Do you think that Alien Conquest is up to Lego Space standards?

[Algernon]

What's wrong with the MX-81??! Its the best spacecraft lego has created to date!

Lol... that's an unusual opinion. Even disregarding the 90s classics, the Galactic Enforcer is leaps and bounds better than that thing.

Frankly I think Alien Conquest is perfectly "up to Space standards", but the question of it being truly "Space" is a reasonable one. It is definitely sci-fi, but then, so was Power Miners and Atlantis. However, I'd argue that it isn't at all "City", since the sets themselves don't include many City elements. The focus is definitely on vehicular combat.

With that in mind, a better question would be whether AC is actually an Action theme. I think it is, but the Space influence is there. It definitely seems to be inspired by the old UFO sets (which I actually liked) and the ADU definitely have classic Space vibes. I think Alien Conquest, simply put, is its own animal. If I had to choose a place for it, though, I'd say it's in the same ballpark as Atlantis and Power Miners.

Either way, it's an excellent theme. I haven't seen too many people express dislike for it.

Edited August 26, 2011 by Algernon

[Aanchir]

Lol... that's an unusual opinion. Even disregarding the 90s classics, the Galactic Enforcer is leaps and bounds better than that thing.

Frankly I think Alien Conquest is perfectly "up to Space standards", but the question of it being truly "Space" is a reasonable one. It is definitely sci-fi, but then, so was Power Miners and Atlantis. However, I'd argue that it isn't at all "City", since the sets themselves don't include many City elements. The focus is definitely on vehicular combat.

With that in mind, a better question would be whether AC is actually an Action theme. I think it is, but the Space influence is there. It definitely seems to be inspired by the old UFO sets (which I actually liked) and the ADU definitely have classic Space vibes. I think Alien Conquest, simply put, is its own animal. If I had to choose a place for it, though, I'd say it's in the same ballpark as Atlantis and Power Miners.

Either way, it's an excellent theme. I haven't seen too many people express dislike for it.

It should probably be considered that whatever Alien Conquest is, LEGO Customer Service considers it a Space theme in their instructions database, so it was probably designed as a part of LEGO Space whether or not it actually has an outer-space setting.

With that said, "Space" and "Action Themes" are not really terms that can be compared, since "Space" is a LEGO category and "Action Themes" is a Eurobricks category. And Alien Conquest is unquestionably a Sci-Fi theme, since unlike Atlantis there are no supernatural-seeming elements. Power Miners and Rock Raiders, while both very sci-fi oriented, are probably considered Action Themes due to the dubiously-natural nature of the Rock Monsters.

A better question would be whether Aquazone should be considered a Sci-Fi theme, since it began as a subtheme of LEGO Space, was decidedly futuristic, and had no supernatural elements. I disagree a bit with Eurobricks's terms for defining Sci-Fi, since it out-and-out declares any underwater or underground theme an Action Theme, making any futuristic submarine or drilling machine an automatic Action Themes MOC. Also, some versions of the Insectoids story had an underground component. But that's a discussion for elsewhere.

Edited August 26, 2011 by Aanchir

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

Is any of this stuff not?

Anyway, what's with all the sudden alien conquest hating?

Of course there are some unbiased statements here... Saying a theme has more detailed minifigures than others is an objective statement. Saying that it is "better", is using an ambiguous term that can lead to confusion as to how it is measured. Some people define "better" as what they like, others would define a theme is better than other by looking at its colors, design, minifigs, etc. But one thing is to say something is "better", and another is to say, for example, that it has a more sleek design. Just my two cents

And answering your question, I don't think this is sudden. Many of us didn't like the theme since we saw the preliminary pics.

A better question would be whether Aquazone should be considered a Sci-Fi theme, since it began as a subtheme of LEGO Space, was decidedly futuristic, and had no supernatural elements. I disagree a bit with Eurobricks's terms for defining Sci-Fi, since it out-and-out declares any underwater or underground theme an Action Theme, making any futuristic submarine or drilling machine an automatic Action Themes MOC. Also, some versions of the Insectoids story had an underground component. But that's a discussion for elsewhere.

Seeing how Aquazone was born as Seatron, I now regard it as one of "Space's lost children"

[Scorpion]

Seeing how Aquazone was born as Seatron, I now regard it as one of "Space's lost children"

What if Aquazone turned out to be in a water planet seeded with earth sealife?

Anyway, one thing about how early 90's and current futuristic themes differ comes from how seriously they take themselves. While the early 90's space themes were played straight, we can see that AC and SP3 have a more "parody" vibe, you know? I mean, Lunar Limo? Sniffer frog? Bug-eyed little green men? The Brickfather?!? Maybe it's NostalgiaVision, but I prefer M-Tron, BlackTron and Space Police to the current crop of Lego Space.

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

What if Aquazone turned out to be in a water planet seeded with earth sealife?

Anyway, one thing about how early 90's and current futuristic themes differ comes from how seriously they take themselves. While the early 90's space themes were played straight, we can see that AC and SP3 have a more "parody" vibe, you know? I mean, Lunar Limo? Sniffer frog? Bug-eyed little green men? The Brickfather?!? Maybe it's NostalgiaVision, but I prefer M-Tron, BlackTron and Space Police to the current crop of Lego Space.

I really hadn't thought of that... I think I have to agree here with you.

[Aanchir]

Personally, I like the more lighthearted nature of some of today's Space themes. Older Space themes had some aspects that are hilarious in retrospect-- for instance, one M-Tron vehicle was a space helicopter (a Blacktron II vehicle also had some helicopter-like qualities that were lampshaded in some countries' names for the set), and the bubble-cockpits of Blacktron II feels so trite for invading spacemen, part of why I love those aspects of those themes. The spacecraft versions of regular modern vehicles in SPIII and the B-movie saucers with bubble-domes from Alien Conquest strike me as a continuation of this tradition.

I grew up in the 90s, and the first space theme I collected considerably was probably Spyrius. Now, arguably, Spyrius took itself somewhat seriously, but consider that Spyrius had a bit of B-movie inspiration as well-- their fleet was mostly comprised of flying saucers and giant robots, they had a droid servant, and a lead villain who could have been plucked from Flash Gordon or Plan 9 from Outer Space. In some countries, there were amusing names for the sets and characters that seemed to be plucked straight from Cold War-era films that considered Russia the greatest evil possible. The minifigure pack of that era, containing Spyrius, Ice Planet 2002, and Unitron minifigures, was called Commander Bear and the Spyrians-- something I think would make a great B-movie title.

Fast-forward to the UFO theme, a theme which was humorous in magazine features (the commander was terrified of his own hideous face) but which took itself way too seriously in terms of set design. The minifigures had a downright excessive level of detail, compared to the simpler cartoony aliens of recent themes who feel far more consistent with human minifigure designs. In fact, this overblown detail was common to almost all of the theme's printed parts. The droids had none of the adorable qualities of droids in Spyrius and Exploriens. Insectoids suffered in similar ways, though not as bad.

I think that the lighthearted nature of LEGO's marketing is one thing that gives it its charm, and thus by incorporating that into set design they're merely reinforcing some of their core appeal. So Alien Conquest and Space Police III both appeal to me much more than the "darker and edgier" Mars Mission or UFO themes. And even my appreciation of past themes is more based on their quirkier aspects and recurring motifs than based on any elaborate stories I imagined for them. In that sense, Space Police III's cute references appealed to me much more than some of the sets themselves had when they were current.

[brickmack]

I think it is up to LEGO standards in that most of the sets have good designs and such, though I think it is only half way to meeting Space standards because (At least as I see it) it isn't really a Space theme. Only the aliens seem to have any kind of advanced space-faring tech, so it's only half of a space theme. Ignoring that though, I do think Alien Conquest is generally a magnificent theme, better than Mars Mission (which many have compared to it) (especially when the alien minifigures are compared).

[Lance]

in my opinion, Alien Conquest was a very wise decision by TLG. It seems to sell very well, as on the first week the Cardiff TRU had them, the Alien Striker was out of stock. I think it replaces the other themes like Mars Mission and Space Police very well and hopefully it will last longer than the two. The aliens, well in a word, are just better. Although, I did quite like the look of the alien commander from MM. The humans, well, better. New moulds, better guns, look great. I actully liked the MM astronauts, but these guys are just a bit more realistic. As for spaceships and trucks and all that, we haven't seen many yet. But the ones existing certainly look great!

[J4ke]

Hah! Commander Bear! Forgot about him. Fun times!

And I remember the comic with the alien scared of his own face too. Oh the nostalgia.

For what it's worth, I think AQ is a fantastic line. It just oozes cool and B-movie style.

[MightyMegs]

I think the line is brilliant... one of the cleverest uses of the light brick I've seen. And the spinning ring on the mothership with the 1950's cheesy sound effect... just brilliant.

[JLego]

Lol... that's an unusual opinion. Even disregarding the 90s classics, the Galactic Enforcer is leaps and bounds better than that thing.

Well that's what I get for talking in absolutes.. then again this is a lego forum..

Many of the other large ships (Galactic Enforcer included) tend to follow the same general shape, size, and design. The MX-81 was a departure from that, which I personally like. Now calling one of the top selling lego spaceships a "thing"... that's an unusual opinion.. :p

I say Alien Conquest was a decent effort, but I think they could have made it better. I like the lighthearted nature personally, but I don't think it drives a good set. Kids don't want Jack and Jane to happily explore remote corners of the universe. (well maybe my sister would) They want an Epic clash of multiple Alien species with large, highly armed fleets of spacecraft, robots, and tanks. Every popular space story out there involves significant conflict (Star Wars anybody?). Why shouldn't lego space?

Edited August 30, 2011 by JLego

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

I liked the concept of Blacktron: a big amount of organized space criminals. I regret that there was no Blacktron III with SPIII. Have you seen the space villain from CMF series 3? Would you imagine a theme based on characters like this, with really MEAN faces (not those innocent smilies from the 80s )? I would love to see some Blacktron III or some other criminal faction on Lego Space. I know there were some villains in SPIII, but it wasn't like Blacktron was. The whole concept of space pirates... Anyways, not to be carried off topic, I slightly resent that Lego took its time and resources making this line, when they could have revived themes such as Blacktron. It just seems such a greater idea to me.

[LEGOMAN132]

I like it though I would love to see a new M-Tron.

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

I like it though I would love to see a new M-Tron.

It would be interesting to make a poll and see what theme most Space fans would like to see revived. But that would require a knight... ?

[Scorpion]

I liked the concept of Blacktron: a big amount of organized space criminals. I regret that there was no Blacktron III with SPIII. Have you seen the space villain from CMF series 3? Would you imagine a theme based on characters like this, with really MEAN faces (not those innocent smilies from the 80s )? I would love to see some Blacktron III or some other criminal faction on Lego Space.

This, THIS!!!! For god's sake, a thousand times THIS!!!!

[JLego]

I liked the concept of Blacktron: a big amount of organized space criminals. I regret that there was no Blacktron III with SPIII. Have you seen the space villain from CMF series 3? Would you imagine a theme based on characters like this, with really MEAN faces (not those innocent smilies from the 80s )? I would love to see some Blacktron III or some other criminal faction on Lego Space. I know there were some villains in SPIII, but it wasn't like Blacktron was. The whole concept of space pirates... Anyways, not to be carried off topic, I slightly resent that Lego took its time and resources making this line, when they could have revived themes such as Blacktron. It just seems such a greater idea to me.

This, THIS!!!! For god's sake, a thousand times THIS!!!!

I second that motion Plus it would give the space police something better to do..

[has a differing opinion]

Of course there are some unbiased statements here... Saying a theme has more detailed minifigures than others is an objective statement. Saying that it is "better", is using an ambiguous term that can lead to confusion as to how it is measured. Some people define "better" as what they like, others would define a theme is better than other by looking at its colors, design, minifigs, etc. But one thing is to say something is "better", and another is to say, for example, that it has a more sleek design. Just my two cents

And answering your question, I don't think this is sudden. Many of us didn't like the theme since we saw the preliminary pics.

I just think this is sudden. There was positive reaction to the theme when it first came out. So, many of them did like the theme when it came out.

I liked the concept of Blacktron: a big amount of organized space criminals. I regret that there was no Blacktron III with SPIII. Have you seen the space villain from CMF series 3? Would you imagine a theme based on characters like this, with really MEAN faces (not those innocent smilies from the 80s )? I would love to see some Blacktron III or some other criminal faction on Lego Space. I know there were some villains in SPIII, but it wasn't like Blacktron was. The whole concept of space pirates... Anyways, not to be carried off topic, I slightly resent that Lego took its time and resources making this line, when they could have revived themes such as Blacktron. It just seems such a greater idea to me.

There time and resources were not wasted. Themes have to die, and if they don't, you'll begin to hate them, trust me.

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

I just think this is sudden. There was positive reaction to the theme when it first came out. So, many of them did like the theme when it came out.

There time and resources were not wasted. Themes have to die, and if they don't, you'll begin to hate them, trust me.

Of course many had a positive reaction when it was released. Some of us didn't. But I understand your surprise. I don't think that there is an overall negative reaction to AC seeing the comments here, but if somebody made a poll then it would be interesting to see what the actual trend is. I would've done it myself if I could.

While I don't think their time and resources were wasted, I just think they could have been used better. Blacktron III... it's on so many people's wishlists. And quite frankly, I doubt it would be less popular than Alien Conquest, if done properly.

And I don't know about that... I prefer for a theme to die than to see its quality diminished. But what if the guys at Lego could manage to keep coming up with good, new stuff? I wouldn't complain. Classic Space was a great theme for many years, for example. Not like any of the non-licensed themes today.

Edited August 31, 2011 by johnnyvgoode

[Titan]

Do we know if there's any new sets coming out in 2012 for this theme? I would love to see some additional vehicles for the ADU - this has a lot of potentials to be one of the better space-based series in awhile....

[LEGOMAN132]

It would be interesting to make a poll and see what theme most Space fans would like to see revived. But that would require a knight... ?

Might have to get on that as soon as I can. As it's a small pain to post with a phone.

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

Might have to get on that as soon as I can. As it's a small pain to post with a phone.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I've posted from an ipod touch and it's a real pain. But well, we'll be waiting.

[Ogre]

UFO had some good designs despite the big pieces. The largest set was weak but the others were better, and 6915 is still one of my favorites among any space theme.

Yeah, some sets like the 'flying saucer' and 'alien hopper' were no great shakes but, the 'warp wing fighter' was pretty awesome, IMO.

Also I’m very pleased to see Lego cycling back to original Classic Space color scheme with the blue and gray ships with the ADUs.

Heck, even to the stickers on the front of the 'VV' ship from the HQ...throwing the old "LLxxxx" in there was so nice to see.

The trans-yellow is missing though. I think that is actually one reason I haven't warmed up to this theme as much as I might have. Lego Space just has to have colorful transparent windscreens in my book. None of this trans-black or clear crap.

I definitely miss the trans-yellow, yes. Having the blue and grey with no TY just feels a bit...wrong.

TLC have dared to try something a bit different, and I for one will applaud them for it. It helps that a lot of the sets look nice too, of course.

I like the change of direction. Helps 'mix it up' a bit and keep the Space line from getting boring.

I really wish they had done a better job with the Alien Mothership, ADU Defender and Jet Copter sets though. I don't mind the copter too much but the alien ships look rather goofy...and there are too many 'small alien ship' designs in this line...should have kept it to 1 mother ship, 1 large tactical, 1 medium tactical, 1 small tactical and 1 mini tactical. The small saucer that comes with the ADU HQ unit is FAR superior IMO, to the silly "hook 'em up" style that comes with the Jet Copter. There's no POINT to joining the two ships together in the first place, so why not just have two of the saucers that came wiht the HQ, or two of the mini 'skimmers'?

[robotimms]

I don't think Alien Conquest can really meet up to Space theme standards since I don't feel that it is really a Space theme. I think of Alien Conquest as being more of a sci-fi adventure series than a Space series. It's maybe a bridge between City and Space, but not Space. It is after all, mostly Earth-based.

Edited September 4, 2011 by robotimms

[fr33manator]

While some of the designs are novel, I find the AC as a whole falls flat on it's face for several reasons:

1: color scheme- way too busy, way too garish. Enough with the purples and yellows and lime greens. As a whole it's far too busy. A dark grey/light grey/blue/trans whatever would have been fine. The additional Colors make them far too wonky. And what is up with thedark azur ADF outfits. Totally throws off the scheme and makes it feel cobbled together.

2: ship designs- the alien ships are, for the most part, garbage. The "mothership" is nowhere close to previous "core ship" quality. Too much open space and too little detail.

The ADU vehicles feel like city theme ships with crazy color schemes and a few guns tacked on. Reminds me of the Mega blocks area 51 sets. Perhaps it was supposed to tie into the city theme, bur it just feels off.

3: overall feel- it seems that TLG group tried to capture a 50s alien feel with a modern day earth feel, and ended up doing neither of them justice. It's goofy, and it's unnatural.

A return to early 90s space theme/feel is what the doctor ordered. SPIII was a great leap forward, but AC feels like they are taking 5 steps back. I'm not even sure what their target audience is with this one.

A few good points-I like the alien design. Good addition to the SPIII villain base. Not very compatible as a whole with LEGO parts, but manageable. An the new guns are decent. Again, the alien guns feel 50s and the ADU feels modern, but decent pieces nonetheless. Need to make them in black and white now.

Ok, rant over.

Edited September 6, 2011 by fr33manator

[Aanchir]

While some of the designs are novel, I find the AC as a whole falls flat on it's face for several reasons:

1: color scheme- way too busy, way too garish. Enough with the purples and yellows and lime greens. As a whole it's far too busy. A dark grey/light grey/blue/trans whatever would have been fine. The additional Colors make them far too wonky. And what is up with the maersk blue ADF outfits. Totally throws off the scheme and makes it feel cobbled together.

2: ship designs- the alien ships are, for the most part, garbage. The "mothership" is nowhere close to previous "core ship" quality. Too much open space and too little detail.

The ADU vehicles feel like city theme ships with crazy color schemes and a few guns tacked on. Reminds me of the Mega blocks area 51 sets. Perhaps it was supposed to tie into the city theme, bur it just feels off.

3: overall feel- it seems that TLG group tried to capture a 50s alien feel with a modern day earth feel, and ended up doing neither of them justice. It's goofy, and it's unnatural.

A return to early 90s space theme/feel is what the doctor ordered. SPIII was a great leap forward, but AC feels like they are taking 5 steps back. I'm not even sure what their target audience is with this one.

A few good points-I like the alien design. Good addition to the SPIII villain base. Not very compatible as a whole with LEGO parts, but manageable. An the new guns are decent. Again, the alien guns feel 50s and the ADU feels modern, but decent pieces nonetheless. Need to make them in black and white now.

Ok, rant over.

The uniforms aren't Maersk Blue, they're Dark Azur (a new color that debuted this year). Maersk blue isn't used in any non-Maersk sets.

I, for one, love the feel of the Alien Conquest theme. It's way better than the UFO theme IMO, which is the closest analogue it had in previous years.

Edited September 5, 2011 by Aanchir