JediDefender.com Forums
Collecting => Hey Hasbro! => Topic started by: Darth_Anton on May 18, 2005, 11:46 AM
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I've made this suggestion on another site, but wanted to see what you guys thought.
I think build your own "modular" playsets would be very cool and could do well. Think about it, two or three different imperial set packs, each containing various wall, floor/ceiling and support beam pieces that are designed to fit to geather in infinate combonations. In each pack, they can feature a different set piece like control consels, stair cases, elevator shafts, etc.
This can be done for Bespin city, Tanive IV, Hoth...
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Yep, definitely a good idea, assuming Hasbro's never going to make a large scale "ultimate" playset. I'd rather get it all at once, but Hasbro's been afraid of making a real playset since, oh, about 1980 (actually, that was Kenner back then). Well, there was that Bespin Freezing Chamber thing and a couple Theed sets, I guess... Anyway, I'm always perplexed with Hasbro can pump out monstrous playsets for the Batman and G.I. Joe lines, but freaks out at the mention of doing something similar for their Star Wars line. Makes absolutely NO sense whatsover to me. They hinted at C3 that they're finally starting to discuss doing some nice playsets in the years to come, but since they've farted around for so long, Attakus is going to beat them to the punch with their high end metal dioramas. So it'll be interesting to see how Hasbro attempts to compete against something like that. Obviously, they'll have the price factor working in their favor.
But modular sets are something that the collecting community's been requesting for years, really since the very early years of the line. Seemed like Hasbro might be on it's way to doing something like this, back when they put out the Death Star Escape and Detention Block Cell mini-sets, but those were the first and last of their kind. Had the Endor Bunker and Hoth sets too, but again, those were tiny, and shortlived.
I'd like to see some "modular" sets done on a little bit grander scale though. I'm thinking something more along the lines of what Muftak does with his customs - one nice level at a time for the Death Star, and let it grow upwards if so desired. But I'd take some interlocking one-level sets too, if they really created an accurate layout for a piece of the Death Star(s), Cantina, or Jabba's Palace. The question is, would Hasbro need to go with a cheaper ($20) price point and a playset of lower quality so the supposed kids could partake, or could they up the stakes a little and make some real nice connecting pieces catered to the adult collectors, at a $30-50 price point? I'd definitely prefer something along the lines of the latter, though I'm sure Hasbro would prefer the former.
I just want something that looks fairly accurate, and is close to a decent scale, so we can finally display our figures in some of the more iconic scenes from the movies. That's not so hard to ask now, is it? :-\
Oh, and just stick with the Original Trilogy too, at least for starters. Pump out the Death Star I & II, the Cantina, and Jabba's Palace and I'll be happy. Then maybe they can do something for Dagobah, Bespin, and Hoth too. After Hasbro's tackled all those environments, then they can fiddle around with the Prequel stuff.
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I've made a similar suggestion in the past... Never seen mention of it. I've even seen other toy lines do something along this concept, and done well, but Hasbro ignores playsets (especially if it's not tied to a film release) for the most part. Strange.
I too thing this is the type of thing that CAN make that big Death Star playset a reality... My concept wasn't so much a collapsable thing, but rather "box-like" environments that are both attachable on the left and right sides universally, but also stackable... Several sets, fairly generic each, with the right figures (army builders would be ideal) and you could really do something special for a playset... I could really envision anything from Ewok Villages that are never-ending (if the consumer so desired) to a Death STar stacked as high as the person's living space would allow.
The concept's one I hope Hasbro looks into since I'm not a fan of compacted playsets (I'll be honest, and Dan Flarida would hate me for saying it, but I think that unproduced Death Star he showed at C3 was a pretty bunk thing... Cool for kids, but didn't tickle my fancy particularly), but the sort of "customizeable" feature here would allow for more realism I think.
Anyway, hope Hasbro takes note, it's a good idea.
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If not modular playsets it would be at least some consolation to have the bases interlock ad infinitum. When I first bought the ROTS Aayla Secura and saw the Battle Droid had nearly the same stand I thought the two would lock together and the more BD's I bought I could have a huge set-up. I also thought the bases that came with some of the other figures would interlock, but it seems that most don't... at least not more than two pieces.
They could actually make a playset from modular pieces in related figures like the Galactus from Marvel Legends.... I might actually buy every figure in a series rather than just the ones I like if they did that because I would have incentive to "collect them all"
Once they get past ROTS, I'd like to see the new figures in themes like they've done in the past... Cantina, Endor, Naboo, Jedi Temple, Kashykk etc. etc.
Not all of the figures in an assortment would have to come with a huge pbase or piece of the modular playset.. most figures would come with a repeating floor pattern and then the delux figures would come with the three or four pieces that make the main structure. Obviously army builders would come with repeating ground pieces to make the set as large as one would like and the unique character would come with the big pieces.
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How about making the Imperial Med center at the end of ROTS Hasbro? It wouldn't have to be too big, maybe in the $20-40 range, and it would go along nicely with your already made DLX Vader Med Table and Imperial medical droid. Anyone else with me on this?
Pics: http://www.starwars.com/databank/location/imperialrehabilitationcenter/
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That'd be cool...
Then we could get Hasbro to make FX-6 and 2-1B!!
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I'd like to see an updated Death Star Playset. Something that combines the original Kenner and Palitoy version in one playset. Maybe it could be 4 playsets that combine to make a round one. One that house the trash compactor sequence, one for the dual, one for the prison break and another that could be the gunstation. Maybe that's a bit overboard but you get the idea. They could click together and rollup or out. Or just re-release the original.
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How about making some new playsets? Make 'em Hasbro Direct, I don't care, just make them! Here's my ideas and descriptions for them.
Star Destroyer Bridge Playset:
-Is Made Up Of Main Bridge Area And Two Smaller Rooms At Back Of Playset
-Includes Pack-In POTJ Imperial Officer, TSC Death Star Gunner, And Three Crates
-Around $40-50
Palpatine's Office Playset:
-Is Made Up Of Main Office Area And Smallish Elevator Room
-Includes Pack-In ROTS Blue Royal Guard
-Around $30-40
Trade Federation Hangar Bay Playset:
-Is Made Up Of Main Hangar Area And Security Room On Side Of Hangar Area
-Includes Pack-In E1 TC-14 And POTJ Security Battle Droid
-Around $40-50
Thoughts?
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a multi- level kamino playset like the origianl death star playset. Then a tatooine Lars homestead kind of like the original tatooine base with cardboard sandcrawler back drop.
then a jedi temple playset also like the death star, multi levels. And they can re-use the ewok playset for a kashyyk wookie confrontation.
;D ;D ;D
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Something like this -
(http://www.yakface.com/toyguide/dioramas/chewie/11.jpg)
Or like this -
(http://www.yakface.com/toyguide/dioramas/chewie/060306owendeathstar.jpg)
To be honest though, I'm sick of Hasbro's efforts (or lack thereof) with playsets and large vehicles. Time to sell the rights to a company like Sideshow or Gentle Giant that would actually take those things seriously.
:)
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Time to sell the rights to a company like Sideshow or Gentle Giant that would actually take those things seriously.
I think you mean "take those things seriously... but not so serious that no one can afford to buy them."
(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/7-05/attakusfalcon1.jpg)
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Death Star w/ VOTC Stormtrooper & Death Star Droid (Rehash of Ewok Diety 3PO w/Old Head)
Kamino w/ SA Clone Trooper & New SA Jango Fett
Imperial Star Destroyer w/ VOTC Boba Fett & VOTC Darth Vader
Utapua w/ Utapua Clone Trooper & New SA General Greivous
Endor w/ VTSC Biker Scout & Speeder Bike
Kashhyyk w/ New SA Commander Gree & ROTS Preveiw Wookiee
Separtist Ship w/ TC-14 & POTJ Security Droid
Republic Star Destroyer w/ Redish R2 Unit & TSC Firespeeder Pilot
Palpatine's Office w/ Evo Anakin & Red Security Guard
Yeah,that's quite a dream right there!
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Utapau- 1x air-borne trooper, 1x ROTS battle droid
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Hasbro give us new playsets!!!!! i mean the mustafar playset to me was a waste of money there was nothing special about. But the geonosian arena that was Awsome! why dont you make playsets like that any more i mean with the 30th aniversery coming out dont you think its time to give us all a NEW death star play set! i mean kids will go nuts over these and collectors will love them to! so whats the deal why dont you make a DS playset!? :P
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Didn't you already post this in the "Questions For Hasbro" thread? You didn't need to post it here. And besides, Hasbro has said countless times that they will not be making any more playsets anytime soon.
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Hasbro give us new playsets!!!!! i mean the mustafar playset to me was a waste of money there was nothing special about. But the geonosian arena that was Awsome! why dont you make playsets like that any more i mean with the 30th aniversery coming out dont you think its time to give us all a NEW death star play set! i mean kids will go nuts over these and collectors will love them to! so whats the deal why dont you make a DS playset!? :P
I'm all for this idea, although I like the box-type environment Jesse talked about a couple of pages ago, that could end up looking like the death star Chewie posted.
Didn't you already post this in the "Questions For Hasbro" thread? You didn't need to post it here. And besides, Hasbro has said countless times that they will not be making any more playsets anytime soon.
I'm glad he did re-post it, and I will keep reposting my request for them as well. Hasbro can and will say whatever they want, and we can do the same. I have posted similar sentiments in many forums here and elswhere, and hope that eventually Hasbro realize this truth: My collecting money is going to Medicom and Gentle Giant, because Hasbro isn't giving me props and playsets for the bajillion figures I have bought from them over the last 12 (well 30 really) years.
Maybe eventually they will listen. I'm done with repainted and repackaged ships and figures, and I see others that feel the same way. Maybe eventually this will lead to something new.
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Do you think that maybe, just maybe, Hasbro knows how to run their business better than you do?
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Do you think that maybe, just maybe, Hasbro knows how to run their business better than you do?
I don't know if your trolling or what, but I'll bite. This entire site is loaded with people's opinions about what they would like to see. Hasbro has also made it clear that they do look for information on sites like this. They certainly know more about running a toy business, but as my statement says, my money is going elsewhere and they could do something about it.
If you don't like opinions, you're on the wrong page. It's called "Hey Hasbro!" for a reason. ::)
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Not trolling at all, just sick of the constant whining about playsets and vehicles. Hasbro has clearly shown that they're just not interested in doing those things at this time, and no amount of internet bitching is going to change that.
Hasbro is, above all else, in business to make money, and if they don't feel they can make money from doing playsets and vehicles, then they're not gonna do it. It's pretty simple.
Just 'cause some internet people are unhappy that they don't have their $50 Death Star Playset and $100 AT-TE, doesn't mean that Hasbro should drop everything they're doing and make those items. The overall market won't support them right now. Message board people aren't the only ones buying this stuff.
Think about it as if you owned a business. Would you risk taking a huge loss on something just to make a small percentage of your customers happy? I sure as hell wouldn't.
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Well, those Mustafar playsets sold really well didn't they ::) :P. When they finally do make a playset, no one buys it-and complainers should unloaded their cash on that if not to keep Hasbro making them(playsets) but they didn't. No wonder at Hasbro's stance then ::).
The DS
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Do you think that maybe, just maybe, Hasbro knows how to run their business better than you do?
Some days I wonder.
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My point is, much like the Willrow Hood page, this page is dedicated to an idea. If you don't like the idea, you are on the wrong page.
My intention is not to whine at Hasbro. I have been buying a ton of their product for 11 years, and if they stop making the line, I would still be happy with all they have done. This has been a fun line for me and my family.
But they are losing my money and interest, and I wanted to post why in a forum they may run across.
I don't need huge playsets with tons of play features that require fancy molds and tooling. I like Jesse's idea of modular boxes with interchangable backgrounds. A way to display all the work they have put into the line, and maybe some props to go with them.
I'm not boycotting, whining, or slamming. I'm just echoing a sentiment that I think is becoming more common, not less. I see many many comments unhappy about the number or repacks and repaints. I think it is good to give them an alternative to try (besides choppers, transformers, and some of the other items).
If they don't, no problem. Like I said, it's been a helluva run.
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My point is, much like the Willrow Hood page, this page is dedicated to an idea.
The difference is, Willrow is a single figure--much less of a risk for them. And they've actually said that they'll get around to Willrow eventually. But they've said repeatedly that they have no interest in doing playsets for the time being.
If you don't like the idea, you are on the wrong page.
Wrong again. Why is it that you people think that, just because someone says that there's no chance in hell of Hasbro doing something, that they're "against" that particular idea, too? I think playsets have gotten the shaft from the beginning, and I'd love to see more. But I'm also a realist, and if Hasbro says a dozen times in a dozen ways that they're not doing anymore playsets, then I'm gonna believe 'em. Doesn't mean I'm gonna like it, but that's their business decision.
But go post about it across the entire internet, if you must. I'm sure it'll make a difference, eventually. (http://images.dvdtalk.com/images/smilies/lol.gif)
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Hasbro has indeed been pretty staunch and clear that playsets aren't happening this year... or next year... or any year I guess. I dunno. The outlook is damned bleak.
However this thread is all about them... Sometimes the squeaky wheel has gotten the greasing too... The way I look at it is there's no harm in speaking your mind on the issue, even if it's clear Hasbro ain't hearing you. It's the whole reason here in this part of the forums afterall, so no harm, no foul. Maybe at some point they'll figure out an economical way to answer what fans want... other companies have managed.
Just don't count on many Playset questions from us going to Hasbro. ;)
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Trying not to sound like a grouchy kid, or beat a dead horse here. Playsets simply will not sell well if they suck, or limit the amount of play/display/imagination of the buyer. The Mustafar set sucked because one could only do so much with it. I'm guessing that most of the people here are looking for a great way to display other hard earned money spent on a luxury.
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I agree... Hasbro's really aimed playsets at a market that doesn't necessarilly support the higher ticketed items and I think that's something to consider as to why sets haven't sold well...
Then again collectors themselves have a pissy track record with putting their money where their mouths are... I think if Hasbro could keep price in the $20 range for small cube-shaped, stackable/attachable sets, they would have something profitable for themselves, fans would like it, and retailers wouldn't be pissed because they're small enough to not take up too much space... Something simple and something where buying multiples is a positive and it's infinitely expandable.
I think there IS a chance it could work but obviously Hasbro's shown that they disagree completely... Either they feel they can't acheive some of the objectives I listed or they feel the concept is too aimed at one market, etc... Either way playsets just don't seem a likelihood anytime soon. Stranger stuff's happened though of course, but I know I'm not going to be holding my breath. :)
Sets like the Mustafar set though indeed sucked, and deserved to sit at retail...
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I need a new death star playset! The should re-release the round palitoys version or create a two level one that combines the round design of the palitoys version with the multi levels of the Kenner one. Hell, just re-release the original kenner one and I'd be happy. The crap they came out with for POTF2 was a joke.
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I don't think all hope is lost, so I will keep trying. That dagobah X-wing box is just about what I am looking for anyway (backgrounds, props, a nice presentation).
The Hasbro party line seems to be: "There has been a lot of discussion internally on whether this could be successful in today's market. However, we continue to see diminished demand for playsets. If we ever see the landscape changing, it's something we could take a look at in the future." (taken from the Hasbor Q & A summary)
Well, I want to help change the landscape. Give me plastic boxes with props like that Dagobah X wing. Pimp my figures! Really, they have been moving that way with the scene-specific cardbacks and increased "setting" to the ships (Y-wing, OTC slave 1, new X wing). It's just another step away...
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The Hasbro party line seems to be: "There has been a lot of discussion internally on whether this could be successful in today's market. However, we continue to see diminished demand for playsets. If we ever see the landscape changing, it's something we could take a look at in the future."
(taken from the Hasbor Q & A summary)
Like I said earlier, they take their sales into account to decide this. By no one buying their most recent POS M. set(which, I might add was a POS because we asked for cheaper prices which equals cheaper design and Man. costs) they decide there's no demand.
If luck is thrown our way with a playset once again folks should buy it anyway..even if it is a POS or Hasbro will revert to their stance. Just buying a POS would at the minimum open doors for more stuff to be made at least anyway.
On the other hand, suggesting, expecting or even asking Hasbro to make anything similar to the high-end playsets shown above is ******* ridiculous. How much would they really 'make' on something like that anyway? They would make it then lose because no one would buy(because it was too expensive) and retailers would say no because they're smart enough to know that would not hit the market of their buyers. Thankfully, Hasbro knows this too and coupled with poor sales of recent playsets(those Geo sets were okay but man did they ever sit..and..clearance out) are smart enough to avoid this vicous cycle again. I'm sure retailers have learned their lesson as well on how well*or unwell* the playsets sell to refuse further ideas from Hasbro.
Alot of this talk sounds 'polished beautiful' and all I don't see it coming to fruition(for several years at least) :(
Hasbor had a Q and A? Who dat?
The DS
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Well in a way the at-at is a playset, I meen you can display you figures and use it as a vehicle...