Lyichir Posted July 24, 2015 Share Posted July 24, 2015 This. Literally just a 2x3 brick with some trans-clear cones on it. And it's licensed.I wonder how many of those sold... I think that may well have been a promotional freebie or gift-with-purchase (I don't know for sure, since distribution details for sets that old can be sketchy). If that was the case, "selling" wouldn't be a problem. Quote Formerly Lyichir: Rachira of Influence Aanchir's and Meiko's brother Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergrey: Toa of Music Posted July 25, 2015 Share Posted July 25, 2015 This. Literally just a 2x3 brick with some trans-clear cones on it. And it's licensed.I wonder how many of those sold... I think that may well have been a promotional freebie or gift-with-purchase (I don't know for sure, since distribution details for sets that old can be sketchy). If that was the case, "selling" wouldn't be a problem. But...why is that a thing? Just sayin'... Quote Other great bands: Iron Maiden Journey Mercenary The Unguided Trivium Boston Stratovarius Symphony X Epica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pranciblad Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 If we're talking about strange sets, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Code Pilot yet. A sort of proto-Mindstorms thing that used barcodes for no apparent reason; it got one set and was totally obsolete within a year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tahu3.0 Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 This. Literally just a 2x3 brick with some trans-clear cones on it. And it's licensed.Who thought in Lego headquarters that This is a good idea. 1 Quote I'm just a simple man, trying to make my way in the Matoran Universe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nescent Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 This. Literally just a 2x3 brick with some trans-clear cones on it. And it's licensed.Who thought in Lego headquarters that This is a good idea.It looks like that was a Coca Cola promo item, as it came with Coca Cola stickers. I wonder why it's shown without stickers on the cover, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onuki Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I would agree that a number of Lego's licensed themes over the years have been strange, but I won't dwell on them, because once they chose the theme, they had no control over the strangeness they were working with. Time Cruisers was easily one of the strangest themes from my day, although growing up I didn't mind it and thought the variety of pieces was refreshing. I never owned any of the sets, though. I think they would have been as fun or more fun to play with as more cohesive themes of the day. It would have helped to have some Space, Pirates, or Castle sets for the Time Cruisers to explore. My vote for strangest non-licensed Lego theme will go to the brief, short-lived, and obscure original Aquaraiders line, though. While it gave us a cool trans-neon green Aquazone helmet, it had some strange aspects that I think I recognized even back then. The most frustrating part about the Aquaraiders was that, while their aim was to collect crystals like every other Aquazone theme of the '90's, unlike every other Aquazone theme, they had no antagonists. I see a shark in their most expensive set, but by that time we were conditioned to think that the more nefarious of the Aquazone's inhabitants were usually in cahoots with the sea predators anyway. (See: Aquasharks, Stingrays.) Trying to collect crystals for power definitely isn't a lacking backstory compared to many other '90's Space themes (Ice Planet, Exploriens, Spyrius, who each had at least a general purpose, with the chance to antagonize fellow Space themes as the imaginative builder saw fit), but the fact that the two other Aquazone themes of the time had enemies to compete with just leaves the Aquaraiders feeling shallow. Another obvious thing is the small size of the theme; with only three sets, it didn't have a lot of room for fleshing out, I guess. Also strange is the sort of shark-motif that the designers tried. I guess they were trying to follow up the Aquashark cockpit design, but the question remains: what animal were those mean eyes trying to convey? I admit that the eyes make the sets distinctive and give them some character, but they still make the sets a little too strangely human for my tastes! The color scheme of black, green, yellow, and trans-neon green is also pretty strange. It's not that bad, and I guess it works (so does the dark gray on those minifigs! ), but I think there are just too few colors. It looks like there are some red and blue Spyrius tiles, which add detail but seem really out of place. For such a short-lived theme, we can't blame Lego for not printing unique tiles just for it. But I wish they had toyed around with adding another color to change things up. They couldn't have used the dark gray from the minifigs (which does a good job of making them match the shark! ), but maybe another bright color would have worked. I think green was probably a welcome color for MOCing back then, though. The Aquaraiders always felt like a strange spinoff theme that didn't really have a place in the rest of the Aquazone, but at least the drilling and bulldozing somewhere besides Earth's surface probably led Lego to come up with (the eerily similarly-named) Rock Raiders just a few years later. (My runner-up was Robo-Force. ) Quote The Latest and Fakest in Bionicle News Wanted: Chronicler | Wedding Announced | Bohrok-Kal Miffed | Staring Contest Continues Hakuna Vakama | Rau Convention Held | Globe Circumnavigated | Carver Offers Advice | Parade Possible Onepu Characterized | Koli Ball Shortage | Le-Koro Discovered | Toa Don Disguises | Top Toa Tied | Ko-Koro Welcomes Tahnok Hakuna Vakama Animation | Macku Goes Missing | In the Ice | The 1000 Word 2001 Poem | Kopaka the Toa | Honest Bionicle Trailers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aanchir Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 The most frustrating part about the Aquaraiders was that, while their aim was to collect crystals like every other Aquazone theme of the '90's, unlike every other Aquazone theme, they had no antagonists. I see a shark in their most expensive set, but by that time we were conditioned to think that the more nefarious of the Aquazone's inhabitants were usually in cahoots with the sea predators anyway. (See: Aquasharks, Stingrays.) Trying to collect crystals for power definitely isn't a lacking backstory compared to many other '90's Space themes (Ice Planet, Exploriens, Spyrius, who each had at least a general purpose, with the chance to antagonize fellow Space themes as the imaginative builder saw fit), but the fact that the two other Aquazone themes of the time had enemies to compete with just leaves the Aquaraiders feeling shallow. Another obvious thing is the small size of the theme; with only three sets, it didn't have a lot of room for fleshing out, I guess.As I understand it, the Aquaraiders were meant to be antagonists to both the Aquanauts AND the Aquasharks: a band of equal-opportunity pilferers who stole crystals from both factions. The reason it was so small was because the Aquaraiders sets were exclusive to North America, kind of like some the Unitron and Roboforce themes from LEGO Space or the Dark Forest theme from LEGO Castle. Quote Latest MOC: PAIGE (Prototype Artificial Intelligence, Gynoid Expression) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onuki Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 The reason it was so small was because the Aquaraiders sets were exclusive to North America, kind of like some the Unitron and Roboforce themes from LEGO Space or the Dark Forest theme from LEGO Castle. Oh, thanks! I never knew that; that explains things. That's interesting that LEGO did that. The equal-opportunity interpretation makes sense. Still, with the drilling equipment, it might have been fitting for them to have added some little rock structures (or a conspicuous BURP ) to "hide" the crystals in until they were drilled/found. Then they could steal crystals but still have a unique way of finding them. Then again, random little structures are always a little strange themselves, so maybe Lego really just couldn't please me on this one. Quote The Latest and Fakest in Bionicle News Wanted: Chronicler | Wedding Announced | Bohrok-Kal Miffed | Staring Contest Continues Hakuna Vakama | Rau Convention Held | Globe Circumnavigated | Carver Offers Advice | Parade Possible Onepu Characterized | Koli Ball Shortage | Le-Koro Discovered | Toa Don Disguises | Top Toa Tied | Ko-Koro Welcomes Tahnok Hakuna Vakama Animation | Macku Goes Missing | In the Ice | The 1000 Word 2001 Poem | Kopaka the Toa | Honest Bionicle Trailers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonkle Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 The first thing that comes to mind is the Avatar: The Last Airbender sets. I really love the show, but the minifigures were creepy with their perpetual smiles. *shudders* The builds themselves are also kinda weird. Quote I been away a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergrey: Toa of Music Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 I wish they would've released more sets from that show; It could've been so much cooler than it actually was! They could've totally made the Fire Nation airships, attack vehicles, and an Appa and many many other things...but they didn't 1 Quote Other great bands: Iron Maiden Journey Mercenary The Unguided Trivium Boston Stratovarius Symphony X Epica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naota Takizawa Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 I blame spongebob. 1 Quote If you like Pingu & want to support a good project, click here. Also, I've rejoined the BZPRPG & I have a new profile for a new game. Click here to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergrey: Toa of Music Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 I blame spongebob.I agree. The Spongebob sets stole their thunder Quote Other great bands: Iron Maiden Journey Mercenary The Unguided Trivium Boston Stratovarius Symphony X Epica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meiko Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 (edited) Already mentioned, but definitely Scala. WHY. Update: This nightmare was brought to my attention. Edited August 5, 2015 by Meiko 2 Quote -- Meiko - @georgebarnick LUG Ambassador and administrator at Brickipedia News reporter and database administrator at Brickset Administrator at BIONICLEsector01 DISCLAIMER: All opinions and contributions made under this account are based solely on my own personal thoughts and opinions, and in no way represent any of the above groups/entities. If you have any concerns or inquiries about the contributions made under this account, please contact me individually and I will address them with you to the best of my ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergrey: Toa of Music Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Already mentioned, but definitely Scala. WHY. Update: This nightmare was brought to my attention.I don't know what to say... Are those actually legos? or what? Quote Other great bands: Iron Maiden Journey Mercenary The Unguided Trivium Boston Stratovarius Symphony X Epica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meiko Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Already mentioned, but definitely Scala. WHY. Update: This nightmare was brought to my attention.I don't know what to say... Are those actually legos? or what? yes Quote -- Meiko - @georgebarnick LUG Ambassador and administrator at Brickipedia News reporter and database administrator at Brickset Administrator at BIONICLEsector01 DISCLAIMER: All opinions and contributions made under this account are based solely on my own personal thoughts and opinions, and in no way represent any of the above groups/entities. If you have any concerns or inquiries about the contributions made under this account, please contact me individually and I will address them with you to the best of my ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergrey: Toa of Music Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 So...you're telling me Lego once tried to compete with Baby alive and Barbie? Quote Other great bands: Iron Maiden Journey Mercenary The Unguided Trivium Boston Stratovarius Symphony X Epica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naota Takizawa Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 Yes, yes they did. It pushed them further into bankruptcy. Quote If you like Pingu & want to support a good project, click here. Also, I've rejoined the BZPRPG & I have a new profile for a new game. Click here to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toa Imrukii Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 does this count? Already mentioned, but definitely Scala. WHY. Update: This nightmare was brought to my attention. that-a is all from me R.I.P. Me 1998 - 2015 Quote Quote: "Love has no fear, and no vengeance." | :i: | Andekas ⴳ A RUDE AWAKENING - A BIONICLE G1 Continuation and Video Game Project (ARTIST AND CONCEPTUALIST) | I am an ENFP, that is my Personality. Check Out Makuta Teridax: Reaper of Darkness | Check out my Taknuva Stars MOC | ⴳ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rahkshi Lalonde Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 does this count? Not only does that count, it wins. game over. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naota Takizawa Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 I remember when lego made overly specialized parts. Also, I found their "fiber optic" kit weird, what's so cool about them? Quote If you like Pingu & want to support a good project, click here. Also, I've rejoined the BZPRPG & I have a new profile for a new game. Click here to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toa Imrukii Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 I remember when lego made overly specialized parts. Also, I found their "fiber optic" kit weird, what's so cool about them? Do you mind showing us (or just me) said parts? Quote Quote: "Love has no fear, and no vengeance." | :i: | Andekas ⴳ A RUDE AWAKENING - A BIONICLE G1 Continuation and Video Game Project (ARTIST AND CONCEPTUALIST) | I am an ENFP, that is my Personality. Check Out Makuta Teridax: Reaper of Darkness | Check out my Taknuva Stars MOC | ⴳ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naota Takizawa Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 Galidor is the most infamous example of overly specialized parts. Anything from Jack Stone is also too specialized to be useful in making your own creations. Quote If you like Pingu & want to support a good project, click here. Also, I've rejoined the BZPRPG & I have a new profile for a new game. Click here to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.B.O.C Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 I remember when lego made overly specialized parts. Also, I found their "fiber optic" kit weird, what's so cool about them? Do you mind showing us (or just me) said parts? A lot of sets from the early 2000's are a good example, Galidor being one of the better ones like said above. You could also debate many BIONICLE pieces such as weapons, Piraka spines, and so on. Quote My Brickshelf, please don't copy!... ...Looking for shiny Regirock, Articuno, and Virizion!(Can trade most any legendary for them!)My 3DS friend list is full, sorry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rahkshi Lalonde Posted August 12, 2015 Share Posted August 12, 2015 I remember when lego made overly specialized parts. Also, I found their "fiber optic" kit weird, what's so cool about them? Do you mind showing us (or just me) said parts? A lot of sets from the early 2000's are a good example, Galidor being one of the better ones like said above. You could also debate many BIONICLE pieces such as weapons, Piraka spines, and so on. weapons, Piraka spines, Piraka weapons... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegoSWfan Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I know this is a minority veiw, but i dont mind overly specilized parts from time to time. (in bionicle, that is) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonkle Posted September 5, 2015 Share Posted September 5, 2015 /thread Quote I been away a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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