Space Police 2009!

[Algernon]

As a lot of people have stated, there is still a lot of things we haven't seen about this theme. For one, we don't know what %90 of the sets look like. They could be either much better or much worse than this.

Also we've only seen one preliminary minifig... a lot will change. It sure looks promising but lets not start salivating yet.

[phoinix]

Well, there's the first problem I see. Agents, despite having a very negative initial impression, has turned out to be one of the most popular themes of 2008, and many a Eurobricks member switched their mind on it completely after better pictures came out. Now, I know this is your opinion, but I'm hard pressed to understand why you hate a line that is obviously very creative and well designed. Is it the fact that the vehicles are really big? Or that the minifigures are wacky and cheesy? I'm afraid I don't get this at all.

I honestly think the best way to approach this line is to look at it like a kid would. Imagine this poster through a 10 year old's eyes - what would pop out at him? The interesting ship designs? The colors? No, the kid would be far more attracted to the prospect of space cops chasing down evil aliens who are stealing valuable items. And that's fine, because it incorporates the inner kid spirit.

the reason i dont like agents is because its mostly vehicles most of the time too big for a minifig and the plot dosent interest me at all.

Most of the sets look empty to me and they are mostly play-sets rather than sets that make you want to make a moc and create new worlds rather than just play out the story lego is telling.

Lately lego seems to create a story in which the characters interact.

Lego never did this in the past.

Sure there were good guys and bad guys but the story-line wasnt already set up for you.

and even in the older times castle for example never had good and bad guys.

you had to choose for yourself and make your own senario.

Mars mission, Agents, power miners exo force and now what it seems the new space police all have a similar story.

There is a treauser or some valuable gems.

some have it

some need it

some steal it

its the same story over and over again!

the mars mission jellies, the power miners rock monsters the evil weird minifigs in agents the robots in exo force and now some weird aliens..

why cant lego make a decent space ships and go explore space!

does there always have to be battle an violence and the goal is always some treauser?

im sorry but the story lines are getting boring for me.

im sure the kids will love all the themes i dont and im happy about it.

the best lego space police that was ever made is this one

unfortunatly i dont have these sets but i hope some day to get my hands on them.

cause at the end for me its not about the story or the cool characters and pieces but its all about the design.

[Pencoin]

Here are my thoughts, as posted on my comic's home page:

FINALLY! A couple of pictures of Space Police III have surfaced, thanks to Eurobricks member mania3, who snapped pix of a banner on display at LEGOLAND in California. The pix just give a taste of what could be the 5971 Gold Heist set, but it's a taste I like! The Space Police ship pictured is sleek, predominately white and has a trans-blue canopy. It reminds me very much of the Exploriens color scheme, and Futuron before that. While the Space Police minifigs have yet to be seen, you can just vaguely see one through the cockpit canopy. It seems to have a face similar to the classic minifig smiley face. It's hard to make out, but there might be a modular jail on the back of the ship that's translucent blue and cylindrical. The Classic Space-style logo returns, depicting a ship shooting around a star (much like the one used in Star Justice). What really shines is the alien ship that is shown. It's a space-faring version of a mobster's black Cadillac from the 1950s, and it's spilling gold bricks as it is being chased by the Space Police! There appear to be magnetic canisters on the back of the car. I can't wait to see more of these, and to own some! The alien who is driving the car is also shown, and he looks as cool as heck, wearing a black flight uniform (if that's actually the final design, we're not sure) and a skull mask that resembles the face of the Sycorax from Doctor Who. It's not clear if this is the infamous Squidman from the 5969 Squidman Escape set or a different alien. Finally, it's official that this theme is called Space Police and not Space Patrol. It's about time that real Space returned!

Sycorax:

And the Sycorax's helmet looks kinda like the UFO aliens!

This isn't squidman, and thats not a helmet, thats its face.

[Skipper 24]

I just noticed that it could be used as a General Grievous head if it had the side fins. I expect the torsos to change as remember with PM the started off with MM torsos in the prelim pics.

[Kanal-K1]

From my point of view, those new Space Police 3 will never revive glory of Classic Space. Although Space is not my favourite theme, classic space sets have been at least realistic. Blacktron and M-Tron was acceptable, but, all things after (Insectoids, Exploriens, Roboforce, LOM, MM, UFO, Unitron) had been terrible.

Even if it is hard to presume from first few pictures, if I take a look onto those two Factory sets issued last year, I think, that SP 3 will be next useless serie...

[danth]

ok so i might be the only one that dosent like what he sees.

come on people its just a hot-rod with no wheels!

I agree with Phoinix on all counts. I don't really want future police with flying cars. I want deep space explorers. I also really love the Star Justice set. Now, these sets are very similar to Star Justice and Space Skulls in way: More traditional Space designs for the Police, and wacky designs for the Bad Guys. I just think the Star Justice designs are way cooler than the design for the particular Space Police III ship we see in the picture.

Also, while I love the Star Justice set, I didn't really care for the Space Skulls. Just give me two factions of space explorers and let them have skirmishes. I don't need any weird comic-book bad guys. I think Blacktron were the perfect "bad guys," because they aren't weird. They look really cool, but menacing. And it's just as well to pretend the are persecuted rebels, good guys in black fighting against the oppressive, fascist Space Police.

[mania3]

From my point of view, those new Space Police 3 will never revive glory of Classic Space.

We all need to adjust our expectations. Of course it will not "revive glory of Classic Space," because we're not children anymore. You've got to understand that as long as these sets are well-designed, contain great parts and minifigures we're doing well as AFOLs. These sets are intended for children, children that 25 years from now will be complaining about the current LEGO line not meeting the "Space Police III original glory" because of that those magical moments that come from experiencing this as a child. I honestly think a child in today's instant gratification culture would find Classic Space remarkably dull and unlikable. I for one am pleased LEGO even sees fit to throwback to things AFOLs will appreciate, such as Space Police and the ship from the Classic Space logo in the SP3 logo.

[Hinckley]

From my point of view, those new Space Police 3 will never revive glory of Classic Space. Although Space is not my favourite theme, classic space sets have been at least realistic. Blacktron and M-Tron was acceptable, but, all things after (Insectoids, Exploriens, Roboforce, LOM, MM, UFO, Unitron) had been terrible.

Even if it is hard to presume from first few pictures, if I take a look onto those two Factory sets issued last year, I think, that SP 3 will be next useless serie...

So basically you'll never ever be pleased. Unless of course TLG just re-releases every classic space set, right? So, with your high standards in mind, aren't these still pretty cool?

[badboytje88]

Love the helmet!

[KDog]

I don't think we'll get back to the feel of Classic Space unless LEGO introduces another exploration theme. Space Police III seems to be very much what the last two Space Police themes were, only with more varied villains. I think LEGO is doing a great job recreating classic themes from the past but giving them more defined notions of personality and conflict. I'm excited to see more!

This isn't squidman, and thats not a helmet, thats its face.

Maybe, but do we really know if that's his face or not?

[Draykov]

Hey now, don't disrespect us few spacers.

I absolutely agree. This looks like hyperspeed pursuit.

I thought that at first until KDog pointed out (over at Classic-Space) the 1x2 gold tiles flying out the back of the space-rod...could be 5971 Gold Heist.

Edited January 11, 2009 by Draykov

[Zzz]

We all need to adjust our expectations. Of course it will not "revive glory of Classic Space," because we're not children anymore. You've got to understand that as long as these sets are well-designed, contain great parts and minifigures we're doing well as AFOLs. These sets are intended for children, children that 25 years from now will be complaining about the current LEGO line not meeting the "Space Police III original glory" because of that those magical moments that come from experiencing this as a child. I honestly think a child in today's instant gratification culture would find Classic Space remarkably dull and unlikable. I for one am pleased LEGO even sees fit to throwback to things AFOLs will appreciate, such as Space Police and the ship from the Classic Space logo in the SP3 logo.

hear hear!

I agree and have to add that TLC is doing all the things AFOLs were asking for: City, Castle, SW and Indy are cool as never anything before, they gave us Pirates back and still have time to build up a pick-a-brick online store (which is nothing you can get rich with, selling normal 6 cent pieces!)

I already wonder (and I am happy!) that they listen so much to AFOLs, who are only 10% of the customers in the end. Everyone wanted the Space Police or Blacktron to come back, now we get! We get a new police and (seems so) individual gangsters! Looks good so far! And it is not meant to be to revive some old guys childhood memories, therefor we can play with our old sets, right? And if we don't like the new stories and such, if we don't need a fight and want them to go exploring, I guess WE have the force to make them do so. If not, then we lost our ability to play - and not TLC or anyone else is to blame for losing your imagination.

Also I have to say that some people like to play with the bad guys much more and feel attracted with the antagonists. Star Wars should be the best example. The only real thing that goes a bit on my nerves is that TLC has to put 2 factions in one set, what makes them bigger and more expensive. And make you buy a part you are not that interested in perhaps. zzz out

[Pencoin]

I thought that at first until KDog pointed out (over at Classic-Space) the 1x2 gold tiles flying out the back of the space-rod...could be 5971 Gold Heist.

I'm afraid it is Hyper-Speed pursuit.

[KDog]

I'm afraid it is Hyper-Speed pursuit.

It could be. Perhaps the "gold theft" plot is present in multiple sets.

[Draykov]

It could be. Perhaps the "gold theft" plot is present in multiple sets.

Could be...either way, I don't care. I didn't realize the issue had already been disputed pages back in the thread, nor had I noticed Cop Mike's comments. That's what I get for posting before I've read. :) I'm just happy to have some new and interesting space sets.

I just wish they'd find a way to incorporate the current CS torso in a new color like they teased us with in the Farm prelim shots.

Edited January 11, 2009 by Draykov

[Pencoin]

the reason i dont like agents is because its mostly vehicles most of the time too big for a minifig and the plot dosent interest me at all.

Most of the sets look empty to me and they are mostly play-sets rather than sets that make you want to make a moc and create new worlds rather than just play out the story lego is telling.

Lately lego seems to create a story in which the characters interact.

Lego never did this in the past.

Sure there were good guys and bad guys but the story-line wasnt already set up for you.

and even in the older times castle for example never had good and bad guys.

you had to choose for yourself and make your own senario.

Mars mission, Agents, power miners exo force and now what it seems the new space police all have a similar story.

There is a treauser or some valuable gems.

some have it

some need it

some steal it

its the same story over and over again!

the mars mission jellies, the power miners rock monsters the evil weird minifigs in agents the robots in exo force and now some weird aliens..

why cant lego make a decent space ships and go explore space!

does there always have to be battle an violence and the goal is always some treauser?

im sorry but the story lines are getting boring for me.

im sure the kids will love all the themes i dont and im happy about it.

the best lego space police that was ever made is this one

unfortunatly i dont have these sets but i hope some day to get my hands on them.

cause at the end for me its not about the story or the cool characters and pieces but its all about the design.

You're absoulutely right.

[Sir Dano]

The only thing I'm disappointed about is that the baddie's windshield/canopy is trans-clear, instead of trans-red.

[mania3]

The only thing I'm disappointed about is that the baddie's windshield/canopy is trans-clear, instead of trans-red.

Yeah, that would've definitely been a nice touch. I always like the canopies in various colors.

[Zarkan]

I agree with Phoinix on all counts. I don't really want future police with flying cars. I want deep space explorers. I also really love the Star Justice set. Now, these sets are very similar to Star Justice and Space Skulls in way: More traditional Space designs for the Police, and wacky designs for the Bad Guys. I just think the Star Justice designs are way cooler than the design for the particular Space Police III ship we see in the picture.

Also, while I love the Star Justice set, I didn't really care for the Space Skulls. Just give me two factions of space explorers and let them have skirmishes. I don't need any weird comic-book bad guys. I think Blacktron were the perfect "bad guys," because they aren't weird. They look really cool, but menacing. And it's just as well to pretend the are persecuted rebels, good guys in black fighting against the oppressive, fascist Space Police.

Then basically what you're saying is that you never wanted a Space Police revival in the first place. Because honestly, the old space police was never about exploration either - it was about conflict and good versus evil, just like the new theme is. The only difference in concept is that there now are many different villians rather than one main group.

Needless to say, that kind of thinking won't bode well in the modern day and age. Some of you may not admit it or agree with it, but the core lego audience today (AKA: American kids) is one that thrives on conflict and action. Exploration is fine and all, but without some kind of distinct evil force, you won't get anywhere. Also, without lots of battles, explosions, and excitement, there's no way you'll be able to sell the line to a modern audience as well. Ever wonder why Star Trek's fanbase is made up of mostly adults, while Starwars has a fanbase consisting of all kinds of age groups? Because Star Trek's complex, philosophical dialogue and deep characters can not even begin to compare to the excitement of lightsaber duels and massive space combat scenes in the eyes of the average modern kid.

You guys need to understand that the kind of company direction that Lego had in the 80's just won't work in a modern day environment. In the USA, kids always go for the toys with the biggest guns and best action features, which is why classic building brands like Tinker Toys, Knex, Erector Sets, and others don't have much of a hold in the market anymore. While they are still desperately trying to hold onto their few market shares, TLC has beaten them all many times over. The reason? Because they've adapted to the changed market, something that every company needs to do if they want to stay in buisness.

[CP5670]

The only thing I'm disappointed about is that the baddie's windshield/canopy is trans-clear, instead of trans-red.

I didn't notice that earlier, but it looks like you are right. Trans-red would look a lot better there.

As for the detractors, even if you don't like the sets, they should provide good special parts on Bricklink for space MOCs, especially in transparent colors. I wasn't a fan of Mars Mission but I'm still glad the line existed, since I would have found it difficult to finish this if the MM aliens had not made certain black and trans-neongreen parts common.

[jamzee]

alot of interesting observations so far with alot of different views. so far, and i accept these are not official shots or indeed the whole range, i'm glad i got as much mars mission as i could... that having been said, if there is a hot police ship, i think it will look good with mars mission and integrate well

Edited January 11, 2009 by jamzee

[Draykov]

Just to reiterate what was said by our resident LEGO Ambassador/Swedish meatball back on page 18 of this thread:

I guess they are from the same set.

I guess there is two of them and they´re called Twin 1 & 2, like some kind of Thomson & Thompson. Congrats to Tintin btw - 80 years yesterday !

CopMike

I guess the posts above are right.

CopMike

So, what I take from all that is:

1) The set pictured in the promo is 5973 Hyperspeed Pursuit.

2) Both the space-rod and SPIII vehicle are in the same set

3) That bad guy is Squidman

As for all the "bickering" well...I guess it's unavoidable. I do think that if you maintain the expectation that LEGO can recapture your childhood for you, you're going to be perpetually disappointed. Their marketing department has stated repeatedly that "conflict play" is the most interesting thing to kids these days, so manufactured story-lines with more specific events highlighted in each set are not going way...it doesn't mean today's kids can't use their imaginations and it doesn't mean that we can't customize or MOC what we want to see using new pieces and figs that the LEGO Company is clearly using to throw us AFOL spacers a bone.

I'm excited. I would be surprised if LEGO was using preliminary shots for a promo ad, but these pictures do give off a prelim vibe, particularly due to the presence of the TIE pilot torso. Time will tell, I guess.

Edited January 11, 2009 by Draykov

[hewkii9]

It could be. Perhaps the "gold theft" plot is present in multiple sets.

I certainly hope that this is Hyperspeed Pursuit, I would love for Gold Heist to be like a space bank on an asteroid!

[Algernon]

From my point of view, those new Space Police 3 will never revive glory of Classic Space. Although Space is not my favourite theme, classic space sets have been at least realistic. Blacktron and M-Tron was acceptable, but, all things after (Insectoids, Exploriens, Roboforce, LOM, MM, UFO, Unitron) had been terrible.

Even if it is hard to presume from first few pictures, if I take a look onto those two Factory sets issued last year, I think, that SP 3 will be next useless serie...

Hold on there, quite a few of the themes you just bashed are not bad at all and well liked by quite a few Space fans.

Because everybody seems to be confused:

This isn't a revival of classic Space. This is a revival of Space Police.

[Zarkan]

I didn't notice that earlier, but it looks like you are right. Trans-red would look a lot better there.

As for the detractors, even if you don't like the sets, they should provide good special parts on Bricklink for space MOCs, especially in transparent colors. I wasn't a fan of Mars Mission but I'm still glad the line existed, since I would have found it difficult to finish this if the MM aliens had not made certain black and trans-neongreen parts common.

Oh, indeed. If there was one thing that Mars Mission always excelled in, it was giving MOCers a ton of windshields in the new darker trans-orange color. I think we got at least 10 different window molds in that color - and nearly every set had a different one.

Hold on there, quite a few of the themes you just bashed are not bad at all and well liked by quite a few Space fans.

Because everybody seems to be confused:

This isn't a revival of classic Space. This is a revival of Space Police.

Exactly. I'm finding it suprising that some people still are thinking about Classic Space, when the line is named "Space Police." Yes, they're both classic themes, but they have very little in common - they weren't even released in the same decade!

And honestly, I'm glad about that, because I feel that the original Space Police and Blacktron lines were superior to Classic Space. Better to have a revival of those subthemes than the very first theme, IMO.

Edited January 12, 2009 by Grevious