2013 Galaxy Squad

[vynsane]

I hope this will last long enough for us to get some larger and bulkier alien vehicles. The insects just feel so outclassed...

Except that the insects are a swarm - their tactic is to use an overwhelming number of relatively weaker vehicles (think "Zerg Rush" from Starcraft), whereas the Squad relies on a small number of strong vehicles (think a handful of Terran Siege Tanks). This would have been better conveyed by having say, two or three small swarm vehicles accompanied by a bunch of swarm minifigures in each set where the Squad vehicle was the spotlight, but this would have driven the cost up quite a bit. As it stands, you can army-build the Swarmer (as you've previously stated) and more than even out their chances.

[Rez]

Overall I like this theme a lot. I'm dissappointed with a few things, but am very excited that we're getting more than 1 wave, so hopefully even more awesome sets will come out! Thanks for taking the pics!

[DraikNova]

Except that the insects are a swarm - their tactic is to use an overwhelming number of relatively weaker vehicles (think "Zerg Rush" from Starcraft), whereas the Squad relies on a small number of strong vehicles (think a handful of Terran Siege Tanks). This would have been better conveyed by having say, two or three small swarm vehicles accompanied by a bunch of swarm minifigures in each set where the Squad vehicle was the spotlight, but this would have driven the cost up quite a bit. As it stands, you can army-build the Swarmer (as you've previously stated) and more than even out their chances.

I understand that, but there's nothing wrong with some larger "elite ships".

[CP5670]

The sets are good but nothing strikes me as a must-have. The new helmet and the printed 2x2 control tile are great though, and I will certainly grab some of those off Bricklink when they appear there.

Thank you for posting the pics. Looking at the photos I see lots of great colors and some new pieces afaik. There are even printed pieces! Quite a few of them too. TLG has definitely stepped up their game this year. The bugs even have printing on their eyes.

In general, I think TLG is printing more parts these days than they used to a few years ago. I haven't been keeping track of the sets coming out but have seen a lot of new printed parts showing up on Bricklink. This is certainly a trend in the right direction.

[Joebot]

Maybe I've just been in this hobby for too long, but this theme feels like a boring retread of TLC's "vehicle-based conflict between humans and non-humans" theme that they've been churning out an assembly line for years now. There's nothing new here. It's sad and disheartening to see such an utter lack of imagination on TLC's part. Sure, the vehicles are as well-designed as always. But the theme itself is just a cynical checklist of marketing concepts.

[Venkefedo]

I understand that, but there's nothing wrong with some larger "elite ships".

Agreed... especially since the insect-aliens here could also be used as an Annihilation Wave with the Marvel Superheroes theme and the Wave had some massive ships along with the smaller craft & legions of bug-soldiers. All that's missing is Annihilus himself (who we might see if we ever get Fantastic Four sets!)

Maybe Wave 2--if there IS a Wave 2--will feature some larger bug-ships, maybe a bug-base, a 3rd alien head-type, more Squad members (would be nice if, eventually, we could have a Blue Squad, Red Squad, Green Squad, and Orange Squad, with 2-3 humans each and a couple different robots to fill 'em out; I don't mind the current rainbow Squad of 5 humans & 4 robots, but the more the merrier!), maybe a Squad base.

[DraikNova]

After seeing the close-ups on brickset, I'm a little less excited about the Vermin Vaporizer. It's a lot less bulky than I thought, and I don't see any space for detailing. Oh well, a good set to mod, I guess.

However, I like the Warp Stinger a lot more now. The zamor launcher, which I though would ruin it's "flow", fits in perfectly, and even has a trans-purple zamor sphere! Actually, it looks like the small bug from the Bug Obliterator underwent a metamorphosis.

Incidentally, I think those purple pods would look perfect if used in rows. Actually, if this theme gets a D2C set (which I'm hoping for), I expect it to have an Alien queen using that technique.

[vynsane]

Maybe Wave 2--if there IS a Wave 2--will feature some larger bug-ships, maybe a bug-base, a 3rd alien head-type, more Squad members (would be nice if, eventually, we could have a Blue Squad, Red Squad, Green Squad, and Orange Squad, with 2-3 humans each and a couple different robots to fill 'em out; I don't mind the current rainbow Squad of 5 humans & 4 robots, but the more the merrier!), maybe a Squad base.

I thought there was a post previously in this topic, but it might have been elsewhere - a site in the netherlands has not only the currently-known sets 70700 - 70705, but an alleged second wave featuring another five sets, 70706 - 70709 apparently to be released in August, plus a polybag set 30230 to be released along-side the five we already know about.

[DraikNova]

Those are probably polybags, as said earlier in this topic.

[Blacktron]

+ This is a realy great new space theme. Much better than alien conquest was.

+ I like the new alien conquest robots. It's great that there aren't only 4 colors available, even the heads are very different, so these guys become individuel characters.

+ The insectoid aliens are great. I love those new head sculpts, plus the fact that not every alien uses the same head.

+ I love those insectoid design of the ships and vehicles. Much better and creepyer than the classic insectoids line was.

+ The ground vehicle of galaxy squad (green team) is my favorite one. Great vehicle and the mech looks also great.

+ It's great to see this new helmet in differnt colors.

- These galaxy squad figures look a little naked somehow. No body armor? Not even air tanks? Come on TLG, it's time for a new space backpack. The original air tanks are frome the late 70s. But in new, matching colors they would have been a good choise.

- I really don't like 70705 (orange team). The vehicle design isn't very exiting.

- I would have loved to see the classic space logo on these torsos and vehicles. :-(

- The prices. $14,99 for the smallest alien set with just 86 pieces? Exo force sets in 2008 had 170-200 pieces for the same price. Man, this line is expensive! The biggest set (orange team - $ 100) doesn't really look like a $100 set. 711 pieces for $100? Come on! For this piece count it should be $70 or $80.

Edited November 21, 2012 by Blacktron

[Venkefedo]

+ This is a realy great new space theme. Much better than alien conquest was.

+ I like the new alien conquest robots. It's great that there aren't only 4 colors available, even the heads are very different, so these guys become individuel characters.

+ The insectoid aliens are great. I love those new head sculpts, plus the fact that not every alien uses the same head.

+ I love those insectoid design of the ships and vehicles. Much better and creepyer than the classic insectoids line was.

+ The ground vehicle of galaxy squad (green team) is my favorite one. Great vehicle and the mech looks also great.

+ It's great to see this new helmet in differnt colors.

- These galaxy squad figures look a little naked somehow. No body armor? Not even air tanks? Come on TLG, it's time for a new space backpack. The original air tanks are frome the late 70s. But in new, matching colors they would have been a good choise.

- I really don't like 70705 (orange team). The vehicle design isn't very exiting.

- The prices. $14,99 for the smallest alien set with just 86 pieces? Exo force sets in 2008 had 170-200 pieces for the same price. This line is expensive. The biggest set (orange team - $ 100) doesn't really look like a $100 set. 711 pieces for $100. Come on! For this piece count it should be $70 or $80.

They do seem a bit high; I think those are Canadian dollars, but even compared to similar-sized sets like Captain's Cabin from POTC it seems excessive. Captain's Cabin has a few more pieces and a 3rd minifigure, AND is licensed, so... seems a bit odd that it costs the same as Space Swarmer.

[Blacktron]

If these prices are in canadian dollars, this would explain it. I did a quick google search for the euro prices and they seem to be okay. Thanks Venkefedo!

[Gryphon Ink]

I think 70705 is a really well-designed ship that needs some mods to make it into a classic sci-fi deep space exploration unit. Tear down the bajillion laser cannons and missiles, convert them to scientific instruments, use the wheeled vehicle as a sample collection vehicle. Leave Team Orange with only a few guns. But I really like the set. There's nothing wrong with splitting vehicles if they look good in both configurations, and this one does.

The alien vehicle in the set leaves something to be desired, as do most of them. I'm not a big fan of those designs. And how outgunned are these insectoids? Whatever happened to the idea that the good guys should be the underdogs? In all three of the latest Space themes, the good humans have the biggest, most heavily armed ships, and the evil aliens are fighting in these spindly little things that look like they'll fall apart if you blow on them hard. The Bug Obliterator looks like it could crush the entire insect swarm all by itself, and then you've got that other tank/mech unit that's ready to survive Armageddon. These guys are the heroes? How does that work?

Someone's going to say "but the insects are a SWARM, you're supposed to army-build them!" Right, but even the insect army-builders come with more plucky human soldiers (and robots, which are clearly going to be cannon fodder), so you still have a massively unbalanced conflict.

But anyway, I do like the human ship designs and the robots, and the bug minifigs are cute as, well, bugs. Lots to like in this theme. Here's hoping it lasts more than one wave, and the bugs get some firepower next time around.

[Krulis]

I love Spce Swarmer! The ship itself looks great, Blue Robot's gun is nice and figs (Beetle alien and Blue Robot) are one of the best ones from the series.

70701 has got awesome figs (Solomon Blaze and Mosquito) too but the jet and alien's hover craft thing aren't as good tough.

[thornie]

Maybe I've just been in this hobby for too long, but this theme feels like a boring retread of TLC's "vehicle-based conflict between humans and non-humans" theme that they've been churning out an assembly line for years now. There's nothing new here. It's sad and disheartening to see such an utter lack of imagination on TLC's part. Sure, the vehicles are as well-designed as always. But the theme itself is just a cynical checklist of marketing concepts.

Agree 100%.

[DraikNova]

But anyway, I do like the human ship designs and the robots, and the bug minifigs are cute as, well, bugs. Lots to like in this theme. Here's hoping it lasts more than one wave, and the bugs get some firepower next time around.

Let's also hope it get some storyline too, not just a larval site .

[Ardelon]

Not too interested in this theme. The aliens look cool, but otherwise the theme looks ike its trying too hard to appeal to the pre-teen boys that, admittedly, are the target audience, with jellybean astronauts in outsized vehicles bashing sinister bad guys. I expect it will sell, and I wish all those excited for the theme many a happy hour building and playing feature-testing...

Maybe I've just been in this hobby for too long, but this theme feels like a boring retread of TLC's "vehicle-based conflict between humans and non-humans" theme that they've been churning out an assembly line for years now. There's nothing new here. It's sad and disheartening to see such an utter lack of imagination on TLC's part. Sure, the vehicles are as well-designed as always. But the theme itself is just a cynical checklist of marketing concepts.

It seems to me that space from Mars Mission onwards has a new pattern that TLG will stick to, like Police and Fire repeats in City.

Shame, I guess themes like Futuron, Ice Planet or Rock Raiders will be few and very far between.

[DraikNova]

Rock Raiders was kinda violent too, using lasers, ray guns and explosives to kill Rock Monsters who were, in fact, just plain hungry.

[vynsane]

Those are probably polybags, as said earlier in this topic.

30230 is most likely a polybag but the rest follow suit with the numbering from the first wave, so I have a feeling they're a second wave of boxed sets.

[DraikNova]

If they are (which I hope) do you think they'll introduce new color squads?

[MannyLego]

If they are (which I hope) do you think they'll introduce new color squads?

They might but i think it would be better if they just sticked to these four as some only have one set for them. Id rather see more from the green and red squads as the red squad is underused and i like the green squads color sceme the most and is my favorite of the sets.

[Dane]

After seeing the pictures I really like this theme...

It has a nice color scheme and it looks like all the Galaxy squad vehicles all has some kind of transforming ability.

My favorite based on these images is the main ship 70705 set. Super and nice looking ship (I don't think I have seen so much firepower on a LEGO spaceship since the space police III main cruiser) and a nice transform into smaller also nice looking fighter + wheel based vehicle.

[Kalhiki]

Interested in a couple of these. I like the white tank with the mech escpecially. More I look at the mech, the cooler it looks.

Kalhiki

[Algernon]

FINALLY have a chance to comment on these! I saw the pictures last night but I've been too busy to pound out any legitimate thoughts. *cracks knuckles*

Swarm Interceptor - Just lovely! I'm sure this will be a popular set due to the low price point and appealing design. I'm loving amount of detail on the interceptor - it doesn't appear to have taken any hits in the design department for whatever transforming feature it seems to have (not terribly clear from the photo). Color scheme is nice, and both minfigs are pretty good (I love the head print on the pilot). I notice that the cockpit seems to rotate independently from the body - that's a novel idea. This set is great, and I have no doubt that I'll be getting it.

Space Swarmer - I think this set pairs nicely with the Interceptor since they seem to have a similar price point and similar vehicular roles. Again, I just adore the blue android this set includes - that head piece is marvelous. The Swarmer itself is just as good, the compact design serves it quite well. Plus printed parts ( !!) are included! Absolutely too good to pass up.

Warp Stinger - Easily my favorite of the Insectoid sets, and I imagine many people will agree. The design reminds me heavily of oldschool Space Invaders style enemies, which is a good thing. Love the structure of the insectoid face, and trans-green wing pieces. Very eye-catching, and I'm loving it. The unique android it includes is almost enough of a reason to get it alone! Check out those trans-lightblue blades!! Another buy for me.

Star Slicer - Obviously the weakest set in the theme. The spindley, skeletal design reminds me unpleasantly of Exo-Force (god I hated that theme. It was like a crappy NinjaGo with some subtle racism). I actually don't recall hearing this set's name in any of the descriptions we found - maybe I'm just forgetful? In any case, this set is alright. I do like the human vehicle, although I wish it had a unique color scheme (the light blue/white is rather dull imo). I don't fully understand the purpose of the pod thing. How do the Squaddies get trapped in that? Do they trip into it?

Vermin Vaporizer - PRAISE JEBUS! This set is awesome! I really had no idea what to expect with this one, but it actually might be my absolute favorite from what we've seen. I just love the heavy-duty, compact design of the armored laboratory, and the mech is extremely solid. Even the alien ship is nice enough. I like the android as well, although not as much as the blue one included with the Space Swarmer. I'm in love with this set already, absolutely marvelous. :thumbup:

Bug Oblitorator - I'll echo what everyone else has said about this set and say that it's decent without being mind-blowing. I think a lot of us are feeling let down by the ship's size, if nothing else - I was hoping for a gigantic dropship or a capital ship of some kind. However, if you get past the concept of a capital ship, it's really quite well designed. I love the angles they used on the wings, and even if it is a little over-weaponized, the weapons are well implemented. If some reviews cast it in a positive light, I might be persuaded into picking this up, although for now it's near the bottom of my list.

This theme is brilliant to me so far. Unique, collectable androids? Sleek spaceship designs? A return to true Space (well, almost)? Please and thank you. I am definitely on board with this!

I really hope they're out for Christmas. I just might buy them all.

Edited November 21, 2012 by Algernon

[DraikNova]

For me, the (only) redeeming part about the Star Slicer (Space Mantis) are those green blades it uses as arms. That perfectly catches the idea of a Mantis for me. That being said, my top three is:

1. Vermin Vaporizer

2. Warp Stinger.

3. Bug Obliterator

Edited November 21, 2012 by DraikNova