Hail, guys!

I was going through some of the pics of the new POTC sets. They look just great.*

Actually, they look much better than... Kingdoms, so to say.

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the Kingdoms line, and in my opinion it's one of the best Castle/Kingdoms line Lego has ever delivered us.

That said, I have to say that while looking at the POTC sets, I got the impression they look just... Well, just better than Kingdoms. As if their color or plastic or paint is better. I don't know if that's just me or if some of you share that feeling. I don't think that the sets are better than the Kingdoms ones, just that some of them LOOK better.

That, or maybe the neighbor's grass just seems greener...

Oh, I should just get both lines and have POTC be that third faction, right between Dragons and Lions.

* You can check them here http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44443 and here http://www.brickshow.com/2011-lego-pirates-caribbean-sets

EDIT: Minor spelling.

Edited February 2, 201114 yr by Artifex

I don't think you can compare a licensed Pirates theme to an in-house Castle theme. Licensed themes are known for their detailed figures and new pieces, whereas Lego themes are known for nice and simple figs, with traditionally built sets. That said, each theme is good in its own way, but you just can't compare.

I think licensed themes can seem more exciting; I know I'm more excited to get HP and, while I'm not planning on getting fully invested in POTC, Queen Anne's Revenge along with Captain's Cabin look really great and I'm a lot more excited about them than the new Kingdoms sets (even though I'm planning on getting ALL of them).

If you look at sets that you can really compare: Whitecap Bay, London Escape, and the Mill... they are definitely more detailed for the size sets they are. I may end up getting more POTC than I was expecting. I love the carriage from London Escape, although it's a much later vintage (it seems to me) than other castle sets.

But... yeah... they probably do a bit more for licensed themes (makes up for the extra cost).

And I agree... right now, castle is my main theme (although I collect a wide variety of LEGO themes) and, while I will get them all, I'm just not nearly as excited about them.

I don't think you can compare a licensed Pirates theme to an in-house Castle theme. Licensed themes are known for their detailed figures and new pieces, whereas Lego themes are known for nice and simple figs, with traditionally built sets. That said, each theme is good in its own way, but you just can't compare.

I agree. I don't think they're compatible, so it depends on where your interest lies as far as being a PotC fan is concerned. But for me, to answer the question, that simplicity of Kingdoms minifigs compared to PotC is what makes Kingdoms better in my book.

Unfortunately I have to agree with the above. I loved the original pirates line, and the new one wasn't bad, but the POTC lineup seems pretty sparse, based more around mini figures than sets/bases. The only ones I'm looking at picking up are ones that will provide pieces to my kingdoms collection/MOC world. That said, we haven't seen any HR pictures of this year's kingdoms line up, but from what we have seen and heard it looks like this year will continue to be a great one for the Kingdoms line.

I suppose only time will tell.

Unfortunately I have to agree with the above. I loved the original pirates line, and the new one wasn't bad, but the POTC lineup seems pretty sparse, based more around mini figures than sets/bases. The only ones I'm looking at picking up are ones that will provide pieces to my kingdoms collection/MOC world. That said, we haven't seen any HR pictures of this year's kingdoms line up, but from what we have seen and heard it looks like this year will continue to be a great one for the Kingdoms line.

I suppose only time will tell.

I could be wrong but Lego is making more minifig centric sets probably because they now realize how popular minifigs are? Look at the recent collectible series, and the battle packs.

Anyway the last few sets look amazing in terms of detail.

Whitecap bay looks way better than the Outpost Attack or Prison Tower Rescue.

The London Escape has a nice little bar.

The Mill makes another great civilian building. And has the sea creature minifig.

I definitely want those three. And maybe Cannibal Escape for tree pieces and the cannibal minifigs.

I could be wrong but Lego is making more minifig centric sets probably because they now realize how popular minifigs are? Look at the recent collectible series, and the battle packs.

+1! TLC seems to have tapped the potential one of their most iconic products, hence minifigures, to its full extent only about recently.

As for POTC being better than Kingdoms: I like Kingdoms (yet not as much as Castle!) and I like the new POTC sets. But argueing over one being better than the other seems like comparing fish to birds: each has their properties and potentials, yet ever only so much in their own ways that MIGHT cross but do not need to.

Same seems true here, as both lines convey different appeals and intentions.

But, and this is my personal opinion, both lines are intrinsically "LEGO". As in: F@ck yesterday's innovation, we'll build a whole new world today! Just mix and match whatever you like, lean more to either side or keep equilibrium, be outlandish and creative; just let both themes support each other, try to integrate parts you like into a different theme or setting... and guess what? Whatever you do, it's right! It's Lego!

In retrospect one could sum this up short as this:

1) Every theme has its own flavour

2) Mix flavours as favoured

3) Have fun with your own "cocktails" and don't mind what TLC tries to sell to you (well, unless you're a die-hard original set collector...)

Be well all!

Cutty

Edited February 2, 201114 yr by Cutty

I could be wrong but Lego is making more minifig centric sets probably because they now realize how popular minifigs are?

+2

You're right!

I never liked POTC movie.It was good, but not great.Hopefully sets will be great and they'll have a lot of new pieces. Figs? Fleshies? No thanks. Maybe torsos and legs (and acessories) are good. But heads and hands are not. I can't imagine how strange would they look in my collection.

BTW, they are just a licensed Pirates theme. But i like Pirates ( not very much but i like them), so maybe i'll like POTC too!

Kingdoms is one of the best themes ever made! I always liked castles! Sets use normal yellow figs (but a double-faced ones ).

It depens wich theme you like more, Pirates or Castle. For me POTC theme is a bit better, much of new cool pieces for pirate MOCing. But also i like new Kindoms wave. New torsos and faces. So i say they are both equal to me. (Or maby... Maby, POTC theme goes a little ahead of Kindoms)

Captain Becker

Edited February 12, 201114 yr by Captain Becker

Some of the POTC sets look really good, and I'll be getting The London Escape to use for Castle - but imo, the POTC sets, good as they are, are not as good as the upcoming Kingdoms sets this year.

Fleshies then kingdoms is better.

Have you seen the village mill set? It looks very nice. I think that 2011's Kingdom's wave is at least comparable to Potc.

I agree with Prateek, there totaly different themes with totaly different aspects so its rather hard to compare .

But...if I did have to choose I would pick POTC. Simply because of the higher detailed figs and the rare parts.

I'm going with Kingdoms. I'm a huge fan of the medevial age and LOVE castles. When I saw the pic of the Mill Raid set, I flipped out! I can't wait to get it when it comes out.

Okay I saw the new Kingdoms sets, and they are pretty awesome. I would say Kingdoms Wave 2 > PotC Wave 1 > Kingdoms Wave 1. in terms of structure design.

Kingdoms feels like the LEGO castle that I grew up loving and wanting. POTC, I don't know, if you get the whole collection you'll have like 20 Jack Sparrows; kind of dumb to sell a whole line on one minifig.

I don't think you can compare a licensed Pirates theme to an in-house Castle theme. Licensed themes are known for their detailed figures and new pieces, whereas Lego themes are known for nice and simple figs, with traditionally built sets. That said, each theme is good in its own way, but you just can't compare.

Lock this thread up, damn you said exactly what I was thinking and IMO, the exact answer too. The money it's in the licensed sets, so they get more attention and detail. Each theme will always have it's strong points and it really depends on what you want.

Kingdoms feels like the LEGO castle that I grew up loving and wanting. POTC, I don't know, if you get the whole collection you'll have like 20 Jack Sparrows; kind of dumb to sell a whole line on one minifig.

Just swap the faces. Although the less detailed yellow minifig heads lend themselves better for clone armies. 20 smiley face pirates looks fine, but 20 Captain Jack Sparrows looks a bit weird.