2011 NINJAGO sets

[mathias]

Sometimes I feel that there are more posts about prices on this

forum than about fun. That makes me sad. Personally I find the

NinjaGo theme extremely innovative and funny. Every time I

build one of these sets it makes me smile. I think that is one

of the reasons why they are selling like crazy, at least in my

country. Another reason is probably the game and the spinners.

You guys that dislike the prices are of course free to express

that opinion wherever and whenever you like. But I have to

wonder: isn't it better if you found another hobby? One that

makes you happy. I for one wouldn't want to look first at the

price tag and second at the actual item I want to buy. And then

run to an Internet forum and complain about it.

Finally regarding the prices: you don't have to state that

you think they are high in every post. Anyone browsing these

pages will get the general idea in just a couple of minutes.

There are posts about "overpriced" and "I won't be getting..."

on almost every page. (Well, I said almost...)

[Aanchir]

Sometimes I feel that there are more posts about prices on this forum than about fun. That makes me sad. Personally I find the NinjaGo theme extremely innovative and funny. Every time I build one of these sets it makes me smile. I think that is one of the reasons why they are selling like crazy, at least in my country. Another reason is probably the game and the spinners.

You guys that dislike the prices are of course free to express that opinion wherever and whenever you like. But I have to wonder: isn't it better if you found another hobby? One that makes you happy. I for one wouldn't want to look first at the price tag and second at the actual item I want to buy. And then run to an Internet forum and complain about it.

Finally regarding the prices: you don't have to state that you think they are high in every post. Anyone browsing these pages will get the general idea in just a couple of minutes. There are posts about "overpriced" and "I won't be getting..." on almost every page. (Well, I said almost...)

Oh, trust me, I enjoy the Ninjago theme, and I haven't even bought any sets yet. A line can be totally brilliant, but in this day and age if I bought every set that had a brilliant design I'd be broke (not to mention forced out of house and home by an ever-expanding wall of LEGO sets). I don't at all mean to complain about the prices, as none of them seem unfair based on how much the sets probably cost TLG to produce and distribute.

But keep in mind that a higher cost of production and distribution doesn't always lead to greater satisfaction by the buyer. Just look at the spinner packs-- they are beautiful little trinkets, but the price seems to be driven up by the cost of the packaging-- packaging which doesn't do a thing for you once you've bought and opened the set! Naturally, I haven't bought any of the spinner packs yet-- not because they're badly designed, but because I simply don't have that kind of money to be throwing around.

Anyway, as I've learned from various "gaming" components of LEGO themes, they're often not very fun unless there's someone to play them with. And for AFOLs, it's often not as simple as meeting someone at recess-- many of us have jobs or classes that keep us from meeting up with fellow LEGO fans on a regular basis.

You don't need to speak to me about how annoying complaining can be. Constant complaining puts me on edge, and I have quit visiting a number of sites due to having to deal with that. A condescending attitude, however, can be just as bad-- worse, even, because instead of complaining about a product you're complaining about actual people and their failure to meet your expectations. It's really rude to suggest that people are better off abandoning the LEGO hobby just because not all the sets satisfy them. It may not have been intentionally rude, or rudely motivated, but the message comes across that way.

Remember that a set's quality-- anything's quality for that matter-- is completely subjective. If a person doesn't like a set enough to cash in $120 for it, you can't hold it against them. And furthermore, to be a LEGO fan (or even a Ninjago fan) you don't have to like all the same aspects of the theme. So people might value different sets differently, for different reasons, and still be just as strong fans of the theme as one another. The diversity of LEGO fans is part of what makes online communities like this so exciting, and differences of opinion over things as trivial as prices certainly aren't enough to dissolve such a community.

[vexorian]

You guys that dislike the prices are of course free to express

that opinion wherever and whenever you like. But I have to

wonder: isn't it better if you found another hobby? One that

makes you happy. I for one wouldn't want to look first at the

price tag and second at the actual item I want to buy. And then

run to an Internet forum and complain about it.

It is precisely because I love LEGO that I complain about prices when I find them high. Every cent spent on a set is a cent you won't get to spend in other new sets, vintage sets from the internet, loose minifigs or used bricks. And some of us buy 2 or 3 of the same set due to the need for bricks, which triples the exceeding cost.

And we are AFOLs, some with partners that will ask you for justification for that ninja set you bought being really worth 120.

Of course, we could just not buy it, and that's what at least I am going to do (although I live on a place that receives many of the disposed sets that are returned to stores for ridiculous reasons, so I may find the temple at a reasonable cost, albeit opened, so maybe I will get it). Well, to be honest I was not even planning to get it anyway seeing how NinjaGo is not my priority this year (Alien conquest, Hero factory, Creator, Atlantis, Collectable figs, too much goodness) . But 120 USD sets a bad precedent. That's the cost of UCS licensed sets and is very close to the AFOL buildings. I also think that most kids are unable to get things above the 100.0 from their parents. So, you would have to wonder who in his sane mind will buy it for that price. And if nobody buys it, then that's a harm to LEGO, and we don't want to see it happen.

I also have to put into question your claim that most of the posts are focusing on the price. Perhaps most of the posts that appear after the price tag was found. But otherwise, I think most of the posts talk about the most recently found information.

Edited February 12, 2011 by vexorian

[Tamamono]

Sometimes I feel that there are more posts about prices on this

forum than about fun. That makes me sad. Personally I find the

NinjaGo theme extremely innovative and funny. Every time I

build one of these sets it makes me smile. I think that is one

of the reasons why they are selling like crazy, at least in my

country. Another reason is probably the game and the spinners.

You guys that dislike the prices are of course free to express

that opinion wherever and whenever you like. But I have to

wonder: isn't it better if you found another hobby? One that

makes you happy. I for one wouldn't want to look first at the

price tag and second at the actual item I want to buy. And then

run to an Internet forum and complain about it.

No, I am very happy that they brought back Ninja, and they made it very unique and imaginative. However, I am not made of money. I can't just walk into a store and buy something without worrying about the price. I'm simply disappointed that the Fire Temple had to be so much; I will probably end up getting it, but it will take away from my purchases of LEGO Kingdoms, and Alien Conquest, and vintage Wild West sets, etc.

Secondly, I am not complaining. I am just suprised about the high price and I'm expressing my honest opinion about it. If anyone's complaining, it's you. You're complaining about the fact that we aren't perfectly happy with the prices of the new Ninjago line.

Edited February 12, 2011 by Captain Tamamono

[Delta 38]

It is precisely because I love LEGO that I complain about prices when I find them high. Every cent spent on a set is a cent you won't get to spend in other new sets, vintage sets from the internet, loose minifigs or used bricks. And some of us buy 2 or 3 of the same set due to the need for bricks, which triples the exceeding cost.

I agree completely. I do often wonder why people complain about tiny price increases ($5-$10), but I suppose lots of people do buy the sets for parts, unlike me.

It's also annoying that prices aren't relative to those elsewhere, as the Australian dollar was at parity last time I checked. Still, most people would still spend more because of needed pieces, multiples of sets, etc.

This might be getting a bit off-topic now. I still will buy the set for the record (if I can scrape up enough after Star Wars hits), because I completely missed previous ninja themes.

[Peppermint_M]

Price is something I must consider over all else. I can't afford to spend all my money on a hobby, no one spends all their money on a hobby. I then consider the fun aspects of the set, but after about age 13 I stopped desiring games and started focusing on my own stories and character for the figures. The part selection are part of this consideration, can I use figure parts for unigue characters? Can I use the unique elements to create scenery for my story?

It is sad, but all my life, cost of Lego has been a major consideration before any set is chosen.

[mathias]

I also have to put into question your claim that most of the posts are focusing on the price. Perhaps most of the posts that appear after the price tag was found. But otherwise, I think most of the posts talk about the most recently found information.

I think if you check most topics conserning new themes or waves

you'll find a substantial amount of posts complaining about Lego

being "overpriced" (a completely misunderstood term by the way).

Even the first blurry pic of a new set is generally quickly followed by

random speculations conserning the price (or presumed "overprice").

However, I want to clarify my position: I have no problem at all

with people finding Lego expensive, because it is. Also, I have no

problem with people stating that opinion in forum posts. And I

understand that people have to watch how much they spend.

I have to do that too.

My problem is strictly egotistical. I want to be inspired by a

forum and get a sense of fun. Not read stacks of posts about

money.

You don't need to speak to me about how annoying complaining can be. Constant complaining puts me on edge, and I have quit visiting a number of sites due to having to deal with that. A condescending attitude, however, can be just as bad-- worse, even, because instead of complaining about a product you're complaining about actual people and their failure to meet your expectations. It's really rude to suggest that people are better off abandoning the LEGO hobby just because not all the sets satisfy them. It may not have been intentionally rude, or rudely motivated, but the message comes across that way.

I sincerely apologise if I came across as rude. That was definately not

my intention. I was not trying to be condescending either. If anyone

was offended i suggest that you ignore the post completely. I guess

that the complaining just got to me that's all. I just feel that since this

is a forum for adults everybody should be aware that you can't buy

everything you want, and that it's not necessarily Lego's fault.

Edited February 13, 2011 by mathias

[pompommini]

I'm not sure if anyone has noticed the microfig skeleton looks like the ones from Castle.

I guess people were right about them being simular

Pompommini out

[toatali]

For new pics check out this link My link Refresh if not working.

[Juppy]

After looking at closer pictures of the shrine that toatali posted, I think I'm going to pass on this set. There just not enough detail in the building to warrant $120. I rather fork out a little bit more and buy a modular building even if it doesn't match my current medieval sets theme.

Pity the nanoblock Himeji Castle color scheme sucks. Given the proper color scheme, it would look awesome like the Ninjago Shrine.

Edited February 13, 2011 by Juppy

[prateek]

Earth Dragon! Although I don't see why it's $35 US/$45 CAD.

The Mountain Shrine looks okay, as does the Blacksmith Shop. I don't see why there are complaints about the prices.

The Fire Temple is very expensive, even considering the 1174 piece count...

Edited February 13, 2011 by prateek

[Geki Brick]

For new pics check out this link My link Refresh if not working.

How'd you get in? I arrived at around 4 pm and could not go in without an appointment.

Oh yeah... the Japanese arch from Mt. Shrine is a must-get for me now. Comes out in Aug? kk, savin' up that birthday money.

Why does it say 400+ pieces on the Mt. Shrine box. It doesn't have that many pieces.

The prelim pic shows Kai on the generic white spinner. He's actually shown in his dragon suit and a red spinner. Nice.

Edited February 14, 2011 by Geki Brick

[Aanchir]

How'd you get in? I arrived at around 4 pm and could not go in without an appointment.

Oh yeah... the Japanese arch from Mt. Shrine is a must-get for me now. Comes out in Aug? kk, savin' up that birthday money.

Why does it say 400+ pieces on the Mt. Shrine box. It doesn't have that many pieces.

The prelim pic shows Kai on the generic white spinner. He's actually shown in his dragon suit and a red spinner. Nice.

The boxes are all preliminary, and thus many have incorrect names, piece counts, etc. The point of the boxes isn't so much to tell you about the contents of the set as much as to tell retailers what the box art will look like and how much space the boxes will take up on store shelves. It's all about selling the products to retailers-- they don't care what the piece count will be, because they're not the ones in the end who will be building the sets.

[prateek]

The NinjaGo clock has a sword!

But in the wrong colour...

[UsernameMDM]

The Earth Dragon looks awesome. Noticed the tail spikes changed, but that should be an easy fix as I like the box art tail better.

[Tamamono]

Earth Dragon! Although I don't see why it's $35 US/$45 CAD.

The Mountain Shrine looks okay, as does the Blacksmith Shop. I don't see why there are complaints about the prices.

The Fire Temple is very expensive, even considering the 1174 piece count...

:laugh:

Those sets look phenomenal! I suppose it's understandable that the Earth Dragon is $35 US; it probably has more pieces than the Ice Dragon, not to mention the "weird" skeleton head mold. Mountain Shrine and Blacksmith Shop are both very nice, but I really don't see what use I would have for them. The star of this summer is the Fire Temple. It's got a solid piece count, and (I'm pretty sure) all of the Ninjago minifigures, as well a new Fire Dragon. I wasn't expecting much of an interior, so I was suprised to see training equipment and sushi. To sum up my thoughts, the Ninjago Fire Temple deserves two thumbs up. :thumbup:

[prateek]

I just saw the video of the Blacksmith's shop, and it's pretty cool. It reminds me of a spy movie, with all the weapons racks opening up like that

[autobrick]

I must say, I'm impressed by the Fire Temple; great design combined with good figs. The temple splitting play feature seems pointless to me, but fortunately it will be easy to mod out. Seeing as I missed out on the original Ninja theme, and I assume this is the closest we are going to get to a 'proper' Ninja theme for some time, I really want to pick one up. However, I am not very enthused about the price; $154.99 is very steep, so I will hopefully wait for a sale.

The other set that interests me this wave is the Blacksmith's Shop. This set would be much better if the shop had a blacksmith but it is fairly good as-is. As mentioned by prateek, the spinning function is pretty slick.

[Delta 38]

Ooh, lots of nice weapons. It's a shame that I'll have to remove those decorative weapons to improve my army.

Does the Mountain Shrine set have a DX Kai? Oh no, plans stuffed again! I can, however, easily substitute for that (and cheaper!), so no problems. Nice to be getting another one of those new swords, though I would have liked one in each set so I can give them to the DX ninjas.

[captainsamus]

The star of this summer is the Fire Temple. It's got a solid piece count, and (I'm pretty sure) all of the Ninjago minifigures, as well a new Fire Dragon. I wasn't expecting much of an interior, so I was suprised to see training equipment and sushi. To sum up my thoughts, the Ninjago Fire Temple deserves two thumbs up. :thumbup:

Well, here's the odd thing: At the European Toy Fair we saw pics from last week, they were showing off what appears to be the current box art for the Fire Temple, with Sensei Wu (black robes) battling Garmadon near the entrance, etc. The boxart at the New York Toy Fair from this week, shows the preliminary artwork for the Fire Temple, with Wu (white robes) battling Samukai at the entrance, etc. However the figures shown at both are the same: Samukai, Kruncha, Nya, Sensei Wu (black robes), Garmadon, Kai (dragon robes), and Zane. So I would guess that those are the figures that are to be included with the final release, meaning you get 2 out of the 4 main ninjas.

[Oky]

The mountain shrine is looking great, but with only a few pieces more than Skull Motorbike, I don't really see what justifies the extra five bucks. It's probably the spinner though. Same goes for the other sets. I could have accepted $30 for the Earth Dragon, but $35 is pushing it. For that price, I hope it comes with Frakjaw's hat like on the display.

[Tamamono]

Well, here's the odd thing: At the European Toy Fair we saw pics from last week, they were showing off what appears to be the current box art for the Fire Temple, with Sensei Wu (black robes) battling Garmadon near the entrance, etc. The boxart at the New York Toy Fair from this week, shows the preliminary artwork for the Fire Temple, with Wu (white robes) battling Samukai at the entrance, etc. However the figures shown at both are the same: Samukai, Kruncha, Nya, Sensei Wu (black robes), Garmadon, Kai (dragon robes), and Zane. So I would guess that those are the figures that are to be included with the final release, meaning you get 2 out of the 4 main ninjas.

The Sensei Wu white/black robes thing is probably just a preliminary mistake. I don't mind not getting Jay and Cole, because those guys are available in cheaper sets (Skull Motorbike and Ninja Training Outpost), but I'm not too fond of the fact that the only skeletons we get are the ones with the "weird" heads.

[Algernon]

The Earth Dragon is really good but I'm not really feeling any of the other sets. I think the dragon is $35 because of the large batch of new parts it has, not totally sure if it's worth it.

[Aanchir]

The Sensei Wu white/black robes thing is probably just a preliminary mistake. I don't mind not getting Jay and Cole, because those guys are available in cheaper sets (Skull Motorbike and Ninja Training Outpost), but I'm not too fond of the fact that the only skeletons we get are the ones with the "weird" heads.

I'm pretty sure the white/black robes thing is deliberate, actually. The black-robed Sensei Wu has a unique print, something that probably wouldn't happen if he was just preliminary. Also, he's pictured both on the spinner and on the Fire Temple.

[Delta 38]

Well, here's the odd thing: At the European Toy Fair we saw pics from last week, they were showing off what appears to be the current box art for the Fire Temple, with Sensei Wu (black robes) battling Garmadon near the entrance, etc. The boxart at the New York Toy Fair from this week, shows the preliminary artwork for the Fire Temple, with Wu (white robes) battling Samukai at the entrance, etc. However the figures shown at both are the same: Samukai, Kruncha, Nya, Sensei Wu (black robes), Garmadon, Kai (dragon robes), and Zane. So I would guess that those are the figures that are to be included with the final release, meaning you get 2 out of the 4 main ninjas.

Oh no! There go my... etc.

Seriously though, I hope Jay is included. I will go and buy another Skull Motorcycle soon, but I'd still prefer it if he was.

I've noticed that a few of the figures have been absent from the displays of some sets, so maybe (hopefully) Jay is another casualty. As for Sensei Wu, it's almost definitely a placeholder, I'd say.