Legends of Chima 2013 (Action Figures)

[Aanchir]

So, anybody else think we might see Ninjago Constraction figures when it comes back next year?

I doubt it myself. First of all, it's generally a bit harder to manage human constraction figures than more animal-like or alien figures, because the "uncanny valley" effect starts to rear its head. The Super Heroes constraction sets attempted this in some cases, but many of the attempts were not well-received.

Additionally, ninja garb of any kind seems like it'd be a real challenge to pull off with this type of build. Constraction designs are well-suited to armor or to a stylized musculature, less so to less form-fitting attire.

[CM4Sci]

Watching a TBS Eris review (I know...) and Jason mentioned in the Gorzan set, the printing on the breastplate is actually a sticker. Kind of meh.

-Sci

Edited May 10, 2013 by CM4S

[Zachattacx]

Well they could possibly make bigger versions of those robots in Zane eyes on the poster.

[pocketmego]

I doubt it myself. First of all, it's generally a bit harder to manage human constraction figures than more animal-like or alien figures, because the "uncanny valley" effect starts to rear its head. The Super Heroes constraction sets attempted this in some cases, but many of the attempts were not well-received.

Additionally, ninja garb of any kind seems like it'd be a real challenge to pull off with this type of build. Constraction designs are well-suited to armor or to a stylized musculature, less so to less form-fitting attire.

And while I agree with you, I look at Breakout Stringer and think... Ninjago ZX armor. Or something like Mia's Samurai armor (the armor, not the mech). The skeletons would look awesome, the Snakes would be interesting, and Lord Carmaddon with removable limbs would be something that could work.

[Aanchir]

Watching a TBS Eris review (I know...) and Jason mentioned the Gorzan set, the breastplate piece, was a sticker. Kinda sucks.

-Sci

I don't really think that's a bad thing. For one thing, it means you can leave the sticker off if you just want a gold chest piece for MOCing. It's also an easy piece to apply a sticker to (broad, flat surface with well-defined edges).

Though lately that chest piece has been bothering me for other reasons. Simply put, the two "fins" coming off the sides (which I suppose are intended to represent muscles connecting the chest to the shoulders) severely hamper posability on a model with a torso build like Gorzan's, or really any model with the shoulder joints closer together than 13 modules. If these had been left off the part's design it would have been much easier to use for models, but as-is, it is hardly sufficient even for a figure with an exaggerated physique.

Still want to someday try making a car or truck in the HF building system using that chest piece as a hood, though.

[DraikNova]

And while I agree with you, I look at Breakout Stringer and think... Ninjago ZX armor. Or something like Mia's Samurai armor (the armor, not the mech). The skeletons would look awesome, the Snakes would be interesting, and Lord Carmaddon with removable limbs would be something that could work.

BTW, the names are Nya and Garmadon. And I've got to disagree with you there. What would be the point of making old characters (Snakes were 2012, and LEGO generally insists on making only the new characters) if you don't make the main characters?

Edited May 10, 2013 by DraikNova

[Aanchir]

S

BTW, the names are Nya and Garmadon. And I've got to disagree with you there. What would be the point of making old characters (Snakes were 2012, and LEGO generally insists on making only the new characters) if you don't make the main characters?

I think his point was that because previous characters could be made using Hero Factory parts, chances are new characters could be designed similarly. With that said, I still feel like it'd be harder to translate Ninjago into this building system than Chima or even Super Heroes.

[pocketmego]

S

BTW, the names are Nya and Garmadon. And I've got to disagree with you there. What would be the point of making old characters (Snakes were 2012, and LEGO generally insists on making only the new characters) if you don't make the main characters?

My spelling is atrocious. I was just citing examples. They would certain make modern interpretations of any and all characters.

[CM4Sci]

Spotted them all but Gorzan at a local TRU in southern MN.

-Sci

[DraikNova]

All of them are available in German LEGO stores, by the way.

[xxlrocka]

LEGOJang's got all 6 reviews up, if you wanna know. He's also working on combiners.

[KazeMonsuta]

Does anyone have Cragger or the raven?

I would like to know if the silver spikes are the same as the ones in the Fangblades of 2012's Ninjago sets.

Having the silver teeth would enable me to build the Fangblades out of spare parts than buying Ninjago sets just to get the Fangblades.

Edited May 17, 2013 by KazeMonsuta

[Aanchir]

Does anyone have Cragger or the raven?

I would like to know if the silver spikes are the same as the ones in the Fangblades of 2012's Ninjago sets.

Having the silver teeth would enable me to build the Fangblades out of spare parts than buying Ninjago sets just to get the Fangblades.

I can pretty much assure you they're the same — the silver color has not changed, nor has the mold been retooled as far as I know.

[SpiderSpaceman]

Spotted them all but Gorzan at a local TRU in southern MN.

-Sci

TRU by New Orleans has all but Razar. I purchased worriz and cragger since they were the two that TRU has at MSRP, but then I was so geekily pleased with them that I went back for gorzan and eris.

[pocketmego]

TRU by New Orleans has all but Razar. I purchased worriz and cragger since they were the two that TRU has at MSRP, but then I was so geekily pleased with them that I went back for gorzan and eris.

Interesting, that's the case on the West bank too, Spider. Spot any wave 2 brain Attack out that way?

[Aethersprite]

After watching Jang's review of Cragger, I think I'm going to swap out his body skeleton piece for the shorter version. Hopefully it'll solve the problem of the long neck and the gaps along the neck area.

[KazeMonsuta]

I can pretty much assure you they're the same — the silver color has not changed, nor has the mold been retooled as far as I know.

Great, thank you!

Then it is only a decision between crocodile and raven.

I tend more towards the raven, because of the more closed design. Cragger seems to have a big hohle in his neck that does not look that good.

[Cahillrebel]

Anyone else wish that there was a new modified paw piece that made the exo force arms/fingers not angled so they look better? The thumbs looks weird with how they are angled. Besides that, everything works.

[pocketmego]

So, I know these just came out. But, any talk of a wave 2? I am not a Chima fan. The show was unwatchable for me when I realized Laval and Kragger's voices made me want to shove screwdrivers in my ears. But, I like the Ultra builds. Who could they even make that wouldn't be a clone figure? Besides the skunk and fox?

[PenPlays]

To be honest. A second wave of Chima seems a bit less likely now due to what appears to be poor sales. We will have to see though. We usually get leaked set names by late August/early September (and prelims between late September and early November!) When that info becomes available, we should know of Chima's fate. I'm not forecasting for it to end though. It might surprise us.

Personally, ignoring the TV show, I'd love to see another wave of sets. I particularly love them all.

Edited May 19, 2013 by Penkid11

[Mesonak]

Well, considering they have numerous other animals from the tribes that they created for the TV show (Bears, Rhinos, and Beavers), as well as the russian preliminary video from a while back that showed the theme is projected to continue for three years, I would assume Chima's not going anywhere. I heavily doubt sales have lived up to Ninjago, but I suspect it's doing well enough to warrant continuing.

[Shakar]

A lack of second wave would make me sad. We definitely need Chi Eglor, and you know why.

[CM4Sci]

A lack of second wave would make me sad. We definitely need Chi Eglor, and you know why.

I do?

I'd love to see a Chi Rogon!

-Sci

[howie28]

Is it the dark blue? I think a Rhogon would look similar to Gorzan. Same stumpy legs and wide chest.

[PenPlays]

Is it the dark blue? I think a Rhogon would look similar to Gorzan. Same stumpy legs and wide chest.

Rhogon would introduce normal Bley armor as opposed to the "shiny" (pardon my lack of knowledge in the colors department) colors featured throughout Hero Factory. However, a shiny Rhogon isn't necessarily a bad Rhogon. I would be afraid to find out what Skinnet and Furty would loo like with Constraction sets.

Edited May 19, 2013 by Penkid11