I have little to add… not especially interested in either of these. I watched Voltron as a kid in the 80s… and it was fine. Not one of my favorites, I was far more of a Thundercats and GI Joe sort of kid (or Duck Tales… I loooooooooved Duck Tales). The ship in the bottle is technically interesting, but for both I’ll reserve judgement until we see the final models.
Yesterday, WB Games released a new trailer for the upcoming The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game. This one focuses a bit more on combat moves and the visual changes when upgrading weapons. I got a chance to play through the short demo of the game while at SDCC and here are my impressions.
It’s good. But before we get to why I think it’s a good game, there is something I have to confess: I never finished a LEGO video game in my life. I think for me, the hack’n’slash format isn’t a very compelling gameplay format to keep my interest piqued long enough to see a game through to the final end. When I first played the first LEGO Star Wars game, there was a certain charm to seeing minifigs come to life, wielding lightsabers, mowing down enemies, and even deflecting blaster shots. But that charm didn’t last long as the slash-slash-slah formula couldn’t diminish the repetitiveness of traversing through the levels. TT Games tried to mix up the formula a bit by adding new gameplay elements but there wasn’t anything truly innovative in their games that could really set games apart. It was a slow evolution to get to where we are today.
I’d like to think that that has all changed when it comes to The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game. At its core, it has the same basic features that is signature to all LEGO video games that they’ve made: hack’n’slash your way from one end of the level to the other, build some things along the way, defeat enemies, and collect studs. That much hasn’t changed and why should it? It’s part of the series DNA. And like previous games, it follows the plot of the movie. Its the new elements that’s got me excited: customizable characters, new combat system, and wallrunning to name just a few.
Characters are now customizable. There are attributes you can unlock that can make certain attacks more powerful, different finishing moves, get more studs, etc. This leans towards more of an RPG-style of character customization. And if you select a particular attribute and want to change it to something else, you can. The token you used to activate a skill is refunded to you so you can select another.
The combat system is vastly different too. In previous LEGO games you can tap the attack button three times for a three-hit combo, or do a jump attack to mix things up a little. I played Luhloyd (I think) in the demo and he has the Skyward Dragon move and I gotta say, the combat experience was quite satisfying in a way that I’ve never felt or witnessed before in any other LEGO game. I’m told that each character has their own signature move set and LEGO games are all about options when it comes to characters. You’ll have your choice of a multitude of characters, even different versions of the same character, to find the one that’s right for you.
One of the features of the game that really caught my attention from the first trailer was when it showed a character doing a wall run. This harkens back to the old Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time GameCube game where wallrunning was fundamental skill in puzzle-solving and platforming. In the demo, there was only one area where it was used and like the Skyward Dragon combat move, it too was quite satisfying. Players will have to use wallrunning to progress through levels, solve puzzles, and access secret areas.
In the demo, there was a flying stage where you get to pilot a flying mech through the city. The mechs fly on rails so there’s little you can really do besides try and kill stuff. I had no idea what I was doing or what the point was but in short order I reached the end and was finally able to run around and hit stuff. Whether or not that flying level was tuned for the demo is unkonwn; they are still doing some gameplay tweaks at this point but no matter, it’s not a huge focus of the game, at least I hope it isn’t.
The LEGO games library from TT Games isn’t really my cup of tea. I mostly get it for any pre-order bonuses that are attached, like Giant-Man in the upcoming LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 Deluxe Edition Video Game, and GameStop seems to have an exclusive Luhloyd figure that comes with your pre-order for Xbox One, PS4, or Nintendo Switch. Amazon has no bonus but offers free shipping and if you’re a Prime member, a 20% discount on top of that. There is no 3DS or Vita versions as they are simply underpowered for this game. Even without the bonus figure, this is one game I will be picking up.
My dislike of Batman v Superman is well documented on this site. My love of Wonder Woman isn’t as much (I meant to write a review, I just simply didn’t have a chance… babies are very distracting), but it certainly has been stated. I’m cautiously hopeful that Justice League will be good… there is certainly promise. Mamoa is a great casting for Aquaman, and I’m a fan of the 90s Aquaman, and see a lot of that reflected there. Flash looks far better in this than he did in BvS or earlier previews, and I’m really digging how Cyborg fits into this.
I mean, I was going to see this movie anyway, but I do hope I don’t hate it…
Note: Because there are so many pictures, I’m splitting this up into three posts. The only real difference is with the pictures.
I mentioned in the SDCC-rundown that the sets for the LEGO Ninjago Movie will be on public display for the first time at SDCC this year, and also available for sale to the public for the first time (implying that they’ve been on sale privately, I guess?) ahead of their August 1st release date. Along with that info, they sent us a full rundown of the sets, including the retailer exclusives you will be chasing and the Collectible Minifigure series. We’ve (probably) covered some of this before, but be prepared for one big mega post on all of it!
Here’s the details from their press release for the sets. Pictures are available below the fold.
Beginning August 1, the following will be available at your favorite place to shop for LEGO toys:
The retailer exclusives are also going to be available on August 1st:
Available September 1 exclusively at [email protected] LEGO Stores…
Available December 1
Note: Because there are so many pictures, I’m splitting this up into three posts. The only difference is in the pictures.
I mentioned in the SDCC-rundown that the sets for the LEGO Ninjago Movie will be on public display for the first time at SDCC this year, and also available for sale to the public for the first time (implying that they’ve been on sale privately, I guess?) ahead of their August 1st release date. Along with that info, they sent us a full rundown of the sets, including the retailer exclusives you will be chasing and the Collectible Minifigure series. We’ve (probably) covered some of this before, but be prepared for one big mega post on all of it!
Here’s the details from their press release for the sets. Pictures are available below the fold.
Beginning August 1, the following will be available at your favorite place to shop for LEGO toys:
The retailer exclusives are also going to be available on August 1st:
Available September 1 exclusively at [email protected] LEGO Stores…
Available December 1
Note: Because there are so many pictures, I’m splitting this up into three posts. The only real difference is with the pictures.
I mentioned in the SDCC-rundown that the sets for the LEGO Ninjago Movie will be on public display for the first time at SDCC this year, and also available for sale to the public for the first time (implying that they’ve been on sale privately, I guess?) ahead of their August 1st release date. Along with that info, they sent us a full rundown of the sets, including the retailer exclusives you will be chasing and the Collectible Minifigure series. We’ve (probably) covered some of this before, but be prepared for one big mega post on all of it!
Here’s the details from their press release for the sets. Pictures are available below the fold.
Beginning August 1, the following will be available at your favorite place to shop for LEGO toys:
The retailer exclusives are also going to be available on August 1st:
Available September 1 exclusively at [email protected] LEGO Stores…
Available December 1
Today is Thursday. Today is the day you can try for the Marvel exclusives or maybe check out a panel or two.
Brickheadz Drawing
7am or so
Sails Pavilion
Ticket drawing for the Brickheadz exclusive of Spider-Man and Venom 2-pack (pictured above). The time and location is actually a guess since I never got any press release to confirm, so I’m just going by past history. And if history is any indication, Press and Exhibitor badges will be denied the chance to draw.
Unikitty! New Episode Premiere and Q&A
Thursday July 20, 2017 11:15am – 12:15pm
Room 6A
Your favorite character from The LEGO Movie now has her own show! Journey to a joyous kingdom full of sparkle matter, happy thoughts, and the occasional rage-out in Unikitty!, an all-new animated series. As ruler of the kingdom, Unikitty has busy days full of royal responsibilities. Unikitty is most interested in making sure everyone is happy and ridding the kingdom of negativity, but don’t misunderstand her optimism-she is one kitty not to be crossed. While she may be full of boundless energy and creativity, Unikitty is a force to be reckoned with if anyone gets in the way of spreading her positive vibes, especially if anyone makes her little brother and best friend, Puppycorn, sad. Also living in the castle are Dr. Fox, the resident scientist, and Unikitty’s trusty bodyguard, Hawkodile. Producers and members of the voice cast will give a sneak peek at this new series and explain how Unikitty and her friends will make sure that every day is the happiest and most creative ever! Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Unikitty! is coming soon to Cartoon Network.
Deadpool Duck Minifig Giveaway
12:30pm or so
Sails Pavilion
Yes, this is the actual figure and no, it is not a joke. The badge policy will be the same deal as the Brickheadz drawing.
The LEGO Ninjago Movie
Thursday July 20, 2017 6:45pm – 7:45pm
Room 6A
In this big screen Ninjago adventure, the battle for Ninjago City calls to action young Master Builder Lloyd, a.k.a. the Green Ninja (Dave Franco), along with his friends, who are all secret ninja warriors. Led by Master Wu (Jackie Chan), as wise-cracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), the Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic showdown will test this fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas who must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their inner power of Spinjitzu.
This might be the only panel I’ll be able to go to that doesn’t conflict with their giveaways.
We got the news from Forbes a few days ago, but LEGO sent us the Hi-Res images of what are actually some pretty exciting sets that seem to good price points, as well as the official set descriptions (I promise to wait until I do reviews to poke fun at the marketing, I promise). Seriously, I need that Krypto. Also… I just realized something truly terrifying… the Flash set doesn’t include Batman or Superman (I know kids… I’m scared too).
A ton more images and the full descriptions below the fold.
LEGO just sent us their press release for San Diego Comic Con, kicking off, well, now-ish, as well as some hi-res images for the statues on display and exclusives being offered. Of important note for those of us unable to attend the con (or based on the crowds I’ve seen, those of us lucky enough to not be subject to that). We have some details for attendees below.
If you are at the con, some big highlights:
If you’re onsite, to enter the LEGO minifigure giveaway, “show attendees must visit the Pavilion Terrace at 12:30pm each day to enter an instant drawing giveaway, to be fulfilled on the spot while supplies last. One drawing per person per day.” FBTB has a long and storied tradition of all sorts of shenanigans related to these drawings. For the rest of us, there will be changes to win the minifigures; follow @LEGO_Group and the hashtag #LEGOSDCC for entry into a drawing (and since you can’t follow a hashtag as far as I know, just watch their twitter for details on what to do… likely retweet something).
The full press release is available below the fold, as well as additional images.
LEGO Systems Builds Star-Studded Activities and Excitement for The LEGO® NINJAGO® Movie at San Diego Comic-Con International-Company unveils new life-sized Master Builder creations, offers sneak peeks of select 2018 products, collectible giveaways, and show exclusives for purchase-
SAN DIEGO, July 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON – LEGO Systems, Inc. will celebrate its highly anticipated third feature film, The LEGO® NINJAGO™ Movie at this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC), the world’s largest comic and entertainment convention. In collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group, the company will host celebrity appearances, hands-on building fun, and showcase new building sets that will bring the film’s characters and story to life. Attendees will also be delighted with never-before-seen life-sized LEGO® models, first looks at 2018 products, one-of-a-kind LEGO minifigure giveaways, exclusive retail offerings, and more at booth #2829 in Hall D of the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday to Sunday, July 20-23.
“Ninjas, super heroes, iconic pop culture characters and more will be celebrated in LEGO form at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con,” said Amanda Madore, senior brand relations manager, LEGO Systems, Inc. “Attendees can expect fan favorite activities like exclusive giveaways, inspiring life-sized models, and autograph signings. In anticipation of our third LEGO feature film, The LEGO NINJAGO Movie, we are also offering attendees the first opportunity to purchase building sets based on the September film before their August 1st global availability date.”
The LEGO® NINJAGO™ Movie
The weekend activities are kicked off Thursday evening, July 20, by The LEGO NINJAGO Movie panel, held in Room 6A, where producer Dan Lin and stars Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Abbi Jacobsen, Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña and Zach Woods will be available for questions about the all-new 3D animated adventure, in cinemas September 22, and will debut the film’s brand-new trailer. Prior to hitting the big screen, The LEGO NINJAGO Movie will come to life in LEGO building sets being showcased publicly for the first time at SDCC including: Spinjitzu Training Dojo ($9.99), NINJAGO City Chase ($19.99), Master Falls ($29.99), Manta Ray Bomber ($29.99), Garmadon, Garmadon, GARMADON!($79.99) and the intricate NINJAGO City ($299.99). Select building sets based on The LEGO NINJAGO Movie are available for purchase at the LEGO booth in advance of their global August 1 availability date, including: Water Strider ($29.99), Jelly Sub ($29.99), Green Ninja Mech Dragon ($49.99), Lightning Jet ($59.99), Garma Mecha Man ($59.99), Fire Mech ($69.99), Ice Tank ($79.99), Temple of Ultimate Trials ($99.99), and Destiny’s Bounty ($159.99).Also on Thursday July 20th, together with LEGO Master Builders attendees will build giant models of one of the film’s main characters, Garmadon, and autograph signings with talent from The LEGO NINJAGO Movie will take place in the Warner Bros. Booth. The build will continue through Friday, July 21 with the help of surprise cast members. Show attendees are invited to build another leading character, Lloyd on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23.
LEGO® Super Heroes: DC Comics™
In celebration of his appearance on the big screen in Warner Bros. Pictures’ much-anticipated action adventure epic Justice League, in theaters beginning November 17, 2017, The Flash will make his debut as a life-sized LEGO model in the LEGO booth. Built from 20,909 LEGO bricks and standing just over six-feet tall, the model took LEGO Master Builders over 250 hours to create. Building sets from the 2018 LEGO Super Heroes: DC Comics collection including Superman™ & Krypto™ Team-Up ($19.99), Speed Force Freeze Pursuit ($29.99), and Lex Luthor™ Mech Takedown ($39.99), will be revealed publicly for the first time at the show.Also from DC, a specially produced LEGO BrickHeadz building set featuring characters Supergirl™ and Martian Manhunter™ will be sold on Friday, July 21 and Sunday, July 23. The set contains 234 pieces and retails for $40.
A LEGO minifigure version of Vixen inspired by Warner Bros. Television’s hit CW TV series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, will be given away to winners on Friday, July 21 and Sunday, July 23.
LEGO® MARVEL Super Heroes
Honoring Chris Hemsworth’s third appearance in LEGO form and the debut of Thor: Ragnarokin November, a life-sized LEGO model of Thor will stand proudly at 7 feet tall in the LEGO booth. LEGO Master Builders spent 290 hours and used 33,495 LEGO bricks to create the model that features Thor’s new short haircut as previewed in the film.A limited-edition LEGO BrickHeadz building set from the Marvel Universe containing Spider-Man and Venom will be available for purchase exclusively at the LEGO booth, on Thursday, July 20, and Saturday, July 22. The set contains 144 pieces and retails for $40.00.
Winners who entered the LEGO giveaway may take home an SDCC exclusive LEGO minifigure Deadpool Duck on Thursday, July 20, and Saturday, July 22.
LEGO® Star Wars™
LEGO Star Wars™ fans will feast their eyes on an incredible new LEGO model of Luke Skywalker, inspired by the iconic character as seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The life-sized LEGO model that stands over six feet tall, took LEGO Master Builders 277 hours to design and build, and contains 36,743 LEGO bricks.Onsite Exclusive Retail Sales Details
Beginning as early as 6am daily, throughout the show, interested attendees should first visit the Pavilion Terrace to participate in a random drawing to qualify to purchase LEGO BrickHeadz sets at the LEGO booth #2829. Each of the two exclusive retail sets will be sold on separate days of the show, with a limit of one set per attendee per day. Tickets to purchase must be redeemed on the same day or purchase is forfeited.
- Thursday, July 20, and Saturday, July 22: LEGO BrickHeadz Spider-Man and Venom
- Friday, July 21, and Sunday, July 23: LEGO BrickHeadz Supergirl™ and Martian Manhunter™
LEGO Minifigure Giveaway Details
To secure an opportunity to receive an exclusive LEGO minifigure giveaway, show attendees must visit the Pavilion Terrace at 12:30pm each day to enter an instant drawing giveaway, to be fulfilled on the spot while supplies last. One drawing per person per day.
- Thursday, July 20, and Saturday, July 22: Deadpool Duck minifigure
- Friday, July 21, and Sunday, July 23: Vixen minifigure
Fans who are not attending SDCC have a chance to win the exclusive LEGO minifigure giveaways and exclusive retail sets via Twitter. Fans who follow @LEGO_Group and the hashtag #LEGOSDCC will be entered into a random drawing.
About the LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company with headquarters in Billund, Denmark, and main offices in Enfield, USA, London, UK., Shanghai, China, and Singapore. Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and based on the iconic LEGO® brick, it is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials. Guided by the company spirit: “Only the best is good enough”, the company is committed to the development of children and aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through creative play and learning. LEGO products are sold worldwide and can be virtually explored at www.LEGO.com.THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE © The LEGO Group & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
About The LEGO NINJAGO Movie
A new animated adventure in Warner Bros. Pictures’ LEGO franchise, “The LEGO NINJAGO Movie” stars Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Fred Armisen, Abbi Jacobson, Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña, Zach Woods, and the legendary Jackie Chan. The film is directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher and Bob Logan, from a screenplay is by Bob Logan & Paul Fisher & William Wheeler & Tom Wheeler and Jared Stern & John Whittington, story by Hilary Winston& Bob Logan & Paul Fisher & William Wheeler & Tom Wheeler and Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman, based on LEGO Construction Toys.“The LEGO NINJAGO Movie” is produced by Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Maryann Garger, Roy Lee, and Chris McKay. The executive producers are Jill Wilfert, Keith Malone, and Seth Grahame-Smith, with John Powers Middleton serving as co-producer. The creative filmmaking team includes production designers Kim Taylor and Simon Whiteley.
The film will open worldwide beginning September 22, 2017, in both 3D and 2D. From Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group, in association with LEGO System A/S, a Lin Pictures/Lord Miller/Vertigo Entertainment Production, “The LEGO NINJAGO Movie” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. LEGONINJAGOMovie.com
Okay, this one is a little bit weird. A press release sent through one of San Diego’s local TV stations has revealed the SDCC exclusive Marvel minifigure… Deadpool the Duck. Not really a joke, but also not especially timely for comic fans, as the 5-issue miniseries that smashed together beloved character Deadpool and not-nearly-as-beloved character Howard the Duck wrapped up in March (and the trade paperback came out in May). It was enjoyed by what I can only assume are dozens of people… of which I am one. I’m a huge Deadpool and Howard the Duck fan.
Sadly, I won’t be going to SDCC, but for those who are going and not named Ace, he will be available Thursday, July 20, and Saturday, July 22. There aren’t any further details, but I assume the process will be the same as other LEGO exclusives.
