Castle or Star Wars?

[Skipper 24]

Well I am a long time LEGO Star wars fan but because of the increasing price I may not be able to buy as many sets as I once did. I have also recently taken a liking to the new castle sets so I am thinking to start collecting castle although I may still get a few Star Wars sets. Does anyone here do Star wars and Castle as well? If so can you tell me which is better value, Star Wars or Castle?

[Lt. Col. Thok]

Well I am a long time LEGO Star wars fan but because of the increasing price I may not be able to buy as many sets as I once did. I have also recently taken a liking to the new castle sets so I am thinking to start collecting castle although I may still get a few Star Wars sets. Does anyone here do Star wars and Castle as well? If so can you tell me which is better value, Star Wars or Castle?

Yep, I do both. I do believe that, because castle sets re in the more reasonable price range, I buy more of them, but I may be wrong.

BTW, I believe this goes in general discussion.

[SWMAN]

I don't do Castle due to budget constraints, although if I had the money I would. I only do Star Wars, but I like the Castle sets a lot and want a few. I think that Star Wars will probably outlast Castle, so you might want to get them while you can.

[metalandi]

Well, for myself it's the case, that i simply buy the sets i like the most, not depending on which theme they are. I do pretty much all themes except bionicle and technic, just for the fact cause i don't consider these as "real" lego sets. So my advice is, just buy the sets you like most (or you need the parts from). I always take a look on which set are coming out, then limit it down to those i like the most and which i am able to pay and buy them.

Edited August 14, 2008 by metalandi

[Faramir]

It's really up to you. Castle sets have better value for more pieces, but Star Wars sets have a greater variety (and much more interesting) minifigs. I do both, and I think that if you do start collecting castle you should consider King's Castle Seige.

You could always buy a few small castle sets and see how you like them

[meschepers]

I like both themes well enough and own my fair share of each. However, I feel that castle is more conducive to creativity as Star Wars is a scripted thing. There is only so much you can do with Luke, Han, Leia and Vader. Their lives have been chronicled thoroughly in the films and the ensuing novels and comics. However castle could be anything. And as for castle not lasting as long as Star Wars I have this to say, Castle has been around in one form or another in LEGO form since the 70's (I believe). It is one of LEGO's cash cows and they will find a way to make it continue. Whether it is the current Crown Knights or another off shoot it will be around. I think by adding more varied enemies they have really hit a sweet spot. Add in the dwarfs (and the rumored elves) and you have huge potential.

So, for my money, I go castle. There just hasn't been many of the newer Star Wars sets that have wowed me. I can use my existing parts and my limited budget to go further with castle anyway.

That's my two cents.

[blueandwhite]

It really depends on what is more valuable to you.

Personally I love the castle theme, but I also have a fondess for other themes like Pirates, Star Wars, Batman or Indy. That being said, my serious LEGO $$$ is reserved for all things castle. If you prefer Star Wars, then the fact that Star Wars sets are a bit more pricey shouldn't really be an issue. A smaller Star Wars set for a Star Wars fan is probably worth more than a large castle set. The same works in reverse for fans of other themes.

[The Rancor]

Does anyone here do Star wars and Castle as well?

YES, and it's quite good if 2 ranges come out at the same time.

That way, you cannot use up a lot of money on one and then have to find more money soon after.

[brickbitz]

YES, and it's quite good if 2 ranges come out at the same time.

That way, you cannot use up a lot of money on one and then have to find more money soon after.

True, you just have to find twice as much money in the first place...

As a collector of both I'm starting to lean towards Castle, it is definitely easier on the wallet, and as others have said gives a wider range of scope for MOC's and using your own imagination. Star Wars will always be stuck in the Star Wars universe.

The recent Castle range has been great with the figures, parts and of course trolls. I'm sure some sort of Castle theme will continue long after the Star Wars license lapses.

[Tenorikuma]

I prefer castle for MOCs and minifigs, but I think the Star Wars sets are nicer when it comes to design and pieces.

If you're the collector type, Star Wars offers one long, unbroken line with dozens of ships, vehicles, and buildings that will make terrific dioramas. Castle themes tend to change every 2-3 years and don't mix as well.

[baby]

I do collect both theme. Just like you, I'm attracted to the new Castle theme as well. But i didn't manage to collect all of them especially the big set as my priority is still Star Wars.

Buying Castle sets have more minifigs which fasten up the process of building army @ a reasonable price & there are metallic pieces too. I do duplicate some of the small sets like 3 each for 7009 Final Joust, 7090 Crossbow Attack, & 7040 Dwarves' Mine Defender & 2 sets for Knights' Catapult Defense & Skeletons' Prison Carriage, & Castle Battle Pack.

But still I limit myself on those Castle sets as my purpose of collecting LEGO is because of Star Wars. All you have to do is to purchase the theme that you really really like & if you think that you can't keep your collection for a long time I think you should buy Star Wars theme as they have market value. But for me, I will keep them.

Anyway both theme is a great theme, & fair since now both theme have parts made in China.

So Castle has a reasonable price, & more minifigs (the main reason why people are purchasing LEGO) & even have minifigs pack or you can purchase them from pick a brick.

Still you have to know which theme you really like.

Edited August 15, 2008 by baby

[I Scream Clone]

I also like both themes, and i agree that it is hard to spread yourself over both. I think Castle definitely offers more non unique characters to plan a MOC off. However SW offers cool characters like Lando, Greedo etc that are quite rare and can be made into extended universe stories etc.

Price wise you can def build an army cheaper and quicker with castle, who needs 17 lukes in one moc?

Its also hard to build a fortress out of plates (say from Star Destroyer)

[Manta]

I do both themes, but I like castle becaus it's detailed and great value. You can buy some Star Wars sets still, but Castle is better. By the way, Scrapping star wars sets gives you alot of Grey pieces for Castle Mocing.

[Cardinal Brick]

I also buy both but I more follow the line of metalandi, buy the sets you see and think are great rather than buying just because of which theme it is. Unless you’re trying to buy an entire theme and be a completest then to my mind there doesn’t seem a point in sticking to one theme, buy the sets that inspire you and have the parts you want to use later for other MOC, and also buy the set that make you think OH MY GOD!

[KimT]

Well I'm a collector and therefore I have to get all Star Wars sets.

But I am also a great fan of Castle and with the new Castle theme, everything is so cool that I must have it.

The result is that I've decided to pass other sets and themes. I would love some of the modular buildings, but in order to save money, I don't buy them.

LEGO Star Wars will end in a few years and then this won't be an issue anymore

[Manta]

Like KimT said, Star Wars ends soon, so you might want to get some Star Wars sets now. Or Castle might switch from crown knights to some other type of knight, so I'd try to get a nice amount of crownies as well. So Complicated.

[bamaker]

Does anyone here do Star wars and Castle as well? If so can you tell me which is better value, Star Wars or Castle?

I'm curious Skipper 24 what exactly do you mean by "better value?" Value as judged by the aftermarket; value as judged by the number of unique bricks and unique minifigures, or the opportunity to amass a large number of bricks usable for MOCs or minifigs for army-building; value as in how much fun & enjoyment you get out of the sets; or value as determined by some other criteria that I have not mentioned?

If you're looking for aftermarket value then I'd have to say the Star Wars sets are the better purchase. There are two built-in hobby groups -- the Star Wars fans and the LEGO fans -- that will keep these sets in demand. And any search on Bricklink or eBay shows that some retired Star Wars sets go for big money.

If you're looking for unique bricks and minifigures, again I'd have to say the Star Wars sets are a better purchase. Castle cannot compete with the number of unique and interesting minifigs available in Star Wars. Sure, you may end up with a dozen Obi-Wan Kenobis, but you can also pick up aliens, Imperial & Rebel troops, grunts, commanders, jedi, droids, etc. Also, the number of unique pieces that you may be able to get in a Star Wars set surpasses those found in the Castle sets.

If MOCs are your thing, then Castle would probably be a better choice. There are many more brick elements that are easier plugging into an MOC. A lot of the Star Wars sets are heavy on the plate and technic elements and don't lend themselves easily for MOCs. Also, if you like to army-build, Castle allows you to accomplish this much more easily and much more quickly than Star Wars.

Finally, if you define value by fun & enjoyment, well then you'll have to determine the "better value" by yourself. But since you're asking for input, I can tell you that I collect both LEGO lines, and personally my fun & enjoyment differ for both lines. The Star Wars sets I will build and then admire the completed model, maybe tinker with it some, and it sits -- and I have a great time doing this. But I don't let my kids play with them (if a minifig gets lost, especially a specific character, i.e. Luke or Han, I don't want to have to pay the cost of replacing it). The Castle sets, however, I will build with my daughters and then once completed we will play with it and take it apart, and alter it, play with it some more, create story lines for the minifigs, and just have a blast. If a minifig gets lost, so what, I'll just grab another impulse set to replace it, and at the same time add some LEGO bricks & pieces to my collection.

I hope I've been able to give you some useful information. Really, though the best judge of "better value" for your money is you. Buy only what you can afford, and then buy what you like. If you figure those two things out, then you'll never regret you purchases.

Edited August 19, 2008 by bamaker

[iamded]

Castle gives you more figs for your buck. And better pieces. And lets you create cool medieval battle scenes. And build cool castles. Go Castle!

Star Wars is just a licensed spacy theme.

And there's my non-biased opinion.

~Peace

[WhiteFang]

Let me add my 2 cent worth of comments,

Firstly, as a collector myself, I collect both Castle and Star Wars themes. However, my main interest is Castle due to army building, medival, fantasy, castles, carriages, dragons, demons, undead, rangers, archers, and etc. These are some of the key terms which you will defintely come across in your Castle collection.

Whereas, Star Wars is created by George Lucas, and is an expensive licensed theme which will command one of the highest re-sale value (MISB/Opened) among all known LEGO themes after the license is expired. I do collect Star Wars too, but based on "sets selection" process. In simple terms, I purchase Star War sets which appeal to me the most such as X-Wing, Y-Wing, ISD, Hoth Rebel Base, Imperial Landing Craft and etc. I don't complete the entire range as it's way too expensive to complete everything. I had actually done some maths before. In order to complete every single set of Star Wars which is released back in 1999 or 1998 (I am not very sure) It can cost as much as SGD$35,000 including all UCS sets as well. I am only treating Star Wars as my part time collection.

To conclude, I will buy more multiples of Castle, compared to Star Wars sets. For example, I will rather buy 40 Royal Joust and 60 Crossbow attack, instead of the battlepacks. It's too expensive to build such massive army with such hefty price. On the downside, Castle is not as valuable compared to Star Wars market value. It really depends on yourself, whether you love that theme, or getting that theme because everyone is buying it or thinking it is cool. Follow your heart, and you decide the "TRUTH VALUE" between Castle and Star Wars theme.

WhiteFang

[Darth Jokar]

well nice topic i gotta say i collect star wars only and i have every set there is but castle does have some cool sets and i buy some of them just foe peices they do have som e good parts in those sets.

[DaleDVM]

I collected Star Wars sets during my Castle Dark Age during the late 1990's. However, it became evident to me that unless you have a lot of money you cannot collect the entire Star Wars line. They just come out with so many sets. To get them all is insanely expensive. On the contrary I have aquired just about all of the castle collection form the 1970's on for an expensive but not insane amount of money. Each year the entire castle line can be obtained for about $300.00. This year is the exception with the $200.00 chess set added into the total. I have now switched to solely collecting the castle line. I think I wll sell all of my 90's and early 2000's lego star wars stuff.

As for holding their value. Getting old castle sets can be quite expensive. Unlike others I think collecting old castle sets is more expensive and difficult than old star wars sets. I think this is due firstly to less castle sets are sold in the first place. Number two castle lends itself a little more to children who lose parts rendering the sets useless. Three castle has been sold for a much longer period of time. Fourth and lastly castle sets lend to MOC building so the sets get absorbed into a lego collection where star wars stuff tends to stay built as is and therefore is available for resale later on.

Edited September 13, 2008 by DaleDVM

[hollisbrick]

I get both, SW is way too expensive now so I only get the BP's and some of the $40 sets eg spider droid. Then with castle aI also get all and sometimes multiples of the smaller sets then like one big set. Just equal it out