Ninjago 2015

[Aanchir]

I don't think so. When they announced Jay and Cole, I thought we were going to get their Stone Armor versions. I think they are just going to give us the current variant. There are only two exclusive figures and one is from an existing theme. I doubt that they will give us the other Elemental Masters as they've passed by every opportunity to so as of yet.

Well, the thing to keep in mind is that it's not just about "opportunities". There are lots of "opportunities" when including a familiar character or variant is still more desirable than including a more obscure character or variant. That's a big part of why Ninjago books are unlikely to include exclusive non-ninja characters — after all, a lot of kids like Ninjago specifically because they like ninjas, not because they're avid followers of the story.

This is not limited to Ninjago, either. Most LEGO Star Wars exclusive figs tend to be major characters like Luke, Han, Leia, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett — even when many characters from Star Wars go unrepresented. Familiarity sells.

One thing I look at with Ninjago figures to determine whether they're ever likely to show up as physical figs is how many of their decorations are custom-designed for them and how many are just ripped from already existing figures. As an example, Edna's torso is just a recolor of the CMF Pilot's torso, Shade's torso is a recolor of the CMF Roman Centurion's torso, and Nya's party dress is just a recolor of a dress from the Indiana Jones theme. I doubt we'll ever see any of those costumes on physical Ninjago figs.

Edited April 9, 2015 by Aanchir

[Mandate]

Well, the thing to keep in mind is that it's not just about "opportunities". There are lots of "opportunities" when including a familiar character or variant is still more desirable than including a more obscure character or variant. That's a big part of why Ninjago books are unlikely to include exclusive non-ninja characters — after all, a lot of kids like Ninjago specifically because they like ninjas, not because they're avid followers of the story.

That argument doesn't work when there's 16+ unique characters/variants thrown in that the entire story revolves around, rather than some obscure character like Mother Doomsday or the Postman. Characters like Neuro or Shade played very large roles in the story for secondary characters in the Tournament of Elements story arc. But as for "desirable" variants I'm wondering exactly what you're thinking. To expect Stone variants of the main cast, after Lloyd, Zane and Nya got them in the original wave, is not unreasonable. Even Kai is set to get his own Stone variant later this year (if not already) and other "exclusive" characters such as Lloyd DX have not, and likely will not, get a place in the story. These are not "obscure" variants, and LEGO has demonstrated that they are willing to make them - to an extent.

I'm not going to lie, expecting the Stone variants of characters in something like Dimensions is a bit silly, but to expect them in their Zukin outfits? Then again, LEGO tried to pass off Techno Zane as an exclusive character so it's not entirely unexpected.

Edited April 10, 2015 by Mandate

[Ninja of Fire]

Nobody's talking about it here, but just in case anybody wasn't following the LEGO Dimensions news, several of that theme's expansion sets are Ninjago-themed:

71207 ($25) includes Kai, Cole, a "Boulder Bomber" (mini Boulder Blaster), and "Blade Bike" (mini Blade Cycle).

71215 ($15) includes Jay and a mini Storm Fighter.

71216 ($15) includes Nya and a mini Samurai Mech.

71217 ($15) includes Zane and a mini NinjaCopter.

None of the figures are exclusive but it's cool that Ninjago is getting so much representation in this game. The Ninja all come in their current (1HY 2015) costumes, but are armed with their Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu, a nice nod to posterity. The minifigure bases are all decorated with the figure's emblem while the vehicle bases are standardized.

I wonder if the minifigures can be de-attached from their bases.

[just2good]

I wonder if the minifigures can be de-attached from their bases.

Definitely. If they couldn't they wouldn't have made unique bases. The bases are printed so that you know what figure it reads when you take the minifigure apart or whatever.

[Master of Spinjitzu]

This is very interesting! But i didn't understand - will it look like Appbricks in Ultra Agents, but in Ninjago style, or like Universe with ninjas?

[CET23]

This is very interesting! But i didn't understand - will it look like Appbricks in Ultra Agents, but in Ninjago style, or like Universe with ninjas?

Its more like Skylanders or Disney Infinity with Legos

[DuckBricks]

Its more like Skylanders or Disney Infinity with Legos

I'm really sorry, and I try not be be a grammar Nazi, but the plural of Lego is not "Legos..."

Anyway, going back on topic.

I agree with Mandate that some of the elemental fighters played extremely crucial roles, such as Neuro, Chamille (who had basically an entire epsiode devoted to her), and Shade. These characters arguably had bigger roles than even Turner, who actually got a Minifig.

[CET23]

I'm really sorry, and I try not be be a grammar Nazi, but the plural of Lego is not "Legos..."

My entire life is a lie..............

It's funny I have read in numerous places that this is the case, but I have never realized I actually think of them as "LEGOs" until now.

Edited April 10, 2015 by CET23

[LegendsOfNinjago]

I wonder if the minifigures can be de-attached from their bases.

there's no Lloyd...

[EdWebhead]

there's no Lloyd...

I'm sure he'll come in a second wave, no doubt.

[Master of Spinjitzu]

Yes, maybe Lego decided to make first wave, and after it second wave with other characters?

Edited April 11, 2015 by Master of Spinjitzu

[Ninja of Fire]

What if there are separate packs with only the base, and you can put your own minifigures on there?

[Ninja of Fire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRW5QYMfqR4

New poster!

[DraikNova]

Eegh, yet another annoying kid manages to get a picture before anyone else. As far as I can see, it's just the Morro Dragon and possesed Lloyd on the left side, Zane and either Cole or Kai performing spinjitzu on the right along with Nya riding that weird motorcycle thingy from the Destiny's Bounty set.

Edited April 12, 2015 by DraikNova

[Lyichir]

What if there are separate packs with only the base, and you can put your own minifigures on there?

Wouldn't be practical. Firstly, because each base would still have to be designed with a specific character in mind. Secondly, because its audience would be much more limited (only appealing to people who already had the figure in question). Thirdly, because it would divide the audience of the set with both the base and the figure (because suddenly a percentage of the people who wanted Kai for their game would have another cheaper option, making it so that neither set would sell as well as the single option would otherwise). And fourth, because it would eliminate a large part of the "draw" of the figures in general—subverting the "toys to life" illusion (since people with just the base and not the figure could still use the characters) and eliminating a large part of what makes the fun packs "Lego" (by offering a set with no building potential).

I can't believe how many people I've seen complaining about having to purchase a figure they already own to get a pack they want, when from my perspective that's just something you sometimes have to do. For instance, with this current wave of Ninjago sets, to get Krait I had to purchase a set with either standard Kai or Tournament Kai—both of whom I already had from larger sets featuring other exclusive figs. The same has applied to numerous other figs from past Ninjago waves or even other themes. This is really no different—if you want one part of the set (the electronic base), you need to accept that it comes with other components, some of which are not necessarily going to be one-of-a-kind or new to you. This isn't directed at the user I quoted, by the way, who seems to have just asked an honest question—it's more a general observation.

Edited April 12, 2015 by Lyichir

[obsidianheart]

I can't believe how many people I've seen complaining about having to purchase a figure they already own to get a pack they want, when from my perspective that's just something you sometimes have to do.

I've been staying out of the Dimensions discussion because it doesn't interest me, but this seems like a silly complaint. I'm sure Dimensions will eventually delve into a wave of nothing but exclusive print-figures (even if it's only one piece), but to get the boat off the ground, it's probably best to present familiar, recognizable figs to the target audience.

Also, you could just sell, trade, or donate the duplicates, so whatever. But then you're left with a base that you have to go dig your Kai (or whoever!) out of the back of your display cabinet or whatever if you don't want the Dimensions setup to look barren.

[Master_Data]

there's no Lloyd...

I'm pretty sure he's the last character on the bottom right. No idea why everyone thinks that's a Slimer when the character shown is bright green and has the same stance on the packaging as Kai.

[PenPlays]

I can't believe how many people I've seen complaining about having to purchase a figure they already own to get a pack they want, when from my perspective that's just something you sometimes have to do. For instance, with this current wave of Ninjago sets, to get Krait I had to purchase a set with either standard Kai or Tournament Kai—both of whom I already had from larger sets featuring other exclusive figs. The same has applied to numerous other figs from past Ninjago waves or even other themes. This is really no different—if you want one part of the set (the electronic base), you need to accept that it comes with other components, some of which are not necessarily going to be one-of-a-kind or new to you. This isn't directed at the user I quoted, by the way, who seems to have just asked an honest question—it's more a general observation.

I see these posts and I'm like, "I own all but one of the Ninjago 2012 sets"... that's 7 Jay ZX's, what I consider the worst Ninja print. I have no shame. Why? Because the sets he's included are worth far more than duplicates of a minifigure, and we all need to get out of this Star Wars complex. Despite having gorgeous prints these days, unlike Star Wars, these sets are produced for the set's sake, not the minifigures.

I can't believe how so many people are willing to skip sets, all because it has minifigures they already have. There have been so many gems, especially in Ninjago (Lasha's Bit Cycle is the epitome Ninjago motorcycle, just FYI) these past few years

[Aanchir]

I see these posts and I'm like, "I own all but one of the Ninjago 2012 sets"... that's 7 Jay ZX's, what I consider the worst Ninja print. I have no shame. Why? Because the sets he's included are worth far more than duplicates of a minifigure, and we all need to get out of this Star Wars complex. Despite having gorgeous prints these days, unlike Star Wars, these sets are produced for the set's sake, not the minifigures.

I can't believe how so many people are willing to skip sets, all because it has minifigures they already have. There have been so many gems, especially in Ninjago (Lasha's Bit Cycle is the epitome Ninjago motorcycle, just FYI) these past few years

Well, speaking as somebody who DID skip Lasha's Bite Cycle, sometimes you take any opportunity to cut down on your personal spending, and sets that offer duplicate minifigures can be easy ones to skip. But it's a mistake to assume (as some people have been doing with respect to LEGO Dimensions) that sets with duplicate minifigures are a "scam" to get you to pay for figures you already have. Often, sets include those figures for the benefit of people who DON'T already have them, or because the designers think the figs are particularly well-suited to the set in question in spite of already being available in other sets, or because there simply isn't the budget to include entirely new figures.

Edited April 12, 2015 by Aanchir

[Master_Data]

Well, speaking as somebody who DID skip Lasha's Bite Cycle, sometimes you take any opportunity to cut down on your personal spending, and sets that offer duplicate minifigures can be easy ones to skip. But it's a mistake to assume (as some people have been doing with respect to LEGO Dimensions) that sets with duplicate minifigures are a "scam" to get you to pay for figures you already have. Often, sets include those figures for the benefit of people who DON'T already have them, or because the designers think the figs are particularly well-suited to the set in question in spite of already being available in other sets, or because there simply isn't the budget to include entirely new figures.

Completely agree there. The 1HY sets will be off the shelves where I live once the 2HY sets are released, so kids and new FOLs who missed those sets will have an opportunity to get those figures.

If you don't like the set because it contains a figure you already have, pick up the set and sell the figures. I'm sure there's someone out there who just wants the figs, so this way you both win.

[TheOneVeyronian]

If you don't like the set because it contains a figure you already have, pick up the set and sell the figures. I'm sure there's someone out there who just wants the figs, so this way you both win.

This is what I do sometimes. I have no desire to own more than one of a certain figure so I trade and sell duplicates. Plus it helps top-up the LEGO budget.But I understand not everybody would be willing to go through the hassle of selling. It's down to personal opinion

Well, speaking as somebody who DID skip Lasha's Bite Cycle, sometimes you take any opportunity to cut down on your personal spending, and sets that offer duplicate minifigures can be easy ones to skip. But it's a mistake to assume (as some people have been doing with respect to LEGO Dimensions) that sets with duplicate minifigures are a "scam" to get you to pay for figures you already have. Often, sets include those figures for the benefit of people who DON'T already have them, or because the designers think the figs are particularly well-suited to the set in question in spite of already being available in other sets, or because there simply isn't the budget to include entirely new figures.

Strongly agree. When I'm really short of money, I skip sets with duplicate figs and if those sets contain a figure I want, I'll go to BL and buy it (but I didn't skip Lasha's Bite Cycle - in fact I didn't really skip any 2012 Ninjago sets ). I can see why people might be riled up about duplicate figs appearing in the Dimensions sets, but it's a different theme altogether. After all, I don't think anyone ever complained about the inclusion of Lloyd (Green Ninja) in TLM's Secret Police Dropship. Some kids that will buy Dimensions will probably want it for the game and they might not even have the sets that contain a certain figure. Also, if Dimensions consisted solely of brand new figs, it might even lose interest from some of it's target audience. As one of LEGO's best selling and best known IP's, of course Ninjago was going to feature heavily in Dimensions. Familiarity and popularity sells, that's my guess.

Of course, I won't be buying Dimensions at any point (lack of compatible console plus I don't play video games anymore), so I might be a little biased

[DuckBricks]

Eegh, yet another annoying kid manages to get a picture before anyone else. As far as I can see, it's just the Morro Dragon and possesed Lloyd on the left side, Zane and either Cole or Kai performing spinjitzu on the right along with Nya riding that weird motorcycle thingy from the Destiny's Bounty set.

I think that should be rephrased to "why are these annoying kids so much more resourceful in finding these stuff than us adults???"

;)

Edited April 13, 2015 by legozebra

[DraikNova]

I'm blaming it on faster computers, at least in my case. And they have far more free time.

[Ninja of Fire]

I think that should be rephrased to "why are these annoying kids so much more resourceful in finding these stuff than us adults???"

;)

Wait a second. Are you guys referring to me, or the YouTube uploader?

[PenPlays]

Wait a second. Are you guys referring to me, or the YouTube uploader?

We wouldn't be referring to you as a kid, as only adults (those 18 years or older) are allowed to join Eurobricks...

*ahem*

We were referring to the YouTube user who got the stills of that image. It seems that only kids get them first. It's probably because, outside of school, most kids have a lot more time on their hands than adults.

Edited April 13, 2015 by Penkid11