tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36572989456814516292024-03-14T03:48:55.764+00:00All About BricksA blog dedicated to news and commentary about the world of LEGO.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-69015758314760569362016-06-08T09:26:00.000+01:002016-06-09T09:29:04.858+01:00LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-Fx3Tb26vE/V1knrvbxZqI/AAAAAAAADLc/hw3g0NQtt10hyBpJjRkfHbOf8UKnSD1PACK4B/s1600/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-Fx3Tb26vE/V1knrvbxZqI/AAAAAAAADLc/hw3g0NQtt10hyBpJjRkfHbOf8UKnSD1PACK4B/s320/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%252810%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As the UK news relentlessly focuses on the EU referendum, a respite is on the way this weekend as the Queen's 90th Birthday is celebrated. The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort have started Miniland celebrations early, with a street party taking place in the minaturised brick world. Read on for the full press release. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Press release from the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ahead of this Sunday’s official ‘Patron’s Lunch’ on The Mall to mark The Queen’s 90th birthday, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort today threw Her Majesty their own miniature street party in the iconic Miniland. The scene took the Resort’s model making team 650 hours to build, using around 30,000 bricks, including 520 to make The Miniland Royal Family alone. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-favsAu7h95s/V1kn1GTLbiI/AAAAAAAADLk/4ObuuYybNtkVdDIKhK9dM0KCpHm7ph9jwCK4B/s1600/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-favsAu7h95s/V1kn1GTLbiI/AAAAAAAADLk/4ObuuYybNtkVdDIKhK9dM0KCpHm7ph9jwCK4B/s320/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%25288%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The party was held in Miniland’s very own Mall in front of a magnificent 35,000 brick recreation of Buckingham Palace. Like the full size party, the mini version, features rows and rows of picnic tables laden with hampers and champers, complete with Union Jack flags flying and bunting decorations. More than 600 LEGO Minilander guests were in attendance, representing the charities patronised by The Queen who will be at the Parton’s Lunch on Sunday. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMqikDzD66k/V1kn-EqGRgI/AAAAAAAADLs/u8dj_uHx8k46R3bmrOv87QCf87rXqO6rQCK4B/s1600/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMqikDzD66k/V1kn-EqGRgI/AAAAAAAADLs/u8dj_uHx8k46R3bmrOv87QCf87rXqO6rQCK4B/s320/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And, of course, guests of honour The Miniland Royal Family were at the heart of the action. With a 10cm high, 40 LEGO brick version of Her Majesty surveying the party scene with Prince Philip in a 1,350 brick replica of their open topped viewing vehicle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the Royal picnic table were Prince Charles, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as well as Prince Harry plus Princesses Anne, Beatrice and Eugene – and of course the Royal canine companions, The Queen’s Corgis and Ludo. Plus, to add some extra sparkle Her Majesty wore a tiny crown created by famous jewellery designer, Dinny Hall to mark her diamond Jubilee, encrusted with 48 REAL tiny diamonds and the Royal ladies wore miniature hats specially made to Miniland scale by Milliner to Her Majesty Rachel Trevor Morgan.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRDt8ZYU8AQ/V1koF-zkYCI/AAAAAAAADL0/K6hS7XG9Jc87df9xE4v8rrMhbsf32X4MwCK4B/s1600/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uRDt8ZYU8AQ/V1koF-zkYCI/AAAAAAAADL0/K6hS7XG9Jc87df9xE4v8rrMhbsf32X4MwCK4B/s320/The%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort%2Bthrows%2BHer%2BMajesty%2BThe%2BQueen%2Ba%2BLEGO%2Bbirthday%2Bparty%2Bin%2BMiniland%2B%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The party scene is finished off with LEGO models of carnival performers who will entertain the guests, including jugglers, stilt walkers and acrobats. The scene will be on display at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort’s Miniland until November.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To buy tickets or find out more about the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, visit <a href="http://www.legoland.co.uk/">www.LEGOLAND.co.uk</a>.</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-42586613758755215322016-05-19T09:30:00.000+01:002016-06-09T09:33:08.724+01:00Blocks Magazine Issue 20 - Available Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V11ju0mAX2g/V1kpr_CcH6I/AAAAAAAADMA/6MHL0DSgVHwh6syYZFJfXEcQGsD0d6S1wCLcB/s1600/Blocks20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V11ju0mAX2g/V1kpr_CcH6I/AAAAAAAADMA/6MHL0DSgVHwh6syYZFJfXEcQGsD0d6S1wCLcB/s320/Blocks20.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Issue 20 of Blocks magazine has zoomed through subscribers’ letterboxes, and will be in shops on Thursday 19th May.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month, we’re gearing up for a comprehensive look at the new Speed Champions range, including an exclusive interview with the man behind a real-life Audi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Elsewhere, Simon Pickard introduces us to his brand new technique for building mind-bending roads, while Daniel Konstanski finds out what goes into a LEGO racing car. It’s not all about the wheels this month, however, with a look back at some classic LEGO football sets and reviews of the latest Ninjago and Super Heroes releases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We’re also celebrating the premiere of two new blockbusters, with a pair of whimsical Alice in Wonderland builds and instructions for some superpowered X-Men Mighty Micros. It’s all topped off with an exclusive interview with viral sensation Iain Heath and a complete guide to Technic clutch control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;">Read on to find out where to buy.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;">How to Buy:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;"><a href="http://www.blocksmag.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Blocks Magazine website</a> – a subscription gets you 12 issues for the price of 11, you can also order back issues.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;"><a href="https://pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1034&category=Hobbies+%26+Crafts&subcatid=212&subcategory=Scale+Modelling&title=Blocks+Magazine&titleid=2687#thumb" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pocket Mags website</a> – buy digital issues here, helpful for international fans.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;">Order from your local newsagent - or buy from WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons or Waitrose (selected stores).</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;">In the USA – available at Barnes & Noble.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"></span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-26220513867881904912016-05-11T10:30:00.000+01:002016-05-11T12:38:20.715+01:00Is Star Wars a Minifig Step Closer to LEGO Dimensions?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdWc5mQ15-g/VzMYIzV-U4I/AAAAAAAADKw/8-teBkWIkk8y35xJuXLGDdlDxBJGXOn6gCLcB/s1600/TFALSWgame.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdWc5mQ15-g/VzMYIzV-U4I/AAAAAAAADKw/8-teBkWIkk8y35xJuXLGDdlDxBJGXOn6gCLcB/s320/TFALSWgame.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Disney has announced that the company’s toys to life game experience, Disney Infinity, is to see no further development or releases beyond what has already been announced for the year. As well as Disney developed characters, both Star Wars and Marvel gaming fell under the Infinity banner which precluded either of the properties from showing up in LEGO Dimensions. What are the chances now?</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_CxehVPEUM/VzMX6wr7MyI/AAAAAAAADKs/u8fWp2WdVrkiC15sMq4LUq1sF6o7pCsTwCLcB/s1600/DimensionsDC.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_CxehVPEUM/VzMX6wr7MyI/AAAAAAAADKs/u8fWp2WdVrkiC15sMq4LUq1sF6o7pCsTwCLcB/s320/DimensionsDC.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For Marvel, still slim in all likelihood. With Warner Bros owning both TT Games and DC Comics, they are likely to prefer to focus on DC characters as is currently the case. But then at the time that the Super Heroes lines were launched, it was generally assumed that LEGO would not take on product lines for the two rival publishers – so it is by no means off the table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Star Wars is a more likely prospect, thanks to the brand recognition that LEGO Star Wars has earned over the years. Many fans asked if the galaxy far, far away would show up in Dimensions and were disappointed to hear that it would not. Star Wars characters do not show up in products such as Collectible Minifigures to keep the price and desirability high, but that would not be a problem with the pricey Dimensions products.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is almost certain that the right people at LEGO and TT Games are trying to get meetings with the licencing folk at Disney as soon as possible. Aside from DC Comics and LEGO originated properties, there are no ‘top tier’ IPs in LEGO Dimensions. Even though Lord of the Rings is popular, it is hardly the movie of the moment – and some of the rumoured Series 2 licences are even more lacklustre.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cH52zUPUA08/VzMYsRcRrfI/AAAAAAAADK8/doY9-vRRleAU_lmBU9LAnLt7VVS4mKbcACLcB/s1600/BobaMF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cH52zUPUA08/VzMYsRcRrfI/AAAAAAAADK8/doY9-vRRleAU_lmBU9LAnLt7VVS4mKbcACLcB/s200/BobaMF.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So getting either Marvel or Star Wars would be a huge coup, and likely boost interest in the LEGO version of toys to life. But that begs the question, do LEGO want to invest further and get more deeply involved in toys to life? If Disney couldn’t make it work with its legacy characters, hit movies such as Inside Out, plus Marvel and Star Wars – then can anyone else? Skylanders was fresh when it first made toy and gaming companies take the prospect of toys to life seriously, but nothing since seems to have quite captured the attention of children in the same way.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6Sn59iiGMo/VzMZHo6ogVI/AAAAAAAADLE/cVAgKAj53vYw9bAYW9LVu0CXLqqcfm4DwCLcB/s1600/leg-marvel-avengers-dlc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6Sn59iiGMo/VzMZHo6ogVI/AAAAAAAADLE/cVAgKAj53vYw9bAYW9LVu0CXLqqcfm4DwCLcB/s320/leg-marvel-avengers-dlc.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finally, TT Games needs games to put out twice a year with the LEGO logo on. With DC and Batman now essentially unavailable, Star Wars and Marvel are sure-fire hits to sandwich releases of riskier games based on new-to-LEGO licences. By putting the characters and worlds in LEGO Dimensions as well as stand-alone games, it will devalue the Dimensions content – by only putting them into Dimensions, potential sales of stand-alone games are lost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ultimately, as has been done with Disney Infinity, numbers will be crunched and whether anything happens with Star Wars and Marvel will depend entirely on where more money can be squeezed from. If stand-alone games bring in the bucks, that’s where they will stay. And if Disney think money can be made from the toys to life gambit in the near future, Luke Skywalker and Captain America will not be hopping through the Dimensions portal anytime soon. </span><br />
<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-23660360574021264052016-05-06T10:00:00.000+01:002016-06-20T23:05:17.819+01:00LEGO Dimensions: Ghostbusters Level Pack (71228) Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOsO_kuYY_w/V2hjveRwVbI/AAAAAAAADMQ/JHCsFB0zm8w5ChFQhMR16BAhVvLqGq45QCLcB/s1600/71228-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOsO_kuYY_w/V2hjveRwVbI/AAAAAAAADMQ/JHCsFB0zm8w5ChFQhMR16BAhVvLqGq45QCLcB/s400/71228-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fans of the movie Ghostbusters get more than just an Adventure World to check out, with Peter Venkman bringing with his minifigure sized self a new level to play through. Read on for a run-through of what the Ghostbusters Level Pack brings to LEGO Dimensions when you pop those new components onto the Toy Pad.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txnbF0x7y2M/V2hmrbgqlvI/AAAAAAAADNA/Q2QkjAB1faANRFzELzHyHJNVad8grNjsgCKgB/s1600/Ghostbusters_Level_Pack_%252810%2529.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txnbF0x7y2M/V2hmrbgqlvI/AAAAAAAADNA/Q2QkjAB1faANRFzELzHyHJNVad8grNjsgCKgB/s400/Ghostbusters_Level_Pack_%252810%2529.bmp" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The physical components of this Level Pack are a Peter Venkman minifigure, plus Ecto-1 mini build and Ghost Trap. The two builds can, as always, be re-built </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in alternate version</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s as players progress through the game. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The level kicks off in the Firehouse, as the player must get the team ready to check out the spooky goings-on in the</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Sedgewick Hotel, encountering numerous ghosts and indeed doing some busting. Capturing the ghosts in the Ghost Trap is a fun little mechanic, showing yet again how well TT Games can tweak the LEGO formula to match the latest franchise. Seeing the non Ghostbusters characters, such as Wyldstyle, reach to the ghosts is hilarious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Following the hotel, the player must guide Peter and co back to HQ to deposit the captured ghouls before taking on the movie's big scale climax. It's enough gameplay to justify a Level Pack - bigger than a regular LEGO game level, but not approaching an entire game's worth. The cut scenes are very well done and amusing as ever, although the original movie dialogue varies in audio quality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Of course additionally, Peter can unlock an immersive hub world to explore and complete little quests in. It's much easier to justify purchasing a Level Pack that included such content alongside a new level, especially when the character has useful abilities such as melting gold objects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As always, glitches and bizarre camera angles frustrate the gameplay from time to time, but this is typical LEGO video game fun. Anyone who still enjoys the 80s classic will get a smile from seeing it lovingly re-created with an enjoyable level and amusing cut scenes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Abilities</span> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Peter Venkman </b>- Laser, Clear Ghostly Swarms, Hazard Protection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ghost Trap</b> - Traps Ghosts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ghost Stun n Trap (build 2)</b> - Captures Goons & Ghosts, Special Attack.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Proton Zapper (build 3)</b> – Gold Blow-up, Special Weapon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ecto-1</b> - Accelerator Switches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ecto-1 Blaster (build 2)</b>- Accelerator Switches, Water Spray, Tow Bar, Hazard Cleaner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ecto-1 Water Diver (build 3)</b> - Underwater, Silver Blow-up.</span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-58832555803663654442016-04-29T09:00:00.000+01:002016-05-06T16:40:23.576+01:004D Nexo Knights Movie at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODpv_hS2tyg/Vyy6aoHAMmI/AAAAAAAADKQ/-S_-AsjQxxwNDQGxsz2VUStdTLwTIFwcQCLcB/s1600/LEGO%2BNEXO%2BKNIGHTS%2B4D%2BTHE%2BBOOK%2BOF%2BCREATIVITY%2BAT%2BLEGOLAND%2BWINDSOR%2B%25281%2529.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ODpv_hS2tyg/Vyy6aoHAMmI/AAAAAAAADKQ/-S_-AsjQxxwNDQGxsz2VUStdTLwTIFwcQCLcB/s320/LEGO%2BNEXO%2BKNIGHTS%2B4D%2BTHE%2BBOOK%2BOF%2BCREATIVITY%2BAT%2BLEGOLAND%2BWINDSOR%2B%25281%2529.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort has a second new 4D movie coming at the end of May, with Nexo Knights being added to the schedule alongside The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure. As well as the new short, shields will be dotted around the park for fans to scan and add to their virtual collection. Read on for the press release.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XM1CgEppd2M/Vyy6hlBdL0I/AAAAAAAADKU/rkko0-2SHHQ8JyBXWtLnt1cUe4M9rmsNgCLcB/s1600/LEGO%2BNEXO%2BKNIGHTS%2B4D%2BTHE%2BBOOK%2BOF%2BCREATIVITY%2BAT%2BLEGOLAND%2BWINDSOR%2B%25282%2529.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XM1CgEppd2M/Vyy6hlBdL0I/AAAAAAAADKU/rkko0-2SHHQ8JyBXWtLnt1cUe4M9rmsNgCLcB/s320/LEGO%2BNEXO%2BKNIGHTS%2B4D%2BTHE%2BBOOK%2BOF%2BCREATIVITY%2BAT%2BLEGOLAND%2BWINDSOR%2B%25282%2529.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Guests can download themselves into an all-new 4D film experience starring the LEGO® NEXO KNIGHTS™ - at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort this May. In an immersive 4D animated adventure created especially for LEGOLAND Parks and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres around the world. It’s up to the LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS to defeat the evil Jestro, the Book of Monsters and all their Lava Monsters all set in a 4D world - think wind, water and smoke - bringing the battle to life all around the cinema. AND guests can go on a quest of their own to discover six shields hidden across the Resort to unlock exclusive ‘power ups’ for the LEGO® NEXO KNIGHTS™ Merlok 2.0 mobile app. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Set in the futuristic world of Knighton, LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS: The Book of Creativity follows five young Knights in their quest to defeat Jestro, the Book of Monsters and all their Lava Monsters. Led by heroic Clay Moorington, the band of knights join forces with the great digital Wizard, Merlok 2.0 to vanquish the enemy and stop him getting his devious hands on the powerful and completely unique Book of Creativity – and something never seen before in Knighton.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD_z9el9mOo/Vyy6k1i1UuI/AAAAAAAADKY/SWnJ3ZLN4woSEHbEr37C2rXSyW3rozEJwCLcB/s1600/LEGO%2BNEXO%2BKNIGHTS%2B4D%2BTHE%2BBOOK%2BOF%2BCREATIVITY%2BAT%2BLEGOLAND%2BWINDSOR%2B%25283%2529.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD_z9el9mOo/Vyy6k1i1UuI/AAAAAAAADKY/SWnJ3ZLN4woSEHbEr37C2rXSyW3rozEJwCLcB/s320/LEGO%2BNEXO%2BKNIGHTS%2B4D%2BTHE%2BBOOK%2BOF%2BCREATIVITY%2BAT%2BLEGOLAND%2BWINDSOR%2B%25283%2529.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The brand new 12 minute film is the latest way for children to interact with the NEXO KNIGHTS innovative world. More than 170 shields can be found across various touchpoints including online, on LEGO sets and by watching the TV series; these shields can be scanned onto the Merlok 2.0 app, upgrading players’ powers to help the Knights fight marauding monsters. Those who already have the app will be delighted at the chance to get exclusive ‘power ups’ at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort to enhance their playing prowess. And those who don’t should download before they visit to kick-start an exciting play experience with exclusive content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tickets to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort are available at <a href="http://www.legoland.co.uk/">www.legoland.co.uk</a>.</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-53938823992696122452016-04-21T12:00:00.000+01:002016-04-24T16:27:26.500+01:00Blocks Magazine Issue 19 - Available Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GP4h0Cl_bbw/VxzlA4XlI_I/AAAAAAAADJ8/Co7ID89HBRI-XcVK09ai5_0zp9En-CdugCLcB/s1600/Blocks19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GP4h0Cl_bbw/VxzlA4XlI_I/AAAAAAAADJ8/Co7ID89HBRI-XcVK09ai5_0zp9En-CdugCLcB/s320/Blocks19.jpg" width="226" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Issue 19 of Blocks magazine is now with subscribers, and on shelves in newsagents, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month, we pit Captain America against Iron Man in our Civil War cover feature, as six brilliant builds go head-to-head in the superhero showdown of the century.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Continuing the Marvel-lous theme, Daniel Konstanski dissects every LEGO Quinjet so far, while MOD Squad member Chris Wight shows us how to improve the latest version. Our Civil War coverage is rounded out with reviews of the latest sets and an exclusive interview with TT Games head honcho Arthur Parsons, who talks all things LEGO Marvel’s Avengers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There’s also plenty of non-superhero related goodness to get stuck into, as we go behind-the-scenes on the latest LEGO Ideas project and celebrate the live adaptation of The Jungle Book with a series of exclusive builds. Meanwhile, Minifigs.me’s Nick Savage gives us the lowdown on starting your own LEGO business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Read on to find out where to buy.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How to Buy:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blocksmag.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blocksmag.com/" target="_blank">Blocks Magazine website</a> – a subscription gets you 12 issues for the price of 11, you can also order back issues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1034&category=Hobbies+%26+Crafts&subcatid=212&subcategory=Scale+Modelling&title=Blocks+Magazine&titleid=2687#thumb" target="_blank">Pocket Mags website</a> – buy digital issues here, helpful for international fans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Order from your local newsagent - or buy from WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons or Waitrose (selected stores).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the USA – available at Barnes & Noble.</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-90915962941601882302016-04-15T10:00:00.000+01:002016-04-20T15:10:37.358+01:00First Look: LEGO Star Wars Summer 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPE82lh_z40/VxeNktkPRiI/AAAAAAAADJY/a94MQRSebkoeDkv65Dnc5KjcZ0Ojfz4OwCLcB/s1600/75147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPE82lh_z40/VxeNktkPRiI/AAAAAAAADJY/a94MQRSebkoeDkv65Dnc5KjcZ0Ojfz4OwCLcB/s320/75147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Images of five sets from the LEGO Star Wars Summer range have been revealed on Amazon. Considering the first new live action Star Wars movie in a decade was only just released, there’s a prequel set and animated series sets too! So is this an inspiring line-up to keep fans busy until the release of the Rogue One range in September?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Star Scavenger (75147)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This set is one of two from the upcoming LEGO Star Wars animated series The Freemaker Adventures, including the three lead characters and their starship. Little is known so far about the size of the ship in the series, but it looks like it will be a squeeze to fit all of the minifigures inside. It is nice to see an original vehicle, of course, that seems to be designed to fit in nicely with the Star Wars universe.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdTFhBTXWrY/VxeNp-PFTyI/AAAAAAAADJc/T0Pnrp7rHMoIplPCVu6uy82UhSSOhv6tgCLcB/s1600/75148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdTFhBTXWrY/VxeNp-PFTyI/AAAAAAAADJc/T0Pnrp7rHMoIplPCVu6uy82UhSSOhv6tgCLcB/s320/75148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Encounter on Jakku (75148)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This should be a nice accompaniment to Rey’s Speeder (75099), but looks to give a flavour of Jakku life rather than a meaningful build experience. The section of Unkar Plutt’s outpost will need some extra building or imagination from fans to really work. Teedo’s Luggabeast, meanwhile, is bizarrely bright blue. Unfortunately this looks like quite a dull set, based on a dull location and poorly executed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jW4TOYuDrOY/VxeNsg2vTbI/AAAAAAAADJg/4BgCvp0-aXwMhNNh5rwKv3vYr-FHrxGwQCLcB/s1600/75149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jW4TOYuDrOY/VxeNsg2vTbI/AAAAAAAADJg/4BgCvp0-aXwMhNNh5rwKv3vYr-FHrxGwQCLcB/s320/75149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>X Wing Fighter (75149)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In another franchise, Bruce Wayne asked Lucious Fox, “does it come in black?” Poe Dameron clearly asked Resistance engineers, “does it come in blue?” It was perhaps inevitable that LEGO would release the short-lived X-Wing from the opening of The Force Awakens, but within a year of Poe’s other X-Wing (75102)? It doesn’t seem very well co-ordinated, and perhaps speaks to the lack of memorable vehicles in the movie. It is also frustrating to see the price of a LEGO X-Wing creep up ever higher…</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooJhjmApUnk/VxeNwBvFtlI/AAAAAAAADJk/VMT65lNuXF0LgBTTGKrBET_TO7bYcCoWwCLcB/s1600/75150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooJhjmApUnk/VxeNwBvFtlI/AAAAAAAADJk/VMT65lNuXF0LgBTTGKrBET_TO7bYcCoWwCLcB/s320/75150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Vader’s TIE Advanced vs A Wing Fighter (75150)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rebels still gets some LEGO love thanks to this release, reminiscent of the early Vader’s TIE and Y-Wing set 97150). It’s seven years since Vader’s TIE (8017) was last available, and the new A Wing is very welcome. A Rebels version of Grand Moff Tarkin and Sabine with her new hairstyle are included, both tempting minifigures indeed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LHblHjEZX0/VxeNz2HGGjI/AAAAAAAADJo/BS3TXA4Dqx4fpqlRptMxTf6MOvnzssihQCLcB/s1600/75151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LHblHjEZX0/VxeNz2HGGjI/AAAAAAAADJo/BS3TXA4Dqx4fpqlRptMxTf6MOvnzssihQCLcB/s320/75151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Clone Turbo Tank (75151)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a wonderfully bizarre inclusion in the 2016 LEGO Star Wars line up. Featured on Kashyyk in Revenge of the Sith, the Clone Turbo Tank has been released twice before in minifigure scale (excluding irritating variations). It also looks significantly different to the 2010 release (8098), making it tempting for those who own the most recent version. The oddest thing, however, is the inclusion of Quinlan Vos as a minifigure. The character was set to appear on Kashyyk in the movie but was cut, only seen on the planet in the comic adaptation and spin-offs. For fans of the character, it’s great news as with this release he has dots for eyes. </span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-67388618989723554782016-04-04T10:30:00.000+01:002016-04-04T19:50:47.885+01:00Book Review: Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8I4NAMU1e44/VwK26xEMzdI/AAAAAAAADI8/496g3h6kFg0aGqb9KMcvMhRwcN3e1nqoA/s1600/Elite%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8I4NAMU1e44/VwK26xEMzdI/AAAAAAAADI8/496g3h6kFg0aGqb9KMcvMhRwcN3e1nqoA/s320/Elite%2B2.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LEGO fan Martin Hudepohl designs working guns and weapons using the humble brick (and a fair few Technic pins). In his book, Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics, he provides instructions for thirteen fully functional models. It is as unofficial, unauthorised book as the subject matter falls outside of what the LEGO Group consider appropriate for the brand. The builds included are clearly not targeted at children, but the more mature builder. So is it worth adding to your LEGO library?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics by Martin Hudepohl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Available: Now</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Price: £17.57 / $24.99</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The introduction to the book makes it clear that the author is suggesting the weapons are for fantastical realms rather than real life situations, before diving into a comic strip story that uses a mixture of photos and CG illustrations to link together the various sections of the book.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3qrbYO1TFc/VwK3Bn2isyI/AAAAAAAADJA/h7OD9HCsVQc3_ZaaR6M9evV0wq2k3LySg/s1600/Elite%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3qrbYO1TFc/VwK3Bn2isyI/AAAAAAAADJA/h7OD9HCsVQc3_ZaaR6M9evV0wq2k3LySg/s1600/Elite%2B4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The instructions are very clear, some of the clearest printed instructions produced for a third party LEGO book. At times there are a few too many directional arrows in one step, which takes some getting used to. By going big on the page count, it means the images are not too small so readers won’t be squinting to identify parts. The functional aspects of the models are also well explained – each model features a ‘How it works’ spread before the instructions. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtXtTYj8ge0/VwK3J9MHqII/AAAAAAAADJE/ll6BHHCH4-cGGBr2U-A0y2u5ten4ElrGg/s1600/Elite%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtXtTYj8ge0/VwK3J9MHqII/AAAAAAAADJE/ll6BHHCH4-cGGBr2U-A0y2u5ten4ElrGg/s320/Elite%2B5.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of the builds are quick and simple, such as the sunglasses. The plastic knuckles fall into this category and are not particularly impressive. The baton is an excellent example of the rigidity that Technic underpinning can give to a build. The helmet is a complex build and looks impressive, particularly considering it mainly utilises common Technic elements. How comfortable wearing it would be is another question entirely!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The handcuffs are (in?)appropriately named Lovelock, and present one of the best functions in the book. The gear mechanism means they can only be opened with the key, and thanks to plenty of Technic pins would be tricky to dismantle while worn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Things get real with the Dinosaur Superior Assault Rifle, which uses a motor to fire off a dozen projectiles in quick succession. The early trigger mechanisms in the book are impressive, but this takes things up to another level. Of course the challenge is that these are much more part intensive and more time consuming to build. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What Martin Hudepohl has achieved in this book is demonstrating different techniques of creating motion with LEGO Technic, through the accessible action orientated medium of weapons. It’s a great way to demonstrate in a very practical way how many different varieties of function Technic can provide, with models such as the Rubber Band Machine Pistol using a completely different mechanism to the HK G3. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7sXCGkjHCo/VwK3QurOEaI/AAAAAAAADJI/o4VPaP0jMqsGPMoW_fHEmDIVIIv4m7w8A/s1600/Elite%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7sXCGkjHCo/VwK3QurOEaI/AAAAAAAADJI/o4VPaP0jMqsGPMoW_fHEmDIVIIv4m7w8A/s320/Elite%2B3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The book closes out with a surprisingly thorough guide to Bricklink, which is welcome as numerous LEGO book authors express concern that readers may not have access to the relevant parts – Hudepohl doesn’t want to risk budding builders not knowing how to navigate the most necessary but confusing LEGO website. The design evolution section shows just how much thought and time has gone into each of the book’s builds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The comic strip adventures between each build are a bizarre, trippy experience and unlike any other brick based book. The builds themselves are Technic focussed, clever and rewarding – the mix of different sized models provides different entry points. The instructions themselves are well presented on the whole as are the explanations for the functions. Some may have no interest in the subject matter, but for those who do this is a great way to learn more about Technic building and to build some real working weapons with LEGO. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Review copy provided by Sky Horse Publishing.</i></span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-71323762788066044432016-03-28T10:00:00.000+01:002016-03-29T14:36:43.741+01:00AAB Report: Death Star now at the LEGOLAND Windor Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Star Wars Miniland Experience has been at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort since 2012, recreating scenes from the Episodes I to VI and The Clone Wars. A New Hope is represented by a wonderful Mos Eisley setting, forming the basis for a huge Millennium Falcon model. But another iconic location from that movie was notable by its absence – and has now joined the exhibit. It’s time for the Death Star.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The running order for the Star Wars Miniland Experience opens with the Battle of Christophsis from <i>The Clone Wars</i>, followed by the Battle of Theed from <i>The Phantom Menace</i>. The Battle of Geonosis from <i>Attack of the Clones</i> is re-created, before moving to the end of the war for the Battle of Kashyyk. The <i>Revenge of the Sith</i> area features a second scene too, showing Anakin and Obi-Wan’s duel on Mustafar.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUFcOPeWKio/VvhHjzfXPPI/AAAAAAAADIk/S8-5fjMwi5AUMVhWOP1D52x2CbyfOPjlA/s1600/IMG_7084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUFcOPeWKio/VvhHjzfXPPI/AAAAAAAADIk/S8-5fjMwi5AUMVhWOP1D52x2CbyfOPjlA/s320/IMG_7084.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The classic trilogy begins with classic locations from Tatooine, including the Cantina, Obi-Wan’s home and of course Docking Bay 94. <i>The Empire Strikes Back</i> is covered by an incredible Hoth diorama including a crashed AT-AT, before the <i>Return of the Jedi</i> area features the Forest Moon of Endor. What was the final section of the exhibit features huge, upscaled LEGO Star Wars minifigures built from bricks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But now, as visitors enter the corridor that previously led to the shop, they are greeted by a fleet of Rebel Alliance ships above their heads, all flying in the same direction. A multitude of lights shines down the corridor, representing Hyperspace. And everyone knows where these ships are heading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The final area features a mammoth, 500,000 brick Death Star. A truly impressive model, it sits at 3 metres high, superbly lit in an atmospheric space. X-wings and TIE Fighters are positioned around it (not to scale), with Vader’s TIE Fighter pursuing Luke’s X-wing around the centre of the space station. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Scenes from inside the Death Star are depicted in the usual Miniland figure scale around the behemoth’s base, including the destruction of Alderaan, Darth Vader’s redemption and the Trash Compactor. Interactivity comes from buttons that will light up and move the models, including the Death Star itself – when the relevant button is pressed, the super weapon charges and light streams through the brick built laser.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-PbUqcPtqM/VvhHxAQsrpI/AAAAAAAADIk/L-dmZ7CAjRgYzyE0O3UW2BVvfrEj-QRmQ/s1600/IMG_7168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-PbUqcPtqM/VvhHxAQsrpI/AAAAAAAADIk/L-dmZ7CAjRgYzyE0O3UW2BVvfrEj-QRmQ/s320/IMG_7168.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is hard to do anything but be mesmerised by the model that’s no moon, but the room also houses a recreation of the Trench Run. Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter is depicted chasing Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing, which is firing the blasts that will detonate the Death Star. Again, the attention to detail is marvellous and shows how well the model makers can represent a moment rather than a landscape.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It isn’t to say that what comes before it is not impressive, but the Death Star exceeds everything up until that point, serving as a very worthy finale to the Star Wars Miniland Experience. It might seem like a small addition to an existing attraction, but it really will lead to jaws dropping and fingers pointing. Any Star Wars fan visiting the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort should make sure they pay this a visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.legoland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find our more information and book a visit to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.</span></div>
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-84729454836743135662016-03-24T11:00:00.000+00:002016-03-24T19:41:54.398+00:00Blocks Magazine Issue 18 - Available Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--T2twHNdbVs/VvRCbLZKu9I/AAAAAAAADH0/ySX7Okbdc-8W-OFG9yPKtYD9SezVcSlQg/s1600/Blocks18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--T2twHNdbVs/VvRCbLZKu9I/AAAAAAAADH0/ySX7Okbdc-8W-OFG9yPKtYD9SezVcSlQg/s320/Blocks18.jpg" width="227" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month, we celebrate all things Batman v Superman, with an exclusive series of builds, reviews of the new sets and the lowdown on how to create the perfect Dark Knight Tumbler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Elsewhere, MOD Squad member Daniel Konstanski shows us how you can improve your Carbon Freezing Chamber, while we catch up with the Brick to the Past team and find out whether TT Games’ latest effort is worth your time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There’s much more besides, including reviews of the latest Frozen sets and a behind-the-scenes look at David Pickard’s Blacktron project. It’s all topped off with an exclusive interview with LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya on his DC Comics exhibition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Read on to find out where to buy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How to Buy:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blocks Magazine website – a subscription gets you 12 issues for the price of 11, you can also order back issues.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pocket Mags website – buy digital issues here, helpful for international fans.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Order from your local newsagent - or buy from WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons or Waitrose (selected stores).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the USA – available at Barnes & Noble.</span></li>
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-27011320787241161432016-03-16T11:00:00.000+00:002016-03-16T21:32:42.612+00:00LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Beyond the Sets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TLLO3mY--o/VunQJ9ncD-I/AAAAAAAADHM/Gfh7yEahKwIXXCxZC_NrvSt5_95LM5pNA/s1600/Unkar%2527s%2BThug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TLLO3mY--o/VunQJ9ncD-I/AAAAAAAADHM/Gfh7yEahKwIXXCxZC_NrvSt5_95LM5pNA/s1600/Unkar%2527s%2BThug.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many LEGO Star Wars collectors want to own all of the sets released to re-create scenes from the blockbusting movie The Force Awakens. With the impending release of the movie on Blu-ray and some crappy thing called digital download, fans will see their favourite moments all over again. But to go along with the sets released, there are already a few extra minifigures to track down…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>C-3PO (The Force Awakens)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was the first polybag minifigure from the movie, with a few given away at Hamleys in London during the Force Friday event. Toys R Us gave this away as a gift with purchase, with it also popping up in a few other promotions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With his distinctive red arm, C-3PO has a unique look in The Force Awakens which makes this a must-have minifigure. As he has not yet been included in any traditional set, this is a must-have minifigure to complete the roster of classic heroes. A particularly good minifigure to accompany Resistance Troop Transporter (75140).</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9X3zQGa0JjE/VunQYe-KbNI/AAAAAAAADHU/ADyjzyS7oQYSD2ntd9R6zAbJ1OUW1sSaw/s1600/First%2BOrder%2BGeneral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9X3zQGa0JjE/VunQYe-KbNI/AAAAAAAADHU/ADyjzyS7oQYSD2ntd9R6zAbJ1OUW1sSaw/s320/First%2BOrder%2BGeneral.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>First Order General</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This minifigure is not yet widely available, having popped up in Hong Kong for a brief Toys R Us promotion. It is bound to appear again, presumably as a gift with purchase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the amount of First Order administrators populating scenes in the movie, it is hard to imagine anyone ending up with too many of this angry fellow. He is less desirable than C-3PO thanks to the numerous First Order minifigures included elsewhere, but does feature a unique combination of hat, torso and head.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F6CNTBAQz0/VunQi_-1k4I/AAAAAAAADHY/sYCJXZmpe3st9VCLIRfml8iBjGwTzQXpA/s1600/FN-2187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F6CNTBAQz0/VunQi_-1k4I/AAAAAAAADHY/sYCJXZmpe3st9VCLIRfml8iBjGwTzQXpA/s320/FN-2187.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=120719" target="_blank">Eurobricks</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Finn (FN-2187)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This polybag is coming with the Special Edition of LEGO Star Wars The Force Awakens video game in June. This will make it widely available, but it is safest to pre-order as these have been known to disappear quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This minifigure features the regular Finn head and hair with a dirty Stormtrooper body. The weathering is unique to this torso, reflecting Finn’s unpleasant time spent on Jakku. This makes the minifigure more desirable than had it been a simple head-swap with the standard Stormtrooper, so worth getting with the video game or buying on eBay for non-gamers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTnzBjtIzP4/VunQ0toSjFI/AAAAAAAADHg/69Yl6J2Elg80l-UpeBZvIuW8c0Aeoaf4A/s1600/Chronicles%2Bof%2Bthe%2BForce.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTnzBjtIzP4/VunQ0toSjFI/AAAAAAAADHg/69Yl6J2Elg80l-UpeBZvIuW8c0Aeoaf4A/s1600/Chronicles%2Bof%2Bthe%2BForce.jpe" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Unkar’s Thug</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DK are to release the publishing house’s seven hundredth LEGO book, Chronicles of the Force, in May. The content has not been revealed yet, but the exclusive minifigure has. Unkar’s Thug is one of the unsavoury characters that Rey lives alongside on Jakku.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a surprisingly obscure minifigure for a book cover - usually DK pack in a main character in a new style. This is probably the least exciting minifigure unveiled so far, but it is unique and will complement the Encounter on Jakku (75148) set nicely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With a whole new roster of characters to choose from, there is little doubt that even more exclusive and limited minifigures will be revealed over time. With May 4th not too far away, LEGO stores will almost certainly be offering an exclusive minifigure with a certain spend. Stay on target, because there’s plenty of extra LEGO Star Wars collecting to be done this year. </span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-36617762599947543702016-03-07T15:00:00.000+00:002016-03-07T21:55:32.469+00:00LEGO Dimensions: Sensei Wu Fun Pack Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each type of LEGO Dimensions expansion offers a different amount of content to add to the game. Fun Packs are the lowest price pack, adding an extra hit of variety. Each includes a minifigure and a 3 in 1 mini build. This Ninjago themed Fun Pack includes Sensei Wu and the Flying White Dragon (primary build).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sensei Wu is a fun character to play. He has a comical – and extremely fast – run. In battle, he has some rather theatrical moves with his staff. Like the other ninjas, he has the power of Spinjitzu which can activate switches and also be used as an attack. Wu’s abilities include stealth and the pole vault. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8bg7aXrX-I/Vt34S74C76I/AAAAAAAADGo/o7cSAQt0ziw/s1600/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160221223942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8bg7aXrX-I/Vt34S74C76I/AAAAAAAADGo/o7cSAQt0ziw/s320/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160221223942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wu has great animation when he is stationery, pulling out a cup of his trademark tea. Even more fun, when paired with other Ninjago characters he delivers specific dialogue to them, rewarding players who collect multiple sets from the theme. These little details are what make these extra Fun Pack characters more tempting to pick up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNaY_hzfrgY/Vt34Yixip3I/AAAAAAAADGs/sOdZ13zeFY4/s1600/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160219225107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNaY_hzfrgY/Vt34Yixip3I/AAAAAAAADGs/sOdZ13zeFY4/s320/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160219225107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Flying White Dragon is a cool little build, and the alternative two configurations are also good – which is not always the case in sets that use the same pieces. There’s a few unusual parts in there too, which is a nice bonus. In the game, the dragon shoots icey blasts and allows Wu (or any of the other characters) to fly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Like any other character from the theme, Sensei Wu can access the world of Ninjago from the LEGO Dimensions hub. It’s a great world, with varied areas all unique and </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhSslm_rals/Vt34eDimovI/AAAAAAAADGw/biCFmwWkhzs/s1600/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160221223736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhSslm_rals/Vt34eDimovI/AAAAAAAADGw/biCFmwWkhzs/s320/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160221223736.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">atmospheric. The various residents of Ninjago City make comments and react to the characters. Fans of the TV show will enjoy recognising areas and familiar faces. There are some fun, wacky games including one featuring Sensei Garmadon, who instructs the player to catapult Skulkins back into the underworld!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This Sensei Wu Fun Pack is a nice addition to the LEGO Dimensions range. Ninjago completists should definitely pick up the wizened advisor, so that the entire core team can share adventures in the multiverse. For those looking for a significant mix of new powers, Sensei Wu only offers the pole vault ability (although that is a rare ability). So this is not the least necessary entry into LEGO Dimensions, but not the most vital either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Dimensions Score: 3/5</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmuXA5hOlcc/Vt34qCgbn9I/AAAAAAAADG4/I3vXTgw_fi4/s1600/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160219232123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmuXA5hOlcc/Vt34qCgbn9I/AAAAAAAADG4/I3vXTgw_fi4/s320/LEGO%25C2%25AE%2BDIMENSIONS%25E2%2584%25A2_20160219232123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-9549310907443990312016-02-22T09:00:00.000+00:002016-02-23T20:37:41.876+00:00LEGOLAND Windsor Death Star Will be Completed on Schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S81jTBy6sWE/VszAhZEV2pI/AAAAAAAADF4/OXQ10yZFSXg/s1600/8%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S81jTBy6sWE/VszAhZEV2pI/AAAAAAAADF4/OXQ10yZFSXg/s320/8%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the video game LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, the Emperor has trouble with his construction workers spinning on their chairs and generally not getting on with the job in hand. In the memorable scene it parodies, Darth Vader visited to motivate the troops. Thankfully, no Dark Lord of the Sith has had to head to LEGOLAND Windsor, as the new addition to Star Wars Miniland is put in place...</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub7aTQHs4eU/VszA706C_UI/AAAAAAAADF8/4l29xUJJ-XU/s1600/9%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub7aTQHs4eU/VszA706C_UI/AAAAAAAADF8/4l29xUJJ-XU/s320/9%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">LEGO fans seem to love both the UCS Death Star II (10143) and recently retired play set Death Star (10188), based on their aftermarket prices. They are both big, impressive models with hefty piece counts. 3,500ish pieces sounds a lot, and feels a lot when putting them together. But they are dwarfed by the Death Star that the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort have just added to Star Wars Miniland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here is the press release from LEGOLAND: </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NK9mpme0IbY/VszBEbCI2jI/AAAAAAAADGE/X1pBxI3ioz4/s1600/7%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NK9mpme0IbY/VszBEbCI2jI/AAAAAAAADGE/X1pBxI3ioz4/s320/7%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the most impressive and biggest LEGO® Star Wars™ models ever created - a 500,000 brick LEGO® Star Wars™ recreation of The Empire’s ultimate super weapon, The Death Star – has been installed at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. The operation took three days as the massive new 2.4 metre wide, 3 metre high creation was carefully hoisted into position and the final bricks and scenes were put in place. The hefty 860kg perfectly spherical model took 15 Model Makers three months to build and will be the centrepiece of an epic new finale at the LEGO®Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display when the Resort opens on 11 March.</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lv4R6umfkjY/VszBO_Xi0EI/AAAAAAAADGI/y1kVecSkUWo/s1600/11%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lv4R6umfkjY/VszBO_Xi0EI/AAAAAAAADGI/y1kVecSkUWo/s320/11%2BOne%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bworld%2527s%2Bbiggest%2Bever%2BLEGO%2BStar%2BWars%2Bmodels%2Binstalled%2Bat%2Bthe%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BResort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The dramatic scene, which depicts the Rebel Alliance attack on the moon sized space station in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, also features 16 Alliance ships swooping in to destroy it and a series of animated scenes from the movie, including the famous trash compactor scene and Obi Wan Kenobi’s Lightsaber duel with Darth Vader. Guests will be able to trigger special effects and bring the scene to life with sound and light effects. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The new area comprises 651,086 individual bricks in total and will be a thrilling finale to the 1.5 million brick LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display which brings to life iconic Star Wars™ scenes from the Millennium Falcon rising over the desert planet Tatooine (with the Cantina band playing), to Imperial AT-ATs on the icy planet Hoth and Ewoks in their forest home of Endor.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With the success of The Force Awakens fans are is sure to be excited to hear that new scenes are being added to Star Wars Miniland. Until the Death Star is revealed when the park re-opens, it's worth checking out the first in a new series of LEGO Star Wars: The Resistance Rises shorts, "Poe to the Rescue", written by LEGO Star Wars comedy genius Michael Price and featuring the voice talents of Anthony Daniels and Michael Kane.</span><br />
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<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-15889322379874613752016-02-18T09:00:00.000+00:002016-02-18T09:00:00.776+00:00Blocks Magazine Issue 17 - Available Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7CoUaHAQV8/Vr31brzggDI/AAAAAAAADEg/2wY_l9ge9QI/s1600/Blocks17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7CoUaHAQV8/Vr31brzggDI/AAAAAAAADEg/2wY_l9ge9QI/s320/Blocks17.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The March issue of Blocks magazine hits UK shelves today, having already arrived with subscribers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month, we dive headfirst into LEGO’s latest Big Bang theme, with full reviews of every Nexo Knights set, plus an in-depth interview with LEGO Designer Mark Stafford – who reveals a few tantalising secrets behind the space-castle mashup, and gives us some hints as to its future direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Elsewhere, we head back to the glory days of Castle, with a detailed look at the 1984 Lion Knights range, and showcase an incredible collection of Doctor Who builds from Thorsten Bonsch – as he unveils his latest timey-wimey creation exclusively in Blocks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There’s much more besides, with comprehensive reviews of the brand new Brick Bank and Ghostbusters Firehouse HQ, while Simon Pickard introduces us to the art of microscale. It’s all topped off with an exclusive interview with Tom Poulsom, LEGO’s very own birdman, on books, building and, of course, birds.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;">Read on to find out where to buy.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">How to Buy:</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blocksmag.com/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Blocks Magazine </a>website – a subscription gets you 12 issues for the price of 11, you can also order back issues.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1034&category=Hobbies+%26+Crafts&subcatid=212&subcategory=Scale+Modelling&title=Blocks+Magazine&titleid=2687#thumb" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pocket Mags</a> website – buy digital issues here, helpful for international fans.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Order from your local newsagent - or buy from WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons or Waitrose (selected stores).</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">In the USA – available at Barnes & Noble<span style="font-size: 14.85px;">.</span></span></li>
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-74049209768070536142016-02-13T12:40:00.000+00:002016-02-13T12:40:00.145+00:00Quick Reaction: LEGO Star Wars - Assault on Hoth (75098)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8Aj1FjwqT0/Vr32aAfcVNI/AAAAAAAADEs/Q5a8ijvMroc/s1600/75098_box1_na.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8Aj1FjwqT0/Vr32aAfcVNI/AAAAAAAADEs/Q5a8ijvMroc/s320/75098_box1_na.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Internet is abuzz with news of the latest LEGO Star Wars behemoth – Assault on Hoth (75098). With over 2,000 pieces and 14 minifigures, it follows Death Star (10188) and Ewok Village (10236) as the next huge play orientated set. There is undeniably a lot in the box, but what does it add up to? Is this the giant set you’re looking for?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the product information from LEGO.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The main focus of this set is on Echo Base, which makes sense as it is the main location during the battle that provides the action packed opening of The Empire Strikes Back. LEGO most recently visited Echo Base in 2011, with the Toys R Us exclusive set 7879. That set was great fun, but certainly not a movie accurate representation of the location. It had some neat features for children and some great minifigures, but it was not what the discerning fan had been waiting for.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh0XEfHJczM/Vr342AYMioI/AAAAAAAADE8/EvatLVDOopg/s1600/7666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh0XEfHJczM/Vr342AYMioI/AAAAAAAADE8/EvatLVDOopg/s320/7666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hoth Rebel Base (7666) was the first attempt to create the location in LEGO, but was basically focused on the hangar doors. This new release looks to have take that set as its main inspiration, upscaling and improving the design to create something bigger and more detailed. But still, for the most part, just some doors. That may seem a harsh assessment, but a pair of doors – admittedly iconic doors – is a lot easier to stomach at £39.99 than £219.99. Of course to add extra oomph to the set, LEGO included a Snowspeeder again…</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNm6MRLrIc/Vr347wEeXvI/AAAAAAAADFA/vYAvEqzdJuM/s1600/75098_Front_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNm6MRLrIc/Vr347wEeXvI/AAAAAAAADFA/vYAvEqzdJuM/s320/75098_Front_008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ah, the Snowspeeder. If this blog has ever used a shorthand, it is has been to name the Snowspeeder when referring to frequent repetition in the LEGO Star Wars line. The last one was released in 2014, it just recently retired. No doubt another will crop up before Assault on Hoth (75098) is retired itself. The repetition does not just come in the vehicle though – the trenches, the Wampa cave and the Speeder Bike have all been released as part of various Hoth sets over the years. Hoth Attack (75138) only came out one month ago!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The newness that is included – the Ion Cannon and Power Generator – are very welcome. There is a wonderful blocky charm to the former, while the latter is instantly recognisable. Finally the walking AT-AT (10178) has something to stomp toward. The minifigure line-up also includes new-to-LEGO Toryn Farr, who can join General Rieekan from Battle of Hoth (75014) in the ranks of obscure Hoth Rebel minifigures.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g65bDXzkaLc/Vr35NWLXNLI/AAAAAAAADFM/HnM9gyTeNi8/s1600/75098_Front_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g65bDXzkaLc/Vr35NWLXNLI/AAAAAAAADFM/HnM9gyTeNi8/s400/75098_Front_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The thing that is frustrating about this set is that rather than use the hefty piece count to create something individual sets could not, it has cobbled together lots of smaller environments to justify being the size that it is. But despite all of the aforementioned frustration with the contents of this set, it will still be a must buy for a huge number of LEGO Star Wars fans. After all of those small-scale Hoth sets released over the years, this is the centrepiece that will really make a display. Surrounding it with various snowy barricades, turrets, Snowspeeders and AT-ATs will re-create the Battle of Hoth on an epic scale.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One thing that fans will not need to see released for a few years, of course, is a Rebel Snowspeeder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Official Announcement</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">75098 Assault on Hoth™ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ages 12+. 2,144 pieces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">US $249.99 - CA $299.99 - DE 249.99€ - UK £219.99 - DK 2199.00 DKK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*Euro pricing varies by country. Please visit shop.LEGO.com for regional pricing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Play out action-packed Hoth battles like never before!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This fantastic LEGO® recreation of the Rebel force’s Echo Base from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back has all the details you need to create your own epic ice-planet battles. Set out on scouting missions with the Snowspeeder armed with twin spring-loaded shooters, and when you spot the enemy speeder bike, get back to base and help Luke, Han and the other Rebel heroes lock down the blast doors, ready the laser cannons, man the gun turrets with dual spring-loaded shooters and power up the devastating ion cannon, also with 2 spring-loaded shooters! This amazing model has so many more features, including a service area with crane, control room area, power generator with explode function, rotating communication dish, scout post with dual stud shooters and a Tauntaun with its own stable. There’s even a Wampa cave (with Wampa) for Luke to escape from! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This amazingly detailed set’s modular design also means that you can create your very own Rebel base configuration. Prepare for ultimate LEGO Star Wars action! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Includes 14 minifigures with assorted weapons: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Toryn Farr, Rebel Officer, Wes Janson, Wedge Antilles, K-3PO, 5 Rebel troopers and 2 Snowtroopers, plus an R3-A2, Tauntaun and a Wampa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Features Rebel base with modular wall and trench sections, a Snowspeeder and a speeder bike.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Wall section features slidable blast doors, service area with crane, control room area, power generator with explode function, ion cannon with dual spring-loaded shooters, laser turret with spring-loaded shooters and space for a minifigure, scout post with dual stud shooters and space for a minifigure, Tauntaun stable and a Wampa cave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Trench section features heavy blasters, laser turret with double spring-loaded shooters and space for a minifigure, and a laser cannon with rapid stud shooter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Snowspeeder features an opening cockpit, extending speed flaps and 2 spring-loaded shooters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Weapons include Luke’s Lightsaber, 7 blaster pistols, 2 blaster rifles and 2 blasters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Accessories include 7 Hoth Rebel helmets, 2 Snowtrooper helmets, and Wes and Wedge’s flight helmets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Man the weapons and prepare to fire!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Jump in the Snowspeeder and track the enemy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Keep a lookout for Imperial forces from the scout post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Close the blast doors and prepare for battle!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Tend to the Tauntaun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Hoist up the Snowspeeder ready for servicing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Bring down orbiting starships with the devastating ion cannon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Can Luke escape the ferocious Wampa?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Snowspeeder measures over 1” (5cm) high, 7” (18cm) long and 6” (17cm) wide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Speeder bike measures over 1” (3cm) high, 5” (13cm) long and 1” (4cm) wide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Power generator measures over 3” (8cm) high, 6” (16cm) wide and 5” (13cm) deep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Wall section including ion cannon measures over 5” (15cm) high, 20” (51cm) wide and 11” (30cm) deep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">• Trench section measures over 3” (10cm) high, 13” (35cm) wide and 4” (11cm) deep.</span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-36424694674656856192016-02-08T10:00:00.000+00:002016-02-10T14:14:08.336+00:00Why LEGO Fans Should Learn to Love Resellers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is a lot of frustration out in the LEGO fan community about resellers. When collectors see a classic LEGO set at a vastly inflated price, that puts it beyond reach, it can be frustrating. The target of this frustration is often the resellers who are profiting from this long retired set. But do they deserve to be labelled as the bad guys?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At face value, it’s a simple argument. If someone buys a LEGO set to stash then sell in the future, they are depriving someone else of that set. This is a particularly irritating problem when a set due for retirement disappears from LEGO stores quicker because resellers gobble up the last stock. It’s probably the part of reseller behaviour that is the most irritating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But aside from those soon to be retired sets, resellers buying it are not really depriving anyone. If a set is well stocked in supermarkets, toy shops and on websites around the world, does it matter if someone buys a dozen extra? LEGO churn out a lot of these things. The buyer looking for the set for themselves can just go and pick it up elsewhere if a reseller has cleared that store out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rather than just not be angry though, fans should actually be grateful that resellers are doing this. There has been an awful lot of new blood joining this hobby in the last five years or so, and thanks to a healthy secondary market those new fans can go on their marketplace website of choice and buy a set – brand new in sealed box – that has been retired. If it were not for the resellers, where would fans go for this? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sure, retired sets are listed at a hugely inflated price on the RRP, but if a reseller has been using valuable storage space and had their money tied up for years in this thing, they are going to want a reasonable return. And if a number of them had not stashed the set, the price to buy it on the secondary market would be even higher. The reason sets such as UCS Millennium Falcon (10179) have climbed so much is because too few resellers stored one to sell later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So LEGO fans could get out their pitchforks and blame the resellers. If they were somehow stopped from reselling, all it would actually do is take away an opportunity for fans to get their hands on a set that has been retired. If anyone is to blame, it is LEGO for having sets available for a limited time and then retiring them, or the toy industry for having an annual cycle of newness… resellers are responding to market demand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rather than blame and be frustrated about resellers, they should be acknowledged as an occasionally frustrating but vital part of the community. Never has there been an easier time to pick up any LEGO set from the past twenty years, and a savvy buyer can find that buying the right set at the right time is not as expensive as the headlines suggest.</span><br />
<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-4810843751321691062016-01-29T09:30:00.000+00:002016-01-30T00:04:33.792+00:00LEGO Marvel’s Avengers Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Version reviewed: Playstation 4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">TT Games are back with the latest entry in the LEGO video game series, released today in the UK. This is only the second game based on the Marvel universe, this time based on the cinematic world of the Avengers and the surrounding movies. There’s still room for comic book goodness, but this time players will recognise locations and storylines from different Marvel movies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Read on for the All About Bricks review…</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Captain America and Iron Man</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is no need for players to worry about having to go through slow-paced training levels to acclimatise to LEGO Marvel’s Avengers. Just like Avengers: Age of Ultron, the game starts in the thick of an assault on the Hydra base where Loki’s sceptre is being hidden. In a series of battles, players take on the role of each Avenger in turn, allowing the opportunity to learn the unique abilities each character has.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Quinjet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The core characters are varied and fun – Black Widow packs dual guns and can disappear. Doing a Hulk smash with the big fig is immensely satisfying. Captain America’s shield sails into bad guys with style, or conveniently unlocks switches. Flying around as Iron Man is great fun, he can melt selected objects. Hawkeye uses explosives and rapid-fire arrows. Seeing Thor bash enemies or hurl his hammer into them is a treat. To be more concise, each character is a different joy to play as – seeing their inventive ways of dispatching villains brings a special kind of amused satisfaction (the best are the combo moves that two characters employ together).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Once the initial level is complete, the game flashbacks within a flashback as Captain <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cap and Bucky infiltrate a Hydra base</td></tr>
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America and Bucky Barnes face off against Hydra. This game is not an adaptation of Avengers: Age of Ultron, but a re-telling of that movie with key scenes from The Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man 3 and more. Free downloadable content has been promised featuring content from Ant Man and this Summer’s Captain America: Civil War. Considering the number of Marvel movies to date, LEGO Marvel’s Avengers does a good job of including a fair selection of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The SHIELD Helicarrier</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The gameplay follows the tried and tested formula that has gradually improved over the decade of LEGO video games from Traveller’s Tales, with players using logic and the various character abilities to solve puzzles, before doing battle with hordes of enemies and the occasional boss. The puzzles are particularly interesting in this game as they often involve aiding other characters – for example Black Widow and Dr Banner must help the crew of the Shield Helicarrier prepare for the arrival of the Quinjet. Not only does this represent heroes as having more to do than defeat enemies, it changes things up from just having to open a door to the next area.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sibling rivalry from Thor and Loki</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">LEGO Marvel’s Avengers offers much of what has gone before in terms of gameplay, but that is no bad thing. Much like the LEGO brick itself, why fix what isn’t broken? These games work so well because rather than radically overhaul the tried and tested formula, they gradually improve on what worked last time and what is relevant for the IP. But for all of the positives this brings, it also means that the same old faults crop up – frustrating split screen and some awful camera angles.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In game puzzles lead to new areas.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As usual, story-based levels can later be repeated in Free Play mode to track down all of the different collectables. The usual gold bricks are acquired for each achievement, one of which is now rescuing Stan Lee during each level (usually in Free Play mode later). Stan Lee is so over-referenced and over-cameoed at this point that this seems terribly shoe horned in. The minifigure Lee even asks at one point when he stops being a cameo and becomes the star – which is exactly the problem.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is plenty of exploring to do in New York.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As if the replayability that Free Play provides isn’t good enough at sucking the player in, a number of open world areas are ripe for exploration with mini-missions to be completed in any order. Travelling around New York (the largest hub) by foot or in a car, encountering new characters and challenges along the way gives players another way to immerse themselves in the LEGO Marvel world. The city in particular feels alive thanks to being so well populated, as minifigures wander by and wave at the titular heroes (even if they have just blown up a car!).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicky Fury is too preoccupied to notice classic LEGO Space.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plenty of obscure Marvel characters pop up or are unlocked, many from the movies but plenty from comic book sources too – with over 200 to be found, no wonder the original source material had to be mined! Many of the discoverable characters have a knowing humour in their introductions. As well as Marvel in-jokes, some nice LEGO references are included such as the classic LEGO Space logo at the SHIELD Base. The typical humour, often riffing on the source material, is present throughout – Nick Fury’s penchant for strawberry milkshake is a great early gag.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God of thunder</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The game looks incredible, even better than LEGO Dimensions. The atmospheric settings have clearly been painstakingly created, with realistic looking backdrops for the brick built elements dropped into them. Reflections, weather, depth – the game looks better than any LEGO video game has any need to. The soundtrack also adds to capturing the feel of the movies, with authentic sound effects and dialogue. Unfortunately the dialogue does get lost in the sound mix regularly.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Classic LEGO video game humour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fans of LEGO and Marvel had plenty of evidence to go on before checking out reviews of LEGO Marvel’s Avengers – it would have been a bigger surprise if TT Games had suddenly dropped the ball. Once again a fun, playable, expansive game has been delivered that offers story-based play, open world exploration and collectible seeking replayability. The only downside to having such a lot to do is fitting it all in before it’s time for the next LEGO video game… </span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-27252737899102502832016-01-28T11:30:00.000+00:002016-01-29T15:11:27.402+00:00Disability and LEGO: Five Minifigures with Disabilities<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15GUrcjatxE/VqpJT-URH0I/AAAAAAAADAE/QknGyqdlbGE/s1600/Wheelchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15GUrcjatxE/VqpJT-URH0I/AAAAAAAADAE/QknGyqdlbGE/s320/Wheelchair.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Promobricks" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Image: Promobricks on Facebook</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fans have greeted the news that LEGO are to include a wheelchair as part of an upcoming LEGO City minifigures pack, Park Life (60134), positively. It sometimes takes a while for LEGO to get representation right, and now it seems that the scope is broadening further to be more inclusive of disabled people. Of course, this wheelchair user does not mark the first appearance of a disabled minifigure in LEGO – although previously the representations have been from more fantastic realms…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cyborg</b></span><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0DeqTg0ZkUU/VqpDwATNeDI/AAAAAAAAC_0/RP-XXo_qKik/s1600/Cybord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0DeqTg0ZkUU/VqpDwATNeDI/AAAAAAAAC_0/RP-XXo_qKik/s200/Cybord.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During an experiment involving a portal to another dimension, Victor Stones is attacked by a creature and significantly injured. His scientist father saves him from death by using experimental prosthetics all over his body. After an initial reaction of shock and horror, he becomes Cyborg and learns to utilise what the prosthetics give him. LEGO first introduced Cyborg in Darkseid Invasion (76028) in 2015.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFe_P6NRNpk/VqpKG1eY9ZI/AAAAAAAADAQ/T7QzyrYXOSY/s1600/Jack_mchammer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFe_P6NRNpk/VqpKG1eY9ZI/AAAAAAAADAQ/T7QzyrYXOSY/s200/Jack_mchammer.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Jack McHammer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">An encounter with the Crazy Scientist led to this minifigure being left without an arm, which led to his steam-powered replacement. He dedicated himself to stopping the Crazy Scientist as part of the Monster Fighters team. The character appeared in The Zombies (9465) and Vampyre Castle (9468).</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSXWkX6_gnE/VqpKX4-m85I/AAAAAAAADAY/95QVQTpY0GA/s1600/vader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSXWkX6_gnE/VqpKX4-m85I/AAAAAAAADAY/95QVQTpY0GA/s200/vader.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Darth Vader</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the DC character Cyborg, Darth Vader became more machine than man. After succumbing to the dark side, he battled his former Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi on the lava plenty Mustafar. When the pre-mechanical Vader attempts to end the duel with an ambitious leap, Obi-Wan leaves him fewer limbs on the bank of a lava river. Darth Vader was first introduced in TIE Fighter and Y-Wing (7150) in 1999, his rather disturbing creation was immortalised as a set in Darth Vader Transformation (7251) in 2005.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcbq1sdG7Zo/VqpKj03eHyI/AAAAAAAADAg/LfXiuV2In04/s1600/Vitruvius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcbq1sdG7Zo/VqpKj03eHyI/AAAAAAAADAg/LfXiuV2In04/s200/Vitruvius.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Vitruvius</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The old sage’s eyesight is taken at the beginning of The LEGO Movie during a confrontation with Lord Business. “Hold onto your butts” indeed. The character goes on to mentor Emmet throughout their adventures until he reveals that despite not being able to see he can still kick ass. Despite being killed by Lord Business, the ghost of Vitruvius returns to celebrate during the finale. Vitruvius first appeared in Lord Business’ Evil Lair (70809) in 2014.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-EN8lXhHYI/UcIQB52VqWI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/vwSVqNVHTgA/s1600/CaptainRedbeard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-EN8lXhHYI/UcIQB52VqWI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/vwSVqNVHTgA/s200/CaptainRedbeard.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Captain Redbeard</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perhaps the most afflicted minifigure when it comes to disability, Captain Redbeard (known as Captain Roger in the UK) sailed the seas before Brickbeard. He commanded the Black Seas Barracuda (6285) and Skull’s Eye Schooner (6286). With the various rifles, cannons and sharks to contend with it is no wonder that this archetypal Pirate had acquired a peg leg, hook and eye patch. Captain Redbeard was included in several of the first Pirates sets released in 1989.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although this has been a light-hearted look at LEGO minifigures with disabilities, there is a more serious link in LEGO being used as a springboard to help people. <a href="http://www.blocksmag.com/" target="_blank">Blocks magazine</a> Issue 15 explored the work being done by Carlos Arturo Torres, which you can <a href="http://designawards.core77.com/Open-Design/29865/IKO-Creative-Prosthetic-System" target="_blank">learn more about here</a>.</span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-23990311715551163852016-01-21T09:00:00.000+00:002016-01-28T20:00:39.419+00:00Blocks Magazine Issue 16 - Available Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXpJ0hBQxsQ/VqpzOJpOgzI/AAAAAAAADCU/5KOYQeqs2m0/s1600/Blocks16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXpJ0hBQxsQ/VqpzOJpOgzI/AAAAAAAADCU/5KOYQeqs2m0/s320/Blocks16.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today sees the latest issue of Blocks on sale, so here is my monthly plug;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, and what better way to declare your love than with LEGO? From Valentine’s hearts to brick bouquets, this month’s issue is packed with outside-the-box ideas to make this year’s celebrations a little more special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Elsewhere, we dive into our ‘Build It’ section to show you how to construct your own transforming Optimus Prime model, with step-by-step instructions and a guide to sourcing all the parts you’ll need, and find out how you can recreate long-retired sets without breaking the bank.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There’s much more besides, as Daniel Konstanski takes us through the history of ramp and pit baseplates, while Simon Pickard investigates how LEGO can save a national heritage site from ruin. It’s all topped off with an exclusive interview with Matt De Lanoy, the man behind one of LEGO Ideas’ fastest-growing projects.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Read on to find out where to buy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How to Buy:</span></span><br />
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blocksmag.com/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Blocks Magazine </a>website – a subscription gets you 12 issues for the price of 11, you can also order back issues.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1034&category=Hobbies+%26+Crafts&subcatid=212&subcategory=Scale+Modelling&title=Blocks+Magazine&titleid=2687#thumb" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pocket Mags</a> website – buy digital issues here, helpful for international fans.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Order from your local newsagent - or buy from WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons or Waitrose (selected stores).</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the USA – available at Barnes & Noble.</span></li>
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-76505270973124943342016-01-19T15:00:00.000+00:002016-01-28T19:54:16.217+00:00LEGO Change Policy Following Ai Weiwei's Letgo Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQQ2Bij7Xj4/VqpvcMAdX1I/AAAAAAAADB4/nB6w9C8fu-k/s1600/lego3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQQ2Bij7Xj4/VqpvcMAdX1I/AAAAAAAADB4/nB6w9C8fu-k/s320/lego3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">LEGO have announced that bulk orders of bricks will be accepted without asking about the theme of the planned project - a seemingly innocuous press release. It's a great win for Ai Weiwei, the artist who turned to Chinese manufactured bricks when LEGO refused to support his order to produce a piece about freedom of expression.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Before explaining why this has come about, here is the statement from LEGO:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The LEGO Group has adjusted the guidelines for sales of LEGO® bricks in very large quantities.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Previously, when asked to sell very large quantities of LEGO® bricks for projects, the LEGO Group has asked about the thematic purpose of the project. This has been done, as the purpose of the LEGO Group is to inspire children through creative play, not to actively support or endorse specific agendas of individuals or organizations.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, those guidelines could result in misunderstandings or be perceived as inconsistent, and the LEGO Group has therefore adjusted the guidelines for sales of LEGO bricks in very large quantities.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As of January 1st, the LEGO Group no longer asks for the thematic purpose when selling large quantities of LEGO bricks for projects. Instead, the customers will be asked to make it clear - if they intend to display their LEGO creations in public - that the LEGO Group does not support or endorse the specific projects.</span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58vg3h0SUAE/Vqpv19kR_8I/AAAAAAAADCA/WniK-spzj78/s1600/weiwei1.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58vg3h0SUAE/Vqpv19kR_8I/AAAAAAAADCA/WniK-spzj78/s1600/weiwei1.jpe" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Back in in October 2015, Ai Weiwei requested a bulk order of LEGO, and was refused. Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist, who wanted to create a work to be displayed in Australia. Previously he has used LEGO as part of broader exhibitions. LEGO refused to fulfill the brick request because it was expected that Weiwei would produce a political work (ironically he intended to produce a piece about free expression).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That wasn’t the end of it, because the media coverage the refusal received led to people around the world setting up LEGO collection points, where the general public could donate LEGO bricks to allow Al Weiwei to complete his work. “The internet is like a modern church. You go and complain to a priest and everybody in the community can share your problems,” he told the press. Meanwhile, LEGO clarified that they were not interested in censoring anyone, but didn't want to give the impression of endorsement through a bulk order.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AO2pe6N6GbU/Vqpv6HU3QDI/AAAAAAAADCI/pjrDIdoGRZ8/s1600/Ai-WeiWei-Australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AO2pe6N6GbU/Vqpv6HU3QDI/AAAAAAAADCI/pjrDIdoGRZ8/s400/Ai-WeiWei-Australia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the exhibition (Andy Warhol–Ai Weiwei) opened at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, it turned out that the artist had used easily accessible Chinese knock-off bricks to produce his work. The exhibit used the bricks to produce portraits of various famous and historical figures, with brick built quotes relating to freedom and human rights in front of them. There is more to the exhibit than what Weiwei called the Letgo Room, which will remain in the National Gallery when the rest of the exhibition tours galleries around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The public outcry in response to the decision made by LEGO highlights just how much more scrutiny the company is now under, since becoming the world's largest toy manufacturer. Everything the LEGO Group does is now under the glare of the media and Twittersphere. By choosing to not ask questions going forward, allowing creatives to bulk order bricks and express themselves, it seems LEGO are acknowledging that it is not easy to pick and choose who to support.</span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-91540202837852424052016-01-04T20:27:00.001+00:002016-01-04T20:27:10.295+00:00The LEGO Movie in 4D joins LEGOLAND in 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ei7QxRMKnw/VorVHFo70iI/AAAAAAAAC9o/I0CByGs-VQg/s1600/The%2BLEGO%2BMovie%2B4D%2BA%2BNew%2BAdventure%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ei7QxRMKnw/VorVHFo70iI/AAAAAAAAC9o/I0CByGs-VQg/s320/The%2BLEGO%2BMovie%2B4D%2BA%2BNew%2BAdventure%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The LEGO Movie fans have plenty to be excited about this year, with the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort - and other LEGOLAND parks around the world - featuring the new 4D adventure. Star Wars Miniland at will also have a new LEGO Death Star finale joining the exhibit in Windsor. Read on for more details and a trailer...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is the information provided by the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“THE LEGO® MOVIE™ 4D A NEW ADVENTURE”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In its 20th anniversary year, guests to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort in 2016 should be prepared for some seriously awesome film fun with the opening of an ALL NEW 4D cinema presentation - "The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure" on 11 March in an adventure that reunites characters from “The LEGO® Movie™” from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S, and also brings together some of the original voices. Written by Adam Pava (writer of “The Boxtrolls”) and co-written and directed by Rob Schrab (director of the sequel to “The LEGO Movie," debuting in May of 2018), it features a whole new plot - and mixed with amazing 4D effects, promises a uniquely imaginative interactive guest experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure” follows a new journey for Emmet, Wyldstyle, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoABRtV7Xjc/VorVQEcWcJI/AAAAAAAAC90/NOmnYtFok7o/s1600/The%2BLEGO%2BMovie%2B4D%2BA%2BNew%2BAdventure%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoABRtV7Xjc/VorVQEcWcJI/AAAAAAAAC90/NOmnYtFok7o/s320/The%2BLEGO%2BMovie%2B4D%2BA%2BNew%2BAdventure%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unikitty, Benny and MetalBeard after they receive a mysterious invitation leading them to a new theme park. But not all is as it seems as the heroes are once again thrust into the middle of an evil secret plot, only this time, it will be up to the audience to use their Master Builder skills to help save them. Using elements such as wind, water, smoke and special lighting effects, the larger-than-life experience takes the film’s main characters, Emmet and Wyldstyle, and their friends on another awesome adventure. And watch out for the introduction of a totally new character too as Risky Business joins the cast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” will open in the UK on Friday 11 March 2016 at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">GIGANTIC NEW LEGO® DEATH STAR FOR STAR WARS™ MINILAND MODEL DISPLAY</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the most impressive and biggest models ever created for LEGOLAND Windsor will </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqLperYlzOk/VorVdIOlPQI/AAAAAAAAC98/zxWIL9DSLwk/s1600/The%2BLEGO%2BMovie%2B4D%2BA%2BNew%2BAdventure%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqLperYlzOk/VorVdIOlPQI/AAAAAAAAC98/zxWIL9DSLwk/s320/The%2BLEGO%2BMovie%2B4D%2BA%2BNew%2BAdventure%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">be revealed in March when a 500,000 brick LEGO Star Wars™ recreation of Darth Vader’s ultimate super weapon, The Death Star, becomes the centre piece of an epic new finale at the hugely popular LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display. The new 2.4 metre wide, 3 metre high Death Star will be the focal point for a thrilling, engaging scene depicting the Rebel Alliance attack on the moon sized space station in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. As well as the gargantuan 860kg spherical Death Star model, the scene will also feature 16 Alliance ships swooping to destroy it with sound and light effects triggered by guests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The new scene provides a thrilling finale to the LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display which opened in 2012 and brings to life seven iconic Star Wars™ scenes featuring 1,500 separate models made from 1.5 million bricks in themed settings with special effects. The model will be installed for the Resort’s opening on 11 March and special Star Wars™ event days will run on May Bank Holiday Weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort opens for 2016 on 11th March, tickets are available at www.legoland.co.uk. </span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-21416578965851223302015-12-31T10:00:00.000+00:002016-01-27T18:50:02.179+00:00All About Bricks Awards 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyTp01stH2o/VqkPcISI6NI/AAAAAAAAC-s/mP00CkPRarg/s1600/71000-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyTp01stH2o/VqkPcISI6NI/AAAAAAAAC-s/mP00CkPRarg/s200/71000-3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As adopted by many of the larger LEGO websites, it’s time for a list of awards that do not give out trophies or certificates. Some might even say that it’s just an excuse to remember things that have happened in the past year of bricky goodness. Yes, that’s exactly what this is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Award for the Best New Theme: Elves</b></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz5Pw1UZVBg/VqkP4VnzPfI/AAAAAAAAC-0/7QmmV2a2fUY/s1600/LEGO%2BElves%2BBanner%2Bklein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz5Pw1UZVBg/VqkP4VnzPfI/AAAAAAAAC-0/7QmmV2a2fUY/s400/LEGO%2BElves%2BBanner%2Bklein.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As regular themes return year after year, or old ones are revisited, it is harder to define what a ‘new theme’ is. Does Pirates count? Not really. But whether or not the returning themes count as new, they still struggle to compete with Elves. For novelty, imagination and colour palette Elves is deservedly the new theme of the year. Like Friends and Disney Princess, the sets tend to favour detail over scale but still show some fun building techniques that should encourage young minds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Award for Surprising Success of a Theme: Scooby Doo</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Many LEGO fans scratched their heads when this theme was announced. With top-tier licences representing the most epic, high quality entertainment around, why would LEGO pull out such an old TV series that had no big push in 2015? Well they knew something the fans didn’t, because the Scooby Doo line was an incredible success – a reminder that children know best when it comes to LEGO, not AFOLs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Award for the Best City set: Deep Sea Submarine (60092)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Seeing the introduction of Diving into the City theme was an absolute treat, and the set that best encapsulated that is this yellow sub. Packed with detail, quality building techniques and a decent scale make this an unexpected joy to build. The little underwater scenery adds to the fun. This should be the standard that LEGO City sets aspire to.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCWiQQQyEhA/VqkQhlL058I/AAAAAAAAC_M/Hv_GsE2CwDw/s1600/10188.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCWiQQQyEhA/VqkQhlL058I/AAAAAAAAC_M/Hv_GsE2CwDw/s320/10188.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Award for Has It Really Been Retired? : Death Star (10188)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This set has spent so long sitting on LEGO Store shelves that it seemed like part of the furniture. But as such a delightful set, there was little need for LEGO to retire it. Its end has been speculated on time and time again, but it seems that now LEGO have done what the Rebel Alliance did and ended the Death Star. What a set.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b>Award for Best Star Wars set: Slave I (75060)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tempting as it was to select a set from The Force Awakens, which provided a slew of newness to a product line that had become repetitive, a UCS version of Slave I has long been desired by fans. It is hard to believe that the original LEGO version of Boba’s ship had to be shrunk down to fit an acceptable price point, yet now fans are treated to this set that looks so good finished that a casual observer may not immediately realise it is LEGO. It really is a treat to build and display.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6n4jCpOxUpI/VqkQ1plJ3QI/AAAAAAAAC_c/SulVnkl8RBQ/s1600/Dimensions%2BPS4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6n4jCpOxUpI/VqkQ1plJ3QI/AAAAAAAAC_c/SulVnkl8RBQ/s320/Dimensions%2BPS4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Award for Most Optimistically Priced Product: LEGO Dimensions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">LEGO Dimensions clearly has a fantastic concept behind it, following The LEGO Movie in 2014 it had a great opportunity to expand the appeal of LEGO. But with a starter pack at double the price of Disney Infinity, with additional packs equally expensive next to competing products, it will be amazing if this truly takes off. With a bunch of ho-hum licences, and nothing more promising coming down the line next year, LEGO need to get the product price down or risk ending up with a LEGO Universe style flop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Special Award for 2015: Birds (21301)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tom Poulsom was one of the lucky few to have his project selected on LEGO Ideas to be released as a set, and what’s more managed it without a licence attached. As the number of Ideas sets that do not use an existing licence dwindles, it is heartening to see a great quality idea, very different to the usual LEGO offerings, make it through a challenging process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As always, thanks for reading All About Bricks and thanks to anyone also reading my words in Blocks magazine. It’s been a pleasure this year to take my LEGO work to another level and contribute to this quality publication. In order to keep worthwhile content on All About Bricks, I’ll be making some changes during 2016. Watch this space!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://allaboutbricks.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/awesome-all-about-bricks-awards-2014.html" target="_blank">Click here for the All About Bricks Awards 2014.</a></span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-83282197834891617672015-12-22T15:03:00.000+00:002016-01-28T19:23:49.637+00:00Blocks Magazine Issue 15 - Available Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's that time of the month, so here's what's in the latest issue of Blocks magazine:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Star Wars: The Force Awakens has finally arrived in cinemas, and to celebrate we’ve assembled the best builders in the galaxy to construct seven iconic saga scenes, from the classic trilogy to the new film. We also take a look at the Star Wars Battle Figures, and compare Darth Vader sets new and old - in a showdown of galactic proportions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Elsewhere, we find out how LEGO can be used with prosthetic limbs to improve the lives of child amputees, how Britain’s most outspoken toy retailer is preparing for the Christmas season, how to bring your minifigures to life and why not every LEGO set is a solid investment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There’s much more besides, as animation expert Steve Guinness wraps up his Italian Job project, while David Kresse shows us how to motorise our Technic MOCs. This build-filled issue is topped off with an exclusive interview with Michael Price, the mind behind LEGO Star Wars series Droid Tales.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Get your copy from Thursday in the UK, or why not subscribe to get future copies early and enter monthly free prize draws? See www.blocksmag.com for more details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Read on to find out where to buy.</span><br />
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<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pocketmags.com/viewmagazine.aspx?catid=1034&category=Hobbies+%26+Crafts&subcatid=212&subcategory=Scale+Modelling&title=Blocks+Magazine&titleid=2687#thumb" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pocket Mags</a> website – buy digital issues here, helpful for international fans.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Order from your local newsagent - or buy from WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons or Waitrose (selected stores).</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the USA – available at Barnes & Noble.</span></li>
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-66355155365937512462015-12-08T11:00:00.000+00:002016-01-28T19:22:27.307+00:00LEGO Review: Ariel's Magical Kiss (41052)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep449DtVIVM/VqppLOEZ6-I/AAAAAAAADAw/LWnpiBpbj_o/s1600/41052_alt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep449DtVIVM/VqppLOEZ6-I/AAAAAAAADAw/LWnpiBpbj_o/s320/41052_alt1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Disney Princess brings a touch of pixie dust to the LEGO range. Ariel's Magical Kiss (41052) was one of the launch sets for the range. Read on for a review of this set, to find out whether it's worth tracking down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ariel’s Magical Kiss (41052) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Disney Princess</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Released: 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pieces: 250</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">GBP £24.99, EUR €29.99, USD $29.99</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This set is inspired by the ‘kiss the girl’ scene from The Little Mermaid. Rather than faithfully depicting movie scenes, Disney Princess sets tend to take the essence of a scene and run with it. In the original scene, Prince Eric and Ariel take a romantic boat ride as they grow closer, despite Ariel not being able to speak. This set includes the willow tree and row boat (although in a different colour) from The Little Mermaid and imagines what else might have happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The build starts with the smaller components. The rowboat piece is pink, which is an odd colour for a rowboat, but it’s a piece that has been produced en masse over the years so it can be taken as a nice change. Building a boat for mini-dolls is different to building one for minifigures. Foot panels need to be built in so that the characters stay in place, and as there is no way of clipping them to the seats tiles are used instead of regular plates. The oars need an extra piece attaching so that the mini-dolls can use them. The rowboat construction actually works really well for keeping the characters in place.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4oLY3yDugg/Vqppx9ZLnkI/AAAAAAAADBI/MiUIQgpwULg/s1600/41052_alt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4oLY3yDugg/Vqppx9ZLnkI/AAAAAAAADBI/MiUIQgpwULg/s200/41052_alt7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The small rock with a frog popped on top is rather underwhelming, and extra pieces to make the willow tree or palace bigger may have been preferable. The willow tree is a nice addition to this set, however, evoking memories of the movie scene very well. The construction is simple but effective, with trans-blue pieces showing the water lapping around it and sea grass piece inverted to produce the dangling branches. The flowers on top are just the right amount of pink, a lot more subtle than elsewhere in the set.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRbWeTY2zfg/Vqpp4e1ucPI/AAAAAAAADBQ/SeQxuAdwWIY/s1600/41052_alt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRbWeTY2zfg/Vqpp4e1ucPI/AAAAAAAADBQ/SeQxuAdwWIY/s320/41052_alt2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The jetty is a nice little build, giving somewhere to moor the rowboat while the mini-dolls enjoy their meal. The archway at the end features a bench underneath and leaves overhead, adding to the idyllic scene – it’s a clever use of the ornate frame element. A little more sand baseplate might have allowed more space to place the mini-dolls, but LEGO Friends and Princess sets tend to favour packing in lots of detail rather than expanding the size.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YacZ7GCQd0/Vqpp9dcahYI/AAAAAAAADBY/f-6kdPa9wMg/s1600/41052_alt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YacZ7GCQd0/Vqpp9dcahYI/AAAAAAAADBY/f-6kdPa9wMg/s320/41052_alt4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The main section of Palace, like the set itself, gives a flavour rather than a complete building. From the outside it looks rather incomplete, the roof pieces look too low. It doesn’t involve a great deal of building, with just four pieces making up most of the walls. There is not much additional building on top of those pieces, noticeably less so than in other sets based on similar structures such as those in the Pirates or Castle themes. There is an outdoor balcony on the roof, featuring a telescope and space for both mini-dolls.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0CvoT90QFU/VqpqC11vusI/AAAAAAAADBg/q4QZGV17a_s/s1600/41052_alt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0CvoT90QFU/VqpqC11vusI/AAAAAAAADBg/q4QZGV17a_s/s320/41052_alt6.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The interior depicts a dinner scene, with ornate chairs fit for a prince and princess. The table and chairs are bigger than they typically are in LEGO sets, meaning that the entire interior is based on this one room. This highlights the way that Disney Princess sets tend to focus on one area in detail rather than going for size. Flowers in vases line the room and add to the feeling of a romantic dinner. The interior of this building looks much better than the exterior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The two mini-dolls are both new to this set. Prince Eric has not been included elsewhere at all, and wears the same outfit that he does for most of The Little Mermaid. This is the only set in which the Ariel mini-doll is in her human form, she wears a pink dress with stars running down the bottom. Both are good mini-doll representations of the characters. None of Ariel’s marine friends are included in this set despite being important to the movie scene, which is a bit of a shortcoming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This set is a very quick build thanks to the three large frame pieces and multiple curved wall elements. The various components go well together to give the feel of the scene from The Little Mermaid. Unfortunately the main build – the palace area – is the weakest part and looks better on the inside than the outside. From a display point of view 41063 Ariel’s Undersea Palace is much more attractive, but then it has more room to be at twice the price. This set may not be great for display, but there are some good parts and the details are nice, creating a scene that would no doubt be great for children to use for imaginative play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Score</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Build: 10/20</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Playability: 15/20</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mini-dolls: 15/20</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Price: 15/20</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Collectibility: 12/20</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Total: 67/100</span><br />
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<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3657298945681451629.post-19172732732415189132015-09-23T16:00:00.000+01:002015-09-30T20:03:19.234+01:00The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort gets Ready for Brick or Treat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The busy team at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort are winding down for the Summer by repairing models and organising LEGO bricks. With plenty of spooky models to build for Halloween, everything must be accounted for so they don't run out of any vital pieces. Read on for the press release...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>SEPTEMBER STOCK TAKE AT THE LEGOLAND® WINDSOR RESORT</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtt5uUmutJ8/VgwxjZphjbI/AAAAAAAAC8k/hYBY4d7xYoA/s1600/8.%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BSeptember%2BStock%2BTake%2B-%2BModel%2BMaker%2BAmanda%2BGreen%2Bassesses%2Bthe%2Bcondition%2Bof%2Ba%2BLEGO%2BMona%2BLisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtt5uUmutJ8/VgwxjZphjbI/AAAAAAAAC8k/hYBY4d7xYoA/s320/8.%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BSeptember%2BStock%2BTake%2B-%2BModel%2BMaker%2BAmanda%2BGreen%2Bassesses%2Bthe%2Bcondition%2Bof%2Ba%2BLEGO%2BMona%2BLisa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Every September the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort closes to take stock and sort out after </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">summer whilst preparations get underway for October’s Brick or Treat season. The seven strong Model Making Team, based at a special studio in the heart of the Resort, spend the time making essential repairs and conducting a careful ‘brick count’ to assess LEGO® stock levels and catalogue models stored in the archive facilities. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2X2niRZtzQ/VgwxqvhjdrI/AAAAAAAAC8s/y7kiuVIEQhc/s1600/16.%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BSeptember%2BStock%2BTake%2B-%2BModel%2BMakers%2Bcheck%2Bthe%2Bcondition%2Bof%2BLEGO%2Banimals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2X2niRZtzQ/VgwxqvhjdrI/AAAAAAAAC8s/y7kiuVIEQhc/s320/16.%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BSeptember%2BStock%2BTake%2B-%2BModel%2BMakers%2Bcheck%2Bthe%2Bcondition%2Bof%2BLEGO%2Banimals.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Our Model Makers not only have to make sure all of the models our guests get to enjoy on the Resort (all 80 million bricks worth!) are in great shape, it’s also their job to ensure there’s always enough bricks in the LEGO bank to make repairs and build new models when we need to,” explains PR Manager, Lauren Moss. “We have a large repository of models which are not currently on display that also need to be ‘stock checked’. We don’t break them down, we store them safely and our September closed days are the perfect time for a spot of tidying up behind the scenes”. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0OUOwe43Xo/Vgwxz30DeUI/AAAAAAAAC80/v1vNY9Di2QY/s1600/12.%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BSeptember%2BStock%2BTake%2B-%2BModel%2BMakers%2BChris%2BConboy%2Band%2BKat%2BJames%2Borganise%2Band%2Bcatalogue%2BLEGO%2Bbricks%2Bin%2Bthe%2Barchive%2Broom%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0OUOwe43Xo/Vgwxz30DeUI/AAAAAAAAC80/v1vNY9Di2QY/s320/12.%2BLEGOLAND%2BWindsor%2BSeptember%2BStock%2BTake%2B-%2BModel%2BMakers%2BChris%2BConboy%2Band%2BKat%2BJames%2Borganise%2Band%2Bcatalogue%2BLEGO%2Bbricks%2Bin%2Bthe%2Barchive%2Broom%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The archives and brick storage rooms house around five million LEGO bricks, with every conceivable shape, size and colour represented. The most common colours are red, green and yellow with a healthy injection of orange, black and white in the run up to Halloween. Models being catalogued during the stock take included a 5ft tall replica of Big Ben comprising 11,000 individual bricks, a startlingly realistic LEGO copy of The Mona Lisa, plus numerous animals, trains, planes and automobiles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The team will take five days to complete their stock check and brick count before the 2015 Brick or Treat and fireworks season kicks off on 17 October. </span><br />
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Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09357651622804739133noreply@blogger.com0