LEGO Castle 2013

[Faefrost]

Unless you count the sword, which was previously only included in some but not all Kingdoms Chess sets. Admittedly it doesn't give much clues about the upcoming theme, but nevertheless it will probably be used instead of the old short sword or the longsword from LotR/Hobbit and some other CMFs.

I suspect that the new sword was more to replace an old mold that was wearing out, than a specifically newly designed part. The only thing that we can glean from that new sword is that the old sword mold was felt to be worth the costs of replacing. Which is a clear sign that they do plan to be keeping Castle as an active and ongoing theme. They probably would not have replaced the mold just for the Chess set.

[Graysmith]

I suspect that the new sword was more to replace an old mold that was wearing out, than a specifically newly designed part. The only thing that we can glean from that new sword is that the old sword mold was felt to be worth the costs of replacing. Which is a clear sign that they do plan to be keeping Castle as an active and ongoing theme. They probably would not have replaced the mold just for the Chess set.

The brand new Ninjago set 70505 Temple of Light includes an old-style Castle sword though, so it doesn't seem like it has been discontinued. I'd be more inclined to say that the new sword was made specifically for the upcoming CMF Heroic Knight but somehow ended up in some chess sets. It has certainly been known to happen that alternate pieces (of equal functionality) have been included in sets, though I can't say why LEGO does that.. But I've got a few sets where that's happened anyway.

[Lyichir]

The brand new Ninjago set 70505 Temple of Light includes an old-style Castle sword though, so it doesn't seem like it has been discontinued. I'd be more inclined to say that the new sword was made specifically for the upcoming CMF Heroic Knight but somehow ended up in some chess sets. It has certainly been known to happen that alternate pieces (of equal functionality) have been included in sets, though I can't say why LEGO does that.. But I've got a few sets where that's happened anyway.

Actually, since the Temple of Light hasn't been seen "in the brick" as far as we know, it's entirely possible that the old-style sword is in fact being replaced, and the set images simply use the old one by mistake. It wouldn't be the first time such a thing has happened--I believe the Batman sets used the old cowl in images of sets that ended up using the new version, for instance.

Edited December 19, 2012 by Lyichir

[Faefrost]

The brand new Ninjago set 70505 Temple of Light includes an old-style Castle sword though, so it doesn't seem like it has been discontinued. I'd be more inclined to say that the new sword was made specifically for the upcoming CMF Heroic Knight but somehow ended up in some chess sets. It has certainly been known to happen that alternate pieces (of equal functionality) have been included in sets, though I can't say why LEGO does that.. But I've got a few sets where that's happened anyway.

Just because they made anew mold doesn't necesarily mean they have gone through their stock of old parts yet. For something like the sword part we may be seeing old ones show up for awhile. It just depends what bin a set is being assembled from.

[Aanchir]

No. That first Alien wasn't an Alien Conquest one. It was a leftover design from Space Police III. One of Squidman's race. He is just often thought of as part of AC because he has some similar coloring. (Green Head, Purple markings). AC used the new Helmets first seen in the Series 1 spaceman, but other themes also used those, such as World Racers.

I've never seen any compelling evidence that the series 3 alien was connected to SP3 either. It reused a single SP3 mold, but the head had a different aesthetic entirely than Squidman and Squidtron (solid black eyes with white highlights, like human minifigures, rather than colored eyes with black pupils, and ridges instead of spots/rings on top of the head). The torso also seemed like it came from a retro "raygun future" rather than having the more grounded design of SP3 clothing (which was typically based on modern clothing, especially that associated with criminal subcultures).

As far as factions... Shush. No really tread very very carefully when asking for new different and greater variety in Castle factions. Two words... Galaxy Squad. Given their success with multi colored Sentai team type themes. With specific colored named main characters, we do not want to inadvertently make Lego think we want a return of Knights Kingdom II and the Jellybean Knights. Kingdoms Lions vs Dragoons much much > Jellybeans.

I don't think we can expect anything of the sort, since it sounds like this theme will aim for a classic direction. Though personally I loved the jellybean knights, I think that Chima and Ninjago have it covered when it comes to fantasy themes in invented worlds. If this theme started bringing in too many non-traditional fantasy elements it'd risk stepping on Chima's toes, and TLG wouldn't do that with a brand-new theme they have high hopes for.

[General Magma]

The first pictures of LEGO Castle 2013 have hit the surface.

http://www.flickr.co.../in/photostream

[Jedi master Brick]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37049087@N02/8311551525/in/photostream. First pictures of the new theme. The style of the buildings is like the multi coloured knights's kingdoms.

[just2good]

I was not expecting that. They actually brought back an old theme. It's not even a remake! The old logo is there, and the knights are crownies! AWESOME!

[Etzel]

http://www.flickr.co...ostream.��First pictures of the new theme. The style of the buildings is like the multi coloured knights's kingdoms.

They still look very preliminary to me so it's hard to judge anything.

It looks like a standard castle theme, just like Kingdoms. A large castle for the good guys, some smaller base for the baddies, small defensive structure with siege weapon attacking, horse-pulled cart, minor dual set.

I'm mostly interested to see how the minifigs will look and if there are any new cool accessories.

[Brickington]

Does anyone notice that it is not a return of the crown? I believe the logo has this, not crown:

[Flea]

these look horrible :/

kinda dissapointed :(

[Faefrost]

Am I wrong in thinking this might be a whole new faction? I couldn't make out any real details, but the shield didn't really look like anything we have seen before?

[just2good]

Does anyone notice that it is not a return of the crown? I believe the logo has this, not crown:

Oh shoot, you might be right.

[Haltiamieli]

Does anyone notice that it is not a return of the crown? I believe the logo has this, not crown

Looks awfully like it, but hopefully it's something different. That's possibly the worst logo of any Castle faction ever. Otherwise the sets look quite standard. Still nice to have, though that shield would be a serious let down.

[gundamz]

Well, these are preliminary, so they might change.

I like the fact that it appears that both the good guys and the bad guys are people (the King's Castle set seems to come with at least one evil knight). Some of the past few castle themes were more fantasy oriented (one had trolls and one had skeletons, if I remember correctly). Having missed out on previous LEGO castle themes, I am very excited to see the new castle sets.

[CMP]

Gah, they brought back those ridiculous clunky wheels and the single piece catapults.

But if these are indeed the Bull Knights they're fighting....I may have to consider getting at least one.

I can hardly make out anything about the figures, though. The builds remind me of old sets built with the 2006 Fantasy Era style, which I guess isn't so bad.

Edited December 27, 2012 by CallMePie

[frumpy]

Another castle refresh so back to the standard/basic sets again.

I prefer once a theme is established so you get more unique sets (mill raid and the like). Shame that it signifies the end of the kingdoms line.

[Artifex]

Wow, what a big -- no, what a HUGE letdown. Those sets look awful. Awful. As simple as that. Look at those designs. Blocky and ugly. They look much more like a bunch of left over spare bricks thrown together than something someone actually designed. After the beautiful Kingdoms sets, and the Lord of the Rings ones, this new Castle line is just outrageous.

Bah, I was doing so much math to save money to get the new Castle sets next year, but now... On to more LotR.

Sorry, guys, but I do feel enraged right now.

[Crownie]

Exciting! I see rearing horses with barding and helmets....and the revised Dragon looks pretty cool from what I can tell. I'm surprised they went in a fantasy direction with LOTR and The Hobbit currently running.

Oddly, I'm not sure I like the design direction the large Castle is heading in, however. It does remind me a bit of Knight's Kingdom. I'm going to try not to form much of an opinion yet; we'll get a much better series of pics come Toy Fair, I imagine. I'm definitely excited for the return of castle, whatever the form!

[Haltiamieli]

It seems they are aiming the new theme for somewhat younger audience than last Castle themes. LotR is obviously taking the attention of the oldest fan base. For example the King's Castle is marked for ages 6-12, when Kingdoms Castle (7946) was for 7-14 and Fantasy Era King's Castle for 7-12. Not a big difference, but it's there. And judging by the preliminary pics, it shows in the design choices.

[Darth Lurtz]

Perhaps this is a sign that lego will split the themes like they did with Superheroes. Castle will appeal to the younger demographic while LOTR will be for the older ones.

[Artifex]

It seems they are aiming the new theme for somewhat younger audience than last Castle themes. LotR is obviously taking the attention of the oldest fan base. For example the King's Castle is marked for ages 6-12, when Kingdoms Castle (7946) was for 7-14 and Fantasy Era King's Castle for 7-12. Not a big difference, but it's there. And judging by the preliminary pics, it shows in the design choices.

Perhaps this is a sign that lego will split the themes like they did with Superheroes. Castle will appeal to the younger demographic while LOTR will be for the older ones.

And what do you say of Kingdoms, that appealed to both younger and older fans?

These new sets look much more like DUPLO than Lego.

[Crownie]

These new sets look much more like DUPLO than Lego.

I did kind of get the DUPLO vibe, myself.

However, I see a lot of great pieces and ideas being used so I'm still looking forward to purchasing the line. I've got to support LEGO castle any way that I can, and prevent it from going the way of LEGO pirates...

[Durins Bane]

From what I can see theses look absolutely awful . dammmint man.

[SirBlake]

It's tough to tell what's going on there with that low resolution, but first impression isn't too good. I'll reserve judgement for better pics, but my initial optimism is waning.