Interview with LEGO Star Wars design team
Posted by CapnRex101,
Brickset attended Fan Media Days last week and had an opportunity to speak with Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, Creative Lead and Design Director, Michael Lee Stockwell, Design Manager, and Madison O'Neill, Senior Graphic Designer, from the LEGO Star Wars team.
Our discussion addressed whether a mini-doll was considered for Taun We, the size of 75334 Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader and the response to 75309 Republic Gunship, as well as the possibility of further Prequel Trilogy UCS sets and more!
75335 BD-1 is our first set from Jedi: Fallen Order. What prompted you to explore the video game, after overlooking it in 2020?
Michael: We thought the content of the game was cool, so were immediately drawn to it, after release.
Madison: BD-1 in particular is just perfectly suited to our series of brick-built droids, especially since we could build him at almost life-size, which is always an attractive prospect. Whenever there is something well-received by the community, including something relatively unexpected, we are always open to responding to fans' wishes.
Jens: The BD unit's exposure in The Book of Boba Fett was also a nice coincidence, making an easier case for developing the minifigure-scale droid too.
I believe you have mentioned before that uncertainty about the age rating was what put you off originally. Would that apply even to the 18+ range?
Jens: Yes, to some degree. We generally do have more flexibility for 18+ products on the whole, but always need to keep brand values in mind. The age marking should follow the content though, so the age recommendation is 14+ in the case of BD-1, but I think the character can be enjoyed by anyone really.
Moving on to 75337 AT-TE Walker, it was perhaps surprising that an Episode III version of this vehicle was produced during the twentieth anniversary year of Episode II. Was that purely because of the desire for Phase II Commander Cody?
Madison: That definitely informed our decision. From the get go, we knew Cody was going to be part of it because of the fan demand. There was some debate about which characters would be included, but he was always there and we ended up with something resembling a huge Battle Pack. We know that past Republic vehicles have sometimes been criticised for including relatively few Clone Troopers, so we made sure to include plenty here.
When the AT-TE was announced, there was also some discussion about the decision to include a Dwarf Spider Droid, rather than a Crab Droid. Was the Crab Droid considered?
Madison: We have been asked this question a couple of times today, so there is obviously demand for a Crab Droid!
Jens: To be honest, I cannot remember the Crab Droid coming up in design discussions, but it would have worked really well in the context of Utapau. I think that would be a great build for a future Battle Pack, without making any promises in that direction, of course.
That sounds good to me! 75338 Ambush on Ferrix is one of my favourite summer sets, but also seems quite small for the price because its construction is very dense. How do you balance intricate detail and construction with the size and perception of value?
Jens: That can be a challenge sometimes because certain models are particularly compact in nature, while others like an X-wing or TIE Fighter automatically appear larger because of their wings. The piece count is obviously an important factor though and we know that fans of all ages take that into account when thinking about value. In the case of 75338 Ambush on Ferrix, there were so many functions and details that we wanted to include, so the compact structure is really needed.
75334 Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader attracted some criticism when it was revealed, focused particularly on whether it needed to be so large, or could have been closer to 75310 Duel on Mandalore, for example. What did determine its size?
Jens: One important factor was the number of minifigures we wanted to include. We knew that NED-B was an absolute must because the design is so distinctive and this was also an opportunity to include an exclusive head for Darth Vader, along with the new Obi-Wan.
Michael: I was actually the designer of this set and can understand where some of that criticism has been coming from, although I also included plenty of functions, so the set gives a lot of play value. If we had reduced the number of elements, a lot of the functionality would have been lost and a static diorama, with a couple of minifigures, was not what we wanted for this set.
I would also say that we were taking a bit of a chance by releasing a location-based set for new content because we do not always have full context for a scene. In this case, we were not even told who would be duelling when development started, although we could speculate!
Earlier this year, there was an interesting rumour that the Taun We minifigure in 75333 Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Starfighter might actually be a mini-doll. Is that something that was considered, or ever would be considered for a very slender character?
Madison: We generally avoid mixing minifigures and mini-dolls, but we did debate which bottom part would be most appropriate to capture the necessary shape and how to design the neck. A mini-doll was never in the equation though. Proportionally, it might work, but I also think it could look strange beside Obi-Wan.
Jens: Also, Kaminoans are relatively tall and skinny, but they do not absolutely tower over Obi-Wan in the movie. I seem to recall we established that Taun We is about 2.12 metres tall, so the length of the neck alone would convey the desired height difference. The shape of the dress also gives the impression of a slightly elongated shape. I think it works really well.
75309 Republic Gunship was one of the most talked-about Star Wars sets last year. Has the performance of the set encouraged you to develop more Prequel Trilogy sets for the Ultimate Collector Series?
Jens: I think the quick answer is yes. We have definitely taken on board the feedback resulting from the Republic Gunship, particularly in relation to minifigures and exclusive characters in the Ultimate Collector Series. We can see how important it is that we provide something special with the minifigures in these sets and I think 75331 The Razor Crest demonstrates that learning.
Probably the most significant lesson though was that the market is ready for Ultimate Collector Series models from the Prequel Trilogy, from the response to the Republic Gunship.
Michael: I would say we are thinking more about the ship itself, rather than its origin, when we are deciding on UCS models. Anything is on the table, as long as it is cool enough and popular enough!
In the past, there has been a perception that LEGO focuses very much on the Original Trilogy for the Ultimate Collector Series because past forays into Prequel Trilogy subjects have been mixed.
Jens: That was probably true some years ago, but now we can see the incredible popularity of the prequel films. Today there are adults whose favourites vehicles originate from the Prequel Trilogy and we want to explore that part of the universe because the Ultimate Collector Series, fundamentally, serves our adult audience.
Also connected to the Prequel Trilogy is the enormous demand for new Clone Troopers. Could we see a return to more Battle Packs being released annually?
Jens: This is difficult because we always want to provide the best possible coverage of subjects and price points.
Madison: Our decision-making each year is dynamic, so there is no set rule for the number of Battle Packs.
Jens: Absolutely, there always could be two Battle Packs in a January wave again, but these things depend on wanting to cover as much as we possibly can across the product portfolio.
Which vehicle from the Prequel Trilogy would you most like to join the Ultimate Collector Series? Let us know in the comments.
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74 comments on this article
I speculated that 75334 Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader was the way it was because of the lack of information provided by Disney/Lucasfilm. Another Kylo Ren shuttle...
Thanks for the interview! UCS Naboo Fighter or Jedi Starfighter next, please!
Interesting interview and great questions.
My choice for a prequel trilogy Ultimate Collector Series set would be an ARC-170 Starfighter or a Venator-class Star Destroyer. A playset of either would be very much welcome as well.
I don't care for UCS, release some playset prequel sets for once!
I can has UCS Soulless One?
Droid control center, jango fett slave 1
Thanks for the interview.
I, for one, am happy about how Taun We looks. I'm happy they chose to use a minifig instead of a minidoll.
An Ultimate collector set from the prequel trilogy I would like to see would be the Jedi Temple. As a clone battle pack I would like to see the galactic marines or a pack of Coruscant shock troopers.
For prequel vehicles with enough popularity to become UCS sets, I think the Venator-class Star Destroyer is the way to go. It provides an opportunity for some unique and popular minifigures, like Admiral Yularen, as well as more clone variants.
I think we are LONG overdue for a Geonosian Arena playset as well. Not UCS, but a high piece/price point release to have the budgets for all the beasts, and figs of Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, and at least 1 Geonosian soldier riding an orray. Maybe an update of Poggle the Lesser too, if we're really being generous!
Yay, bring on UCS from prequels!!! No UCS from TV shows or video games for me. I'm also ready for UCS from Rogue One!
It's certainly nice to see the team finally acknowledge the demand for Clone Wars era sets. Though I'd say it must difficult to accommodate the prequel sets as I'm sure Lucasfilm want Lego to focus on OT and new Disney+ content all the time.
I'm not a fan of the Prequels (they're OK films, specially when compared to the garbage Sequel Trilogy, but they're miles away from the vastly superior OT).
That being said, I'd be totally game for a reasonably priced micro-scale (so, the complete opposite of the AT-AT and Razor Crest) UCS Lucrehulk-class Droid Control Ship.
I'd also like to see a 200€ UCS Sith Infiltrator.
Venator Class SD, doesn't need to be a $700-set, tho. This or a Jedi Star Fighter (Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptor).
Great questions, CapnRex101! Thank you!
A large version of Anakin and Sebulba’s podracers would be pretty cool.
Arc-170 and podracers
*scrolling through comments*
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Awesome interview! Bring on the prequel sets!
Basically anything from episode 1 would interest me! How about really detailed podracers?!
The Republic Cruiser could use an update! Still love the original.
I have to be the nay-sayer on this one... how to say you didn't research the characters without saying you didn't research the characters... "Also, Kaminoans are relatively tall and skinny, but they do not absolutely tower over Obi-Wan in the movie."
All it took was a quick google search and, yes, the Kaminoans do tower over Obi-Wan. In the pictures I found, the Kaminoan shoulder is at Obi-Wan's head. (in other words, it would be similar to a minidoll compared to minifig...)
Also, to add: "We generally avoid mixing minifigures and mini-dolls..." Was the Lego Movie 2 that much of a disappointment?
Three words:
MBS Jedi Temple
AT-TE, please!
Great interview, and it's always interesting to hear from the people behind the sets (even though I still find SW to be the most boring and repetitive of Lego's themes).
Not quite prequel trilogy, but I'd love to see a UCS Zeta-class shuttle. Also, if we do get a UCS N-1, they better make it at least metallic, if not chrome like the first one.
I don't know about UCS, but I would *love* to see some midi-scale capital ships from that era, in the vein of the Nebulon-B. Venator, Invisible Hand, Lucrehulk...
I'd also love to see the Jedi Council as a diorama, maybe three or so seats as just a slice of the scene.
as cool as UCS sets are, I would rather see more playscale prequel sets
@Sutures said:
"I have to be the nay-sayer on this one... how to say you didn't research the characters without saying you didn't research the characters... "Also, Kaminoans are relatively tall and skinny, but they do not absolutely tower over Obi-Wan in the movie."
All it took was a quick google search and, yes, the Kaminoans do tower over Obi-Wan. In the pictures I found, the Kaminoan shoulder is at Obi-Wan's head. (in other words, it would be similar to a minidoll compared to minifig...)
Also, to add: "We generally avoid mixing minifigures and mini-dolls..." Was the Lego Movie 2 that much of a disappointment? "
I suppose that depends on your definition of 'tower over', but Jens' estimation of Taun We's height in the moment strongly suggests they do check these things, since Taun We measures 2.13m tall, according to Wookieepedia. I think we can assume Jens was recalling research they had done when developing the minifigure by estimating her height as 2.12m.
For prequel UCS:
1 Venator (one the most iconic and beautiful ship, well done for UCS)
2 Jedi Temple MBS (most screen time place of all the saga, lot of nice figs to include)
3 ARC 170 (UCS would give honor to the thin lines of this ship)
Rogue One received a lot of good critics and have a lot of well designed ship that would be great addition to the UCS line:
1 Zeta Class Shuttle
2 Profundity
Petranaki Arena (even if they split up the monsters over sets) or we riot.
Thanks for the interview! The answers are pretty standard and expected but some things like saying a crab droid never came up in the discussions even though they specifically went for an ep. 3 Utapau AT-TE shows again the lack of passion for PT and lack of attention to detail. Maybe they should check out Wookieepedia next time they don't know which characters are appropriate to chose and that way J.K.F wouldn't mix up a Clone Commander with a Pilot any more.
I wonder why the inclusion of only 3 1/2 minifigures (lego site still shows 5 for some dumb reason) and the abundance of stickers or visible coloured bricks in a 600€ set was not debated. Yes, we get the exclusive minifigures back, as lessons learned from the LAAT fiasco, but that was not the only thing criticized by fans.
And it's clear they don't want to release every year lots of battlepacks with only minifigs because then people wouldn't buy the larger sets any more. Still, putting a Luke minifigure in a Dark Trooper only set is just as bad as an officer in the previous battlepacks but those only cost 1/3 of 75324.
Regarding the next UCS set from the Prequels I would love either a Venator Class Star Destroyer, a set of three detailed podracers with their drivers, a separatist MTT, the Naboo Royal Starship - all in silver ink (not like the ugly gray of the Razor Crest) or a giant MBS Otoh Gunga packed with minifigures.
WE NEED A NABOO ROYAL STARSHIP! (from Episode I) It can be done in light gray, it doesn't have to be chrome! ...but make it to scale with some Naboo fighters (maybe midi-scale fighters, and a play-scale starship?)
MTT
Yes, including 100 battle droids.
@Trigger_ said:
"Petranaki Arena (even if they split up the monsters over sets) or we riot."
Take the recent Roman Colosseum, add obi, Ani, and Padme. Done!
UCS AT-ST please.
I forgot to mention, almost immediately after leaving the interview, I regretted not asking about the 187th Legion Clone Troopers in 75342 Republic Fighter Tank.
Fortunately, MiniSuperHeroesToday did remember to ask and here is their video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IQjjweuQWM The question comes up at 13:50, but I recommend watching the whole thing if you can.
Solid Brix Studios has also published a great video interview, which covers even more topics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz-z2BxtA64
Terrific interview—thanks! A Venator Class SD would be great as a playset or UCS model. I can’t understand why a Geonosian Arena playset has not been done. It could belong to the Master Builder Series with a terrific array of minifigs and arena creatures. The arena lends itself to intricate building techniques. Someone mentioned podracers being in the UCS category. Would be amazing.
Surely the time has come for a UCS Jar-Jar bust…
I can't believe that fans throwing temper tantrums online about the Republic Gunship actually convinced them that the UCS sets all need to have highly desirable exclusive minifigures. Expanding that line to cover things other than the original trilogy is a good move though
@Jo3K3rr said:
"I speculated that 75334 Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader was the way it was because of the lack of information provided by Disney/Lucasfilm. Another Kylo Ren shuttle..."
The details seem to correspond very well.
It's rather forced price points by the marketing teams, a common occurrence in the design process previous interviews mentioned but doesn't even get alluded to here.
These interviews are so obviously deflecting. The price point informed the design, which necessitated larger functions, which we get as the excuse for the price when it wasn't the real reason.
Also absolutely ludicrous that the Crab Droid was never discussed. The battle scene they based the set on is barely a minute long, and seriously nobody in the design team remembered the droid, let alone that nobody rewatched that part of the movie to come up with details to add?
@PicnicBasketSam said:
"I can't believe that fans throwing temper tantrums online about the Republic Gunship actually convinced them that the UCS sets all need to have highly desirable exclusive minifigures."
I'm sure the decision was made long before, since all the other licensed D2C sets from Harry Potter, Marvel, DC, etc. got the same treatment. It's even more greedy to put collectable golden exclusive figures in children's sets + expensive D2C as was the case with HP and Ninjago sets last year.
@MisterBrickster:
Midi-scale looked like it was as going to be my favorite SW sub-theme, on par with Galoob’s Action Fleet line, when they cancelled it after only two releases. I absolutely consider the Nebbie to be a third entry, and hope to see more…as long as they aren’t event exclusives like the latter was intended to be.
Apart from the Razor Crest I can’t think of one vehicle outside of the original trilogy that is iconic enough to warrant UCS treatment.
We could do with a new massive version of the Blockade Runner, and maybe a new Death Star and AT ST, but the originals still more than stand up today.
It’s difficult to see where Lego can go next. They’re already scraping the barrel with the land speeder. Maybe a UCS C3PO in scale with the UCS R2 would be a good idea.
@Tynansd said:
"Apart from the Razor Crest I can’t think of one vehicle outside of the original trilogy that is iconic enough to warrant UCS treatment. "
The Jedi Starfighters. The Arc. The Torrent.
Vulture droids. Tri fighters. The N-1 Naboo Starfighter with the Chromium undercarriage!
The TIE Defender, The Ghost (though these do straddle the OT line).
I had a cool idea of a battle of coruscant diorama. Make both a model of the Room where they fight Count Dooku, but on the other side of the window is a ton of microscale ships of different types, kind of a trick perspective thing. Only problem with it is that people would complain that its not a full size venator or full size invisible hand
What about all the amazing vehicles and ships we remember from the Sequel Trilogy?! Like the ... umm... huh.
@AddictedToStyrene said:
"What about all the amazing vehicles and ships we remember from the Sequel Trilogy?! Like the ... umm... huh."
How about a UCS Quadjumper?
Seriously! I'd buy one!
@PubliusMaximum said:
" @Tynansd said:
"Apart from the Razor Crest I can’t think of one vehicle outside of the original trilogy that is iconic enough to warrant UCS treatment. "
The Jedi Starfighters. The Arc. The Torrent.
Vulture droids. Tri fighters. The N-1 Naboo Starfighter with the Chromium undercarriage!
The TIE Defender, The Ghost (though these do straddle the OT line).
"
The only one I know from that lot is the Naboo Starfighter, which they’ve already done in UCS form. There’s a reason why original trilogy vehicles are always chosen, sometimes twice, and that is that the designs were timeless and iconic.
@Tynansd said:
"Apart from the Razor Crest I can’t think of one vehicle outside of the original trilogy that is iconic enough to warrant UCS treatment. "
U-Wing and The Ghost would be great. Maybe Poe's X-Wing? First Order TIE? Kylo Ren's TIE Silencer?
Love that they have acknowledged the demand for prequel sets. Wishing for a Jango version of the 2021 Slave 1, as well as a playscale gunship like the 2013 one. Some more small clone wars era ships would also be great.
just because you don't know them does not mean they aren't iconic lmao
@Jo3K3rr said:
"I speculated that 75334 Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader was the way it was because of the lack of information provided by Disney/Lucasfilm. Another Kylo Ren shuttle..."
nail on target.
On the size/price of the Ambush on Ferrix and Obi-Wan duel sets, I do feel a little sorry for the designers - they had to stick to a price point which wasn’t really right for the subject matter in question on both occasions. I disagree that the Obi-Wan set needed to be that big to have playable functions - the most recent Mustafar Duel set had lots of cool play functions but was much smaller and more interesting.
On the subject of Prequel sets, particularly UCS, it’s comforting to hear those responses after so long - that they are finally recognising the love for Prequels. I still can’t believe we’ve never seen any of these -
- Episode I - a light grey Naboo Royal Starship
- Episode I - more pod racers other than Anakin’s and Sebulba’s (or just second versions of Aldar’s etc.)
- Episode II - anything relating to the droid factory
- Episode II - anything relating to Petranaki Arena
- Episode III - a new version of the Zam Wessell chase
- Episode III - a new ARC-170
- Episode IiI - a new Boga
- Episode III - anything from the other planets referenced in Order 66 (one or two examples if clutching at straws)
- Episode III - a Yoda vs Palpatine duel
Loads of subjects they could use for UCS - too many to list! Including from Rogue One! I still think Rogue One itself is a good candidate for a large play set retail price point like £150. Instead of yet another Millennium Falcon (though I understand the recognition always pays).
Still holding out hope for another Clone Wars Y-wing...
@the_rancor I think it’s less about them “finally recognizing” and more that the people who grew up with the Prequel trilogy as “their” Star Wars are gradually coming into disposable income. It’s the natural progression of selling to fans, just like the BTTF Time Machine set is aimed at people nostalgic for the film / vehicle. Do not underestimate nerd money. :D
Although I’m biased towards the original trilogy, I do think their are some cool prequel ships worth doing for new UCS sets and I’m glad they are doing more.
@Jackaroo1701 said:
"Still holding out hope for another Clone Wars Y-wing..."
YES! The red one that dropped the bomb that inadvertantly freed the Zillo beast!
I would like to see a Yoda vs Sidious set in the new diorama style Starwars sets Lego is releasing.
@PubliusMaximum said:
" @Tynansd said:
"Apart from the Razor Crest I can’t think of one vehicle outside of the original trilogy that is iconic enough to warrant UCS treatment. "
The Jedi Starfighters. The Arc. The Torrent.
Vulture droids. Tri fighters. The N-1 Naboo Starfighter with the Chromium undercarriage!
The TIE Defender, The Ghost (though these do straddle the OT line).
"
The Jedi star fighter and N-1 are really the only iconic ships that you mentioned.
@HegoDamask said:
"For prequel UCS:
1 Venator (one the most iconic and beautiful ship, well done for UCS)
2 Jedi Temple MBS (most screen time place of all the saga, lot of nice figs to include)
3 ARC 170 (UCS would give honor to the thin lines of this ship)
Rogue One received a lot of good critics and have a lot of well designed ship that would be great addition to the UCS line:
1 Zeta Class Shuttle
2 Profundity"
For Rogue One, I'd add the following:
MBS Jeddha
UCS U-Wing
MBS Scariff
I'd be super impressed if they made a UCS Venator-class Star Destroyer without the red markings of the Open Circle fleet. Just straight-up gray like the UCS Imperial Star Destroyer. The fanpeople will rage, but I think it would stand out since every fan MOC of the Venator looks just like the ones in Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars show.
That wish expressed, the reality is they'd make it with the markings. At least I have enough gray spare parts to transform it into an Imperial Venator-class Star Destroyer.
Well, the only UCS set I have is 7194, and I'm not likely to buy any others, but I'd love for a UCS Jedi Interceptor to be a thing. Going back (once again) to the OT well, I think a US speeder bike would be cool.
@heOriginalSimonB: That would be bombad!
@TheOtherMike:
While I’d love both a UCS Ep6 speederbike and a UCS STAP, I think $200 might have been indicated as the bottom price level for that subtheme, and I can’t imagine how huge either would have to be to land a spot in the UCS lineup.
All the people wanting a Master Builder Series Jedi Temple: I'd like to have an Architecture-style one.
@PurpleDave: Yeah, either of those would need to be pretty big-scale to reach that price-point. They'd be heck detailed, though!
@PicnicBasketSam said:
"I can't believe that fans throwing temper tantrums online about the Republic Gunship actually convinced them that the UCS sets all need to have highly desirable exclusive minifigures. Expanding that line to cover things other than the original trilogy is a good move though"
Even if they had put highly desirable exclusives in the Gunship, those same fans led by a certain outrage-stirring youtuber would have complained anyway. So now we have detailed C-3PO legs exclusive to a meme set, and a long overdue Mandalorian season 1 character exclusive to a great (and expensive) set that many fans will be unable to afford.
I would love a playset prequel set, and i want some more old republic sets!!!
UCS - Any Naboo starship made really shiny, Venator, AT-TE.
MBS - Geonosis Colliseum, Jedi Temple.
Playsets - Republic and Separatist fleet ships.
Battle Packs - Anything with great troopers like Galactic Marines.
I’m so tired of X-Wings, TIE Fighters and Snowspeeders and I’m a die hard OT lover. The Sequel Trilogy not breaking much ground in innovative ship design really wore me out and reminded me how spectacularly good the art direction was in the PT. Those ships and creature designs showcased how different parts of the galaxy had vastly different styles and tech. I loved that.
Bring on more Prequel sets, I’ll happily support them (after complaining about the price of course :D ).
I always love interviews with designers from TLG--it's fascinating to hear what all is taken into consideration when products are developed!
@Jackaroo1701 said:
"Still holding out hope for another Clone Wars Y-wing..."
Imagine a UCS Y-Wing that has the armor of a prequel era ship... Which can be removed to reveal a rebellion era ship.
For prequel era UCS I’d like to see the Jedi Temple and Geonosis Arena. However, I’d much rather these be playsets. In fact, the Geonosis Arena would be great to release as a series of 3 sets featuring a monster, their victim, a tower, and a bit of seating with a Geonosisian and a Separatist minifigure. I would think a set like that could easily be made in the $50-$60 range, and then the 3 sets could be combined to make a very impressive and complete arena.
Oh, definitely a Jedi Temple of Petranaki Arena MBS. I don't collect UCS sets, but I'd like to see how a Venator or large Naboo Starfighter would look like.
Venator-class Star Destroyer!
But more on par with the B Wing, A Wing, Slave 1, Snow Speeder size rather than the recent ISD, AT_AT etc. They're great, but they're great once every three years or more (honestly they take up a LOT of room, not to mention the price). I would prefer a normal sized UCS and a master builder set every year, with the very large sets an exception rather than the rule.
For those who keep stating that Lego focuses on the OT play sets, use the Brickset database, click on themes and then subthemes, the numbers may surprise you.
I've watched or read quite a few interviews with these great designers now, but no-one seemed to ask about stickers, in particular external stickers. The Razor Crest was the perfect opener, a stunningly beautiful set that deserves, at the very least external, printed tiles.
@Sutures
Sorry, I disagree, I think they knocked the Taun We mini figure out of the park, as the mock up mini dolls looked out of place and generally awful.
Wow. I know I'm late to the party but it seems that there's a huge lack of creativity and knowledge in the star wars design team. Great questions by brickset btw. To not even consider a crab droid shows they don't pay attention to the source material, not even considering a minidoll is such a strange and uncreative view towards access to the parts inventory they have, saying they were immediately drawn to a game when it came out when a year ago they said they had no interest in making sets for it is dishonest, and having price points just to include more figures is a very corporate way to design a product. No wonder I am losing interest fast.
I would love new Arc-170 or Z95 headhunter playsets.