Blocks magazine issue 103 out soon
Posted by Huw,
Here's the press release for the next issue of Blocks Magazine that'll be available in newsagents and mailed to subscribers shortly:
Get behind the wheel in Blocks Issue 103 as the monthly magazine gets to grips with LEGO 2K Drive – once you’ve read this cover feature, you’ll know everything you need to about the LEGO video game that’s shaking up the formula for a really fresh take.
Issue 103 is available worldwide as a single issue or as part of a subscription at blocksmag.com and will be in UK stores from May 4. Everyone who subscribes by May 31 will be in with a chance of winning 10313 Wildflower Bouquet!
Subscriber copies are being posted a couple of days late this month because we have an exclusive feature about the LEGO Group’s biggest original theme yet – this behind-the-scenes story reveals how it came about, the thinking that went into it and how it is combining epic storytelling with encouraging creativity. Illustrated with beautiful concept art, it’s a story not to be missed.
As the cover reveals, there’s also a deep dive into the new video game LEGO 2K Drive. Art Director Emmanuel Valdez reveals everything you need to know about this fresh take on the digital brick world that brings kart racing and open world exploration together. It’s full of LEGO wackiness.
The creativity of the fan community is under the spotlight as Blocks takes a look at Summer Joust, the LEGO Castle themed contest that sees the world’s best builders competing to be most creative within the medieval period. In the physical realm, there’s a show report from this year’s Bricktastic event that saw AFOLs from around the world displaying impressive MOCs.
Nostalgists will love a look back at the Redcoats faction from LEGO Pirates, with classic sets revisited and instructions for building a little outpost using modern elements. A lesser known part of LEGO history is how the company made inroads into Germany, kick-starting the global expansion that saw the Danish company become the global behemoth that it is today; learn all about it this month.
That’s not all of course – read reviews of the LEGO Indiana Jones sets, learn some tricks for texturing your builds, hear from the academics using LEGO bricks in research and much, much more within the 116-page magazine.
For a bonus dose of Blocks magazine, 100 Incredible LEGO Builds edition celebrates the amazing creativity of LEGO builders from around the world. It is guest edited by Head of Design Matthew Ashton, with commentary provided throughout by the LEGO design team. No LEGO fan should miss it!
Blocks is giving away 10313 Wildflower Bouquet! To be entered into the prize draw and to get Blocks magazine delivered every month – ahead of the shops – visit www.blocksmag.com and check out the money-saving subscription deals available.
Everyone who subscribes to the print edition by May 31 will be in with a chance of winning (existing subscribers will automatically be entered into the prize draw).
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5 comments on this article
Oooh, guess it's any minute now for that new theme reveal by the sounds of this...!
like the video game Borderlands
@Ridgeheart said:
"On the one hand, I really want Lego 2K Drive to succeed, as a gateway to more Lego-themed games and game-themed Lego - but on the other hand, it just doesn't seem like a particularly good game.
I guess Lego Borderlands is still quite a ways away."
The game is too expensive for what it is. It’s a licensed racing game aimed at young kids. The $70 is steep, and that’s on top of a Battle Pass making it more of an $80-$90 game. This is in addition to versions of the game that cost over $100.
They should’ve made Drive a smaller, focused experience without the live service elements. Think the Nickelodeon kart racing games with the building elements. Those are far more accessible with their lower price points and everything being included mostly in one package.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @PixelTheDragon said:
" @Ridgeheart said:
"On the one hand, I really want Lego 2K Drive to succeed, as a gateway to more Lego-themed games and game-themed Lego - but on the other hand, it just doesn't seem like a particularly good game.
I guess Lego Borderlands is still quite a ways away."
The game is too expensive for what it is. It’s a licensed racing game aimed at young kids. The $70 is steep, and that’s on top of a Battle Pass making it more of an $80-$90 game. This is in addition to versions of the game that cost over $100."
It's kind of a ridiculous business-model for this audience. I've seen the 'perks' you get for shelling out the extra money - I wonder who 2K thinks this is for? The target audience is kind of unlikely to get excited about a handful of extra building-blocks, and the parents of the target audience are supremely unlikely to shell out that kind of cash even IF their kids are adamant about owning some EEEEEXCLUSIVE '2K' printed bricks.
Look, I'm a moderately functional nominal adult with disposable income, I can make stupid decisions if I want to. Which I have, and do, and will. I have been known to sometimes buy into battle-passes for fighting-games and even some for some Borderlands-games (hiya, 2K! Remember me?), but that's when I'm feeling like doing some gaming. I've also bought Lego-merchandise with exclusive minifigures because - again, somewhat functional adult, spending my own money on my hobby. I like those minifigs, because... well, I like minifigs.
With what's on the table for what it costs, to me it feels like 2K is trying to hit multiple audiences, and I'm wondering if maybe they're missing on all fronts. I would very much like to hear from someone who DOES like racing-games, who DOES think this is a good idea, and who IS willing to go all-in on this. If you're out there, I'm not here to ridicule you, I just want to know that you exist."
*waves* Hi, Ridgeheart. Looking for me, then? I really do like racing games, the game does look fantastic. I got the top version, because I really like LEGO racing. My one issue is it was very pricy, being that of an expensive LEGO set, I just hope they don't lean on the model of say Disney Speedstorm. That was a bit too much for what it is. Still, nothing beats the days of 'buy game, insert disc/cartridge, play, no downloads/updates'. But, I, like you am a 'somewhat functional adult'.(your words.) If I didn't think the game looked so fun(and didn't care about the polybag), my usual strategy is to wait until a game is cheap,(a few dollars...Like $2+ cheap.)
I love that chicken car! I might have a go at making it in real life as a MOC, because every time I see it I can't stop laughing!