68 replies to this topic

[DeltaStriker]

Speaking of awesome colors and robots, I wonder if (as I said earlier) there'll be new squads in the second wave (assuming it happens, and I hope so). Purple, maybe azure? I'd suggest a yellow squad but that'd look a bit strange.

Maybe gray, black and purple.

[Chro]

I was thinking grey and black, but I realized they might be too bland. Perhaps if there was a stealth-oriented squad...?
Which reminds me, their icons seem to say something about them. For example, the blue squad has a crosshairs icon and the minifig has a targeting device over his eye (similarly to his corresponding robot). Red has a wing, orange has a lightning bolt, and green has a chevron.

[.:Yio:.]

Just watched some video reviews of these sets, i cant describe how awesome they look. I've always been attached to the space theme (except Star Wars or Alien Conquest) and LEGO really has done well. My only prob is that they aren't using the armor from Galaxy Patrol Minifigure. I reeeeeally thought they would

But I must say, the green tank with mech is top on my list. It can go together and there is a little buggy that can come out too!!! The purple pod can be analysed in it too! The robot idea is cool too, the blue one looks really roboty but the green one looks really awesome. Too hard to choose which one to get when they come out!

[CeeCee]

Speaking of awesome colors and robots, I wonder if (as I said earlier) there'll be new squads in the second wave (assuming it happens, and I hope so). Purple, maybe azure? I'd suggest a yellow squad but that'd look a bit strange.

I really hope so too.
I want pink,purple, keetorange and teal

[Chro]

Pink is unlikely, considering the target demographic, but it'd be interesting. Same with keetorange, actually- they've only made one minifig in that color to my knowledge, and they've already got an orange squad. There won't be teal since it's dead, but there could very well be azure (which is probably what you meant, anyway). The only thing against that is that we've already got azure in a recent space theme with the ADU.

[Lyichir]

Pink is unlikely, considering the target demographic, but it'd be interesting. Same with keetorange, actually- they've only made one minifig in that color to my knowledge, and they've already got an orange squad. There won't be teal since it's dead, but there could very well be azure (which is probably what you meant, anyway). The only thing against that is that we've already got azure in a recent space theme with the ADU.

There have been multiple minifigures that use Keetorange (examples include the Collectible Minifigures Hazmat Suit Guy and Fisherman, or the recent City Forest Firefighters), and it does a good job of passing for yellow without causing confusion due to the minifigures' yellow skintone. As for azure, that's already used for the blue squad. Pink is indeed unlikely due to the reason you mentioned, but I fully expect to see MOCists and customizers creating pink squad members using parts from the Collectible Minifigures Galaxy Girl. The same goes for Black, using the Space Villain's parts.

Personally, however, I feel that five squads is plenty, especially if the squads have diverse specialties as hinted by their emblems.

On another note, has anyone seen the awesome guns used by some of the aliens which use scorpions for the handles? Talk about NPU; they make for wonderfully creepy weapons.

[DeltaStriker]

Maybe a Camo squad. With jets.

[CeeCee]

Pink is unlikely, considering the target demographic, but it'd be interesting. Same with keetorange, actually- they've only made one minifig in that color to my knowledge, and they've already got an orange squad. There won't be teal since it's dead, but there could very well be azure (which is probably what you meant, anyway). The only thing against that is that we've already got azure in a recent space theme with the ADU.

There have been multiple minifigures that use Keetorange (examples include the Collectible Minifigures Hazmat Suit Guy and Fisherman, or the recent City Forest Firefighters), and it does a good job of passing for yellow without causing confusion due to the minifigures' yellow skintone. As for azure, that's already used for the blue squad. Pink is indeed unlikely due to the reason you mentioned, but I fully expect to see MOCists and customizers creating pink squad members using parts from the Collectible Minifigures Galaxy Girl. The same goes for Black, using the Space Villain's parts.

Personally, however, I feel that five squads is plenty, especially if the squads have diverse specialties as hinted by their emblems.

On another note, has anyone seen the awesome guns used by some of the aliens which use scorpions for the handles? Talk about NPU; they make for wonderfully creepy weapons.

Wait. I only saw four squads. Which on is the fifth? Anyway, if ti goes on for more than one wave, I think they should do 4 more colors for the next wave.
What do you think?

Just watched some video reviews of these sets, i cant describe how awesome they look. I've always been attached to the space theme (except Star Wars or Alien Conquest) and LEGO really has done well. My only prob is that they aren't using the armor from Galaxy Patrol Minifigure. I reeeeeally thought they would

But I must say, the green tank with mech is top on my list. It can go together and there is a little buggy that can come out too!!! The purple pod can be analysed in it too! The robot idea is cool too, the blue one looks really roboty but the green one looks really awesome. Too hard to choose which one to get when they come out!

I personally wont be using them as robots and more as elite soldiers

Edited by III IV VII, Nov 28 2012 - 03:39 PM.

[Chro]

Yeah, Lyi, there are only four this wave.
The blue squad doesn't use azure, either- that's definitely the normal blue. And yes, I agree that we'll certainly see a vast range of colors in Galaxy Squad MOCs- black, white, grey, pink, azure...

[Aanchir: Rachira of Time]

Yeah, Lyi, there are only four this wave.
The blue squad doesn't use azure, either- that's definitely the normal blue. And yes, I agree that we'll certainly see a vast range of colors in Galaxy Squad MOCs- black, white, grey, pink, azure...

I can pretty much guarantee you that the blue squad's parts are Dark Azur. Which yes, IS darker than the Medium Azur used in Thornraxx and throughout the Friends theme... it's the same color as the Alien Conquest uniforms. Granted, I won't be heartbroken if I'm proven wrong, but many of the parts used for the blue squad's vehicles are parts that already exist in Dark Azure as far as I can tell, and not ones that already exist in Bright Blue.

Edited by Aanchir: Rachira of Time, Nov 28 2012 - 04:09 PM.

[Chro]

Hmm. Looking at some more pictures that I hadn't seen previously, you may be right. Dang it, and here I was getting excited for blue Space Police commando helmets.
Well, another thing, then- are the green squad figs regular medium green or bright green?

[Nuvaguy]

I've really only been buying Collectible Minifigures and Hero Factory lately, but I'm just gonna have to get some of these. I love the insect like vehicles (and minifigures) and also the new head molds on those robots. The blue one would probably be my favorite.

Also, that green squad vehicle looks awesome.

[Lyichir]

Hmm. Looking at some more pictures that I hadn't seen previously, you may be right. Dang it, and here I was getting excited for blue Space Police commando helmets.
Well, another thing, then- are the green squad figs regular medium green or bright green?

They're definitely not Medium Green, which is an obscure color that hasn't been used in years (having been used primarily in Belville and Duplo). They seem to be Bright Green, which is not to be confused with the standard green color (referred to as simply Green by Bricklink or Dark Green by Lego).

[RadicalTropicon]

So if you guys go check out the Lego Shop right now, (and I mean NOW. Do it. I'll wait.) you'll see that the Galaxy Squad sets are now available for purchase.

 

I already bought all six 'cause I was so stoked for this line. Basically a collaboration of many things I love. Mainly insectoids.

 

But anyways, go buy 'em! Now! 

[fauxname]

Wow, these sets are really good, especially the robots. It also reminds me of the Insectoids, the best space sets Lego has made so far. The smallest one looks the best!

[Chro]

 

Hmm. Looking at some more pictures that I hadn't seen previously, you may be right. Dang it, and here I was getting excited for blue Space Police commando helmets.
Well, another thing, then- are the green squad figs regular medium green or bright green?

They're definitely not Medium Green, which is an obscure color that hasn't been used in years (having been used primarily in Belville and Duplo). They seem to be Bright Green, which is not to be confused with the standard green color (referred to as simply Green by Bricklink or Dark Green by Lego).

 

Ah, okay. Sorry, I can't keep up with all the actual color names as well as you guys.

But yeah, thanks for clearing that up, that was what I meant.

[jamesster]

Just got Space Swarmer, Swarm Interceptor, and Vermin Vaporizer from the local LEGO store. Built the first two, will build the last one tomorrow. Absolutely loving this theme so far.

[Chro]

In Texas? Well then. I thought they were just out online in the US, but it's good to know they're in stores, too! Also good to hear that you're liking the theme.

[Meiko]

I saw that one site had images of 3 Galaxy Squad impulse sets. Just a head up for you guys, so you can look out for them in the checkout aisle.

[Felinuva]

I think i'm gonna like Galaxy Squad.

 

But I hope they will also put the Orange robot in cheaper sets because the set it is in seems to be expensive.

[Takuaka: Toa of Time]

Aha. Well, now I know where the LCM Battle Mech got its' color scheme.

 

I've aways loved space themes, and it looks like we have ourselves another cool one right here. It is rather reminiscent of Insectoids.

 

 I hope this will be another of those themes with individual character names and bios, and lots of story material. (like they did with Pharaoh's Quest, one of my all-time favorites, and Atlantis, another one I liked a lot) So let's see, we have four squads of heroes up against an army of bug people. I like the mosquto people. XD What are the others, though? Cockroaches? Actually, they kinda look like Centipedes. (wow, so to whom else does THAT name ring a bell? lol) Too bad the squads use basic colors, instead of dark red and green, and navy blue. I LOVE those colors. Is there such a thing as dark orange, though? I love the robots, too. (although the blue one does look somewhat monkey-like, lol)

 

 Oh, and it's also disappointing that the "squaddies" don't have armor like the Space Marine had. The green and orange 'bots do, though. Too bad they only come in the most expensive sets. lol

 

At the risk of getting ramblesome, here's a little review of the individual sets:

 

Space Swarmer: Nice cannon on the robot, and you get one of the Centipoids. Nice little ship, too. Just imagine a swarm of those flying down and starting to walk around. Eww... Funny how it even has a "mouth". I can see an engine in the back, but I wonder what purpose the wings serve?

 

Swarm Interceptor: Oh, wow that's a beautiful little ship. And you get a Mosquitoid with buggy bike, too. Nice wing piece on the Mosquitoid. The "squaddie" has nice armor decals, and I like the targeting computer over his eye. Even makes him look a little "piratey". lol Still wish he had navy blue instead of regular blue, though. You know, the "Galaxy Squad" symbol kind of resembles the S.H.I.E.L.D. symbol. It's like S.H.I.E.L.D. in space! lol The Centipoids even look a bit like Chitauri.

 

Warp Stinger: Ooh, giant mosquitos are attacking! Not sure how this one gets through space, though, I don't see an engine. I like the bike, too. The robot looks kinda like a Calamari. (like Admiral Ackbar) Interesting boomerang-looking things on the robot. I think the mosquitoid is holding a scorpion with a frying-pan attached to it as a blaster. Kind of funny-looking, but amusing.

 

Star Slicer: Ooh, looks like a giant praying mantis! One of my favorite insects. Nice that they chose it as the only full-size secondary to the mosquito-ship. Again, though, not sure how this thing flies through space. And I also like the Shooter- excuse me, car. Or I guess I should say moon buggy. ... Ha, I made a pun. Or you could call it a "rover". ... What, no pun there? ... Okay... Ooh, I love the red Centipoid! Again, I love those darker colors.

 

Vermin Vaporizer: Oh, my, goodness, is that a hand-held force-field generator? Total... Nerd-out... Is... IMMINENT!!! Nice weapon, too, and head, and armor... That robot is awesome. The big mech is really cool, too. I love the truck, too. Nice for ramming things. (nice detail, too, notice the blaster marks, and especially the squished bugs on the windshield, lol) On a side note, I like this squaddies face, too. And there's a nice little "scorpion-mobile", too.

 

Bug Obliterator: I see where the name comes from. That's a lot of blasters. This ship kind of reminds me of the MX-81 Hypersonic Operations Aircraft from Mars Mission. That's pretty cool that it can seperate from the little Shooter- ah, war rover, too. Speaking of which, that war rover has a great look about it, and how cool is that that the magazine of missiles can be raised or lowered and hidden? Awesome. So again, is there such a thing as dark orange? ... Anyway, nice dragonfly ship, too. I think those "leg" pieces are new.

 

 As a final note, there is, as usual, some nice box art, too. Nice lunar surfaces with spacey backgrounds, and I like the picture they all have of the Earth being invaded by the Swarm, who have apparently already conquered the moon. I like the off-to-the-side buildings, too.

 

Yeah, this is a cool theme. Nice pieces, figures, and vehicles. (and box art) Hopefully there'll be a good backstory to go along with it. I love backstories. And those robots are just awesome. (none quite as cool as the Battle Mech in my opinion, but the green 'bot comes pretty close)

[You just lost the game]

The sets look great, but I'm rather disappointed that the androids are...well...androids. lol

I was hoping they'd be the main soldier minifigs ,but alas; they aren't.

They still look awesome though!

[Felinuva]

I'm hoping to get the Bug Obliterator set but when will galaxy squad come out in the UK?

[Manterax Prime]

Buddyroids in LEGO???  Next thing you know, there'll be an entire sentai team w/ a giant robo......oh wait......

[Canis Lupus]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but this theme seems incredibly violent. There are tons of guns on all of the vehicles. Just take the big orange set.  There are SIXTEEN guns and six missiles.

[CeeCee]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but this theme seems incredibly violent. There are tons of guns on all of the vehicles. Just take the big orange set.  There are SIXTEEN guns and six missiles.

I cant make out if you saying this is a good or bad thing.

[Canis Lupus]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but this theme seems incredibly violent. There are tons of guns on all of the vehicles. Just take the big orange set.  There are SIXTEEN guns and six missiles.

I cant make out if you saying this is a good or bad thing.

 

Bad. DIdn't LEGO used to have a policy saying no violence in sets?

[Meiko]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but this theme seems incredibly violent. There are tons of guns on all of the vehicles. Just take the big orange set.  There are SIXTEEN guns and six missiles.

I cant make out if you saying this is a good or bad thing.

 

Bad. DIdn't LEGO used to have a policy saying no violence in sets?

Fantasy violence has always been acceptable in LEGO sets. The only type of violence LEGO really avoids putting in sets is modern military combat, like snipers, assault rifles, military tanks, etc.

[Aanchir: Rachira of Time]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but this theme seems incredibly violent. There are tons of guns on all of the vehicles. Just take the big orange set.  There are SIXTEEN guns and six missiles.

I cant make out if you saying this is a good or bad thing.

 
Bad. DIdn't LEGO used to have a policy saying no violence in sets?

Fantasy violence has always been acceptable in LEGO sets. The only type of violence LEGO really avoids putting in sets is modern military combat, like snipers, assault rifles, military tanks, etc.
 

Well, I wouldn't say it's "always been acceptable"... there used to be very, very strict guidelines several decades ago, and designers had to tread carefully. For instance, it was years before large quantities of basic bricks were released in green and gray because TLG was worried kids would build military vehicles if they were given the parts to do so. Of course, even back then designers "cheated" slightly, including formidable-looking "sensor arrays" in Space sets with full knowledge that kids would be using them as ray guns and blasters. More recently BIONICLE and Knights' Kingdom had lots of swords and weapons, but generally in promotional media characters were only allowed to use these weapons for unleashing energy or element blasts.
 
For a long time TLG's violence and weapons policy was a de facto rule, not written down in any strict sort of guidelines. However, in 2010, TLG put it into writing. According to the progress report from that year, "The basic aim is to avoid realistic weapons and military equipment that children may recognize from hot spots around the world and to refrain from showing violent or frightening situations when communicating about LEGO products. At the same time, the purpose is for the LEGO brand not to be associated with issues that glorify conflicts and unethical or harmful behavior."

This policy was expanded in 2011. According to the 2011 Progress Report, "Boys’ interest in weapons between the ages of four and nine is considered by academics to be a phase in their development. Learning about how to handle conflicts, aggression and weapons is often part of a LEGO play experience, but only as a means to achieve the goal, whether it is rescuing citizens, finding treasure or saving the universe."

"We have strict rules for the use of weapons and violence in our products. The LEGO play experience must never be related to real world modern warfare, killing, torture or cruelty to animals. In 2011 we expanded the LEGO brand guidelines with regard to use, expression and form of violence and weapons. The standard consists of guidelines already known to our employees, but now these guidelines serve as an explicit basis for product development and communication."

So obviously, today, the violence policy has come a long way. We have large quantities of gray and green bricks, including the relatively new color Olive Green which is being used prominently in Legends of Chima. We have swords in Castle themes, laser guns in Space themes, and SWAT-style uniforms in the City theme (though through thick and thin, LEGO City has consistently remained gun-free). Many of these things would have been unheard-of in LEGO sets of the 70s. However, at the same time, TLG's policies regarding violence are evolving, not eroding. Part of the reason TLG has made so many changes over the years is an improving understanding of how children play and how the company can foster that play without infringing on their brand values. If kids prefer laser guns on their spaceships, then it's not TLG's place to say that's wrong.