The position and future of Friends and minidolls in Lego?

[Aanchir]

Actualy it seems like sets depic Friends-girls as 18. Mia is working in bakery all alone, some of them have cars...

And now we get motorcycle in Mia small set!

In America (and I think several other countries) they could do all those things when they're as young as 16.

[Jeff Huntington]

I don't really see the OP's point here.

I love it that the Friends theme is (almost) on scale with the minifigs, giving us lots of great sets not only for a city layout but also for a modular-based layout. Two Corner Bakeries make a wonderful corner bakery modular style when you add some details (and a couple of floors above, which is still in progress...). The City Café likewise.

What I do is I simply ditch the minidolls. No one forces me to display them in my layout and I have plenty of minifigs who can staff the bakery etc.

A kid will probably happily mix minidolls with minifigs – I loved the way tkatt described it, the ewoks partying at Olivia's house. No problems there either.

I find Friends compatible enough with minifig scale themes and do not understand what exactly would be the problem with the minidolls.

This. I've bought all the Friends buildings because with very minor tweaking they fit right into my exisiting town and fill a need that City will never produce. The minidolls I set aside because they don't look the same and I have lots of minifigs to use. The one thing I wish the minidolls had was holes in the back of their legs so they could sit like minifigs do.

[Dorayaki]

This. I've bought all the Friends buildings because with very minor tweaking they fit right into my exisiting town and fill a need that City will never produce. The minidolls I set aside because they don't look the same and I have lots of minifigs to use. The one thing I wish the minidolls had was holes in the back of their legs so they could sit like minifigs do.

Yes, it's consumers' freedom to use minifigures/dolls. They can remove Wyldstyle from Movie sets and put her in Ninjago sets or add more citizens or army builders in playing. However, ruling minidolls out from minifigures is a different story, which is mostly caused by Lego's attitude toward this system. Even though there are some army builders (the generic girls beside the five protagonists) in Friends, it's still awkward to rule Olivia's family from "their" house and put a minifigure family instead.

Minidolls have some defects that don't happen in minifigures, while the old Belville dolls are much more functional. TLC obviously want to put appearances in the first place. My wish is that minidolls have seperate legs so that they can walk more properly.

Edited November 15, 2013 by Dorayaki

[Dorayaki]

aurly gets at the fourth solution: put minidolls in non-Friends sets instead of minifigures. Would AFOLs and EB members buy a Town set, or a space set, or an action theme, if the characters were minidolls (of all genders, with theme-appropriate gear and apparel) and not minifigures?

First of all, I wrote down three solutions but I think all of them can be put into practice. I didn't say only one of them can be chosen.

I'm not sure what your idea is? If the target is girls, there could be some other original minidoll themes that aren't related to modern City (eg, Fantasy Era). But if you're going to replace minifigures for minidolls in old themes, they would hardly appeal the existed consumers or AFOLs who used to buy minifigures.

It sounds like a reverse version of solution 3: making Friends minifigures and "City minidolls". It might help Firends/minidoll lovers who need some firefighter or policeofficer members in a Friends canon, if we don't encourage people to mix up minidolls with minifigures. But I'm not really sure whether the target consumers (younger girls) have enough demands for such kind of minidolls.

Edited November 18, 2013 by Dorayaki

[GregoryBrick]

First of all, I wrote down three solutions but I think all of them can be put into practice. I didn't say only one of them can be chosen.

I'm not sure what your idea is? If the target is girls, there could be some other original minidoll themes that aren't related to modern City (eg, Fantasy Era). But if you're going to replace minifigures for minidolls in old themes, they would hardly appeal the existed consumers or AFOLs who used to buy minifigures.

It sounds like a reverse version of solution 3: making Friends minifigures and "City minidolls". It might help Firends/minidoll lovers who need some firefighter or policeofficer members in a Friends canon, if we don't encourage people to mix up minidolls with minifigures. But I'm not really sure whether the target consumers (younger girls) have enough demands for such kind of minidolls.

I know you didn't say only one could be chosen. I'm also not advocating for the solution I suggested, only saying that it seemed to be similar to your other proposals, and was notable for its omission - whatever AFOLs say about how they like minidolls and so forth, minidolls are still understood to be largely for girls and for only certain types of sets - e.g. Friends not City, otherwise AFOLs wouldn't think twice about a City set or a space set with minidolls in lieu of minifigures. It seems that the presence of minidolls (whatever their gender etc.) signals to AFOLs that the set is a niche, rather than a 'universal', LEGO set. Which is understandable, but shows how minidolls and minifigures are not in an equivalent relationship.

[skcheung]

You know when a theme works when Chinese knock-off's start appearing......link to the clone images....http://www.aliexpres...1373733704.html

I wish to tell you the English-speaking guys:

The Chinese characters on the left red banner mean "Genuine/Copyrighted product".

Hate to be Chinese, cause there are so many shameless Chinese copy cats.

Anyway, I regard myself as a Hongkonger.

[Ophrys]

My little daughters (6 and 8) wanted lego Friends (and they like especially the minidolls, the little animals and the diverse accessories provided by the sets) and I wanted a city made of modular buildings. I'm trying to mix the both worlds with more or less success. For example, I did a full building at the modular scale (32 * 16) with the beauty shop (3187) at the ground floor and the Emma's design studio (3936) at the first floor (Kristell also built a similar Moc). I have also installed the downtown bakery (41006) in the ground floor of the Grand Emporium, and used many furnitures from Friends sets in diverse modular houses. I like the result, my daughters enjoy playing with the mixed MOCs and the buildings can also host standard minifigs. I still have to do photos in order to post my creations. By conciliating my AFOL hobby and interests of my daughters, I justify my (compulsive) Lego shopping, and my wife is less desperate. I therefore hope that the Friends brand will continue to grow. But it would also be nice to have additional male minidolls.

[Dorayaki]

it seemed to be similar to your other proposals, and was notable for its omission - whatever AFOLs say about how they like minidolls and so forth, minidolls are still understood to be largely for girls and for only certain types of sets - e.g. Friends not City, otherwise AFOLs wouldn't think twice about a City set or a space set with minidolls in lieu of minifigures. It seems that the presence of minidolls (whatever their gender etc.) signals to AFOLs that the set is a niche, rather than a 'universal', LEGO set. Which is understandable, but shows how minidolls and minifigures are not in an equivalent relationship.

My previous three solutions focus on how to build a bridge between tradtional themes and Friends, or the market of younger girls. Since minidolls are not well-recognized yet, more themes for minidolls would only be choices for the targeted customers. TLC can introduce new kinds of minidolls that can also interest AFOLs and other consumers at the same time (eg, a cool burly samurai minidoll), though it seems more seperate from the world of minifigures.

Well, we can hardly change the image or fact that minifigures represent "classic" of Lego universe. One thing I have in mind is, it's about not only a new type of figure, but a new theme for System line which represents an independent and specific market need. If TLC or some AFOLs consider that need as a niche rather than a new family member to Lego universe, it's pretty a shame.

[LukeWarmTea]

In America (and I think several other countries) they could do all those things when they're as young as 16.

Yup! In New Zealand you can drive and work at 16. I always imagined them at high school girls, some with after school jobs etc - it's how my kid plays with them!

Thoughts of the limited functionality of the mini-doll, especially with the age range and longevity in mind:

- The connected legs really disappointed me, but when younger kids are playing, either with minifigs or minidolls, I've noticed the characters 'hop' along, so don't need to have split legs. The leg splitting only matters when you want to pose the characters, something we AFOLs, movie makers and older kids tend to do.

- The hand/arm thing is a total pain as well, but it's pretty much the same as above - 5 year old's don't care if they're not holding the steering wheel, if they're in the drivers seat, they are driving. Also, I have numerous handless Lego minifigs from my childhood. In a sense, I'd say the minidolls are more durable because of their simplicity, and far less likely to lose parts.

- The biggest problem I have with them function wise is their inability to sit on studs, or pretty much anything, unless they put their arms at their sides to steady themselves. Total pain!

- Finally, a point to consider is the TLC claim that there are 'thousands' of combination for the minidolls - but that's not totally true. Because of the varying skin tones, darker skinned minidolls are often limited because of the bare armed, short skirted nature of the minidoll outfits. Legs can be found that cover the skin (like the riding jodhpurs and boots), but I don't think there are any tops with long sleeves and gloves which completely hide the skin. I'd love to see more outfits like that!

I'm pretty sure we are agree with OP - minidolls will stick around, especially because TLC says so; but they need to be equated with minifigs somehow. Maybe another girl friendly minidoll range or something?

[badbob001]

I wonder what were the considerations for making the legs a single piece instead of two. Certainly for skirts, it would look weird for it to split in the middle. Dresses, like the ones introduced in the new Disney Princess sets, would need to revert back to being one-piece (I wonder when will the Friends get dresses? High-school prom set?). They could have made skirts and dresses be snap-ons but I guess that may infringe too much into the Polly Pocket territory, not to mention the 'underwear' territory.

[Dorayaki]

Skirts are inevitable for girls' thems, however both minifigures in skirts and minidolls in trousers can't sit on studs. Perhaps it's better than none for them.

Skin color is also a problem for dark skin characters. It happens sometimes in minifigures (licensed characters or robots from the Movie), but their hands and arms can be disassembled, though not in a playable way.

Honestly I wished to see that the bodies of minidolls and minifigures are exchangeable. If they can, it would give a new skirt design for minifigs and we can mix up the two figures more easily. However the minidolls would become flat and fat.

I'm pretty sure we are agree with OP - minidolls will stick around, especially because TLC says so; but they need to be equated with minifigs somehow. Maybe another girl friendly minidoll range or something?

#29~33 is mostly the answer. Friends is still ongoing. New products have shown more diversity than City, but I think it can only make more people / targeted consumers notice that there is a product worth buying, not necessarily means they would regard it as a member of typical "Lego".

Edited November 25, 2013 by Dorayaki

[El Garfio]

When TLC launched Friends I said that it could be the end on LEGO City. Well the end no but it could be the start of a Friendlyzation of city. I was not far of truth.

Now we have seen the City sets, and said more of the same. More than city it has been called route because there is a bunch of vehicles with some minifigs and in some sets you can find a simple building. The only exceptions are the Police and Firemen stations.

If you want some city buildings you have to go mainly to the Creator theme. Well, last year TLG launched the Town Squareand the Museum Break-in. But in Town Square would the crane is dispensable (good for kid playing but to big to include in a city diorama).

Sometimes licenced series include some interesting buildings but the theme that is providing us the most usable buildings is Friends. And TLC is introducing new male minidoll figs and is expanding minidolls universe on the sly with the new Theme of Disney Princesses.

I think that The LEGO Movie is one of the reasons of the delay of the inevitable friendlyzation of city (probably we are going to see soon a CMF serie composed by minidolls).

Edited November 25, 2013 by El Garfio

[Aanchir]

When TLC launched Friends I said that it could be the end on LEGO City. Well the end no but it could be the start of a Friendlyzation of city. I was not far of truth.

Now we have seen the City sets, and said more of the same. More than city it has been called route because there is a bunch of vehicles with some minifigs and in some sets you can find a simple building. The only exceptions are the Police and Firemen stations.

If you want some city buildings you have to go mainly to the Creator theme. Well, last year TLG launched the Town Squareand the Museum Break-in. But in Town Square would the crane is dispensable (good for kid playing but to big to include in a city diorama).

Sometimes licenced series include some interesting buildings but the theme that is providing us the most usable buildings is Friends. And TLC is introducing new male minidoll figs and is expanding minidolls universe on the sly with the new Theme of Disney Princesses.

I think that The LEGO Movie is one of the reasons of the delay of the inevitable friendlyzation of city (probably we are going to see soon a CMF serie composed by minidolls).

I don't see any problem with the crane in Town Square. The scale is quite realistic for that type of crane (much more so than the XXL Mobile Crane from the City theme's debut in 2005).

And in general, I don't think LEGO Friends has had much impact at all on what kind of sets we see in LEGO City. A lot of people thought that it might in its first year when we saw things that echoed previous City sets like a horse trailer, a speedboat, and a camper van/RV. But this year, there's a camper van/RV in the Great Vehicles subtheme, and an even more elaborate one than the last one to appear in LEGO City. Clearly LEGO Friends didn't get in the way of that.

Beyond a handful of vehicle sets, LEGO Friends doesn't seem to be stepping on the toes of LEGO City much at all. The content of LEGO Friends is typically very different than what we were seeing in LEGO City beforehand, so I don't think it's reasonable to assume that LEGO Friends is what's been stopping LEGO City from including useful new buildings.

[El Garfio]

Aanchir: IMHO The crane is not to big for using the Town Square as a playset, but hard to integrate into a ctiy diorama (I think the crane is not able to bend into a track base plate and surely is going to crash with every lodge or awning of the city building).

I read in this forum some comments calling LEGO City LEGO police due to the sets, well there is LEGO police, LEGO Fire brigade, LEGO harbour and LEGO Airport.

LEGO Police: taking off the yearly Police Station, you only get an excuse of buildings as thieves hideouts.

LEGO Fire: Only the several Fire Brigades, last year TLG provided a burning house (a little building, but something that was expected, because since then we have enormous fire trucks for the only propousal of rescue cats on the top of a tree.

LEGO harbour: A very rude male theme, only the Marina set was a flush of fresh air. The beach house of Creator was a good complement.

LEGO airport: full of planes, cargos and vehicles. The airport building is only for air control and check-in.

Last year City museum was small and all was very tight, ideal for robbery scenes, but not for making him a place of the city to visit.

Sometimes TLC provides us some shops like pizza restaurant or the bikes shop of Town Square (both designed in boyish style) the other day in the Friends sets discussion threat we talk about that until Friends arrival there was not bathrooms in buildings (and this is only one of the large list of items that take girls far of classic LEGO themes).

IMHO, TLG is not doing anything to bring Girls closer to LEGO City but in the other way, boys with KFOL sisters are detecting interesting playing scenarios into Friends sets.

About minidolls, well it's a growing trend: Playmobil adopted the "pollypocket" figures this year seeing that LEGO Friends was taking them girly sales, and is updating some male classic figures to minidolls. Mega Bloks launched Barbie sets with Barbie minidolls. The new LEGO Disney Princesses sets with minidolls is a market test for obtaining info about the acceptation of minidolls into new product themes and the first step in the way market is going (realistic body figs).

Even Construblok (the block adventure of Tecnitoys) has realistic minidolls with independent legs and mobile hands (Yes, I know they look like very ugly but it's a proof of that a minidoll with mobile hands, independent legs and 2 studs wide is possible).

Due to it, I think that sooner TLG is going to improve the minidolls giving them more functionality and introducing them into more licenced themes and maybe, if TLG achieves to design a 2 stud wide male minidoll, the heresy is coming, and we are going to start to see minidolls in "far far away" themes.

Edited November 25, 2013 by El Garfio

[finnbricker]

IMHO, TLG is not doing anything to bring Girls closer to LEGO City but in the other way, boys with KFOL sisters are detecting interesting playing scenarios into Friends sets. start to see minidolls in "far far away" themes.

While this might be true, what is the problem here? Why should LEGO try to integrate Friends and City?

I see no problem in modding City or Friends buildings into modulars; similarly, one could easily mod Friends buildings to be part of LEGO city.

[El Garfio]

There is no problem for an AFOL to moc LEGO buildings, but if we talk about KFOLs I think the answer is not the same.

Mattel product lines are highly differentiated by gender and I think that their sales go well. But this is not what parents want for XXI century kids.

A separated LEGO line for girls is a risky strategy because there is not infinite set options. Now, Friends is a new line, but in some years, TLG is going to do the same that they do with long time themes, repeat ideas, restyle sets,...

This year they try Disney Princesses but if there are not more themes with minidolls, TLG can't take a break when the Friends sets suffer a saturation (Like TLG has done to NinjaGo launching Chima).

They had invested a lot of money in LEGO Friends conception and they don't forget Bellville, Paradisa,... failures.

[Sarah]

There is no problem for an AFOL to moc LEGO buildings, but if we talk about KFOLs I think the answer is not the same.

Mattel product lines are highly differentiated by gender and I think that their sales go well. But this is not what parents want for XXI century kids.

A separated LEGO line for girls is a risky strategy because there is not infinite set options. Now, Friends is a new line, but in some years, TLG is going to do the same that they do with long time themes, repeat ideas, restyle sets,...

Of course. Just like they do with City. And Star wars. And Castle. And Space...

EVERY series Lego puts out is risky. There are not infinite set options. Period. But if City can tolerate their interminable Fire and Police repeats, I think Friends can tolerate a few repeats as well (especially of set ideas that have gone out of print but girls may still want for themselves -- do we really think NO girl will want a Laboratory set now that Olivia's Workshop has gone out of stock?)

[LukeWarmTea]

Of course. Just like they do with City. And Star wars. And Castle. And Space...

EVERY series Lego puts out is risky. There are not infinite set options. Period. But if City can tolerate their interminable Fire and Police repeats, I think Friends can tolerate a few repeats as well (especially of set ideas that have gone out of print but girls may still want for themselves -- do we really think NO girl will want a Laboratory set now that Olivia's Workshop has gone out of stock?)

^ I had to hunt Olivia's Workshop down on an ebay style site, so you're right there. And I agree, while the sets may seem 'the same' to us - to kids tiny changes make it completely different. I also think that the Friends theme has a massive scope for sets - the only thing separating this theme from the others is that it is targeted to girls. That's it. And, as a girl and mother of a girl, I know first hand that our interests are many and varied. While it's unlikely a crime-fighting set will appear in Friends- Emma's karate studio could well lead on to a self-defence style set - or the beach sets could easily become coast guard orientated etc etc.

I have never thought that Friends will intrude on or take over ideas from City. I don't even think that the City sets becoming less violent and more 'Friendly' has anything to do with Friends - it's more likely that Lego have heard the reactions of hundreds of thousands of parents like myself who are sick of toys pushing boys towards aggressive, violent play. I read an article somewhere about the faces of Lego minifigs which TLG had responded to and said they were working on; that male minifig faces (to become more detailed) had become overwhelmingly angrier, while female figs remained lipsticked and smiling. City's 60003 Fire set is a prime example (which I bought for the female fire-fighter and was immensely disappointed by), and while this: http://shop.lego.com/en-US/LEGO-City-Fire-Accessory-Set-850618 shows that you can be hard-working man fig without looking intensely agro, you may note the female never sweats, struggles or concentrates too hard (perhaps it might smudge that dashing shade of rouge lippy).

So where the idea Friends is messing with City comes from, I don't know - but if City is changing it's tune, then it's all for the better in my book.

[El Garfio]

How long is going to be until a Police man or woman appears into a Friend set? or maybe, a medical set with an Ambulance? They both work to protect and serve citizens.

I know that a Friend set of a 800 pieces Police station is not on TLG mind and is not in the wishlist of any KFOL girl. But a little one, is going to be easy to see in the near future, the same with a Doctor office.

And then the Friendlyzation of City will start, because, like now, maybe only few girls will be interested in having a big police station, but if there is some male minidolls, or an attractive vehicle or building, the number of boys interested in a Friend set with a mini Police station or a Doctor Office could be high.

[LukeWarmTea]

How long is going to be until a Police man or woman appears into a Friend set? or maybe, a medical set with an Ambulance? They both work to protect and serve citizens.

I don't personally believe they ever will - but if they do - what's the problem?

I know that a Friend set of a 800 pieces Police station is not on TLG mind and is not in the wishlist of any KFOL girl. But a little one, is going to be easy to see in the near future, the same with a Doctor office.

My kid would love a massive, Friend themed police station! But I agree it's unlikely. I'd love to buy some little ones - and a doctor's office could be very likely if Belleville is anything to go by. I still can't see a problem...

And then the Friendlyzation of City will start, because, like now, maybe only few girls will be interested in having a big police station, but if there is some male minidolls, or an attractive vehicle or building, the number of boys interested in a Friend set with a mini Police station or a Doctor Office could be high.

Wait, what?

Why does having a few Friend sets that feature something which also appears in another theme - City is the target of choice this time - suddenly mean City is ruined, oh sorry, "Friendizied"? I'm running with the last sentence here; while girls won't like a large police or fire station (incorrect in our house, where it's the second highest Xmas list item) boys on the other hand may actually express an interest in a Friends set - if they feature 'a city' style set, with male figures and let us not forget the vehicles. So I am surmising you think if TLC makes these sets and boys (or their parents, actually) buy them instead of City - City will become 'Friendizied' (I kinda love that word, thanks for that) and will be what, softer, maybe? Or is it the mini-doll (which is afterall the topic of this thread) that is the threat - do you think TLC will replace the iconic minifig in City sets with the new mini-doll?

Again, what's the problem?

To be honest - I'm a little cross with what you've said simply because of the assumptions you make about these kids based on their gender. Boys ARE buying Friends, and not just for the male dolls or the vehicles. And girls buy City sets, all the time, all over the world. I honestly do not believe City will be taken over by minidolls, any more than I believe minifigs will be brought into Friends. Boys will overwhelmingly continue to support City (and the majority of Lego) and girls will continue to consistently choose Friends over other themes. Which I think is a bit crap, but, and it's a big but - expanding the set ideas for the 'girls only' Lego will not interfere with other 'boy' Lego themes.

[El Garfio]

For me there is no problem about having Friend like minidolls in other themes (I can't say the same for other, you only have to read some comments of this threat). I only said that the day Friend include some roles and some male minidolls like the upcoming 41056 Hearthlake news van. Some KFOL boys are going to add Friend sets into they wishlist. And if the number of boys who do that becomes relevant, LEGO would be in the disjunctive of making city life sets with minifigs or adding some classic city items and roles to Friends sets.

I'm a male AFOL and I'm writing in this, and in other, forums, about how dully is becoming city. And how I have to go to creator and to friend if I like to have city life sets (something else than chases, hideouts and races).

And in addition, in my country, Spain, is hard to find some sets like the 60009 one of the few that contain a building.

The only problem is that TLG is betting for a figurative minifig when the market and the competitors are betting for realistic figures like minidolls because TLG thinks that minidolls only can fit on Friends sets. And they had transformed an all gender toy into a gender segregate one (all for not daring to solve the real problem, that is that most of LEGO sets are not attractive for girls, and however girls adore Friend sets and, in addition, boys are seeing interesting playing scenarios in some Friends sets).

The new theme of Disney Princesses is a test for measuring the acceptation of minidolls out of Friends. And a precedent for introducing minidolls or more realistic figures into future Licensed series (for the risks of kids would prefer the action figures toys instead of the LEGO version, and for having an alternative serie with minidolls if there are a saturation of Friends sets and TLG has to take a break).

And IMHO I think that if the competitors are working in launching every year more realistic figures, in some years TLG is going to improve minidolls (independent legs, mobile hands, 2 studs wide,...) and starting to replace minifigs with redesigned minidolls in all the series including SW. And the actual minifig will be a symbolic item of the brand but only for bricks and more, promotional bags or anniversary sets.

[Dorayaki]

Now we have seen the City sets, and said more of the same. More than city it has been called route because there is a bunch of vehicles with some minifigs and in some sets you can find a simple building. The only exceptions are the Police and Firemen stations.

If you want some city buildings you have to go mainly to the Creator theme. Well, last year TLG launched the Town Squareand the Museum Break-in. But in Town Square would the crane is dispensable (good for kid playing but to big to include in a city diorama).

Sometimes licenced series include some interesting buildings but the theme that is providing us the most usable buildings is Friends. And TLC is introducing new male minidoll figs and is expanding minidolls universe on the sly with the new Theme of Disney Princesses.

TLC is still progressing, though not very fast or impressive. There are some nice little buildings like abandoned houses, mine and "museum" (though it's often blamed for the size). It can be better if they keep on this way (eg, a warehouse for a harbour, or a mansion that theives want to invade).

Now friends become one of the major source that allow AFOLs to find MOC house materials, or allow general consumers to get buildings for minidolls or minifigures. The others are Creator series, modular building series, and winter village series. However all of the themes have own different purposes and features, while City buildings don't show a clear position in Lego world.

My answer is, City should represent a "macro view" (much like SimCity to the Sims). that determines which buildings are indispensable to a capital. Police and fire stations are two of them, but not all of them. The others that had once been in City/Town are train stations, gas stations and hospitals. But we seldom see other buildings being remade and TLC seldom try to come up with a totally new City building every year, and as result those bulidnigs who could had been in City end up as Friends and Modular ones.

In my opinion, the big sets such as Town Square or Transport Station can have instructions about how to combine the bricks with roads and plates in order to decide its scale. AFOLs can try MOCs, but not for young builders or general consumers who don't know it very well.

Edited November 29, 2013 by Dorayaki

[El Garfio]

I agree with Dorayaki.

And I think that Friend sets are more for young builders than the specific ones with "young builders" label.

The 2013 sets labeled as "for young builders" should better be labeled as "baby builders" or "I just left duplo builders": simply vehicles, one wall houses,...

It's other TLG fail, for the same, the idea of segregate Friends from the other LEGO instead of making the big conceptual changes that LEGO needs. I can be wrong but all I have in mind that should be LEGO is in Friends (realistic figures, integrable playsets, easy to assemble but good looking buildings, non repetitive sets,...) due to it, I think that soon or later LEGO is going to introduce minidolls and some conceptual changes into all the series (and it's a pity that they are going to do that not for costumer oriented policies but for business necessities (because competitors are working on that way and that way is that kids want).

[Rick]

And I think that Friend sets are more for young builders than the specific ones with "young builders" label.

Did you ever build a Friends set? I think you'll find that the difficulty of the build is comparable to City sets. Have a look at the Friends review index to read some of the reviewers' thoughts on the building process.

[LukeWarmTea]

Did you ever build a Friends set? I think you'll find that the difficulty of the build is comparable to City sets. Have a look at the Friends review index to read some of the reviewers' thoughts on the building process.

I know right? I was pleasantly surprised by the difficulty level of Friends. My 5yo girl easily completed a small City fire engine I thought would entertain her for ages; but really struggled with one of the Friend's animal polybags - Squirrel's Treehouse - which required upside-down building and hinges and all sorts of stuff I did not expect for a $6NZD set. I think Friend's really comes under fire a lot for being 'simplistic' but it's really not.

And I also think we're all pro-Friends here on the Town forum. I think we're so used to defending Friends we start taking things the wrong way when they may not have been intended in such a way - a mistake I think I made above, El Garfio. Can't we all just be, well, Friends?