Return of the Golden Age of Castle

[SavaTheAggie]

I've finished building some of the new castle sets I've only recently been able to get my dirty little hands on - I finally own all but the Skeleton Tower, but thanks to a recent TexLUG meeting I've built every single set from 2007, plus the Dwarf Mine and the new Impulse set. And I just have to say...

My God what incredible sets.

Each set is full of bricks! And the only POOPS I see are the classic castle wall pieces and BURPs, and I can forgive BURPs (and I find nothing wrong with castle wall pieces).

The figs are all generic soldiers! (save a few)

The dragons rock!

Horse Bardings!

Old style swords!

Old style helmets!

Sure, the sets have some flaws, and the whole undead thing doesn't appeal to everyone. But having finally seen all these sets and what is to come, I have to say that, at least in my eyes, we are seeing the return of the Golden Age of Castle.

The entire time I was building the King's Castle Siege, I was constantly reminded of me building the Black Falcon's Fortress and the King's Mountain Fortress. I marveled at the sheer number of raw bricks I saw, and I even don't mind the break away wall. The Skeleton Prison Carriage is a bit silly, but it's big and solidly built. The Skeleton Tower is a little quirky, but it's solid and very imposing with a lot of nifty details. The small sets, the Catapult, the Joust, the Crossbow cart and the Impulse set, just blow away most sets I can remember.

These new sets, in my mind, rival all other castle sets save for the age of the Black Falcons and the Crusaders. I would have to say that for me, Castle 2007 and 2008 (whatever it is we're calling them now) have surpased Dragon Masters and all other sets that followed - everything after 1992.

I am pleased.

--Tony

[Athos]

As I've also just finished building all the sets too, I was thinking about making a similar post, but you've covered my thoughts pretty well, so I'll just append this little reply to the thread. Maybe I'll post some more thoughts later.



Steve

[FishRfine]

i dont even have one yet! I thought this time around would be bad! but i can already see im wrong! yaaaay! good castle sets! freedom from stupid jellies!

[DerBum]

I could not agree more. I built the Kings Castle Siege in between rebuilding some of my older castles and there was a continuity present that I have not felt for a long time. Even though the undead thing seems a strange to me, there are plenty of ways for AFOLS and children to create their own stories around the new sets. The impulse sets are great all around. I would prefer if they were closer to $2.99 than $3.49, but hey nothing else is the same price that it was when I was a kid... why should Lego. I am pretty happy overall with the piece count and selection present in the 2007/2008 sets. I dislike the fantasy, but acknowlege the market reasons for its existence. The color scemes are definately good and the creativity Lego is putting into set design rivals many of the classic sets. Honestly, I do not get anything out of the break away wall, but hey kids gotta play. The new line is very close to Classic in many ways, hopefully Lego will keep it up. I can only keep crossing my fingers and hoping for another non-evil human faction.

[Remyth]

I would have to agree with just about everything that Tony has said here. I do believe that we are entering a "Second Golden Age", which is wonderfully superb! I Have all sets that have come out save the Skeleton Tower, ship, and the chess set, yet I have seen all of these built and they are great.

I was also reminded of the BFF while building the King's Castle Siege. What a awesome set! Bows! Bardings! Everything!

I would like to take this time to truly and completely thank LEGO for such a superb line. Thank you very, very much LEGO!

In Christ,

[porschecm2]

I only have a few of the smaller sets, but I certainly have to agree. I think the Lego company is finally getting back to understanding what makes outstanding sets.
I have a few nitpicks with the new sets, but no more so than I would have with some of the old classic sets.

It seems to me also that this new wave of goodness is spanning almost the entire stock of new Lego, not just Castle sets. The town sets are easily as good as any from the Golden Age. The only thing lacking is the space lines, which are *better* but not great yet.

Cm2

[RichardAM]

Anyone want to buy me a castle from the 2007 line so I can see this resemblance for myself?

I know from the smaller sets of this year though that the standard and quality is very similar to the sets I spent my childhood building. But I think this is entirely across the board- the Aquaraider sets we've had this year poop all over the Alpha Team underwater sets.

I think it's a complete reformation and return to glory for Lego in general rather than just castle...?

[doc069]

My God what incredible sets.

...we are seeing the return of the Golden Age of Castle.

Hallelujah Brother :!:

Lee

[HeartOfDarkness]

I must agree. Despite all the naysaying, Lego really is doing a great job. They're combining classic techniques with modern resources to make the castle theme of dreams. Lego, if you're reading this, great job! Keep it up!

[RebelRock]

I there really are some great parts in the new sets. The Kings Castle has at least a hundred 1x2 light gray bricks and a lot of corners. I especially love the wave of cool colors in these. Dark green, dark blue, dark red are some of my favorite Lego colors.

I hope this trend continues.

[Traveler]

I have to agree with you, Tony. I still like the old sets better, of course, but only because of their nostalgic value for me. In terms of design and parts (the undeadity being the sole exception) these sets are just as good as the old ones. That said, I'm not buying any until i find parts in them that I must have, because I have too much LEGO already!

[miniflea84]

Agreed completely. I recently came out of a dark ages of a few years, and looking back at the castle stuff I missed out on, I have to say not only do I not feel I missed much, but I picked just about the perfect time to get interested in Lego again. Same thing goes for star wars sets- there is some really really fantastic stuff out.

[Lord Tyler II]

I agree! Let's put it to vote! Who thinks that the Post-Morcian 07 and 08 sets should be called the Silver Age of Castle?

Kinda joking... Anyway, yes I think the new sets have definately improved. I wasn't around for the "Golden Age" but I've seen what I've missed and I wish I hadn't...

EDIT: I just realized something! Not long ago I was REALLY into Bionicle. If you think about it, Bionicle, so far, has only run in the Non-Castle and KK2 years. Recently I've gotten sick of it. Firstly, they got way away from the original Bionicle feel. And perhaps the second reason I ditched Bionicle is that I subconsciously realized we've got GOOD Castle now!

Anyway, I'm done rambling...

[Sir Kohran]

I just realized something! Not long ago I was REALLY into Bionicle. If you think about it, Bionicle, so far, has only run in the Non-Castle and KK2 years. Recently I've gotten sick of it. Firstly, they got way away from the original Bionicle feel. And perhaps the second reason I ditched Bionicle is that I subconsciously realized we've got GOOD Castle now!

Same here, except I 'left' Bionicle for KK2. I don't like the direction Bionicle went in during and after 2005.

Anyhow I wholeheartedly agree. It seems Lego is finally reaching brilliance in terms of design and delivery.



I think we could divide Castle into 'ages', and reception:


1970(?): The Weetabix castle. Though it's got little to do with what was to come, this set is basically the Adam of the Castle line, establishing the basic idea of a brick-built stronghold.

1978 - 1983: The standard basics of Castle are established - minifigs and accessories are introduced. Relatively few sets are actually released but obviously the 'line' sold well enough to be continued.

1984 - 1992: The 'golden years'; little needs to be said here. With the introduction of the Lion Knights and the Black Falcons and several later factions, the Castle line is rebooted, and is soon booming with a variety of sets and figures and universal popularity that lasts solidly for eight years.

1993 - 2000: Marked by the introduction of Dragon Masters and a new 'fantasy' style. Sets become more detailed and continue to introduce new ideas and pieces, but overall are a general drop in quality from previous years. Fan reception is also increasingly lukewarm and general sales decrease until the unofficial but obvious 'end' of Castle in 2000 with the unsuccessful KK1 line.

2004 - 2006: Castle 'returns' with KK2 and Vikings. Though fans are initially very negative and opinions are divided over the years, financially the lines are successful enough for Lego to keep Castle.

2007 - ?: A brand new Castle line is released that focuses on brave knights fighting monsters. Fan reception and general sales are very positive. Long may Castle continue...

- Matt

[wallgorn]

I too only have the small sets, but I have seen King's Castle Siege, Skeleton Tower, and Skeleton Ship Attack fully built and I am very impressed with the 2007 Castle line. King's Castle Siege reminds me very much of Black Falcon's Fortress.