Castle sets 2008/2009

[The Rancor]

When did you get confirmable infos about the 2008 sets?

Easy - they're already out!

If you're talking about 2009 sets, then we first found out that there were...

Kings Seige carriage (or something like that )

Drawbridge Defense

Troll Fortress

... When a retailer told a member what he new about 2009 sets, about a month or two ago.

[Scop]

Easy - they're already out!

If you're talking about 2009 sets, then we first found out that there were...

I´m reading this forum since just a few months, so I don´t know when exactly in 2007 the first confirmable information about the 2008 came, that was my question

[The Rancor]

I´m reading this forum since just a few months, so I don´t know when exactly in 2007 the first confirmable information about the 2008 came, that was my question

I can't remember exactly when because I wasn't really a looker or a member on this sight then. Sorry

I bet someone will remember though, someone who likes Castle a lot.

My favourite themes proabably rate Castle as third favourite.

[hollisbrick]

I agree with KimT! I think and hope that we will get about 14! When you think about all the exclusives, impulses, normal sets and maybe another smaller, less expensive chess set and of course some BP's!

So I guess all we can hope for is the best til we get some commformations and pics!

Also, o you think we'll get a different theme or faction? IMO I think we'll have half the sets like the S@H exclusive medieval like then the other half fantasy?

Still waiting for my Dragon knights though

[legobear]

I'm looking forward to 2009 and I will buy the King's chariot for sure.

Looking at those pre-lim drawings of elves, I wasn't too satisified. Elves are suppose to have long ears. So, whether or not they are cut I won't be too sad, but of course if TLC delivered, I'm definitely buying.

I, too, want those bullet helms back, I would get a lot!

there are only two things that would make me cry in the up-coming years.

1.) Return of the Rainbow Knights (KK barf)

2.) Ending Castle for awhile

[Klaus-Dieter]

why not?

3 normal sets + 1 S@H exclusive early 09. = 4 sets.

3 impulse sets = 3 sets

6 normal sets late 09 = 6 sets

1 advent calendar = 1 set

total = 14 sets.

of course not all will be available in the us! recall the good wizard impulse and calendar!!

That's a very realistic set list, natelite! But don't forget the very supposable second S@H set (persumably the jubilee set).

Well the current incarnation of Castle seems to be selling fairly well, I hope that instead of a new line per se Lego changes to a new faction of knights.

I totally agree with you, hewkii9!

TLG is - concerning Castle - (regrettably) now in the fantasy area . And this (regrettably) surely won't change in the next years. All these fantasy sets are selling well - so it would be counterproductive to stop this when you think from TLG's perception.

I think that in 2010 you'll get your so wanted elves. But then in 2011 TLG will surely again change the emblems in order to release a new knig's castle (at least the past shows that there has -after the first king's castle - always been a knig's castle in period of some years).

As for the pictures (not only for the new Castle sets but for all new non-exclusive sets) I fear we'll have to wait until January or even unitl the middle of February (NY toy fair).

Klaus-Dieter

Edited December 10, 2008 by Klaus-Dieter

[natelite]

it wouldn't surprise me if they already changed the emblems. we haven't seen any "leaked" pictures of the 3 jan sets have we? and why not?

we have seen pics of most jan sets except for castle. we know pictures don't "leak" by themselves... there's a reason why TLC doesn't want us to see the jan castle sets... i wonder what that might be!!

[KimT]

I think you're right natelite.

TLG has been upping their efforts to contain leaks and they did manage to keep the 10193 Medieval Village Market a secret.

They're learned from the DS failure and now we're being kept in the dark when it comes to Castle.

This bodes well for the quality and design of those sets.

[hewkii9]

Well we got previews of the Jester and Maid in the advent calender, why not an Elve?

The Jester hasn't been in any other sets, it's not really a preview is it...

TLG is - concerning Castle - (regrettably) now in the fantasy area . And this (regrettably) surely won't change in the next years. All these fantasy sets are selling well - so it would be counterproductive to stop this when you think from TLG's perception.

I think that in 2010 you'll get your so wanted elves.

Actually I don't want elves very much at all - what I would rather have, and would fit in with the new fantasy Castle, would be a sort of mystical Crusades theme - one side with Middle East-type coloring and figs, and the other very Templarish, but with griffins and hippocampuses - we already have the Buckbeak for that! Actually considering how European pretty much all the Castle sets have been an Arabic castle could be considered fantasy by the kids on its own merits.

[KimT]

The Jester hasn't been in any other sets, it's not really a preview is it...

The jester has been mentioned as part of the new 2009 sets.

And isn't the maid part of the 10193 Medieval Village Market?

The Calendar is a set itself, so the jester and maid being in it, surely overrules any ideas of previews.

They're IN a set now, and probably we'll see them in more sets next year.

[Klaus-Dieter]

it wouldn't surprise me if they already changed the emblems. we haven't seen any "leaked" pictures of the 3 jan sets have we? and why not?

we have seen pics of most jan sets except for castle. we know pictures don't "leak" by themselves... there's a reason why TLC doesn't want us to see the jan castle sets... i wonder what that might be!!

I think you're right natelite.

TLG has been upping their efforts to contain leaks and they did manage to keep the 10193 Medieval Village Market a secret.

They're learned from the DS failure and now we're being kept in the dark when it comes to Castle.

This bodes well for the quality and design of those sets.

So you mean that TLG already changed the emblems of the knights, natelite and KimT?

I'm a bit sceptic about that since I think that the neyt year's Castle sets will be some sort of continuation of last but mainly this year. And since we'll get a troll forstress and a king's carriage it sounds unbelievable and even not comprehensible that TLG will change the king's and the trolls' emblems since this would mean that these are now new fractions. And since the jester shall appear in one of the new sets, too. -

But surely you're right: With the next new fraction TLG will surely introduce new emblems - at least new emblems of the new fraction.

Actually I don't want elves very much at all - what I would rather have, and would fit in with the new fantasy Castle, would be a sort of mystical Crusades theme - one side with Middle East-type coloring and figs, and the other very Templarish, but with griffins and hippocampuses - we already have the Buckbeak for that! Actually considering how European pretty much all the Castle sets have been an Arabic castle could be considered fantasy by the kids on its own merits.

I totally agree with you, hewkii9. Arabic knights would be so ! But unluckily I don't see them cming before a whole new Castle line since arabic knights + fantasy would be ? and surely be not great. Arabic knights have to be released in sets like the sets of the 90s. And that I regrettably don't see happen in the next years.

And isn't the maid part of the 10193 Medieval Village Market?

Yes, she is, KimT.

Klaus-Dieter

Edited December 10, 2008 by Klaus-Dieter

[hollisbrick]

I'm kinda glad that there haven't been any pics leaked yet It adds to the suspense!

Personelly I dont really want elves either I rather something better like....Dragon Knights!!! Seriously I think it's possible! Just imagine, dragon fortress, dragon caves, maybe a new mold of dragon And I;m sure that some people would agree Just like the 1993-ish area of castle which missed out on (I was a baby then)

[KimT]

So you mean that TLG already changed the emblems of the knights, natelite and KimT?

No no no no.

Easy there.

I doubt we'll be seeing new emblems just yet.

If a new faction is introduced, then yes.

But I think they'll be doing orcs, trolls and skeletons a little longer.

I am only speculating that we'll be seeing great new set designs next year.

[Klaus-Dieter]

I'm kinda glad that there haven't been any pics leaked yet It adds to the suspense!

Personelly I dont really want elves either I rather something better like....Dragon Knights!!! Seriously I think it's possible! Just imagine, dragon fortress, dragon caves, maybe a new mold of dragon And I;m sure that some people would agree Just like the 1993-ish area of castle which missed out on (I was a baby then)

I totally agree with you, hollisbrick. Dragon knights would be great, too. But as well as Arabic knights I don't see them happen in the next (at least two) years.

You have to think from TLG's point of view: The fantasy area sets sell very well. Dragon knights as well as Arabic knights don't offer that much fantasy potential like the fractions which TLG releases at the moment. Ok, the Arabic knights might get a genie in a bottle and the dragon knights get of course a dragon - but that's it. Nervetheless I'm sure - and I really hope, too - that in about at the latest five years (until then the fantasy elements for the Castle theme will be utilised) TLG will take the direction "back to the roots" in the Castle theme, too , like they did in the City and the Pirate theme and where they made an excellent job until now .

Klaus-Dieter

[hollisbrick]

I totally agree with you, hollisbrick. Dragon knights would be great, too. But as well as Arabic knights I don't see them happen in the next (at least two) years.

You have to think from TLG's point of view: The fantasy area sets sell very well. Dragon knights as well as Arabic knights don't offer that much fantasy potential like the fractions which TLG releases at the moment. Ok, the Arabic knights might get a genie in a bottle and the dragon knights get of course a dragon - but that's it. Nervetheless I'm sure - and I really hope, too - that in about at the latest five years (until then the fantasy elements for the Castle theme will be utilised) TLG will take the direction "back to the roots" in the Castle theme, too , like they did in the City and the Pirate theme and where they made an excellent job until now .

Klaus-Dieter

True, I see your point, although I have to disagree a bit. I think dragons is one of the most loved fantasy/mythical creatures. Oh, I can still hope Lets just hope that we see more dragons in some cheap sets

[Klaus-Dieter]

No no no no.

Easy there.

I doubt we'll be seeing new emblems just yet.

If a new faction is introduced, then yes.

But I think they'll be doing orcs, trolls and skeletons a little longer.

I am only speculating that we'll be seeing great new set designs next year.

Ok, then sorry for the misunderstanding.

From what we've seen until now - and that is the awesome Medieval Market Village - I totally agree with you on the great new set designs, KimT. It was already mentioned that there'll be another S@H exclusive set next year, too - so there's hope for another very well designed, more on AFOLs, more classic Castle style and medieval stuff based set.

Klaus-Dieter

[hewkii9]

You have to think from TLG's point of view: The fantasy area sets sell very well. Dragon knights as well as Arabic knights don't offer that much fantasy potential like the fractions which TLG releases at the moment. Ok, the Arabic knights might get a genie in a bottle

Well, just briefly looking on Wikipedia I see that ghouls are originally from Arabic folklore, as well as a concept of something called the Evil Eye. With The Hobbit and the bridge film coming out in the 2010-12 area [the timeframe that would be possible for these sets], Sauron [a big evil eye] will be back in everyone's minds, and ghouls are [by my understanding] shapeshifting zombies. Both of those seem very sellable concepts for some Arabic-themed knights to fight, don't they?

EDIT: Hey, I'm a Count now. Neat-o.

Edited December 10, 2008 by hewkii9

[Tyrant]

Well, just briefly looking on Wikipedia I see that ghouls are originally from Arabic folklore, as well as a concept of something called the Evil Eye. With The Hobbit and the bridge film coming out in the 2010-12 area [the timeframe that would be possible for these sets], Sauron [a big evil eye] will be back in everyone's minds, and ghouls are [by my understanding] shapeshifting zombies. Both of those seem very sellable concepts for some Arabic-themed knights to fight, don't they?

EDIT: Hey, I'm a Count now. Neat-o.

Shouldn't Sauron still be The Necromancer in the Hobbit timeframe? And presumably have a humanoid appearance? Then again, he isn't a giant fiery eye in the books, so it might not matter to them.

Anyway, as far as Arabic fantasy, there is plenty. Magic, check. Flying carpets, check. Genie/Djinn, check. Think Prince of Persia/Alladin era Arabic world and there is plenty of fantasy. Or go back earlier to the Persian Empire in the pre Islamic era such as depicted (though not really historically accurate on a lot of things) in 300. The heavily styilised appearances there could be a starting point to make something similar to an Arabic theme. I think the real sticking point will be if they are used as enemies of the Crownies. Then you basically have the crusades, Lego Edition (not that I would mind that, but I can understand people in certain areas of the world not liking it if their reaction to 300 is any indication). If they were portrayed as some kind of allies against the Arabic monsters and mad Wizards, that could work. Or, have them fight it out. The Arabs in the time of the Crusades were masters of siege craft and the Europeans learned a great deal from fighting them. The set possibilities are numerous if they aren't afraid of offending people.

However, if we are going to get human enemies for the Crownies, I would prefer either someone new or the return/reimagining of the Black Falcons. They could be the total opposite of factions like the Wolfpack and instead be a heavily industrialised (industrialised in the manner shown for Saruman and Sauron in the LotR movies) war power. They could have heavily fortified structures, tremendous siege weapons, maybe new armor and sword designs, new torsos showing ring or scale armor beneath their emblems, and maybe even the bullet helmet can come back with them and all of it could be with the help of their dwarven (maybe evil dwarves) allies (or slaves I suppose). Whatever they do, we just need more humans aside from the crownies.

[frogstudio]

Ok... I've been reading this thread for too long without posting some opinions. Personally, I think we are making way too much especulation. The problem is that, most of it is based purely on our hopes, like and dislikes... and this is were it's turning completely unreal. Lets try to see it from a production and economic perspective. Designing and producing a new LEGO batch of sets, takes between six months and a year, depending on wether new molds are introduced or not (consider that each new mold has to undergo a long process of testing and development). This means that, what we will get in 2009 was designed during 2008 (in an expansive economic scenario), previous to the huge economic crisis the world is undergoing right now. That's why we are getting the whole pirate line and such a huge number of new molds (in my memory, this is the biggest batch of new molds in years). I am sure that during the first half of 2009 we will be getting REALLY GREAT sets. The second half is another story... If you consider the economic crash started in november (when sets for the second half of 2009 were being designed) most surely, on the second half of 2009 we won't be getting new molds nor great sets. Instead, we will either be getting NO NEW sets or sets put together with exisitng stock of pieces (no new molds, no new minifigs nor prints, etc.) At least, this would be the most logical thing a company would do: try to survive and pass the bad moment with what it already has, making as less investment as possible. If you consider that 2009 will be a REALLY unstable year, concerning economics, its mostly probable that this policy will extend to 2010 sets (as they will be designed during the crisis, with little investment). So, in my opinion, and as sad as it is to me too, I think we should forget of getting Elves or ANY other new faction or molds till 2011. I'm sad to sound pesimistic, but that's my humble opinion... just my to cents. Cheers to all from Argentina!!!

[KimT]

Thank you frogstudio for bringing this topic back on track.

Let's keep the speculations to 2009 and not turn this into a "what would I love to have" or "could they ever make...?" discussion.

Let's sum it up:

2009:

Orcish hag/queen.

4 rumored Castle sets .

Medieval Village Market.

Is that all we've got?

Edit: Just went and got the set names:

7078 - Kings Battle Chariot 103 pieces

7079 - Drawbridge Defence 335 pieces

7097 - Trolls Mountain Fortress 844 pieces

[Sandy]

2009:

Orcish hag/queen.

4 rumored Castle sets:

Medieval Village Market

7078 - Kings Battle Chariot 103 pieces

7079 - Drawbridge Defence 335 pieces

7097 - Trolls Mountain Fortress 844 pieces

You forgot that the Crown Queen and the jester in some of the sets. But yeah, this is pretty much all we know for certain. But I reckon that we'll get some pictures any day now...

[natelite]

Edit: Just went and got the set names:

7078 - Kings Battle Chariot 103 pieces

7079 - Drawbridge Defence 335 pieces

7097 - Trolls Mountain Fortress 844 pieces

i didn't say they have 100% changed the emblems, i just say there's a very good chance they changed the emblems. Anyway, we'll know once we see the battle chariot.

it's my speculation that we will see the so-called "golden knight" in this set. the golden knight is none other than the king himself. most likely we'll see a new visor. i agree with frogstudio in that 2009 sets will see a proliferation of new molds. and it will be the introduction of a new visor for the king.

and what emblem you say? if they are to change, it will most likely be to a lion or something resembling a lion, like a chimera.

[Tinn-man]

I just got the x-wing that I ordered for my cousin, and there was a flyer attached to the outside of the box with a picture of the market village, a small S@H like description, and the price. It said that it would be available Jan. 1st. Just thought i'd let you know when it will be released incase you didn't already know.

[DJ Force]

From my point of view, we should at least be getting one more big set next year.

We got the king´s castle and the evil sorcerers tower in 2007

Then came the dwarves mine and the troll battle ship in 2008 (which I count as a base of operations at the moment)

I assume that next to the troll fortress of 2009 there will be another big set that marks the base of operations for one faction. And I´m not counting the Medieval Market Village, as that is "just" a S@H exclusive and not really a faction.

On the other hand, if sales are doing well for the MMV, there might be more "civilian faction" sets in later 2009 or 2010.

Now, to more speculations.

2007 we had a $10 catapult for the crownies

2008 we had a $10 catapult for the dwarves

2009 we will most likely get another $10 catapult. I don´t know for which faction yet

[metalandi]

Thank you for this infotmation, i don't think this has been stated yet. This actuallyis great news, cause it means it will be available in less than 3 weeks Now if i only would win a bunch of money...