Atlantis 2010

[The Green Brick Giant]

It's neat that it transforms but I rather have Exo-Force back.

Underwater walking subs is a little stupid.

[Algernon]

Underwater walking subs is a little stupid.

If by stupid you mean totally AWESOME I'd have to agree.

I'm loving the look of that set. In fact I think just about every set in the new wave of Atlantis is looking sexy. The robot reminds me a little of this set:

Only, the new one looks a hundred times better. I wasn't a huge fan of Mission Deep Sea, but I actually really liked the transforming Arctic sets these seem to be taking after. Transforming features are cool and less gimmicky than most of the stupid crap LEGO throws on their new stuff to make them sell.

Atlantis is showing a lot of promise.

Also, hi again Eurobricks. Long time no see.

Edited March 22, 2010 by Algernon

[Aanchir]

If by stupid you mean totally AWESOME I'd have to agree.

I'm loving the look of that set. In fact I think just about every set in the new wave of Atlantis is looking sexy. The robot reminds me a little of this set:

Only, the new one looks a hundred times better. I wasn't a huge fan of Mission Deep Sea, but I actually really liked the transforming Arctic sets these seem to be taking after. Transforming features are cool and less gimmicky than most of the stupid crap LEGO throws on their new stuff to make them sell.

Atlantis is showing a lot of promise.

Also, hi again Eurobricks. Long time no see.

Off-Topic: I agree about Alpha Team for the most part. Granted, I think the first year was the only one with really good minifigs-- the second gave them awkward eye colors and the last totally reimagined their faces, their logo, and even the structural makeup of the team. But the transforming function was awesome.

[Algernon]

Off-Topic: I agree about Alpha Team for the most part. Granted, I think the first year was the only one with really good minifigs-- the second gave them awkward eye colors and the last totally reimagined their faces, their logo, and even the structural makeup of the team. But the transforming function was awesome.

The best example of the theme for me was that snowmobile/sled type thing that transforms into a helicopter. The design was actually pretty ingenious and the play value skyrocketted. Some cool parts from that theme too. I'm sympathetic for Alpha Team, though.

I liked the figs and I don't mind that they redesigned the faces... I mean would you want to have the exact same figs for the third year in a row?

[Delta 38]

Erm, didn't anyone notice the large possibility of it being able to transform?

I thought the bulky arms were a giveaway. Either way, it does look pretty good, better than I expected.

[Algernon]

Erm, didn't anyone notice the large possibility of it being able to transform?

I thought the bulky arms were a giveaway. Either way, it does look pretty good, better than I expected.

I think the consensus is that Atlantis is largely going the way of Alpha Team with the abundant transforming features. Frankly I don't mind at all, and that Mech looks way better in the upright form. Ill probably get it.

[Aanchir]

The best example of the theme for me was that snowmobile/sled type thing that transforms into a helicopter. The design was actually pretty ingenious and the play value skyrocketted. Some cool parts from that theme too. I'm sympathetic for Alpha Team, though.

I liked the figs and I don't mind that they redesigned the faces... I mean would you want to have the exact same figs for the third year in a row?

Nah, but the second year (and third year moreso) made some of the figs lose their personality. For instance, that unmanned watercraft in the same set as the mech you showed is supposed to be the character TeeVee, who had previously been little more than a walking TV set. As much as that couldn't be continued the same way, there's no reason the size had to skyrocket like that. Similarly, TeeVee became a generic minifig-style droid in the deep freeze story arc.

As for the humans, Flex (previously having the widest smile of any minifigure) lost that big-mouthed look entirely in the second year (although the other people kept their look for the most part, despite weird eye colors). And in the third year, you could hardly recognize the characters, especially since new characters with arbitrary "code names" were introduced. (What the heck is Diamond Tooth supposed to specialize in?)

Perhaps I'm biased because I was a sucker for the first year and the Game Boy Color game that helped define it. Thus, I felt very disappointed when Alpha Team went from being a small team of specialists (remember that each member in the first year was an expert in one or another field) and came to resemble a typical large crimefighting network like G.I. Joe. It wasn't necessarily a bad transformation, but it became hard to view the later years of Alpha Team and the initial year as parts of the same story.

Meanwhile, on-topic, I doubt it can be argued yet that the transforming features will be a trend. After all, we've only seen two transforming sets for the second half of the year, and I personally have no idea where next year's story might lead. Presumably to Atlantis itself, but I'm unsure if we can expect the same type of submarines or some different design. Transformation features would be a possible direction, but it's hard to tell how such would be applied to smaller sets in the line.

[user]

That mech is pretty awesome but I'll have to pass if I want to get the portal to atlantis set!

[Algernon]

Nah, but the second year (and third year moreso) made some of the figs lose their personality. For instance, that unmanned watercraft in the same set as the mech you showed is supposed to be the character TeeVee, who had previously been little more than a walking TV set. As much as that couldn't be continued the same way, there's no reason the size had to skyrocket like that. Similarly, TeeVee became a generic minifig-style droid in the deep freeze story arc.

As for the humans, Flex (previously having the widest smile of any minifigure) lost that big-mouthed look entirely in the second year (although the other people kept their look for the most part, despite weird eye colors). And in the third year, you could hardly recognize the characters, especially since new characters with arbitrary "code names" were introduced. (What the heck is Diamond Tooth supposed to specialize in?)

Perhaps I'm biased because I was a sucker for the first year and the Game Boy Color game that helped define it. Thus, I felt very disappointed when Alpha Team went from being a small team of specialists (remember that each member in the first year was an expert in one or another field) and came to resemble a typical large crimefighting network like G.I. Joe. It wasn't necessarily a bad transformation, but it became hard to view the later years of Alpha Team and the initial year as parts of the same story.

Meanwhile, on-topic, I doubt it can be argued yet that the transforming features will be a trend. After all, we've only seen two transforming sets for the second half of the year, and I personally have no idea where next year's story might lead. Presumably to Atlantis itself, but I'm unsure if we can expect the same type of submarines or some different design. Transformation features would be a possible direction, but it's hard to tell how such would be applied to smaller sets in the line.

I did prefer the original TeeVee to the later two variations. It had more charm, even though I never actually wound up buying the set he came with.

The minifigs in the first year were definitely the coolest since they weren't as uniform as the following two waves, but I still don't mind that they switched it up a little bit (after all it kind of made sense, I don't think that mechanic chick would have been able to wear that outfit in the subzero Arctic temperatures). But I see your point, the first Alpha Team waves definitely had more personality in terms of minifigures. I still enjoyed the Arctic wave the best though, I think the vehicles were all pretty awesome and that transforming feature worked shockingly well.

Back on topic though.

Unfortunately I have not had the financial audacity to purchase ANY LEGO sets in the last several months (thus why I've avoided this site, it makes it hard for me to resist with all of these mouth-watering Summer sets about to hit) but I think I might cave and actually buy a few of these new Atlantis sets. I liked the look of the first wave but I'm a sucker for mechs and the sea creatures don't look half bad either. LEGO's really raised the bar in terms of design sleekness. Plus, I have got to get some of those awesome diving suits, even if it's just to have them.

The Portal of Atlantis looks a little weird to me.

[Oky]

I'm loving the look of that set. In fact I think just about every set in the new wave of Atlantis is looking sexy. The robot reminds me a little of this set:

Yay! Algernon's back!

Interesting comparison. That makes me think: How cool would it have been if they would have given the Atlantis mech the new big saw pieces in a transparent color instead of the ratchet Technic shooter!

[Dannylonglegs]

Unfortunately I have not had the financial audacity to purchase ANY LEGO sets in the last several months (thus why I've avoided this site, it makes it hard for me to resist with all of these mouth-watering Summer sets about to hit) but I think I might cave and actually buy a few of these new Atlantis sets. I liked the look of the first wave but I'm a sucker for mechs and the sea creatures don't look half bad either.

Lucky for you, This set has half a sea creature (IMO the sea dragon looks like a giant head w/ tail)

~Insectoid Aristocrat

[ProducePrincess]

You know it's kinda funny that the alpha team mech has less weapons than the atlantis mech because isn't the atlantis theme more about exploration and alphateam about fighting bad guys.

I just find it intresting how more and more weapons and missles start apearring on sets every year.

The atlantis mech almost looks like a giant version of theRiver dragon from exoforce 08.

[Dannylonglegs]

The atlantis mech almost looks like a giant version of theRiver dragon from exoforce 08.

Well, aside from the lack of bulk in the legs of the River Dragon, and it's lack of transformation, and size... Yeah.

~Insectoid Aristocrat

[Etzel]

Lucky for you, This set has half a sea creature (IMO the sea dragon looks like a giant head w/ tail)

~Insectoid Aristocrat

Looks like a whole pelican eel to me (maybe a little mutated though ).

[Bfahome]

I am now in direct possession of five Manta Warrior sets.

I am pleased.

(They're totally worth it.)

[Oky]

I am now in direct possession of five Manta Warrior sets. I am pleased. (They're totally worth it.)

MOC please! Seriously, we need some more Atlantis MOCs!

You know it's kinda funny that the alpha team mech has less weapons than the atlantis mech because isn't the atlantis theme more about exploration and alphateam about fighting bad guys.

I just find it intresting how more and more weapons and missles start apearring on sets every year.

Are you sure about that? I can only see a technic launcher and two flick fires on the Atlantis mech. The Alpha Team one didn't have flick fires, but lots of those Star Wars gun pieces.

By the way, am I the only one who actually liked that Alpha Team mech?

Also, I just noticed that those round proppeller holding things on the Atlantis mech are red on the box art, but lime on the vehicle pic. Which is the final version? I like to think it's the lime version since that piece has not existed in that color before (and because I need that piece for MOCs). But then again, that box art looks pretty final...

[Dannylonglegs]

Looks like a whole pelican eel to me (maybe a little mutated though ).

Well, The mouth's a bit(very very very) small for that creature, and also the tail's a bit short. So basically, mutated beyond belief.

MOC please! Seriously, we need some more Atlantis MOCs!

Absolutely! I have a few MOCs that I've made that I find to be awesome, IMO but I want to post them all together and I'm also trying (and failing) to hit the deadline of April 7th for TLC's Atlantis Brickmasters contest. If I submit it, then I will not post it until I either lose or win, but I'll post the other. BTW the one I'm submitting is my largest vehicle, verging on the largest moc I've ever built. (It's not that big, but I'm a vig and scene guy)

By the way, am I the only one who actually liked that Alpha Team mech?

No. I loved the underwater A. team. It's the ice stuff that I hated.

Also, I just noticed that those round proppeller holding things on the Atlantis mech are red on the box art, but lime on the vehicle pic. Which is the final version? I like to think it's the lime version since that piece has not existed in that color before (and because I need that piece for MOCs). But then again, that box art looks pretty final...

I think the lime, it's usually the model that's the finished product.

~Insectoid Aristocrat

[Bfahome]

MOC please! Seriously, we need some more Atlantis MOCs!

I don't have much to build with that would fit an underwater MOC. Sorry. :\

[Delta 38]

On the topic of Manta warriors, I can't seem to find any of those impulse sets. Pity. The only way I can get one now is from the Seabed Scavenger...

Come to think of it, impulse sets which are directly related to a theme (e.g. Space Police impulses) are rare...

I've now seen every Atlantis set in stores. I'm still restraining myself (except impulses and the Seabed Scavenger) until the portal set comes out.

[The Green Brick Giant]

Come to think of it, impulse sets which are directly related to a theme (e.g. Space Police impulses) are rare...

All Impulse sets are related to a theme.

[Delta 38]

All Impulse sets are related to a theme.

Well, yeah. Didn't really express myself clearly.

Basically, City impulse sets (what I consider to be "standard" impulses) can be found in stores around my area, but not impulse sets from other themes. That's usually the case.

Oh, and with the lime circular piece, i think the final thing's going to be in red. The images are slightly preliminary, as can be seen with the image of the new minifigure holding a ring without a creature on it.

[Oky]

New box art pic of the Deep Sea Striker:

Yay for underwater STAP!

[user]

Yay for underwater STAP!

really Oky? First a pod racer then a solar sailer now a stap?

[Oky]

Don't forget the Slave I! I'm really starting to get the feeling that the designers who worked on this theme have also worked on Star Wars sets as well...

[Dannylonglegs]

I noticed the STAP too! I'm not really sure I like it though, it's a bit clunky.

Of all the Keys, why is the striker guarding a Ray? I'd prefer to see another Crab Key.

I think I smell a mechanism that makes the back 'tail' come down in attack. Check the 'tail"s base, and you'll see some out-of-place gears. I may just be flashing back to the age of Nui-Jagas, but that would be a pleasant surprise (and maybe even a reason to get it if I think that I could improve on it's abhorrent aesthetics.)

Giant Lobster-Scorpion FTW!

~Insectoid Aristocrat