Faefrost Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 Unanswered question of the weekend... Why do Bird and Lizard Princesses have belly buttons? Think about it. Quote
Dannylonglegs Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 (edited) Well, now that the sets are out, I guess it's about time that I voice my thoughts on the theme. After looking at all the sets (allot), I must say that I'm not highly impressed. Unlike my thoughts on Galaxy Squad, which have improved over time (although I still don't like the snake-like Warp Stinger, and I don't call it Insectoids 2 anymore, because they're almost completely unrelated, but I digress.), my thoughts on this theme have stayed relatively static (although, not negative, like my massive initial disappointment over Galaxy Squad.) That said, despite my overall lack of interest towards the theme, and the sets, there is one model that I not only like, but adore, which might be one of my favorite models ever, that I really have to get my hands on--which is particularly strange because it's 40 bucks, and I rarely buy sets from themes I don't like and I even more rarely buy expensive sets. More on this set later. My thoughts may appear negative, but they're really not. I understand that I am not a member of the target audience, and I've taken that into account in regards to the theme, but I also am a fan of Lego, and I find it disappointing when I do not find myself particularly interested in a promising new theme of theirs. I will be getting some of the sets too, so you know I don't hate the theme. I'll format my thoughts so that you can easily avoid reading them if you don't want. I just thought I'd contribute to the discussion by sharing my opinions and some if my criticisms. Minifigures: I'll start with the minifigures. Overall, I think that the weird minifigures are not a great direction in which to head. While the occasional funny animal-suit-like head pieces are fine--I've enjoyed them in the Minifigures line--I don't think an entire theme comprised of them is all that great of an idea. I will say that I was relieved to see that there were minifigure heads underneath the masks, as I think I would be even more disappointing to see so many ugly animal-head moulds. That said, I find the heads underneath the masks to be stranger than the masks, and--with few exceptions--almost unusable in combination with my larger collection of Lego minifigures. Sure I'll think of something, but certainly they won't represent that which they are meant to; anthropomorphic crosses between animals and people, with uses as werewolves and Killer-Crocs. They'll be better suited to portray as Aliens, I think. I suppose it boils down to that they're far more comical than I would expect from Lego figures. That said, they're not all bad. I'll go into detail now by species: Lions: If you can call them that. I find these the worst minifigures of the line--they don't look like Lions at all. I've never seen Thundercats, so maybe I'm missing some if the inspiration, but they seriously look like Apes--not Felines of any kind. Even then, The faces on the lions are some of the goofiest and most comical of the animal-people. One of them seriously looks drunk or under the influence of some other mind altering product. Wolves: These are my second least favorite--they don't look too much like wolves. Sure there's a fair resemblance, and the fact that it's not closer can be attributed to the comic nature of this theme, but still, I'm disappointed that they're not more wolf-like (some of them look more like hyenas). Wolf-human hybrid figs are extremely useful and I guess I'm just a bit disappointed that they're not more readily usable outside the theme. Worriz is my favorite wolf, to the point that I actually like the fig, which is more than I can say for the rest of the wolves. The rest I just don't see myself using all that much. In my opinion, all the Mammals so far have been misses. Ravens: I like the Ravens. They're my favorite faction, and I don't dislike their figures. I can't say they'll find much use as medieval monsters or the like in a fantasy setting, as the wolves (or almost any other faction's figs) would due to their apparent fascination with sticking sheet metal on themselves. That said, I'm sure I'll have a blast finding a niche for these cyborg-bird-people in my alien-full space universe. I find these figs rather cool, and if I make all the purchases I plan to, I'll end up with more of them than members of any other faction. Eagles: These are solid figs, and while I'm sure I'll find some use for junior-bird-men, I know I'll find a use for their torsos, all of which are great! Crocodiles: These figs are by-far my favorite figs in the theme, and while their heads outside of the masks look plain-silly, their mask heads are a brilliant Legoization of anthro-crocs. I would get as many as I could if I had the money/inclination, I particularly like the female croc, but Lego should know that reptiles don't have mammary glands (or belly buttons as Faefrost points out so eruditely). Silly Lego! Sets: Now, on to the sets. Oh dear. Maybe I should start with new pieces, as there are allot of sets in the theme so far. Chima crystals-I like 'em! The more gem pieces the merrier! Speedorz-I respect them and acknowledge that some will collect them just to do so or to play with them, but I will not. They seem to have many potential uses, but I won't buy them just for the sake of getting them, as their sets are robbed of figures and pieces that would make me willing to pay the high prices of their sets. The Wing Piece-Ugh. This piece. I'lll flat out say it, I don't like this piece. It seems way out of place in a non-technic related theme. It's just such an ugly piece. It's jagged and unnatural, and It's only used well once, and when it's done incorectly, it's really bad. I'll go through the models that feature the piece and say whether I think it works. Chi-Raider: It works. Very well done. Ultra Striker: OK. Razcal's Glider: OK. Eagles' Castle: OK. Raven Glider from Eagle Interceptor: Bad. Eagle Interceptor: So Wrong. I'll get more into that in my opinions on the sets. The Swords--I love them, but they do seem large for their figs. That Big Tooth-Thing Piece-It's fine. I'm sure It'll be useful for something sometime. It's used well in most of the sets it's in. Shall I go cheapest up? I won't criticize the small Speedorz sets on their one, but overall I'm not too keen on them, just as I couldn't bring myself to buy a single Spinner from Ninjago--even for the figure. I will mention that I wish I could get Ewald from the Eagles' Castle, but I'm not paying 40$ for the figure (although I also like Worriz the best of all the Wolves.) There are several points I would like to address on all of the sets in general. Overall, while I don't love many of them, I feel that the designers did a great job at suggesting shape--particularly with the vehicles of the "Good" factions. The Ultra Striker and The Royal Fighter are especially noteworthy in my opinion. That said, most of the models are both skeletal and very head-heavy. Neither of the Lion vehicles have any backside to note--but it's not just their faction that suffers from this. The Command Ship and Claw ripper of the crocs, the Wolf pack trooper, The Eagle Interceptor (sort-of) and the Ultra Striker (to an even lesser extent) also suffer. Yes, I just named most of the sets. Set by Set: Razcal's Glider: Solid Set. For 12 bucks, I'll take it. It features Razcal, one of the mot generic looking Ravens, and therefore, one of the most useful. I may even keep the model intact for some time before I cannibalize it for parts. It's not bad, and may use the ugly wing piece second or third best of all the sets. The colour-scheme's not bad either. Getting. Crawley's Claw Ripper: Yay! My favorite (or at-least the most generic-looking) crocodile is in the second cheapest set! And not to mention all that Olive green! I'll be sure to get this! Unfortunately it comes with Leonidas. Maybe I can use his torso for something? I have less than any interest in Leonidas, and may try to trade him with one of my younger friends that still collects Lego. What a bad figure. Getting. Lennox's Lion Attack: It's alright. If I were to get a set with the intent of obtaining a lion figure (or Crug), I'd get this one over a Speedorz set. Not only is Lennox my favorite Lion figure (not saying much) but the models not awful either. It certainly looks lion-like. Crug, I don't like. He's easily my least favorite Croc, as he's the weirdest one of them. Colour diversity among the factions is fine, but not only is he brown, but he's got a metal jaw for Pete's sake. I thought he was a wolf at first. Not Getting. Pack Leader: It's not a bad model, but I don't like it all that much. It's really cartoony, and front-heavy, and reliant on the large wheels and Technic pieces for its size, and too expensive for me to be interested in it. The colour scheme's OK, and I'd like to get my hands on some of the pieces and the minifigures (just because they're wolves. I can't not want more wolves--even bad looking ones.) Not Getting. Eris' Eagle Interceptor: This is my least favorite set of the theme. I don't like all of the models (it's OK in respect to the Ravens' ship, as I can't see much thought going into that throw away.) The Legs are overly bulky and fit oddly, and they really miss use the feather/wing piece. The way they put it, it makes the wings incredibly bare. and they just don't belong where they are. It irritates me. Ok, enough of that. Not Getting. Laval's Royal Fighter: Fortunately, Crawley comes in a smaller set! This Set has great suggested Shape, but aside from that, it's skeletal, and front-heavy (to a fault). The Lion-head in the front is cool, but it seems like it'd be a bad war machine with that badly unprotected back. I guess that's double the incentive not to retreat? Ah well, Not Getting. Equila's Ultra Striker: This one has great suggested Shape! It really looks like a swooping eagle, despite its being a treaded tank. I don't love the ejection cockpit, but it's alright. If I were to get it, I'd not use the ejection function. The figs in this are cool! Eglor wouldn't be bad to have, and Wilhurt is scary looking. it's good, but I won't be getting it. 40$ is allot. Not Getting. Razar's Chi Raider: This is not only my favorite set of the theme, but possibly, my favorite set of 2013 (if not favorite, at least one of my favorites). I don't know how, but I have to get it. The Model is simply beautiful! The colour-scheme is literally perfect, and the shape is awesome. And it's not suggested Shape either--It literally looks like a giant Raven Mech/spaceship. (I'll call it the Century Raven.) What really blows my mind is how well the new ugly wing pieces are incorporated. Everything about it screams caw win. It sort of reminds me of this gem from my childhood. I love the figs too, although I wish it came with the female Eagle, Eris, over Ewar, but both are alright! I'm definitely Getting. Cragger's Command Ship: Tempting, but no. I don't have 80$ to toss at the Command-ship of this theme I don't love. I don't even plan on throwing 80$ on my favorite current or past theme this year. The Model's Alright, if not overly chubby, and carries a really militant look with all that Olive Green. I love the pieces. I really love all the minifigures in this too (apart from the lions.) If I got this set, I'd have all of the Ravens, and all the crocs except Crug, who I don't like anyways. I'd particularly like Crooler, as I think it's cool that the Crocs have a female figure (although I wish it wasn't because she was a princess.) Unfortunately, it's too expensive, so I'm Not Getting it. Story: As I suspected, this is a Story heavy theme, which is part if the reason I don't love it. It's definitely aimed at children, and I'm a young adult. Not to sound rude, but I just don't really enjoy the same silly humour and simple stories I liked when I was a younger fellow. (I've been that way for a while now. It's part if the reason I also don't like MLP, Ninjago the TV show or other things like that--I don't judge those who do, whether they're older or younger than I. It's just my opinion. I never liked super-heroes (apart from Batman sometimes) or Yugioh either. So sue me.) All that said, I don't dislike silly stuff, and while I don't find it overly interesting, it doesn't get in the way of me enjoying a theme. if I was an anti-silly-stuff individual, I don't think there would be many Lego themes (particularly if I was interested in their non-set media) that I would enjoy. I like official stories and whatnot, so I don't complain about the goofiness, and I'm not complaining now. I will not be watching the TV show. That said, the word of Chima is sort of interesting. Not interesting enough to draw me in, but I like all the recycled Fantasy Tropes involved. It could certainly be interpreted more seriously than the official story will present it. I like the characterization of each of the factions too. The inspiration from the species which each faction represents is great. I love that the Ravens are master scavengers as opposed to grim poets as they could be presented based on their association with Poe and the horror genre. The Wolves and their Pack-mind is also interesting. I wish the Eagles were more predatory, and maybe on the bad side, but I can see why they're portrayed as good. A more overly Politically Correct individual then myself might point out the unfortunate implications that result from characterizing an entire race as possessing certain traits. This is particularly unfortunate in regards to the Ravens (who are all Unflinching Kleptos and Petty Thieves who make nothing for themselves and who side with the most advantageous team) and the Lions (burdened with the Duty to rule Chima and dole out the Chi--because they are Lions and therefore the only ones fair enough to do the job... Oh. ) The later point may be dealt with to some extent in the TV Show, and I hope it is. Honestly though, me pointing that out is just as debatable as drawing the same links to the Lions of Lion King who are all rulers of the Pridelands because they're Lions. (although there is a little more justification there as far as I can tell, but I digress.) It certainly makes the Crocs more sympathetic villains (if not anti-heroes), but I'm sure the TV Show'll do its best to make them all puppy kickers and ice-cream stealers. There you go, my thoughts on the new theme. Overall, I don't love it, but it's not bad. I certainly won't get more than 3 sets (if that.) I hope you enjoy my review and criticisms or at least respect my opinions when you disagree. ~Insectoid Aristocrat Edited January 20, 2013 by Dannylonglegs Quote
Toth Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 Faefrost Why do Bird and Lizard Princesses have belly buttons? Think about it. Cause without it would look odd. And it is fantasy world. after all they are Humanoid animals with body looking 80% human. And thinking about them giving eggs is just stupid no?! :D Quote
DraikNova Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 (edited) You make a good point Dannylonglegs . Anyway, I´m probably going to get only two sets from this theme, the Pack Tracker and Cragger´s Croc Boat. Edited January 20, 2013 by DraikNova Quote
Faefrost Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 (edited) Faefrost Why do Bird and Lizard Princesses have belly buttons? Think about it. Cause without it would look odd. And it is fantasy world. after all they are Humanoid animals with body looking 80% human. And thinking about them giving eggs is just stupid no?! :D Giving eggs? Heck in the show Eris lobs her spinning bola/morning star weapon at people screaming "How do you like These Eggs". It's yet another of those oddly creepy and disturbing moments in he show, that hit you if you take a moment to think on them. Edited January 20, 2013 by Faefrost Quote
DraikNova Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 This entire theme is creepy if you think about it for too long. Quote
Sylvius Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 (edited) I was wondering, how the minifigures will change during the waves, so that we have an inducement to buy. In Ninjago the outftit s of the ninjas changed the more power they gained. But will we get minifigures in a kind of Chi-mode or perhaps in an Ancient-beast-mode ? Edited January 20, 2013 by Sylvius Quote
PenPlays Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 I see the armies getting larger. With more lethal weapons. Possibly a jump to the future where Chima is a wasteland? I dunno, but knowing Lego, they'll find a way. Quote
Graysmith Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 Unanswered question of the weekend... Why do Bird and Lizard Princesses have belly buttons? Think about it. You may just as well ask why the Eagles and Ravens have arms. Quote
theultimatetoa001 Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 Am I the only one who thinks the swords look like the Toa Inika swords? Because thats what I thought when I first saw the sets. Quote
Dannylonglegs Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 Am I the only one who thinks the swords look like the Toa Inika swords? Because thats what I thought when I first saw the sets. I agree completely! Of the two though, I like the chainsawee one the best. ~Insectoid Aristocrat Quote
Faefrost Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 This entire theme is creepy if you think about it for too long. My operating theory is that Chima is in fact Fabuland. It's what happens after all of the carnivores eat all of the fluffy bunny people. The forests become overgrown, and the remaining carnivores war with each other for the narcotics. Quote
PenPlays Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 My operating theory is that Chima is in fact Fabuland. It's what happens after all of the carnivores eat all of the fluffy bunny people. The forests become overgrown, and the remaining carnivores war with each other for the narcotics. Mind opened. Quote
Krulis Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 I've found this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnR4N9bsXYU&list=LL9mH3lzJoSAzU2d07-u5Rxg It shows some funny looking preliminary gorillas and eagles: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8386356750_57ccd052c7_o.jpg Quote
Shakar Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 Prototypes are prototypes for a good reason. I'm happy these designs didn't make it to the final version, the gorillas look scary (and dull), and that Eagle (Eglor?) looks too...modern. Quote
CM4Sci Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 (edited) Has anyone noticed that those two kids have appeared in about every single Chima advert? And on the back of the Speedorz boxes? EDIT: This confirms a few things: -The online game looks cool -The Constraction figs come in bags -There will be a lot of events (?) -The prelim minifigures are hilarious -Chima will last 3 years! -Sci Edited January 21, 2013 by CM4S Quote
just2good Posted January 21, 2013 Author Posted January 21, 2013 That was a very very VERY interesting video. Those preliminaries look scary. I think I saw the Gorzan Speedor... Also, three years sounds likely, that's how many years TLG usually plans for mega-themes to last (see Exo-Force and Ninjago). Quote
Kalhiki Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 Loving the look of the online game. Seems to be in the same format as the other lego games made by Traveller's Tales. I'm definitely going to be playing that one. Also nice to see the Constraction figures, but I'm not as interested in them. Kalhiki Quote
PenPlays Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 In case no one noticed, the top of the Chi Temple, not to mention a new bamboo themed Speedorz set was visible for a brief moment. I sure hope that both of the visuals for the Constraction figures are preliminary. I had so much hope for it, and I hope it lives up. One thing is for sure though. If the online game looks like that, I will probably be a founder. Quote
Lordofdragonss Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 Ok. Now I HATE them that they changed their designs these protoypes are more basic, more... Lego like. They would fit to the CM Minotaur and MF Warewolf much more! And the crocks.... MAN THEY LOOK SO WICKED COOL. Especialy the one with big claw. Quote
CM4Sci Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 (edited) In case no one noticed, the top of the Chi Temple, not to mention a new bamboo themed Speedorz set was visible for a brief moment. Where? Pics? Ok. Now I HATE them that they changed their designs these protoypes are more basic, more... Lego like. They would fit to the CM Minotaur and MF Warewolf much more! And the crocks.... MAN THEY LOOK SO WICKED COOL. Especialy the one with big claw. I actually thought the prelims looked pretty hideous... I mean.. look at that. -Sci Edited January 21, 2013 by CM4S Quote
just2good Posted January 21, 2013 Author Posted January 21, 2013 Ok. Now I HATE them that they changed their designs these protoypes are more basic, more... Lego like. They would fit to the CM Minotaur and MF Warewolf much more! And the crocks.... MAN THEY LOOK SO WICKED COOL. Especialy the one with big claw. Yeah, I liked the preliminary figures more than the official ones. They look more... serious. Though, I agree with Sci, the preliminary crocs look a bit weird. The claws are cool though. Quote
Jackattack7 Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 ^^ yeah they look horrible. Thank god Lego changed them. Quote
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