Power Miners

[kbjork]

Just got my kids their first Power Miners set. I have to say, I love the little rock monster. Anyone else get any of these? Wondering if anyone has thoughts on the best sets. I just got the 8957 (Mine Mech). Which set should I get next?

[Iare Tosevite]

I got three smaller sets just so I can have red, green, and blue rock monsters.

I agree that the rock monsters are amazing in that set.

[Classicsmiley]

I picked up the smallest couple of sets before Christmas, and once I saw the rock monsters (and showed them to my wife), I decided that I needed to get the third-smallest as well. We took the rock monsters out, and used them as stocking stuffers for our three boys. The boys absolutely love them, and I really like some of the pieces. I'm looking forward to the summer sets, and to the bigger monsters...

[Solo]

I saw the instruction book for a TRU Exclusive one when I was down in LA for that LUG meeting, and I still haven't tracked it down yet. The little monsters look great though and I really want that set.

[Green Brick Giant]

I don't have any of them, but they look pretty good.

The Thunder Driller is my favorite. I saw it at Target. the set seems a little small, but the fact the wheels make the drill move is just awesome.

[kbjork]

I am so glad other people like them. I think I'll try to pick up the Thunder Driller. Of course, TRU has the Power Miner sets on sale for 25% off 'til tomorrow. I may pick some up on sale.

[UOldPirate]

I've picked up 5 of the 7 so far and really like them. The Granite Grinder is probably my favorite, but they're all decent just because it's something new and different. That lime green is a huge contrast to all the SW grey/bley. It's good to see them selling well. There are usually 4 sets in the S@H top 25 and the local stores have been pretty picked over. I got the last Boulder Blaster at the local TRU and usually the limited edition stuff is available months after others start reporting sell outs.

[lordvader208]

I agree with UOldPirate because the granite grinder is my favorite as well. I think the reason why I want to get the Granite Grinder is to get that rock monster. There are also many unique pieces from Power Miners, such as the dynamite piece, roll-over bar (if u want to call it that) and drills. I'll reserve judgment until I pick one up.

[Solo]

Well, my local TRUs don't have the exclusive Boulder Blaster I want, so I ordered it online. But, right now it's on sale for a sweet price, so even after shipping it's cheaper than retail. (Though, if it was in the store right now, it should in theory have been on sale too)

[EwokWarrior]

I'm not too sure about the new sets, but my brother like them. They just look a little.. awkward . I'll probably end up buying one, though. I do agree that the monsters themselves look awesome!

[Draykov]

If you only get one, try the Thunder Driller. It's got a great shape...like a little, lime-colored pig that eats rocks. Or something...

[Chaotic Good]

I can't believe that no-one seems to have pointed out the fact that both the old Rock Raiders line and Power Miners both have a set called the Granite Grinder! Coincidence? I think not, LEGO...

Anyway, I'd say I like the Miners themselves. The double-sided facial expressions are fantastic, and, the best thing is, some of the good ones don't have comm-pieces in the face design, so they can be used for anything. Perfect!

[Draykov]

I can't believe that no-one seems to have pointed out the fact that both the old Rock Raiders line and Power Miners both have a set called the Granite Grinder!

Oh, I've seen that pointed out somewhere...must've been the old forum or Eurobricks, but I don't think it's a secret.

I'm pretty sure this is the first line to have a fig with a metal plate in his head. Explosives "expert"? I have my doubts.

[Crusader]

My sons got the smallest motorcyle-like set and the $10 set for Christmas. The two little vehicles are both quite nice, especially the little motorcycle--it flies on the carpet. My boys are crazy about the Rock Monsters. They want to get more sets just for the monsters. I may have to resort to Bricklink so I don't have to buy the entire line just for a few little monsters.

My concern for the theme is that the story seems a little thin. Whereas themes like Exo-Force and our own beloved Star Wars have a direct conflict based idea, the machines in these sets don't seem to be designed to directly fight the monsters.

[Draykov]

Well, I think LEGO leaving things open-ended is a good thing. But, there seems to be enough of a conflict built into the theme if not an actual story, which is pretty much the standard LEGO play theme formula:

Power Miners: Blue helmeted dudes want colored rocks (Why? Fish tanks...who cares, not important). Rock monsters pretty much already have colored rocks in their "backyard"...they like to eat them. Conflict ensues.

Space Police III: Bad guys want gold (Why? It's gold. Duh.) Cops got the gold (Why? Because "The Man" makes sure his pigs' trough is full. It's not important). Conflict ensues.

[Darth Caedus]

I really enjoyed Rock Raiders more than this, I preferred the design and coloring of those sets. Power Miners is just too garish for me.

[Azaghal]

I'm pretty sure this is the first line to have a fig with a metal plate in his head. Explosives "expert"? I have my doubts.

Hey, that's a pretty neat head - I'd not seen that before. Probably only in the biggest sets, though . . . to Bricklink!

[Draykov]

If I'm not mistaken, ol' chrome-dome shows up in both 8961 Crystal Sweeper and 8707 Boulder Blaster ($26.99).

[Yoda 56]

The Granite Grinder is a nice set for the price ($9.99). You get a miner, a rock monster, a dynamite and a blue crystal.

[ThinkingImpaired]

I'm surprised they can rename sets after old ones. Rock Raiders had the Granite Grinder.