LEGO LotR - general discussion

[naf]

Lego seems to have done second wave more as typical 'Castle Theme' wave with Black Wall as bad guy 'castle,' pirate ship (remember Troll ship?) Maybe Lego does see Minith Tirith as a boring white wall repeat of Helms Deep that wouldn't appeal to retailers, and harder to do at a good pricepoint.

Looking at the newest Hobbit wave, Lego is definitely not afraid of producing boring walls

I think they are looking at it like they'd look at a typical Castle theme. They already have the big castle with Helm's Deep, so a Gondor "castle" would be redundant in their eyes. I don't know who really gets the final say, Lego or the studio, but this seems like typical Lego decision making to me. They can still do Gondor without a castle, they could do the courtyard with the white tree, among many other scenes without a full blown castle.

[Darth Punk]

Looking at the newest Hobbit wave, Lego is definitely not afraid of producing boring walls

I think they are looking at it like they'd look at a typical Castle theme. They already have the big castle with Helm's Deep, so a Gondor "castle" would be redundant in their eyes. I don't know who really gets the final say, Lego or the studio, but this seems like typical Lego decision making to me. They can still do Gondor without a castle, they could do the courtyard with the white tree, among many other scenes without a full blown castle.

I think if they do Minith Tirith it's just going to be the courtyard. Maybe of the crowning of Aragorn. Maybe.

A Pelennor fields set seems more likely. And frankly more interesting.

[Robert_88]

Osgiliath would be a great set for a small wave. They could include a lor of characters and the ruins offer a lot of play features.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Robert_88

[Deathleech]

I think if they do Minith Tirith it's just going to be the courtyard. Maybe of the crowning of Aragorn. Maybe.

A Pelennor fields set seems more likely. And frankly more interesting.

Ya, the only problem with the courtyard scene is there isn't a lot of action that happens up there. What is Lego going to base the set on, Denethor trying to burn his son Faramir alive? Denethor throwing himself off the top level of the city? I am sure those would be a big hit with kids and parents

I guess Lego could do the lighting of the beacon for play features, idk. The only exclusive minifigures a set like that would offer are the Citadel Guard, Faramir, Denethor, and Pippin in Gondor attire. While not a bad selection by any means, I dunno if it's enough to sell a fairly expensive set alone. Minas Tirith gates aren't near as interesting in terms of build, but you can get so many great minifigures and action features from a set based there. Eowyn, Gothmog, Witch King, Rohan Merry, Faramir, Gondor Soldiers and newly armored Mordor Orcs. A Fel Beast and mountain troll would also be possible. The only problem is it would be yet another wall and gate. Osgiliath might just be the best option.

[greenalfonzo]

Ya, the only problem with the courtyard scene is there isn't a lot of action that happens up there. What is Lego going to base the set on, Denethor trying to burn his son Faramir alive? Denethor throwing himself off the top level of the city? I am sure those would be a big hit with kids and parents

I guess Lego could do the lighting of the beacon for play features, idk. The only exclusive minifigures a set like that would offer are the Citadel Guard, Faramir, Denethor, and Pippin in Gondor attire. While not a bad selection by any means, I dunno if it's enough to sell a fairly expensive set alone. Minas Tirith gates aren't near as interesting in terms of build, but you can get so many great minifigures and action features from a set based there. Eowyn, Gothmog, Witch King, Rohan Merry, Faramir, Gondor Soldiers and newly armored Mordor Orcs. A Fel Beast and mountain troll would also be possible. The only problem is it would be yet another wall and gate. Osgiliath might just be the best option.

From one perspective, the situation is kinda like the Death Star in SW. You got the assault on Death Star I, and then the repeat in an even bigger assault on Death Star II. Lego could just combine them both in one big set since they look the same. In LOTR, you got the assault on Helm's Deep in Siege I, then the repeat in an even bigger assault on Minas Tirith in Siege II. Once you're looking at Pellenor Fields/Minas Tirith battle, you're thinking Mumakils, siege towers, the giant battering ram, trolls, etc., plus a really distinctive huge city-fortress. That's a ton of $$$.

But Osgiliath gives you all the main characters you need from Pellenor/Minas Tirith except Eowyn & Rohan Merry, which have been pointed out are basically just a headswap away once lego makes a Gondor soldier. I guess specific Eowyn face and hair would be nice. Really, lego could take care of the Gondor essentials with either

1) a $60 full Osgiliath scene featuring WK & fell beast, Gothmog, orc, Faramir & Gondor soldiers x2, or

2)Two cheaper sets: $30 Uruk Army-style with Osgiliath ruin featuring Faramir Ranger, Gondor soldiers x2, Gothmog, and Orcs x2, plus a second $15/20 Eowyn, Merry, WK & fell beast set.

Either of these deals seems extremely realistic and very appealing for a post-Hobbit LOTR wave.

[Deathleech]

2)Two cheaper sets: $30 Uruk Army-style with Osgiliath ruin featuring Faramir Ranger, Gondor soldiers x2, Gothmog, and Orcs x2, plus a second $15/20 Eowyn, Merry, WK & fell beast set.

Either of these deals seems extremely realistic and very appealing for a post-Hobbit LOTR wave.

I think the Fel Beast and Witch King set would have to be significantly more expensive, unless the Fel Beast is all brick built. Lego would need to do a fairly large mold for it and then do some sort of building component to keep with their license. I would guess it would be in the range of $40-60. What could the brick built piece be though besides a Minas Tirith wall/gate? The problem is Eowyn, she only faces the Witch King on Pelennor Fields in front of Minas Tirith. The Witch King could be thrown in pretty much any Minas Tirith or Osgiliath set since he is seen flying around all over.

[greenalfonzo]

I think the Fel Beast and Witch King set would have to be significantly more expensive, unless the Fel Beast is all brick built. Lego would need to do a fairly large mold for it and then do some sort of building component to keep with their license. I would guess it would be in the range of $40-60. What could the brick built piece be though besides a Minas Tirith wall/gate? The problem is Eowyn, she only faces the Witch King on Pelennor Fields in front of Minas Tirith. The Witch King could be thrown in pretty much any Minas Tirith or Osgiliath set since he is seen flying around all over.

My price for a cheap fell beast set was based on the Dragon Mountain set being $50, and including 5 figs, a pretty substantial building & large catapult, and a dragon that is much larger (and has more limbs) than a fell beast. So 3 figs & a much smaller (maybe half the size) beast seems on the edge of doable. Of course, what lego could do with existing molds & bricks for the fell beast would make a big difference. I'm guessing it would at least require a new head mold to go with the new WK helmet mold.

But if you're talking $40-$60, then I think you'd definitely see a copy of the Dragon Mountain setup.

[naf]

Ya, the only problem with the courtyard scene is there isn't a lot of action that happens up there. What is Lego going to base the set on, Denethor trying to burn his son Faramir alive? Denethor throwing himself off the top level of the city? I am sure those would be a big hit with kids and parents

I was thinking more about the crowning of Aragorn. Of course, there is a distinct lack of flick fire missiles in that scene, so it probably won't be made!

I think the Fel Beast and Witch King set would have to be significantly more expensive, unless the Fel Beast is all brick built. Lego would need to do a fairly large mold for it and then do some sort of building component to keep with their license. I would guess it would be in the range of $40-60. What could the brick built piece be though besides a Minas Tirith wall/gate? The problem is Eowyn, she only faces the Witch King on Pelennor Fields in front of Minas Tirith. The Witch King could be thrown in pretty much any Minas Tirith or Osgiliath set since he is seen flying around all over.

I hope the fell beast is brick built, I think the large molded dragons look a bit too cartoonish for the LotR line. There have been several brick built fell beast MOCs and they all look fantastic.

[Darth Punk]

I was thinking more about the crowning of Aragorn. Of course, there is a distinct lack of flick fire missiles in that scene, so it probably won't be made!

I hope the fell beast is brick built, I think the large molded dragons look a bit too cartoonish for the LotR line. There have been several brick built fell beast MOCs and they all look fantastic.

I am thinking no Minith Tirith either. Though maybe the missiles could attach to Denethor. Blast off!

Osgiliath sounds more likely to me as well. But more ruins doesn't really excite me.

Really the only things I care about getting is the witch king with the fel beast,Eowyn, maybe Gothmog and a mumakil.

The rest is gravy and frankly at this point Ill be happy to get anything.

[Deathleech]

My price for a cheap fell beast set was based on the Dragon Mountain set being $50, and including 5 figs, a pretty substantial building & large catapult, and a dragon that is much larger (and has more limbs) than a fell beast. So 3 figs & a much smaller (maybe half the size) beast seems on the edge of doable. Of course, what lego could do with existing molds & bricks for the fell beast would make a big difference. I'm guessing it would at least require a new head mold to go with the new WK helmet mold.

I was comparing things to the Shelob Attacks set. That set is $20 for 3 minifigures, a super tiny cave build, and Shelob who is all brick built. The obvious difference between that set and a Fel Beast one would be the large molded creature and the need for some other brick built component. I'm guessing if the Fel Beast was molded that would be at least $8-10 considering the Dragon Mountain set is $50 with 376 pieces while other $50 sets are usually in the 400-500 piece range (if they don't have any large molded pieces themselves like horses or wargs). So you figure a molded Fel Beast and 3 minifigures puts the set at around $17 minimum and that's without any substantial building aspect. Add in another $5-10 for that minimum and you are looking at a $25-30 set. I'm not sure what Lego could include as the building in a set that small really. Of course if the Fel Beast was brick built that would totally change things and the set could easily be $20 because it wouldn't have a large mold nor need a separate building besides the brick Fel Beast.

[Faefrost]

Ya, the only problem with the courtyard scene is there isn't a lot of action that happens up there. What is Lego going to base the set on, Denethor trying to burn his son Faramir alive? Denethor throwing himself off the top level of the city? I am sure those would be a big hit with kids and parents

But at least they would finally be able to put one of their ever present "Gimli Launchers" to good use. Place the flaming Denethor on the launcher and FLING!

[Alcarin]

I was comparing things to the Shelob Attacks set. That set is $20 for 3 minifigures, a super tiny cave build, and Shelob who is all brick built. The obvious difference between that set and a Fel Beast one would be the large molded creature and the need for some other brick built component. I'm guessing if the Fel Beast was molded that would be at least $8-10 considering the Dragon Mountain set is $50 with 376 pieces while other $50 sets are usually in the 400-500 piece range (if they don't have any large molded pieces themselves like horses or wargs). So you figure a molded Fel Beast and 3 minifigures puts the set at around $17 minimum and that's without any substantial building aspect. Add in another $5-10 for that minimum and you are looking at a $25-30 set. I'm not sure what Lego could include as the building in a set that small really. Of course if the Fel Beast was brick built that would totally change things and the set could easily be $20 because it wouldn't have a large mold nor need a separate building besides the brick Fel Beast.

No way they can make decent Witch King Showdown without atleast 40$ set.....

You need:

Witch King

Fell Beast

Theoden

Snowmane(YES)

Eowyn

Merry

thats 4 figs and 2 ''animals'' Thats never a 30$ set to me....

Balrog can be a 30$ set with Gandalf and maybe a Moria Orc or Boromir/Frodo in it....

[Deathleech]

They could potential do it as long as the Fel Beast is brick built and the main build in the set. I wouldn't consider Shadowmane or Theoden essential, just Eowyn, Merry, and the Witch King. That's 3 minifigures and would fit the $20 price point. Of course if it's a molded Fel Beast that's gonna drive the price up for the mold alone PLUS you need a substantial brick built component. I can't see them doing a Fel Beast set for under $50-60 since if they go that route since the only structure they could build would have to be something from Minas Tirith.

[Alcarin]

They could potential do it as long as the Fel Beast is brick built and the main build in the set. I wouldn't consider Shadowmane or Theoden essential, just Eowyn, Merry, and the Witch King. That's 3 minifigures and would fit the $20 price point. Of course if it's a molded Fel Beast that's gonna drive the price up for the mold alone PLUS you need a substantial brick built component. I can't see them doing a Fel Beast set for under $50-60 since if they go that route since the only structure they could build would have to be something from Minas Tirith.

Theoden and Snowmane just should be in the set.... since thats why Eowyn even stood against Witch king... they are the main point of the confrontation between the Witch King and Eowyn/Merry

And they can always do a brickbuilt DEAD Olifont that nearly killed Merry.

Much better than a piece of Minas Tirith.

[Ardelon]

Lego seems to have done second wave more as typical 'Castle Theme' wave with Black Wall as bad guy 'castle,' pirate ship (remember Troll ship?) Maybe Lego does see Minith Tirith as a boring white wall repeat of Helms Deep that wouldn't appeal to retailers, and harder to do at a good pricepoint. But that is not an excuse why they didn't do Gondor at all, as they could still do what most people seem to be missing in Gondor soldier/Faramir in an Uruk Army-type set, or with Witch King/Fell Beast in a larger set, as has been pointed out that Lego already has the perfect solution for Gondor on the shelves under generic Castle line: Osgiliath ruin, landing barge, Witch King on Fell Beast, 2x Orc, 2x Gondor soldier, Faramir in Ranger gear. $60. (Dragon Mountain is $50.) Yeah, it would be missing Frodo to complete the scene, but I don't think anyone would mind.

http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-15840207dt.jpg

...

I like that idea, though I would prefer the Witch-King and fell beast in a separate set with Eowyn and Merry. This would allow the Osgiliath set to be more of an army builder. If we don't get the Eowyn set, though, this does sound like an optimal way to get the rest of the figs we're missing

Theoden and Snowmane just should be in the set.... since thats why Eowyn even stood against Witch king... they are the main point of the confrontation between the Witch King and Eowyn/Merry

And they can always do a brickbuilt DEAD Olifont that nearly killed Merry.

Much better than a piece of Minas Tirith.

Nope, the main point of the confrontation was to have two "non-men" kill the Witch-King. Theoden and Snowmane are ther just to get themselves killed. Not sure if TLG want this immortalized in a set. Not that I would complain if we really got them, though...

[zylek]

I'm fine with Theoden not being in that set, he had the same armor as Helms Deep and "Silver" from the Lone Ranger sets makes an adequate Snowmane. But I'll admit that a white horse with printed armor would be nicer.

[Darth Caedus]

Theoden and Snowmane just should be in the set.... since thats why Eowyn even stood against Witch king... they are the main point of the confrontation between the Witch King and Eowyn/Merry

And they can always do a brickbuilt DEAD Olifont that nearly killed Merry.

Much better than a piece of Minas Tirith.

Alcarin, it's better if we don't get Theoden and Snowmane in the set because it would keep the price as low as possible, which would make it easier to armybuild Fell-beasts.

In fact, a Witch-King showdown is an inadvertent armybuilder anyways. If the Witchking had removable shoulder armor, you could get more Nazgul + Fellbeasts simply by swapping in a normal black hood for the WK's molded helm/hood.

Eowyn, depending on her helmet mold and torso print, could easily be headswapped to bolster Rohirric ranks.

Merry's Rohan armor is pretty generic too, swap out his head and put in tall legs and you have another Rohan warrior.

[lord raphael]

Lego really needs to make a balrog.A good idea for a future set is the bridge with two goblin archers Gandalf the balrog and two members of the fellowship. Probaly legolas and bormier.As bormier has appeared only one set so far so it wouuld be good for him to appear in another.

[atreyu2112]

Lego really needs to make a balrog.A good idea for a future set is the bridge with two goblin archers Gandalf the balrog and two members of the fellowship. Probaly legolas and bormier.As bormier has appeared only one set so far so it wouuld be good for him to appear in another.

Agreed. Even if it only came with 2 Moria Orcs and Gandalf, and just some of the Moria landscape like this:

Lego could take some serious cues from the Armies of Middle Earth line for inspiration:

Osgiliath ruins with Black Rider & Fell Beast

[Deathleech]

I always welcome important characters appearing in at least two sets, like Theoden and Boromir who were only in a single high priced one each, but I just don't see them as essential. I'd rather see Lego try to keep the set as cheap as possible and plus, like Darth Caedus points out it would be super easy to BL a black hood and some different heads or helms and make all the characters in the Fel Beast set soldiers.

[Alcarin]

Alcarin, it's better if we don't get Theoden and Snowmane in the set because it would keep the price as low as possible, which would make it easier to armybuild Fell-beasts.

In fact, a Witch-King showdown is an inadvertent armybuilder anyways. If the Witchking had removable shoulder armor, you could get more Nazgul + Fellbeasts simply by swapping in a normal black hood for the WK's molded helm/hood.

Eowyn, depending on her helmet mold and torso print, could easily be headswapped to bolster Rohirric ranks.

Merry's Rohan armor is pretty generic too, swap out his head and put in tall legs and you have another Rohan warrior.

And where will you use your armybuilt nazguls if there is no Minas Tirith?

Its like you would want to armybuild Uruk-hai without a set helm's Deep.... no need and uselesss.... granted you can still do it for fun but since I dont MOC I see no reason to armybuild something that can be fit nowhere :)

[Durins Bane]

And where will you use your armybuilt nazguls if there is no Minas Tirith?

Its like you would want to armybuild Uruk-hai without a set helm's Deep.... no need and uselesss.... granted you can still do it for fun but since I dont MOC I see no reason to armybuild something that can be fit nowhere :)

I army build and i never got helms deep, however i did moc one.

[Mr. Cube]

Alcarin: Well, I´m building Uruk-hai army, but I still don´t have that set.

[Robert_88]

Minifigs and creatures are more important than the buildings because it's easier to MOC your own e.g. Minas Tirith set than the Witch King or Fell Beast.

Edited January 27, 2014 by Robert_88

[Alcarin]

Minifigs and creatures are more important than the buildings because it's easier to MOC your own e.g. Minas Tirith set than the Witch King or Fell Beast.

That really depends..... it costs alot less to MOC Fell Beast than minas Tirith.... because a proper Minas Tirith will use 100k pieces if not more.... a proper feel beast will use probably around 150 tops. so whats easier?