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Miscellaneous news Posted by Huw, Jul 6 2009 3:25PM
There's not much going on this week in the LEGO world after the flurry of activity over the last fortnight!
Thanks to everyone who's emailed us to say that new sets are appearing in their local shops. If you've seen any near you, comment on this post and let everyone else know.
It seems that nearly all the known sets for 2009 have now been released so it could be a quiet couple of months for news if so. Looking at the list of most anticipated sets, which shows unreleased sets that people are most excited about, there's not much left on it: only the Advent calendars and a few SW, Power Miners and SP3 sets, so let's hope LEGO have some exciting announcements planned for the run-up to Christmas otherwise it'll be boring!
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New set news Posted by Huw, Jul 7 2009 1:41PM
There's a picture on Brickshelf which apparently shows 5 Castle sets featuring elves. It's too small to tell whether they real or fake, but I now suspect the latter.
However, this isn't the first time there's been word of LEGO elves. The map featured in last year's Castle set instructions showed several territories including one habited by dwarves and another by elves, so we were half expecting them to appear this year.
(Thanks Jack!)
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Site update Posted by Huw, Jul 11 2009 3:35AM
I've just imported the minifig lists from BrickLink so we now have data for all the summer IJ and most of the new SW sets. I've also sorted out cross-referencing Advent calendars and sets that BrickLink calls 'Gear', like chess sets and magnets. So, if you have your collection recorded here go to 'My sets' and refresh your minifig collection!
Importing them is a slightly laborious proceess so I only do it once a month or so at the moment but I'm going to work at improving things so it can be done at least weekly.
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Miscellaneous news Posted by Huw, Jul 13 2009 4:04PM
BrettSpiel.co.uk, the games website that carried early news about LEGO games has just posted an excellent article which incudes an interview with the lead designer Cephas Howard. If you want to know more about their evolution, go and check it out and leave Brett a comment to show your appreciation for his efforts in securing such a great interview.
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Miscellaneous news Posted by Huw, Jul 14 2009 3:13PM
The Games microsite at LEGO.com is now up and running, with a lot more information about the games including parents' guides, video tutorials, adverts, downloads and so on. It looks great but the grammar leaves a lot to be desired. I know 'LEGO games' could be considered a singular entity but "What is LEGO games?" just doesn't read right!
There's also a new Architecture page as well, but sadly it seems the sets, like the page itself, are continuing to be targeted at the US market only. It looks as if there are more products planned in a 'discovery series' of sets to go alongside the existing 'landmark' and 'architect' series.
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New set news Posted by bluemoose, Jul 22 2009 11:04AM
The new Star Wars 'Anniversary Edition' "Tantive IV" Rebel Blockade Runner has been formally announced at the San Diego ComicCon. Scheduled for release in September 2009, it has been announced as being a $150US set, which seems like very good value to me. It's a 'playset' style model, similar in idea to the previous 'Republic Cruiser' and 'Imperial Star Destroyer' playsets.
LEGO's official information reads as follows:
10198 – Tantive IV™
Ages 14+. 1,408 pieces.
US $149.99 CA $199.99 UK £ 97.86 DE € 149.99
The Star Wars™ saga begins!
Blasting through space with Darth Vader's Star Destroyer in pursuit, the Tantive IV blockade runner carries Princess Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2 on a vital mission for the Rebel Alliance. Celebrate the entire Star Wars saga with this all-new version of the very first starship seen in the films! The Tantive IV features an opening cockpit, rotating and elevating turbo laser cannons, rotating radar dish, removable roof section and interior command center. It also includes an opening compartment with removable cargo transport vehicle and 2 detachable escape pods for the droids to make their getaway with the Death Star plans! Includes Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, Captain Antilles and Rebel Trooper minifigures. Measures 20.5" (52 cm) x 7.5" (19 cm) x 5.5" (14 cm).
- Includes 5 minifigures: Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, Captain Antilles and a Rebel Trooper!
- Open the cockpit and place 2 minifigures inside!
- Turbo laser cannons on top and bottom can rotate and elevate!
- Features a removable roof!
- Lots of interior details including Leia’s desk and command center with seats for 2 minifigures!
- Open the storage compartment to reveal the cargo transport vehicle!
- Features rotating radar disc and 2 detachable escape pods!
- Measures 20.5" (52 cm) long, 7.5" (19 cm) wide and 5.5" (14 cm) tall!
Now listed on LEGOshop.com
but not currently orderable - availability is listed as different in different countries. (e.g. 25th August in UK, 9th Sept in US)
I've also been sent some images which haven't appeared elsewhere (yet), which I've posted in a flickr gallery.
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Miscellaneous news Posted by Huw, Jul 22 2009 11:21AM
The mysterious disappearance of the PF speed controller from LEGOshop.com shortly after its release can today be explained: Some of them overheat and are subject to a product recall. If you have one, read the information on LEGO.com and see whether you need to send yours back. (thanks WilliamH)
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Miscellaneous news Posted by Huw, Jul 23 2009 9:32AM
In addition to the Tantive IV being revealed at ComicCon, so have the forthcoming Toy Story and Prince Of Persia sets!
Joe Meno (editor of Brick Journal) has posted some excellent pictures of both Toy Story and PoP taken at the event and I have to say I am both pleased and surprised to see that they are minifig scale and that they look absolutely superb.
So, what can we tell from the photos? Well, the Toy Story figures have a lot of new parts and in the case of Woody and Jessie, longer legs and arms, which seems to be upsetting the purists. Personally that doesn't bother me, I'd much rather they did that than make 'Jack Stone' sized figures. The Prince of Persia figures are more 'traditional' and introduce some new headgear. There's also a camel and (correct me if I'm wrong) and ostritch!
Collecting LEGO is getting annoying -- there's always something great coming that you want now but can't have for ages!
Update: there's even more, and better, pictures of the Toy Story figures here -- they are awesome!
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Shopping news (UK) Posted by Huw, Jul 26 2009 4:32AM
The new Argos catalogue is out this weekend and there's a lot of LEGO in it including some of the new games. There's also a new online Argos LEGO shop which makes it much easier to see what they stock.
Since the disappearance of Woolworths it's become difficult to find any LEGO at all on UK high streets, but thankfully Argos has a decent range still and I notice my local Wilkinsons now has a selection of high turnover sets such as small City sets and Bionicle.
So, if you're in the UK, apart from Toys R Us,where do you buy your LEGO from?
