JediDefender.com Forums
Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => The Legacy Collection => Topic started by: Jesse James on March 15, 2008, 05:17 PM
-
According to Curto, there's more UBP's on tap...
Endor Celebration:
Darth Vader (Funeral Pyre)
Luke Skywalker
Han Solo
Chewbacca
Red Sullustian Pilot
Obi-Wan Spirit
Yoda Spirit
Anakin Spirit (Sebastian Shaw Head)
And a Death Star Escape...
Let the speculation begin. That Pyre Vader would probably be a hefty "accessory". Lot of figures in that set too. Might be interesting.
-
The Endor Celebration set sounds good to me. I am assuming they will use the recent Anakin Spirit figure from TAC for the Sebastian Shaw head? Red Sullustan pilot. That has to be Nien Nunb right or not? I will fill my drawers if it is yet another Ten Nunb.
-
although the figures sound good there has to be some sorta accessory to make this set worth it. or even a vehicle. The other two UBP's had a vehicle and an accessory plus a handful of figures. thats what made them a great value. all this set has is 8 figures and what? a stack of wood so vader can be place. hopefully there is something that Curto missed.
-
Endor Celebration sounds pretty cool. I hope we get the Ewoks' Imperial helmet drums too.
As for the Death Star Escape, I'd like something like this:
Luke Skywalker (TAC w/new head)
Han Solo (VOTC)
Princess Leia (VOTC)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (OTC 'alive' repaint)
Stormtroopers (COTIV) x2
And a large tractor beam accessory.
-
although the figures sound good there has to be some sorta accessory to make this set worth it. or even a vehicle. The other two UBP's had a vehicle and an accessory plus a handful of figures. thats what made them a great value. all this set has is 8 figures and what? a stack of wood so vader can be place. hopefully there is something that Curto missed.
I'm hoping that they both contain small playset-like pieces - like for the Endor Celebration Set, I'm sure we'll get a pyre to put Vader on, but I also think there should be the deck and at least two huts to represent a piece of the Ewok village.
With the Death Star Escape, I'm hoping that it will include the tractor beam control assembly. They'll probably put the figures in a hangar-like display, but it will be constructed of cardboard.
-
Has anyone realized that we might just get a Death Star 2 Luke with the Endor Celebration set? Of all the ways to slip something like that in, with an Ultimate Battle Pack!
I'm very interested to see what larger pieces might get included in both of these sets. We got the logs in the previous Endor pack, and the turret in the Hoth pack. We could be in store for some really cool accessories here!
-
Larger pieces are the key to these sets. If they don't have them, then what's the point?
I'd be surprised if the Endor set didn't have more Ewoks in it... as for a large piece, I'd guess the funeral pyre and an Ewok hut.
Death Star set? Who knows... maybe this could include some sort of environment pieces similar to THIS (http://cgi.denpetersen.com/YAK1/viewtopic.php?t=1422&start=0) custom playset.
-
sounds good but is it true?
For the Death Star Escape I hope it will be this
Luke Skywalker (TAC w/ new Head and stormtrooper belt)
Han Solo (VOTC w/ stormtrooper belt)
Chewbacca (EB w/ hand cuffs)
Princess Leia (VOTC)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (new) probaby will be VOTC repack
Darth Vader (TAC repack)
Stormtroopers x 2 (Tantive IV versions with stormtrooper belt)
Tractor Beam acesscory
Tie Fighter
-
I donno about the Endor set. Sounds practical from a set and scene POV, but the only figure that sounds like I can use is the B-Wing pilot.
As for the Death Star escape, that sounds promising. Can't wait to get more detail.
-
I still really want a Tusken Village set, with a hut and campfire as the centerpiece. Then add
-a couple of Saga1 female Tuskens and kids
-a couple of massifs
-the Saga1 Tusken Camp Anakin with the weapons rack and a new softgoods robe
-and a bunch of Tusken warriors, maybe repainted in slightly new shades.
-
A Yavin Rebel Hanger BP would be good.
Don't know if a whole ship would fit in the set but it could include some technicians, pilots, droids, maintenance equipment and a small personnel transporter.
Plenty of scope to repaint stuff and throw in a few new bits.
-
These both sound pretty good to me, and it will be interesting to see what the "larger" piece to these sets will be. On their own, the figure lineup sounds pretty spiffy for the Endor set, as it would be nice to get a new, SA Nien Nunb and "spirit of" figures of Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Anakin all together. I'm thinking that the Death Star Escape set might be where the VOTC Han sculpt is being used (which is why Hasbro said they took it out of the Legends voting). Once again it is sounding like I want both. I was only able to pick up one last year (Hoth), but it might be more difficult choosing one over the other this year. Oh well, its only March, so it could be awhile before we get all the details on these.
I am wondering what the larger pieces would be for these sets though. I saw this comment in the "Galactic Blogger" over at GH last week, and it seems curious with this UBP news now:
The proposed Ewok BBQ wave would have been a cool addition (especially if Hasbro decides to put out the Ewok Village at the end of the year as an Ultimate Battle Pack).
It might be just a shot in the dark, and it would almost seem to be "too much" to get the Ewok Village along with all of those figures for $50 - but man would that be spiffy. If we're getting two more of these after Thanksgiving again, it sure is going to be an expensive year again. Yikes.
-
I still really want a Tusken Village set, with a hut and campfire as the centerpiece. Then add
-a couple of Saga1 female Tuskens and kids
-a couple of massifs
-the Saga1 Tusken Camp Anakin with the weapons rack and a new softgoods robe
-and a bunch of Tusken warriors, maybe repainted in slightly new shades.
I like this idea however I'd rather have the Evo Padawan Anakin instead of the Saga1 Tusken Camp Anakin.
If the Endor Celebration is true and they put the Jedi Spirits I would hope they would make an accurate Obi Wan. And maybe throw in some Ewoks using the Romba and Graak molds.
-
Endor Celebration:
Darth Vader (Funeral Pyre)
Luke Skywalker
Han Solo
Chewbacca
Red Sullustian Pilot
Obi-Wan Spirit
Yoda Spirit
Anakin Spirit (Sebastian Shaw Head)
I was just thinking about this possible figure lineup again, and overall, this could be pretty nice. The Funeral Pyre Vader is something that many of us have asked for, and will probably be pretty cool. The Luke could be a repack of the TAC version, or an all-new DS II version (although that would stink for those not wanting the whole pack, but wanting the Luke). Han is likely a VTSC Endor repack, and hopefully Chewie will be a VOTC repack. I'm really hoping the Red Sullistan Pilot is a new Nien Nunb, possibly utilizing some of the Evolutions figure that is coming up. The Obi-Wan spirit could be the OTC version (which is nice), Yoda could be a re-cast of the OTC Dagobah Yoda, and a Sebastian Shaw head on the previously done spirit of Anakin makes sense as well. Overall, it sounds like a nice set to me, even if it is some figures many of us already have. I don't mind having extras of some of the better to best versions of the main characters anyways.
As for the possible Death Star Escape set, I really hope we see the VOTC Han and Leia in this set for sure, hopefully along with EB Chewbacca and a nice ANH Luke (and more Stormies). For all the Tatooine Lukes we've gotten, we still haven't really gotten the "ultimate" version yet (although I'd rather have it single carded than just in an UBP). The dream would be to have the Death Star playset from the vintage days in here, but that won't happen. Maybe a couple of the smaller POTF2 sets or something could be included - or something all new like the turret/logs from last year's sets.
-
Looking at that list, this is what would satisfy me enough to actually buy it:
Darth Vader (Funeral Pyre)
I suppose this would have to be a modified/new sculpt and would have the pyre itself, the figure, and attachable flames coming off of it.
Luke Skywalker
2007 30AC Jabba's Palace Luke with a gloved hand, new belt, and a new upper torso with the shirt unbuttoned slightly (the white panel thing hanging open).
Han Solo
Probably the second year in a row that they've repacked the 2006 VTSC Endor Han without his coat.
Chewbacca
2004 VOTC Chewbacca, since he has the ROTJ-hairstyle. ;)
Red Sullustian Pilot
2008 Evolutions Ten Nunb repainted red.
Obi-Wan Spirit
2004 VOTC Obi-Wan in translucent plastic with 2007 30AC Anakin Spirit robe
Yoda Spirit
2004 OTC Yoda (Dagobah Training) in translucent plastic
Anakin Spirit (Sebastian Shaw Head)
2007 30AC Anakin Spirit with new head (duh)
As for the Death Star Escape set, I'd like to see the following:
-Han Solo (2004 VOTC with Stormtrooper Belt)
-Luke Skywalker (kitbash of 2007 30AC Tatooine upper body and 2004 OTC lower body (i.e. legs) with a new head and Stormtrooper belt)
-Princess Leia (2004 VOTC)
-Chewbacca (2005 Early Bird with Stormtrooper rifle and binders)
-R2-D2 (2005 R4-G9 repaint; clean deco)
-Obi-Wan Kenobi (new, SA sculpt with soft goods)
-Darth Vader (2007 30AC version)
-C-3P0 (2006 Ewok Throne version with Battle Damage)
-Stormtroopers aplenty
-Dianoga (from 2003 Trash Compactor Screen Scenes)
One thing that I was thinking about however...when asked about the Millennium Falcon in a Q&A a while back, Hasbro stated that they would not answer any more questions about the Millennium Falcon, a comment not dissimilar to their refusal to admit the existence of the Hoth/Endor UBPs this past year and the Imperial Shuttle the year before. We've also seen the DCPI listing for a 150 dollar Falcon in the Target system, but nobody could figure out what could justify an increased price for the same old ship, not to mention the fact that everyone is wondering what large piece could possibly be included in the Death Star Escape UBP (if it comes to pass) that could justify the UBP motto. Could it be that all of these seemingly disparate things are one and the same, and that the 150 dollar Millennium Falcon will not only include the same ship we've been buying for years with slight modifications to the interior, but also the aforementioned boatload of figures, thus justifying (debatably) the ridiculous 150 dollar price?
Just thinking out loud...
-
-
I think both of these can be really exciting and if its the only way to get a Sebastian Shaw head on a spirit figure then i am more than happy to buy it.
-
I donno. I want a Sebastian Shaw head too, but 50 bucks is a little steep. ;)
-
Interesting idea DP that the Falcon could appear in some sort of Ultimate Battle Pack...
-
Agreed, and makes more sense than a 100% newly tooled version.
-
Personally, I would like to see the death star escape set be a hanger scene with a quarter portion of the Falcon. (properly scaled of course)
-
Personally, I would like to see the death star escape set be a hanger scene with a quarter portion of the Falcon. (properly scaled of course)
That would be outstanding, similar to the Attakus set in many regards!
Also, I really don't see them repacking the old POTF2 Falcon in this, in any fashion. Especially if we're looking at a $150.00 price point... sure, it's possible... but I think unlikely. Hasbro's appears to be opening their eyes more these days rather than have the close minded view that playsets or large vehicles can't be successful.
-
I think I'd be pretty surprised to see an all-new (or significantly changed) Falcon in an UBP. If Hasbro was going to go through the trouble of doing a new Falcon, especially after all of the "hype" around it, I doubt they would limit it to a limited time item at one store (Target). Then again, you never know. I just don't see a lot of people paying $150 for the old Falcon, 6 repacked figures, and maybe 1-2 "new" figures. Maybe parents spend a lot more on Christmas these days, but I never would have gotten a $150 present for Christmas either. $50 seemed about right for the UBP range to me - last year's were good values for what you received.
I'd really like to see an all-new Falcon someday soon, but I could wait until next year. With the big CW and Indy pushes this year, along with the AT-TE, and probably two more UBPs - I don't think I could afford it.
-
I say no tot he falcon in the UBP's. I think the 50.00 price point and size they are now works better. I think they sell more than a 150.00 set would.
-
Who knows... I agree, the vintage mold Falcon would not be suited well in an UBP. I am so sick of that mold, I never want to see it again.
Anyways, if the $150 Falcon is true, I could totally see them trying something like this out however like what Phruby suggested. Maybe they do two sets over a two year period, each year we get a different half of the Falcon.
2009 - First half of Falcon w/ Death Star figures, perhaps a corridor too or something
2010 - Second half of Falcon w/ Hoth figures, perhaps a hover sled and a Taun Taun too or something
Really though, there's no way of telling what Hasbro might have up their sleeve... Hasbro even admitted (can't remember where I saw it) that they were surprised to see how interested 3-3/4" collectors were with the Attakus set. Why they were surprised just goes to show that they are or were stuck in a mindset that things like this can't work. Which to me is absolutely incorrect. Things like this can go over well if they pay attention to the details most of the community is looking for - film accuracy as close as possible without child-oriented action features such as spring doors, rotating discs, etc.
We're already seeing that Hasbro has a willingness to attempt a large scale item again - the AT-TE is proof of that. If it goes over well, then the door might be opened for a whole new realm of items that some of us are dying for. If it doesn't go over well, then I think that door might be slammed shut - for good.
-
Dude, it's their job to know what works.
They know their business better than anyone here.
-
Dude, it's their job to know what works.
They know their business better than anyone here.
Your comment is actually rather ironic, but the correlation I refer to belongs in another section so I won't go into that here.
Onto the topic at hand.
I guess since Hasbro knows their business so well (unless you care to include some of their tremendous flops with the license), collectors can't speculate about things like this or voice their opinions. ****, what are forums even for then?
Wow. It's a damn good thing people never talked about wanting an AT-TE, because Hasbro made it sound like for the longest time that it wasn't coming. And we all know now thanks to you that Hasbro always knows best. Because dude, it's their job to know what works.
Oh wait, my bad - collectors did talk about it and say it should be made. OMG!! Dude... dude!
Anyways, I never said Hasbro doesn't know their business - they've showed more business sense each year since the launch of the OTC line. As for the upcoming animated line though... they're taking a risk.
-
Your comment is actually rather ironic, but the correlation I refer to belongs in another section so I won't go into that here.
Go there.
****, what are forums even for then?
****, they're for talking about toys! I'm just sick of the playset talk ONLY because Hasbro has made it abundantly clear that they're nowhere close to being on the radar. They tried 'em. Remember?
because Hasbro made it sound like for the longest time that it wasn't coming.
They did?
And we all know now thanks to you that Hasbro always knows best. Because dude, it's their job to know what works.
I didn't say they knew best - I said they know their business better than anyone here. If they knew best, their stock price would be through the roof.
But your second statement is correct. It is their job.
Anyways, I never said Hasbro doesn't know their business -
No, you didn't directly say that - but they way you talk about modular playsets makes it sound like they don't know what they are doing and you're the only one that does.
As for the upcoming animated line though... they're taking a risk.
It's a great license with the best marketing campaign anyone could ask for - a worldwide theatrical release!
How do you beat that?
You're so stuck in a collector's paradigm it's not even funny.
-
Go there.
This isn't the place for it. Maybe later though, when the time is right and I need a good laugh.
****, what are forums even for then?
****, they're for talking about toys! I'm just sick of the playset talk ONLY because Hasbro has made it abundantly clear that they're nowhere close to being on the radar.
If you're sick about playset talk, why not ignore it instead of adding fuel to the fire?
Regarding what Hasbro's said... can you really take them at their word? Especially after we were told the upcoming Clone Wars line wouldn't be animated, and then BAM! Pics show up of an animated style.
They tried 'em. Remember?
Not the kind collectors are clamoring for.
I think this is similar to the mindset that you had with the Hoth turret in the Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack - you didn't think they'd put a new piece in that sort of set and even when pics were available, you still thought it was probably Hasbro's POTF2 version, but modified somehow.
Also, it seems as though you're comparing the idea of a playset to Hasbro's attempts from the EPI line (a line that also bombed with the figures too, if you recall - the whole line sucked). People who are asking for this sort of thing aren't asking for the traditional playset that's aimed at the kiddos.
They did?
Prior to summer of 2007, yes they did.
No, you didn't directly say that - but they way you talk about modular playsets makes it sound like they don't know what they are doing and you're the only one that does.
Can you think of a better format to produce them? And why do you hate it so much when I voice my opinion? This isn't the Pit, we're not talking about politics here. We're talking about Star Wars toys.
It's a great license with the best marketing campaign anyone could ask for - a worldwide theatrical release!
How do you beat that?
Oh, I'm sure the line will hold its own at first. But I think you're going to see a substantial part of the market pass on these or lose interest quickly. Just from what I've heard from other collectors. My 10 year old nephew saw them too, and said they looked stupid and he didn't want him. Really. When he saw them online, he looked like someone just slapped him upside the head - he didn't know what to think. He's just one kid in a million, but I'm sure a lot of people are going to look at these and not be interested.
And please keep in mind, it's not like every decision Hasbro has ever made has panned out.
You're so stuck in a collector's paradigm it's not even funny.
Too funny that you think that a collector's view of the hobby isn't healthy for it. That really is amusing.
Back to the whole reason this discussion began though - based on the idea that the Death Star battle pack could potentially have the Falcon in it, and/or some sort of environment piece...
Please ruiner, if we get a $50.00 Death Star Battle Pack, speculate on what you think could be in it. I'm sure the rest of the board is mature enough to not jump down your throat if you share your thoughts on what you'd like to see.
Given that the last two came with something new, such as the Hoth Turret and the Ewok Logs, what other new sort of thing could we see Hasbro come up with? Both of those are environment pieces, so is it really too far-fetched of an idea to think that a Death Star set could come with an environment piece too?
Or better yet, think about a $150 set too (though I doubt that's what coming, but given the Falcon rumors, who knows)... or just do what you've been doing, which is to troll when the word playset pops up. But these sort of threads are supposed to be enjoyable, not a bitch fest at other collectors for sharing their ideas.
-
This isn't the place for it. Maybe later though, when the time is right and I need a good laugh.
Right. Whenever you're ready to get your ass handed to you, let me know.
Regarding what Hasbro's said... can you really take them at their word? Especially after we were told the upcoming Clone Wars line wouldn't be animated, and then BAM! Pics show up of an animated style.
They said the style would not mirror the previous CW animated figures, and they don't.
I think this is similar to the mindset that you had with the Hoth turret in the Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack - you didn't think they'd put a new piece in that sort of set and even when pics were available, you still thought it was probably Hasbro's POTF2 version, but modified somehow.
Can you blame me? You know better than anyone else here that they like to repaint larger tools all the time. I gave you credit when you figured out it was new so don't act like I bust your chops just to bust your chops.
Also, it seems as though you're comparing the idea of a playset to Hasbro's attempts from the EPI line (a line that also bombed with the figures too, if you recall - the whole line sucked). People who are asking for this sort of thing aren't asking for the traditional playset that's aimed at the kiddos.
I was referring to the POTF2 sets (Detention Rescue and that other Swing to Freedom dealio). Let us not forget the modular death star compactor sets as well as the cardboard dioramas, AOTC arena and Mustafar Volcano.
They have tried sets outside of Episode 1.
Prior to summer of 2007, yes they did.
Link?
Can you think of a better format to produce them? And why do you hate it so much when I voice my opinion? This isn't the Pit, we're not talking about politics here. We're talking about Star Wars toys.
No, I don't think there is a better format that will work at retail. I don't care if you voice your opinion - you like dioramas and that's cool, I'm just saying you might want to let this one go based upon Hasbro's CLEAR stance on the subject.
My 10 year old nephew saw them too, and said they looked stupid and he didn't want him. Really.
Makes sense. I don't know a lot of 10 year olds who still play with toys. Go ask some 3-6 year olds.
He's just one kid in a million, but I'm sure a lot of people are going to look at these and not be interested.
And there are a lot of people who are not interested in Power Rangers, WWE, Pokemon, Ben 10, Spider-Man, Bat-Man, Superman, Transformers, Gi-Joe, etc. and they still command space at retail so I wouldn't worry about it.
And please keep in mind, it's not like every decision Hasbro has ever made has panned out.
The number of successes outnumber the number of failures by a great margin.
Too funny that you think that a collector's view of the hobby isn't healthy for it. That really is amusing.
It's amusing that now that you're a father (at least that's what I've heard) that you don't even try to look at this market from a parent's / child's perspective.
Please ruiner, if we get a $50.00 Death Star Battle Pack, speculate on what you think could be in it. I'm sure the rest of the board is mature enough to not jump down your throat if you share your thoughts on what you'd like to see.
Oh I don't know. I was interested in the $150 set. I think if it's a Target Exclusive, I think it will contain the OTC Falcon with a few minor tweaks and some new figs. Could be a really cool set (in a huge window box) for those who don't already have the Falcon or just want to replace the one they have. Great idea for kids too who are just getting into Star Wars and don't have access to the most iconic vehicle from Star Wars.
I also think it makes more sense to release the Falcon in one piece vs. halves. How would a kid play with a Falcon that is broken in half? Can you imagine the frustration?
Given that the last two came with something new, such as the Hoth Turret and the Ewok Logs, what other new sort of thing could we see Hasbro come up with? Both of those are environment pieces, so is it really too far-fetched of an idea to think that a Death Star set could come with an environment piece too?
I'll give you the turret, but the logs?
or just do what you've been doing, which is to troll when the word playset pops up. But these sort of threads are supposed to be enjoyable, not a bitch fest at other collectors for sharing their ideas.
I'm a troll now because I'm telling you that Hasbro knows their business and that there won't be modular playsets?
I like some of your ideas and think your customs are pretty darn good - I'm just trying to tell you that if you're trying to push Hasbro to produce modular playsets, you're wasting your time.
-
I think I'd be pretty surprised to see an all-new (or significantly changed) Falcon in an UBP.
This is how I feel as well. With the $100 AT-TE on the shelves, it seems odd that they'd toss a $150 exclusive out there at the same time. Not that it couldn't happen, but it would be a surprise if it did...
Given the repaints/repacks found in the first two sets, I would expect/hope to see the DS set to contain something like this:
- Vader (whatever sculpt, they are all the same at this point)
- Obi-Wan (OTC Spirit in "real" colors)
- 2x Stormtroopers (vOTC)
- Stormtrooper Han/Luke (movie versions using the vOTC sculpt, finally)
- R2-D2 (Ep3 Preview Droid Sculpt, finally)
- Early Bird Chewbacca (repack)
-
I like some of your ideas and think your customs are pretty darn good - I'm just trying to tell you that if you're trying to push Hasbro to produce modular playsets, you're wasting your time.
I'm done arguing the point, but let's get one thing straight - if you think that your ranting is going to get me to quit discussing playsets, you are wasting your time. :)
-
I'm done arguing the point,
You chose wisely.
but let's get one thing straight - if you think that your ranting is going to get me to quit discussing playsets, you are wasting your time. :)
I hope we can still be friends.
-
I'm not even sure how a $150 UBP with a Millenium Falcon even came into this discussion at this point... I'm confused on that one. ???
By all accounts this is probably just a $50 battlepack like the Target ones from last year, and it'll have some figures, and maybe a large piece or two like the Turret or logs. To me, they're no different than getting a big accessory like the drum for Ak Rev, the moisture vaporator like Luke had, or curved Cantina bar pieces... I'm pretty happy with a big accessory like the Hoth Turret, so for the Death Star it could be something semi-larger like a Tractor Beam control thing, or it could be one of the Death Star Control stations like the grey Death Star Trooper used, or it could be simply some boxes and barrels from a hangar....
The scale Millenium Falcon, even in pieces, seems highly unreleastic (at least in a pack?), much less a $150 set with a whole new Falcon seems like it's mashing one thing rooted in a solid rumor with some wishful thinking. :-\
I found the big accessories from last year's sets nice, but some were really rather lame (logs). The Hoth Turret's INSANELY simple, I believe Hasbro even mentioned that in a Q&A actually, and that's why we got it. It's only a few pieces that actually comprise the total make-up of it. Pretty neat designing really to give something impressive like that accessory. :)
I'm with the others though in guessing this'll fall right in line with the other UBP sets in terms of what it'll come with. If we get something cool like the control consoles out of it, I think that'd rock. Even just one of them would rock, but two would be real neat.
On the subject of playsets though...
It's ironic this very topic is brought up, when just a short while ago basically this exact topic/dicsussion ("playsets" in battlepacks) question was answered in the Q&A:
With fan interest in playsets for Death Star Scenes, has any thought been given to making modular sets and releasing them in Battle Pack format ? For example, looking at the Classic Death Star Playset, releasing one platform at a time with separating struts, that way we can buy as many as we want and set them up how we want? Perhaps with 1 or 2 figures only packed in? (IS, 02/27/08)*
That is an interesting idea and we have considered it. The main challenge is that the playset section we would include would eat up a lot of cost and would result in fewer figures - essentially, a playset assortment on a smaller scale. That leads us right back to the issue at hand, which is that kids like Battle Packs for what they offer in figures and story, and would not find the playset compelling either. So while it's an interesting way to "divide and conquer" the playset problem, it still doesn't solve the kid interest issue that prevents us from pursuing a playset in the first place.]
&
Are there any playsets in the works? We really, really need a Mos Eisley bar (with light-up tables!) and a Jabba throneroom. (RTM, 02/27/08)
There are no playsets in the works. We are concentrating our efforts on bringing out a healthy range of Star Wars vehicles, since we feel the figure/vehicle play pattern is the more dynamic one for Star Wars. In the past decades, playsets have really struggled in Star Wars (and in boys toys in general) as kids do not see them as the important "center" of their play experience. In Star Wars, there are few examples of buildings or settings that are truly iconic and would be the anchor of play sessions. The ones you mention would be narrowly targeted at collectors (kids are much more interested in the prequel trilogy, versus the original trilogy), and as such would not be something that we would look at if we did decide to pursue playsets.
Both from the 4/27 Q&A round after Toy Fair...
I think it's noteworthy too that Hasbro's very specific in their wording that playset don't appeal to kids, and they do appeal NARROWLY to collectors. I think that's important to remember, no matter how badly any of us want playsets.
I've advocated the concept of a multi-piece Large Millenium Falcon "playset"/ship, and Death Star, for many years now, but I have to admit they're collector-oriented things and not kiddie things. I don't know their numbers to judge them on this, but Hasbro claims kids make up the majority, collectors the minority, and I do know the costs involved would be high, so I can see their reasoning why they don't want to go that route. Cost high, focused group is the minority, and that = risky.
Not to derail the thread even further from UBP discussion and all...
On a completely other topic mentioned... Regarding "animated styling".
There's a ton of collectors completely happy to see animated styling. Off the top of my head I could name 3 guys that hang out here that are happy for the style chosen. I'm not one of them personally, but there's a lot who are quite happy to get something accurate to what they see on TV.
That said, Hasbro have also implied that the new Clone Wars line DOES have a touch of realism, and that they did intend for it to be somewhat mixed, but from a certain point of view... That view being that they're not the "extreme" animated stylings of the original Clone Wars series. Clearly some of the figure's bases would actually translate well to a basic figure if the headsculpt were different, with a maybe different paint application... I think Hasbro really was trying to appeal to both as best they could, while still leaning to the animated stylings of the source material.
For that, I applaud them, even though it didn't turn out as something I'll buy. They did try to mix it so at least some would feel these figures would fit in "just enough" to make the cut.
Anyway, I'd like it to be shown in the records...
I think I've supported the idea of Modular Toys/Vehicles/Playsets (http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB24&Number=636134&Forum=c20,f170,f169,f127,f89,f86,f85,f36,f24,f3,f2,f48,f115,f18,f124,f15&Words=Modular&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=636134&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=652&daterange=1&newerval=&newertype=w&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post636134) longer than anybody was even bringing them up. ;) I'm taking credit dammit, I deserve it! Hey, even in my time here at JD (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=3624.30), I was supporting the idea. Go figure. ;)
-
I'm not even sure how a $150 UBP with a Millenium Falcon even came into this discussion at this point... I'm confused on that one. ???
From Dr. Padawan:
We've also seen the DCPI listing for a 150 dollar Falcon in the Target system, but nobody could figure out what could justify an increased price for the same old ship, not to mention the fact that everyone is wondering what large piece could possibly be included in the Death Star Escape UBP (if it comes to pass) that could justify the UBP motto. Could it be that all of these seemingly disparate things are one and the same, and that the 150 dollar Millennium Falcon will not only include the same ship we've been buying for years with slight modifications to the interior, but also the aforementioned boatload of figures, thus justifying (debatably) the ridiculous 150 dollar price?
-
Ah, ok... Had to go back a long ways on that one. I see Dr. P's point on getting an old Falcon in a big ass box, but I'm gonna bet it's not the same. Thing is with DPCI's that, UBP's (as Scum listed them that is) are part of an assortment, like last year's, while the Falcon's listed by itself. Unless of course they'd have a $50 and $150 pricepoint and two separate DPCI's for the two unique "packs", but I think that's about 99.9% unlikely.
I'd say the Falcon either took a bump because of the AT-TE, or was dropped by Target all together, and that Scum's 2 UBP's mentioned are an assortment, probably for the holidays/end of the year again at Target.
-
Thanks Jesse - just the man right for this discussion.
First, regarding the Animated figures... Hasbro had these answers (thanks to Actionfigs.com (http://www.actionfigs.com/index.php?categoryid=12&p2_articleid=1916) for the quotes):
June 9, 2006 - 'Characters in Clone Wars are great - and we're looking at ways of getting more of them in the line for 2007. However any we do will be in "realistic" styling rather than animated. We’ve done some polling with fans, and overall the realistic style is preferred.'
June 16, 2006 - 'We do have plans for some of these characters in 2007, but we won't be announcing the specifics just yet. However, any we do will be in "realistic" styling rather than animated. We done some polling with fans, and overall the realistic style is prefered over the animated style so we are going to stick with that.'
April 17, 2007 - 'We will not be producing any more of the Clone Wars animated-style figures. Unfortunately, for each one of these we produced, we did not get results on par with the realistically styled versions of Clone Wars characters. Realistic is where we will be keeping our focus'
That's three separate occasions they flat out said that realistic is where they are focusing their efforts on. And twice they mention "fans" not "kids." What we're seeing in the upcoming line is an attempt to merge the two, but we have to be honest with ourselves - the only aspect to these that has a realistic feel is the weathering. Don't get me wrong - I want the line to do good. I just won't be doing much with it.
Regarding the UBP's, I fully expect them to stick with a $50 format - yeah - DP mentioned the idea of the Falcon actually appearing in one of these in some other format, and the discussion expanded. And I really don't expect to see the Falcon in one of these at all - if for some reason it were in a Battle Pack (especially one that cost $150), unless it were an all new version and much larger, it would be a complete waste of money for anyone to get one. Retooling isn't enough to justify that sort of price.
On the playset front, I think there is a huge misunderstanding here - I don't recall ever having advocated for the kind of playsets that I want to see to be geared towards kids.
The POTF2 ones were when the line was first launching (and even the vehicles didn't sell well then), so that right there makes those a bad comparison.
The EPI playsets can't measure up either - they were poorly constructed, had ridiculous action features that detracted from their appearance, and were part of a line that was for the most part, a flop. Vehicles and figures sold bad. So again, comparing playsets here is a bad comparison.
The Geonosis Arena might not be bad one however, though I don't really care for it. At least in my neck of the woods these sold really well. And they're not half bad for display pieces.
The Mustafar playset is plain silly looking, but still sold somewhat well in my area. It's not easy on the eyes, but it seemed to do ok.
None of those however are anything like what I advocate for when I say the word "playset" - I guess for some people the term needs to be more like "diorama" to get the point across. I don't care for attempts at these targeted at kids. They've never even attempted something like this at adults. So until they have something to compare it to, it appears to be merely speculation/fear on their part.
Will we ever see something like what you or I are discussing Jesse? Probably not, but there's a chance, isn't there? And as long as people like you and I do want to see things like this someday made, there's no reason not to discuss it. If we all just brush the dream aside, it might go off Hasbro's radar completely... I honestly do think they want to be able to deliver something like this, but haven't figured out a way to go about it yet.
I wish they'd indeed farm out the playset front to Sideshow and see what they can do with it.
-
Just to throw in .02 cents on a couple points:
- I still find the Hasbro speculation on consumer ages ridiculous. Sure, I've seen kids buy SW; like one or two figures at a time. I've never seen a kid army build to the extent we do, or buy ultra-obscure characters like the recent cantina figures. They can't keep using this argument to the group that supports the hobby more than any other.
- I think the Clone Wars styling makes complete sense. Now, I say this knowing that I won't buy a single Clone Wars product, because all I buy are film products, but why would they possibly style a line based on a CGI cartoon any differently than looking like that CGI cartoon? (Other than, of course, because they stated it in Q and A answers which didn't make much sense to me before either). The goal of film character figures is to make them as close to looking like the real characters as possible, and you can clearly see the progression from vintage, to POTF2, to POTJ, to now. As production techniques improved, so did the realistic likenesses. Now, why would anyone want characters that never appeared in live action to look like live action? The Clone Wars series didn't take place live action, and therefore doesn't make sense to produce live action figures based on it. The AT-TE on the other hand, did, and so the realistic styling makes sense. But I think the majority of the gripes comes from those people that immediately accept any particle of SW-related media as canon, and must own toy representations of it. I find it an odd phenomenon, which to me is like requesting figures from novels (those that don't have visual representations like in comics or games anyway).
-
That's three separate occasions they flat out said that realistic is where they are focusing their efforts on.
Check the dates there though... "Nothing for 2007, but...", etc. They're not talking the 2008 CW3D line, they're referencing specifically the old Clone Wars cartoon and any subsequent figures for it, which Hasbro has kept to their word there exact as we're getting that insanely kickass CW wave for the old CW toon this year, and got TattoonAkin, Roron and the gang the last couple years all realistic styled.
AF.com didn't seem to read the quotes too closely that they cited as "evidence" Hasbro was somehow BS'ing them, and their arguments to the contrary are nullified in my opinion.
In recent Q&A's Hasbro has obviously answered regarding the new CW line, since we've all seen it, but Hasbro is implying they tried to appeal to collectors as much as possible, stay true to the source material, and at the same time make the figures less animated looking than the original "animated figures" for the original line... Do they fit in with the basic line? Not by a longshot to me, but the animated look is less drastic, and the right paintjob and headsculpt could see the base figure look pretty decent as a "basic line" figure if they wanted to make it... I don't think they will, and I don't think it'd be perfect, but there's clearly a "more realistic" tone to the 3D animated line than the original animated line... I think that's where confusion was lead with different rumors as well, as Hasbro themselves are giving the implication(s) that they tried to be a bit more realistic, but from the "certain point of view" of comparing this line to the original animated line. Not to the basic line, or the realistic sculpted CW figures in the basic line.
Changing gears...
I don't recall ever having advocated for the kind of playsets that I want to see to be geared towards kids.
That was kind of my point when I emphasized that Hasbro is insisting that playsets MUST appeal to kids because Hasbro insists Kids are their primary target market while we are not. And that, coupled with the much higher tooling costs of playsets, means that playsets must appeal to the target market, not the niche market... I have no doubts about Hasbro's notion that tooling of a playset is expensive, and I think that's undeniable really. I think sometimes they underestimate the importance of the collector "niche" to a degree, however I think they're probably pretty rooted in solid reasoning why kids are so important. It's kind of tough to dispute how well the line's done since 2005 when kids really got back into it afterall.
You add those things up though, and the things Hasbro say in their Q&A's about playsets don't seem so abstract... Playsets are expensive to create. Playsets, according to their info, don't appeal to kids. Collectors want playsets. Collectors are a small fraction of the purchasing whole compared to kids, so playsets due to their costs MUST appeal to kids on some level, but data shows playsets (for Star Wars at least) are not appealing and/or important to kids and the costs involved are too risky to make them focused on the niche that cannot carry/support them.
As far as what Hasbro has done in terms of playsets, and how they've done at retail... This is my experiences:
-POTF2 sets... Small, inexpensive, relatively simple, all on clearance.
-Episode 1 Sets... Larger, more "dynamic", certainly more expensive, all on clearance. I'd add to this as well that the Theed Generator playset is not far off from what you call a diorama-type set CHEWIE. I can't see how anyone can deny that. It's very sturdy, it has lots of detail (maybe lacking some paint application, but that's a minor issue), it has very VERY few "action features", and it was a nice set up for an iconic scene in that film. To me it's a shame it didn't do well. On top of all that it even connected to the Hangar scene which, aside from the poor "floor" being flimsy, was a detailed set up that would display figures nicely for the final battle.
-POTJ Bespin Freeze Chamber... Always left off people's lists, the Bespin Freeze Chamber was a distinct attempt IMO to mix collector-appeal with a cool feature for kids, and it functioned well. It's a really decent toy, it's sculpted insanely well and intricate, it's very complex... It got to retail online for collectors only, and it bombed. I still display mine with my Bespin figures because I do believe it's very decent as a display piece, and if people take the time to "add" to it, they really can have something impressively accurate. Once again, these couldn't be given away at one point, despite them being a good toy really, and underappreciated.
-Arena Playset... Sold dismally here, clearanced well into 2003 and even 2004.
-Mustafar Playset... Sold a little better here, still saw these on clearance at various stores.
Now that's just my experience here, and hardly solid marketing research data, but still it shows a trend. Couple that trend with the costs involved and Hasbro took a beating on these items once retailers sent their response back to the manufacturer...
I'm not saying a cool, non-kid-focused "playset" piece wouldn't rock all... I'd love one. I'm just saying Hasbro's been clear that their costs, plus the data they have that says collectors cannot carry an item that would justify that cost, is where Hasbro's basis is for not doing collector-oriented playsets for us. They've said kid-interest HAS to be there for it to work/sell, and that means the firing cannons, the blast-apart walls, and all the other stuff... And kid-interest isn't there for playsets at all, so they're not gonna make them for the "niche" that cannot financially support them.
Sideshow maybe will pick that ball up and run with it... I think the playset focus in Q&A's is downright silly at this point though, personally, and that if the focus was to take a new direction, they should pester Hasbro to give playsets a chance with Sideshow with the questions... That's where Q&A focuses should be on the topic, not the week-in-week-out asking of "When will you make a playset?", "Will you put a playset in a battlepack?" "Can you give us parts of a playset with figures to make one big playset?", and any other variation of "Can we get a playset yet?" type question in the Q&A. It's all the same question really. ;)
Maybe it's time to start writing more to Sideshow than Hasbro though? I dunno. They're a pretty personable company to deal with.
I'd love a stackable Death Star, and I've had my ideas for my own one for over 10 years now and just never made it... It is a cool idea, but Hasbro's not laying out something that's unrealistic or hasn't addressed everyone's "concerns" yet either. Maybe CW will do well enough they'll take another look at something like this since there's a TV show to help it along, but I'd bet dollars to Donuts it'll have some kind of appeal to kids that'll make it less appealing to adults. Not to mention, it'll be for the Clone Wars series, not a Death Star or Hoth, or Bespin... :-\
-
Good post Daigo-Bah... but regarding the Animated style... I'd have to throw this into the mix -
(http://www.rebelscum.com/tf2008/Hasbro/presentation/Slide14.JPG)
(http://www.rebelscum.com/tf2008/Hasbro/presentation/Slide15.JPG)
The Clone Wars figures pictured above don't appear in realistic form on any sort of screen - they are from the Animated Series. So why'd Hasbro go with realistic styling? Because the Animated Style of figures flopped... big time.
Again, I hope I'm wrong and that this upcoming line does good. But I'm guessing it would do better if they were purely realistic styling. They've already lost a lot of my dollars.
-
Jesse, you posted right before I did in my reply to Daigo-Bah... I skimmed through it so far and looks like you have some really good points, I'll reply back when I get a chance.
Thanks in advance Jesse for discussing this.
-
Yep, Chewie, you're absolutely right about that wave and I was thinking of it too. I believe generally that realistic-styled will outperform animated-style, what confounds me is the desire to purchase a realistically-styled character that does not appear in live action (Hasbro's choices are of course motivated by sales predictions and some manner of artistic decision, but what motivates the fan to want a different artistic license than the source media?). Of course, I'm just thinking out loud... er, thinking out-typing, because I don't understand the appeal of Choppers, Muggs, or anime-styled characters either ???
-
I'm not even sure how a $150 UBP with a Millenium Falcon even came into this discussion at this point... I'm confused on that one. ???
From Dr. Padawan:
We've also seen the DCPI listing for a 150 dollar Falcon in the Target system, but nobody could figure out what could justify an increased price for the same old ship, not to mention the fact that everyone is wondering what large piece could possibly be included in the Death Star Escape UBP (if it comes to pass) that could justify the UBP motto. Could it be that all of these seemingly disparate things are one and the same, and that the 150 dollar Millennium Falcon will not only include the same ship we've been buying for years with slight modifications to the interior, but also the aforementioned boatload of figures, thus justifying (debatably) the ridiculous 150 dollar price?
Yep, that's my fault. I throw myself on the mercy of the jury. :)
-
Yep, that's my fault. I throw myself on the mercy of the jury. :)
I compliment you for throwing out the idea.
-
You suck Dr. P. :P (Honestly I was just confused and didn't look back far enough to see what I'd missed and how we got to a $150 Falcon in a battlepack, so no harm, just confused)
EDIT: I moved my comments over yonder to the CW section where appropriate.
-
Damnit Jesse, now you've posted two novels that I have to read and then reply to. :P
-
Damnit Jesse, now you've posted two novels that I have to read and then reply to. :P
And if you do respond... please put the responses in the correct threads.
I don't mind the playset talk so much since it is possible these future ultimate battle packs may contain set pieces and/or props and that sort of relates to the topic (though stretching a bit), but all the Realistic vs. Animated (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=16689.0) debate should moved from this thread from here on out since it really has nothing to do with UBPs.
Yes, I understand the animated stuff got dragged in here as a "Hasbro lies to us" example, but the discussion has moved so far beyond that it's time to stop it or move it back where it belongs. I don't mind when we stray a little off topic from time to time, but you guys are all over the place in here... ;)
Thanks!
-
No problem - when I get to it, I'll reply to the Animated discussion in the appropriate thread. Thanks for the inconvenience Jeff. ::) ;)
-
If this answer doesn't scream "Target's Christmas 2008 exclusive," I don't know what does:
.... It seems like there was a lot of hype and rumor about a new Millennium Falcon vehicle for the main line, including the leak of a Target DCPI number that came with the AT-TE - which Hasbro is indeed materializing. There was a lot of expectation that Hasbro would unveil both the AT-TE and this new Millennium Falcon at Toy Fair, and while the former appeared, the latter did not, so might you comment on these Falcon rumors at all? If nothing else, a simple confirmation or denial would ease a lot of collector tension. (SSG, 03/20/08) (http://www.sirstevesguide.com/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=1320)
We have no comment on anything to do with a Millenium Falcon item, other than to say that it is not our policy to comment on certain rumors especially as they pertain to items that may appear in the Target (or any other retailer's) computers. Often, there is a reason for this secrecy because some items may be part of that retailers promotional tactics such as the Ultimate Battle Packs at Target. Whether or not there is another such concept in development will not be commented upon for this reason.
(And yes, Hasbro lies to us about everything.)
-
It definitely seems to. Which is good news that something seems to be coming, but if it pics are kept as secretly has the Hoth/Endor sets were, we might not really get many details until the Fall...
-
Any kind of Death Star set pieces would be nice additions. I hope they're not just the doorways from the POTF2 Electronic FX figures as the basis for these.
(http://www.rebelscum.com/potf2/POTF2fxduel1.jpg)
Personally, I'd like to see the tractor beam station as the large accessory. That's still one of my favorite pieces from the Vintage Death Star playset.
-
Too bad it wasn't a final dual set. I know the figures would be limited, but we could get some cool cat-walks, steps and/or control stations.
-
Something I thought of recently while going through the shelves is a Lars Homestead UBP. It might not be the most exciting thing, but it might be a good way to put that nice SAGA Landspeeder out there again, a handful of moisture vaporators from the TAC Luke figure, and maybe one of the "huts" that sits above ground at the homestead would be cool. It would be a good opportunity to get resculpted Owen Lars and Beru (although that would make people understandably mad if they were in a pricey Battle Pack), and maybe a re-release of figures like the VOTC Luke, a R2-D2 (using a R4-G9 repaint), and a weathered version of the Endor throne 3PO. You could probably toss in some other miscellaneous droids, or if you wanted to extend it, maybe even Obi-Wan, Jawas, or Tusken Raiders. Now that I think of it though, it really isn't "action oriented" enough, and probably wouldn't be a big seller. It would be neat to see the Landspeeder out there again, and be able to get more of the vaporators or other Lars homestead scenery.
A more action-oriented idea might be something revolving around the Sarlacc Pit. This might be the only way we could get a Sarlacc, even if it was a plastic/cardboard combo piece as the bottom of the box. You could also put the POTF2 Skiff (or two) in there, and pack it full of skiff guards, Han, Luke, Lando, Chewie, and everyone else in that scene.
-
a Death Star Escape battlepack would be cool
hopefully they make a super articulated obi wan kenobi the votc one i did not like it had swival cut joints!
very dissapointed in that one
so a updated one would be nice
-
Something I thought of recently while going through the shelves is a Lars Homestead UBP.
...
A more action-oriented idea might be something revolving around the Sarlacc Pit.
A couple of good calls there, Brian.
So this thread started with rumors of an Endor Celebration UBP and a Death Star UBP. I do believe Target is going to have one more UBP that we haven't seen yet, and GH's Adam Blogger seems pretty sure of a Death Star playset with lots of add-ons on the horizon...starting this holiday season. Maybe this Death Star set will pan out after all.
-
One Death Star II environment that might make for a good UBP is the Emporer's throne room. It's a location for both action and serious exposition. But Hasbro said something to the effect that a throne might not be in the works.
-
The Throne room would certainly be cool, but I think it would require too much work to make the set pieces for the UBP.
-
Yeah, after reading the Galactic Blogger about that rumored Death Star, I was thinking about those earlier UBP rumors as well. Adam May seemed to drop hints that this would be "phase 1" of the Death Star playset/environment, so maybe we get a chunk in an UBP this Nov/Dec at Target, some other smaller add-ons next year, and then another big UBP next holiday season. Just speculating, but that might be kind of nifty and a way to do this "new Death Star" without pricing it at $500 in one shot.