at that time, loved for over two decades. It saddens me
to see the continuation of the same practices that drove me from LEGO in the
first place.
Thank you for taking the time to address the concerns of the LUGNET community
nonetheless.
Dave!
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(snip)
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The inclusion of one thing doesn’t equal the demise of another. Back to the
“wait for the facts” discussion: Who said System scale Castle is dead? Not
us. Hey, it’s one of our core, classic themes - do you think we’re just going
to trash it?
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After the color change announcement (Rocco, this one’s for you) I think there
will be a lot of wild theories floating around. The train of though goes like
this “If Lego will discontinue core colors what else are they capable of?”
People in the Lego community are waiting for the other shoe to fall (whatever
that means). More and timely info will help keep the ferver to a dull roar.
Thanks for the update.
Mike
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After the color change announcement (Rocco, this one’s for you) I think there
will be a lot of wild theories floating around.
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Thanks for the consideration.
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The train of though goes like this “If Lego will discontinue core colors
what else are they capable of?”
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Now this is interesting. What is TLG capable of? We’ve seen the quality of
Castle sets progressively get worse every year since about 1992. We’ve seen
Bionicle cannabilize the Technic line. We’ve seen the mere existence of Galidor.
We know TLG has been capable of making stupid decisions in the past. We’ve seen
the color change, so we know they are still capable of making potentially stupid
decisions today.
However, the advanced Designer sets (namely land busters and air blazers), the
new Millenium Falcon, the UCS Star Wars sets, and some of the S@H exclusives
like the famous planes kits all prove that some people at TLG are capable of
producing quality designs, regardless of how much juniorization and bad product
lines the upper management comes up with. As such, I am fully confident that TLG
is capable of producing quality castle sets. The only question is whether or not
they want to.
TLG is capable of producing quality castle sets that will appeal to us. They are
also capable of producing Ages 4+ castle sets with Jack Stone scaled minifigs
and incredibly large juniorized parts. They are capable of making figs with
retard faces and bat-wing helmets. They also are capable of blending Bionicle,
Galidor, Castle together into some abomination. However, Brad Justus never goes
to a convention and says, “You guys are totally gonna love the new constraction
- that’s constructable action - figures we’ve got for Castle next year. He knows
the people at the lego convention are not interested in that sort of thing . He
knows his crowd, so when he says to a LEGO convention crowd that “2004 will be a
banner year” for castle, he means that there will, in fact, be Castle stuff that
the people he is talking to will like.
So, TLG will produce some good things and also some crap in 2004. That is a
given. It’s all within their capabilities. The knight figures we saw were the
crap that they are capable of. The goods which they are also capable of are
still on their way, and it sounds like they’re actually going to try and make
quality castle sets this time. Whey they try to make quality designs, they
usually succeed. So, until trans-orange castles with bat-wing helmets and 50
flame parts per kit show up in stores, I’ll assume that the new castle line will
be one of their good ideas.
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More and timely info will help keep the ferver to a dull roar.
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Yes. However, Jake probably isn’t allowed to talk openly on subjects that
borderline on future product announcements without choosing his words carefully
and getting permission. Yes, people were frantic on message boards everywhere.
However, it’s really only been a handful of days between when the panic began
and when Jake addressed the issue. In the grand scheme of things, it’s really
not that long, but the internet gets people into a mindset where they expect
information immediately.
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You know what annoys me the most Jake? ALL THE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE NEW
COLORS & SETS! “Lego doesn’t care about us” %^$& THAT! If it doesn’t go your
way, its wrong? WOW calm down, deal with it, THEME’S ARE NEVER “dead”. Josh
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Without giving away the farm (or fiefdom, for you castle folks), we can say
that the existence of these figures in no way precludes the existence of a
System-scale Castle theme. And the figures are unequivocally not a
replacement for the Castle theme that you all know and love. They are a new
dimension to the theme - an addition - which we believe will help draw even
more kids to the Castle theme. And though Brad was intentionally cryptic
about Castle at the NWBrickCon Q&A (Q: Castle? A: Yes) he wasn’t talking
about these figures. System-scale Castle is very much alive. It should be
added that the existence of Harry Potter also doesn’t preclude the existence
of a more traditional System-scale Castle theme - we’ve not said otherwise.
And - here’s a bit of news, by the way - there will be new Harry Potter sets
in 2004; and yes, we do have the license through the next movie... at least.
Brad says that he sticks to his statement that next year should be a banner
year for Castle-heads. And that’s all we’re going to (or can) say about that
- for now.
Let the reading between the lines begin!
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
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Woohoo!!!
Thanks Jake!!!
Jen
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In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
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Yes, there is a new Knights Kingdom series coming next year, which does
include what we call “constraction” (constructible action) figures. Those
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When I see the word “constraction” I don’t think “contructible” + “action”...
I think “constriction” + “contraction” + “distraction”... But that’s probably
just me.
As in, “My stomach goes into constractions thinking about Galidor.” :D
--Todd
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How about "I'm conscracting my head over some of these new sets".
Or "What I can build is constracted by these new sets".
;)
-Aaron
"Todd Lehman" <tsl@tsl.bu.edu> wrote in message
news:HozCIn.16HF@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
> > Yes, there is a new Knights Kingdom series coming next year, which does
> > include what we call "constraction" (constructible action) figures. • Those
>
> When I see the word "constraction" I don't think "contructible" + • "action"...
> I think "constriction" + "contraction" + "distraction"... But that's • probably
> just me.
>
> As in, "My stomach goes into constractions thinking about Galidor." :D
>
> --Todd
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Todd Lehman wrote:
> In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
> > Yes, there is a new Knights Kingdom series coming next year, which
> > does include what we call "constraction" (constructible action)
> > figures. Those
>
> When I see the word "constraction" I don't think "contructible" +
> "action"... I think "constriction" + "contraction" + "distraction"...
> But that's probably just me.
>
> As in, "My stomach goes into constractions thinking about Galidor."
> :D
>
> --Todd
and when I hear 'farm or fiefdom' I think <swoon>'Oooooh'</swoon>
James (who would like to read too much into that comment) Stacey
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In lugnet.castle, Todd Lehman wrote:
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In lugnet.castle, Jake McKee wrote:
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Yes, there is a new Knights Kingdom series coming next year, which does
include what we call “constraction” (constructible action) figures. Those
|
When I see the word “constraction” I don’t think “contructible” + “action”...
I think “constriction” + “contraction” + “distraction”... But that’s
probably just me.
As in, “My stomach goes into constractions thinking about Galidor.” :D
--Todd
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LOL! I havn’t laughed so hard in a long time. How True! On so many levels!
-gyug
Lugnet Member #9
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When I see the word “constraction” I don’t think “contructible” + “action”...
I think “constriction” + “contraction” + “distraction”... But that’s
probably just me.
As in, “My stomach goes into constractions thinking about Galidor.” :D
--Todd
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Contraction is also when two words are combined with an apostrophe. For example:
don’t, can’t, won’t, and shouldn’t
Those sound like appropriate words.
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