Review: 60431 Space Explorer Rover and Alien Life
Posted by CapnRex101,LEGO has favoured more realistic space rovers recently, although 60431 Space Explorer Rover and Alien Life evidently takes a more outlandish approach to the idea. The result looks fantastic in official images and includes some ingenious functions for a model of this size.
Moreover, the price of £24.99, $34.99 or €29.99 seems inexpensive for a set with such exceptional play value. Having already reviewed some wonderful Space sets this month, I get the impression that the space rover could be another.
Summary
60431 Space Explorer Rover and Alien Life, 311 pieces.
£24.99 / $34.99 / €29.99 | 8.0p/11.3c/9.6c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
This exploration rover is a delight, thanks in particular to its brilliant suspension
- Interesting and attractive shape
- Enjoyable suspension function
- Generous interior
- Very good price
- Mini rover ramp is too short
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Two astronauts are included and these minifigures look excellent. I think LEGO has struck the right balance between individuality and uniformity, as the astronauts' different colours, helmets and other equipment make them all interesting, while their matching torso and legs ensure they are cohesive. Also, these figures have clear specialities, based on their attire and accessories.
I believe the bright green astronauts are intended to be scientists, looking across the subtheme as a whole, while those dressed in dark azure are pilots. Those roles would be logical, as pilots have larger visors to give a better view of their surroundings, while the scientist's garb is bulkier because they often need to walk outside the vehicles. This figure is also equipped with a printed solar panel on her backpack.
Both minifigures are highly detailed and I love the pilot's dual-moulded helmet in particular, as the ridges representing a flexible section look very realistic. The other helmet looks superb too, originating from NEXO Knights, but suiting space exploration equally well. Additionally, I like the camera provided, which features an unusual square lens.
The Completed Model
The proportions and shape of the space rover are impressive, rolling on six enormous wheels and with plenty of ground clearance underneath. The vehicle certainly looks as though it could traverse rough terrain, while its sleek bodywork gives this rover an appearance of speed, which contrasts with the bigger and more ponderous 60432 Command Rover and Crane Loader.
I find the vehicle's forward rake very effective too. Again, this creates the impression of speed and power, with aid in the latter category from its length of nearly 23cm. The rover is bigger than I had expected and I like the uneven spacing between its wheels too, distinguishing this rover from the many produced before.
The front wheels extend beyond the rover's body and are both connected to moving supports, reinforced with springs. The exposed shock absorbers look good and the suspension moves well, allowing the wheels several centimetres of travel, even though the springs are fairly stiff. This is enough to roll over substantial obstacles, such as the rock formation in this set, which is shown below.
Unfortunately, the craters on this rocky platform are inhabited. These aliens seem quite friendly though, given their smiles, so can presumably excuse noisy vehicles passing by. The texture of the rocks is simple, but the visible studs work perfectly and I like the colour combination of dark tan and dark orange, which matches the terrain in other Space sets.
A trans-opalescent purple crystals is included for the astronauts to collect, again with the aliens' blessing, it seems. Their three-eyed faces are nicely detailed and the use of lime green crowns as tentacles is ingenious. The same aliens are found in several of the new sets, but this is the smallest and least expensive among them. A chubbier alien appears in 60429 Spaceship and Asteroid Discovery.
Returning to the rover, the floodlight between the front wheels is a lovely detail and some more lights are mounted on the roof. The large trans-black windscreen looks superb and matches the style of other vehicles from this Space subtheme, although the transition from the windscreen to the rover's white bodywork is rather abrupt, most notably at the back.
The windscreen is easily removable and there is space for both minifigures inside, even wearing their backpacks. The roof panel behind the windscreen can also be detached, so accessing the interior is very easy and I am impressed with the amount of space. A printed console is placed in front of the driver and you can also see a small robotic rover stored behind the crew cabin.
Printed pieces are also found on the roof and on the two battery packs, which are attached between the rear wheels on each side. There are no stickers included, which is becoming a trend for the City sets released in January. The battery packs are connected to jumper plates, so they are easily removable, although I am not sure how a minifigure could access them. Regardless, they provide a nice splash of colour, underneath some sand blue and reddish orange accents.
Reddish orange steering wheel pieces are fitted inside the wheels, continuing the colour scheme present across the new Space range. Additionally, the wheel elements selected are perfect. These have appeared many times before, including on space rovers, but using their hollow interiors for extra detail is clever. The tilting suspension on the rear wheels also works well. These are attached in pairs and can clamber over obstacles quite easily, much like at the front.
The rover's forward rake raises the back a long way from the ground. The ramp to deploy the remote mini rover is therefore far too short, which does not really affect play, but is awkward to look at. Adding a folding flap to the end would have solved the issue, but fitting that inside the new 6x4x8 tail element might have been difficult. Despite this issue, the mini rover is an excellent addition and looks splendid, with another trans-opalescent purple battery powering this robotic vehicle and a lens on the front.
Overall
60430 Interstellar Spaceship is an exemplary spacecraft and 60431 Space Explorer Rover and Alien Life is the ground-based equivalent, in many ways. Both sets are efficiently designed and include interesting functions, while also offering excellent value. £24.99, $34.99 or €29.99 feels very reasonable to me, considering the size of this rover and the enormous play potential.
The design of the wheels and their suspension is particularly remarkable, partly because two kinds of suspension are used on one vehicle. The deployable mini rover and spacious interior are enjoyable features too, but my favourite aspect of the space rover is simply its appearance. The vehicle looks superb and is fun to play with, which are the fundamental keys to success!
185 likes
68 comments on this article
Shame about the ramp being far too short, they should have adapted the suspension so the back wasn't so high up.
In this case I don't mind the ramp , I just imagine the planet has low grav or something so the figures can jump higher, or perhaps their backpacks have micro thrusters.
Sure I can understand it's a bit weird not the be able to drive or walk up there but in the worst case, you can make a little rock ramp from that terrain side build :)
And it's also City, where the buildings tend to have no stairs or even ladders.
This set is still fantastic value for the price, and makes 60432: Command Rover and Crane Loader look expensive, and the crane flaw is bigger in that set compared to this ramp imo.
It looks so cool, I love it! So much potential for changes.
@Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I think crystals make a lot more sense in space compared to wind turbines , pretty useless in vacuum or less dense atmospheres.
Solar power would not work well at distant moons , asteroids or planets, or even said "Dark side" of said planet/moon
Also not every star is the same, so solar panels might not work optimally as star systems vary so much , most star systems are binary stars unlike our own single Sun , and then they vary in star types.
Feels very Star Trek ish too, which uses crystals + antimatter for most of its series , while star trek isn't realistic at all, I like to imagine this particular 2024 City subtheme is much closer to fiction / fantasy, and not actual technology either.
Cool thingy. And it has Aliens! What puzzles me is that we don't get anything between 30€ and 70€ in this year's lineup. My inner monk insists there should be a set at about 45-50€ RRP.
@Zink Looks like there's eternal dead calm where the base is set. How about some Tech share with Mars Mission? The figured out where to get "renewable" energy in case of crystal shortage.
Got this one last week, it looks absolutely awesome. It is also nice that it uses the same wheels as 6895, one of my favorite vintage Space sets.
By the way, I'm calling this current City Space subtheme as "Futuron II"
I really like this set, very well designed and also affordable. Just a joy all around.
Very cool. Looks to have taken inspiration from NASA’s Mars Rover / MRVN concept.
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/mars-2020-perseverance/mars-rover-to-help-visitor-complex-kick-off-new-exhibit/
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/explore-attractions/nasa-now/mars-rover-concept-vehicle
@MutoidMan said:
"Very cool. Looks to have taken inspiration from NASA’s Mars Rover / MRVN concept.
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/mars-2020-perseverance/mars-rover-to-help-visitor-complex-kick-off-new-exhibit/
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/explore-attractions/nasa-now/mars-rover-concept-vehicle "
Yeah and the larger rover kind of reminds me of the 8 wheelers from Prometheus movie (especially if you extend the cargo/module space instead of that crane)
60432: Command Rover and Crane Loader
Same placement of big lights at the front bottom, and above the main cockpit.
This looks almost *identical* to the ND-1 Nomad from MASS EFFECT: ANDROMEDA.
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/ND1_Nomad
I really dont care about this one. I just want 60432!
I feel like these aliens and the one in 60429 are supposed to be the same species; the "chubbier" one is just what they look like at rest, and the ones in this set are what they look like after they've launched themselves into the air with their little tentacles--I imagine them squishing and stretching themselves to move.
At least that's how my brain sees them!
@Zink said:
" @TeriXeri said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I think crystals make a lot more sense in space compared to wind turbines , pretty useless in vacuum or less dense atmospheres.
Solar power would not work well at distant moons , asteroids or planets, or even said "Dark side" of said planet/moon
Also not every star is the same, so solar panels might not work optimally as star systems vary so much , most star systems are binary stars unlike our own single Sun , and then they vary in star types.
Feels very Star Trek ish too, which uses crystals + antimatter for most of its series (while star trek isn't realistic at all, I like to imagine this particular 2024 City subtheme is much closer to fiction / fantasy, and not actual technology."
This is a toy, not a physics simulation. LEGO prides itself on communicating progressive values to children. This should include alternative energy sources. This fact in combination with the weird colonial governor minifig in 60434 just give me the ick for this 2024 theme. What were they thinking."
I'm gonna call him the "veteran consultant". He's allowed to talk and doesn't have to shut up; on the other hand, the staff is not bound to his suggestions. Everbody happy, the pictures prove it!
Now this looks like a $35 set for me.
@Zink said:
" @TeriXeri said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I think crystals make a lot more sense in space compared to wind turbines , pretty useless in vacuum or less dense atmospheres.
Solar power would not work well at distant moons , asteroids or planets, or even said "Dark side" of said planet/moon
Also not every star is the same, so solar panels might not work optimally as star systems vary so much , most star systems are binary stars unlike our own single Sun , and then they vary in star types.
Feels very Star Trek ish too, which uses crystals + antimatter for most of its series (while star trek isn't realistic at all, I like to imagine this particular 2024 City subtheme is much closer to fiction / fantasy, and not actual technology."
This is a toy, not a physics simulation. LEGO prides itself on communicating progressive values to children. This should include alternative energy sources. This fact in combination with the weird colonial governor minifig in 60434 just give me the ick for this 2024 theme. What were they thinking."
Your comment reads a little like "LEGO should be educational, not educational".
@WemWem said:
"This looks almost *identical* to the ND-1 Nomad from MASS EFFECT: ANDROMEDA.
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/ND1_Nomad"
I’m an M35 Mako man, myself.
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/M35_Mako
@Zink said:
" @TeriXeri said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I think crystals make a lot more sense in space compared to wind turbines , pretty useless in vacuum or less dense atmospheres.
Solar power would not work well at distant moons , asteroids or planets, or even said "Dark side" of said planet/moon
Also not every star is the same, so solar panels might not work optimally as star systems vary so much , most star systems are binary stars unlike our own single Sun , and then they vary in star types.
Feels very Star Trek ish too, which uses crystals + antimatter for most of its series (while star trek isn't realistic at all, I like to imagine this particular 2024 City subtheme is much closer to fiction / fantasy, and not actual technology."
This is a toy, not a physics simulation. LEGO prides itself on communicating progressive values to children. This should include alternative energy sources. This fact in combination with the weird colonial governor minifig in 60434 just give me the ick for this 2024 theme. What were they thinking."
If it makes you feel any better, perhaps the aliens will turn against their human visitors. They look friendly enough for now, but we could see an alien invasion subtheme in 2025!
I really love the new Space sets from the City line. I tend to like all space sets, but it's been really cool over the last several iterations to see them move from more historically inspired sets, to more current/modern inspired sets, to now these sets that are clearly inspired by future space vehicles and designs, but without going overboard into complete sci-fi like the regular space theme tends to go into.
My first 2024 set. And I love it! This theme has really won me over!
@Zink said:
" @TeriXeri said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I think crystals make a lot more sense in space compared to wind turbines , pretty useless in vacuum or less dense atmospheres.
Solar power would not work well at distant moons , asteroids or planets, or even said "Dark side" of said planet/moon
Also not every star is the same, so solar panels might not work optimally as star systems vary so much , most star systems are binary stars unlike our own single Sun , and then they vary in star types.
Feels very Star Trek ish too, which uses crystals + antimatter for most of its series (while star trek isn't realistic at all, I like to imagine this particular 2024 City subtheme is much closer to fiction / fantasy, and not actual technology."
This is a toy, not a physics simulation. LEGO prides itself on communicating progressive values to children. This should include alternative energy sources. This fact in combination with the weird colonial governor minifig in 60434 just give me the ick for this 2024 theme. What were they thinking."
The space crystals ARE solar panels - they absorb and release solar radiation and can be processed (minimally) into reusable batteries. This is the renewable energy source of The Future!
@MutoidMan said:
" @WemWem said:
"This looks almost *identical* to the ND-1 Nomad from MASS EFFECT: ANDROMEDA.
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/ND1_Nomad"
I’m an M35 Mako man, myself.
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/M35_Mako"
I adore the Mako. Never got the hate for it, and I played the OG PC Mass Effect with the supposedly "janky" Mako controls.
I'm actually replaying ANDROMEDA right now and it's really great! Talk about a game that was unfairly maligned at release.
is the pricing getting a bit better? for City sets, it seems like it. and with several sets coming with printed parts instead of stickers, that's a step in the right direction.
@Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I was under the impression that the Space theme is almost entirely focused on science fiction, so as far as I can tell this power source makes the cut.
This really is Futuron 2! Lego Space themes thrive the best when they are based on a peaceful exploration. (That said I do love opposing factions in Castle themes. And Pirates.) Can’t wait to integrate the younger Futuron generation fully into the monorail base :-)
Funny that a subtheme of the City is how we got classic space themes/factions back. So now, how can we incorporate a medieval subtheme to the City…?
Got this set for 275 SEK ($25) including shipping from Amazon, great deal.
@Zink said:
" @Rimefang said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I was under the impression that the Space theme is almost entirely focused on science fiction, so as far as I can tell this power source makes the cut."
Sadly, the extraction of naturally occurring resources from our beloved mother earth is NOT science-fiction."
Well, the 2 largest sets also show that they're using pink plants to form pink batteries, so there's some focus on renewability.
"These aliens seem quite friendly though, given their smiles, so can presumably excuse noisy vehicles passing by."
I was wondering hoe the aliens can actually hear the sound of the vehicle as they don't seem to have ears and there is no sound in space as there is no medium for the sound waves to propagate through...
(Apologies for the dorky remark, but finally I can make my SF knowledge put to work here, hahaha??)
@Wicher_NL said:
""These aliens seem quite friendly though, given their smiles, so can presumably excuse noisy vehicles passing by."
I was wondering hoe the aliens can actually hear the sound of the vehicle as they don't seem to have ears and there is no sound in space as there is no medium for the sound waves to propagate through...
(Apologies for the dorky remark, but finally I can make my SF knowledge put to work here, hahaha??)"
Vibrations through the ground, perhaps?
@Wicher_NL said:
""These aliens seem quite friendly though, given their smiles, so can presumably excuse noisy vehicles passing by."
I was wondering hoe the aliens can actually hear the sound of the vehicle as they don't seem to have ears and there is no sound in space as there is no medium for the sound waves to propagate through...
(Apologies for the dorky remark, but finally I can make my SF knowledge put to work here, hahaha??)"
There could be an atmosphere, but it's toxic to humans?
@WemWem said:
"This looks almost *identical* to the ND-1 Nomad from MASS EFFECT: ANDROMEDA.
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/ND1_Nomad"
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that!
@myth said:
"This really is Futuron 2! Lego Space themes thrive the best when they are based on a peaceful exploration. (That said I do love opposing factions in Castle themes. And Pirates.) Can’t wait to integrate the younger Futuron generation fully into the monorail base :-)
Funny that a subtheme of the City is how we got classic space themes/factions back. So now, how can we incorporate a medieval subtheme to the City…?"
Does 71045-2's shirt count?
@Binnekamp said:
"My first 2024 set. And I love it! This theme has really won me over!"
Same here. Just yesterday i ordered the 4+ space set, the mech and the spaceship. Amazon had a realy nice offer!
Great review. I was on the fence with this one, but not anymore. This sub-theme is so refreshingly fun and backed up with mostly perfect building know-how. Nice one.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @myth said:
"This really is Futuron 2! Lego Space themes thrive the best when they are based on a peaceful exploration. (That said I do love opposing factions in Castle themes. And Pirates.) Can’t wait to integrate the younger Futuron generation fully into the monorail base :-)
Funny that a subtheme of the City is how we got classic space themes/factions back. So now, how can we incorporate a medieval subtheme to the City…?"
Does 71045-2's shirt count?
"
Yes! That’s why I bought it :D
Mouse droid!
@Zink said:
" @TeriXeri said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I think crystals make a lot more sense in space compared to wind turbines , pretty useless in vacuum or less dense atmospheres.
Solar power would not work well at distant moons , asteroids or planets, or even said "Dark side" of said planet/moon
Also not every star is the same, so solar panels might not work optimally as star systems vary so much , most star systems are binary stars unlike our own single Sun , and then they vary in star types.
Feels very Star Trek ish too, which uses crystals + antimatter for most of its series (while star trek isn't realistic at all, I like to imagine this particular 2024 City subtheme is much closer to fiction / fantasy, and not actual technology."
This is a toy, not a physics simulation. LEGO prides itself on communicating progressive values to children. This should include alternative energy sources. This fact in combination with the weird colonial governor minifig in 60434 just give me the ick for this 2024 theme. What were they thinking."
Weird colonial governor minifig? Are you referring to the captain?
Looks really cool, my favourite set of this space wave! Definitely getting it when it goes on sale.
I like this set, my second favourite of this wave beaten by 60430 which looks better and is cheaper. But i don't know why Lego didn't do more cheaper sets. Three cheap ones and three expensive ones! maybe two expensive ones and 4 cheap ones would entice kids on a pocket money budget.
Join the Lego City space program!
Fly to distant planets!
Meet the aliens who live there!
And run them over with your gigantic space truck!
@Zordboy said:
"Join the Lego City space program!
Fly to distant planets!
Meet the aliens who live there!
And run them over with your gigantic space truck!"
A car has run over an alien being and it needs to go to the hospital!
HEY!
Build the hospital!
Pronounce the alien dead!
Instigate the cover up!
Bury the evidence and bribe witnesses!
Deny the event ever happened!
NEW from the Area 51 collection, by LEGO CITY!
(I know this joke doesn't really work with futuristic space rovers, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity to do the HEY!)
Very cool set. Would love to see some red suited versions of the minifigs. Is it just me or is the windshield/canopy piece darker than what’s on the box?
@Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
That being said, energy crystals have been a staple of LEGO themes for some time. Rock Raiders, Mars Mission, Power Miners; all classic themes.
My kindergartner bought this set with his Christmas gift money--his first ever self-directed LEGO purchase (not his first set, though), and we finished putting it together today after a couple weeks of distraction once he'd finished the first two bags.
The set does not disappoint his 5.5 year old tastes: the suspension and "vroom-ability" is excellent, and from my perspective as an AFOL, I found the build solid and the new colours more alluring than I'd expected. I hadn't had any "City: Space" fever before, but having had it in hand... I'm rethinking that. It's like a fine blend of Galaxy Squad minifigs, Mars Mission, and the best Creator 3-in-1 space sets.
Now I want one...
I do wish there was some kind of cool steering function like the old SPY-TRAK I. But this set is my kind of set. I can’t wait to get it!
@Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
You mean like nuclear power, which could power whole cities with few kikograms of uranium for years? Surely a mini nuclear batery could power a space colony.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"I like this set, my second favourite of this wave beaten by 60430 which looks better and is cheaper. But i don't know why Lego didn't do more cheaper sets. Three cheap ones and three expensive ones! maybe two expensive ones and 4 cheap ones would entice kids on a pocket money budget."
I'll give you one better: Lego should make ALL sets cheaper!
Best rover since the Spytrak 1 of the Space Police. And it looks a lot like it's inspired both by real world concepts AND Mass Effect, which I appreciate. Such a great reboot of the space theme! Now off to other worlds with more 'advanced aliens!
@Majkl said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
You mean like nuclear power, which could power whole cities with few kikograms of uranium for years? Surely a mini nuclear batery could power a space colony."
Exactly. I can’t imagine being on an alien planet and having to expend the energy to lug the materiels needed to erect windmills or solar panels, hoping to generate enough power to run an outpost, or relying on a finite supply of fuel cells - when something like a Thorium reactor, or fission/fusion/anti-matter reactor or battery would be far more reliable and compact.
All this virtue-signaling and self-righteous indignation is repulsive, quite frankly, and showcases not only narrow-minded thinking, but a lack of both imagination and foresight.
Perhaps the crystals are akin to dilithium, and make possible some advanced reactor that can provide plenty of power with only a small amount of crystal. Maybe they grow above ground and require no mining. Maybe the crystals themselves are like natural batteries and grow like weeds, thereby making them self-sustaining. Maybe the astronauts discover the little green guys are a highly advanced species who are happy to share their advanced energy tech with the humans, and are happy to accept the humans into their galactic coalition as junior members, and take it upon themselves to teach them the ropes of galactic relations - just as long as their leaders stop dressing like… that. And no virtue signaling; annoying civilizations tend to invite annihilation.
“Energy crystals” are mysterious, enigmatic, and fun. Wind farms kill native flying creatures, take up way too much of the aliens’ planet, and are boring.
Flame away, haters!!!
@Reventon said:
"Very cool set. Would love to see some red suited versions of the minifigs. Is it just me or is the windshield/canopy piece darker than what’s on the box?"
Got some away missions that need expendable members? Just kidding hehehe
@MutoidMan said:
" @Reventon said:
"Very cool set. Would love to see some red suited versions of the minifigs. Is it just me or is the windshield/canopy piece darker than what’s on the box?"
Got some away missions that need expendable members? Just kidding hehehe
"
Is that a dark/earth red version in 60434? Or is that dark orange? I can't quite tell.
@Zink said:
" @MutoidMan said:
" @Majkl said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
You mean like nuclear power, which could power whole cities with few kikograms of uranium for years? Surely a mini nuclear batery could power a space colony."
Exactly. I can’t imagine being on an alien planet and having to expend the energy to lug the materiels needed to erect windmills or solar panels, hoping to generate enough power to run an outpost, or relying on a finite supply of fuel cells - when something like a Thorium reactor, or fission/fusion/anti-matter reactor or battery would be far more reliable and compact.
All this virtue-signaling and self-righteous indignation is repulsive, quite frankly, and showcases not only narrow-minded thinking, but a lack of both imagination and foresight.
Perhaps the crystals are akin to dilithium, and make possible some advanced reactor that can provide plenty of power with only a small amount of crystal. Maybe they grow above ground and require no mining. Maybe the crystals themselves are like natural batteries and grow like weeds, thereby making them self-sustaining. Maybe the astronauts discover the little green guys are a highly advanced species who are happy to share their advanced energy tech with the humans, and are happy to accept the humans into their galactic coalition as junior members, and take it upon themselves to teach them the ropes of galactic relations - just as long as their leaders stop dressing like… that. And no virtue signaling; annoying civilizations tend to invite annihilation.
“Energy crystals” are mysterious, enigmatic, and fun. Wind farms kill native flying creatures, take up way too much of the aliens’ planet, and are boring.
Flame away, haters!!! "
Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong.
You missed the point entirely. Also wind parks are badass and the process of setting them up would include more playability, which this 2024 theme severely lacks."
Hahaha…
Who are you to go to an alien world and appropriate vast tracts of their land for your windmills? You going to bring them with you or - more likely - source the materials locally? How might that impact the alien environment? Think the little green guys might not take kindly to your selfishness? Personally, I would have no sympathy if you ended up like this: https://aliens.fandom.com/wiki/Brain_Slug?file=Brain_Slugs.jpg
And setting up windmills is your idea of playability? Okay…
Keep it coming haters!!!
These new sets very much feel like "Classic Space: The Next Generation".
@myth said:
"This really is Futuron 2! Lego Space themes thrive the best when they are based on a peaceful exploration. (That said I do love opposing factions in Castle themes. And Pirates.) Can’t wait to integrate the younger Futuron generation fully into the monorail base :-)
Funny that a subtheme of the City is how we got classic space themes/factions back. So now, how can we incorporate a medieval subtheme to the City…?"
1592-1
@MutoidMan: Everything you write just reads like a ChatGPT-glitch, and you don't even know it. I don't hate you, I pity you.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @myth said:
"This really is Futuron 2! Lego Space themes thrive the best when they are based on a peaceful exploration. (That said I do love opposing factions in Castle themes. And Pirates.) Can’t wait to integrate the younger Futuron generation fully into the monorail base :-)
Funny that a subtheme of the City is how we got classic space themes/factions back. So now, how can we incorporate a medieval subtheme to the City…?"
1592-1
@MutoidMan: Everything you write just reads like a ChatGPT-glitch, and you don't even know it. I don't hate you, I pity you."
Wow, smug much? LOL
This is the Nomad from MEA.
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @MutoidMan said:
" @Reventon said:
"Very cool set. Would love to see some red suited versions of the minifigs. Is it just me or is the windshield/canopy piece darker than what’s on the box?"
Got some away missions that need expendable members? Just kidding hehehe
"
Is that a dark/earth red version in 60434? Or is that dark orange? I can't quite tell."
On my phone the suit looks brown, which would make sense being that he’s got a drill and appears to be mining while under the watchful eye of a little green guy.
On a different note - It would be awesome if the little green guys (technically, the humans are the aliens on their planet) show up with cool mechs, vehicles, and structures of radically different design. Maybe organic technology, maybe crystal-based; just something totally different.
@MutoidMan said:
" @ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @MutoidMan said:
" @Reventon said:
"Very cool set. Would love to see some red suited versions of the minifigs. Is it just me or is the windshield/canopy piece darker than what’s on the box?"
Got some away missions that need expendable members? Just kidding hehehe
"
Is that a dark/earth red version in 60434? Or is that dark orange? I can't quite tell."
On my phone the suit looks brown, which would make sense being that he’s got a drill and appears to be mining while under the watchful eye of a little green guy.
On a different note - It would be awesome if the little green guys (technically, the humans are the aliens on their planet) show up with cool mechs, vehicles, and structures of radically different design. Maybe organic technology, maybe crystal-based; just something totally different."
Look up Life on Mars. That theme was everything you just described
@Zink said:
" @TeriXeri said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
I think crystals make a lot more sense in space compared to wind turbines , pretty useless in vacuum or less dense atmospheres.
Solar power would not work well at distant moons , asteroids or planets, or even said "Dark side" of said planet/moon
Also not every star is the same, so solar panels might not work optimally as star systems vary so much , most star systems are binary stars unlike our own single Sun , and then they vary in star types.
Feels very Star Trek ish too, which uses crystals + antimatter for most of its series (while star trek isn't realistic at all, I like to imagine this particular 2024 City subtheme is much closer to fiction / fantasy, and not actual technology."
This is a toy, not a physics simulation. LEGO prides itself on communicating progressive values to children. This should include alternative energy sources. This fact in combination with the weird colonial governor minifig in 60434 just give me the ick for this 2024 theme. What were they thinking."
I don't recall any progressive values being communicated to me by Lego when I was growing up. I think they prided themselves on making great toys not trying to instill progressive ideas into kids heads. Wow, novel concept.
@rainstorm26 said:"I don't recall any progressive values being communicated to me by Lego when I was growing up. I think they prided themselves on making great toys not trying to instill progressive ideas into kids heads. Wow, novel concept."
Correct.
It’s textbook gaslighting on the part of “progressives”, pushing their Marxist narratives based on a foundation of lies and fantasy they brazenly assert as facts and reality.
@Binnekamp said:
" @MutoidMan said:
" @ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @MutoidMan said:
" @Reventon said:
"Very cool set. Would love to see some red suited versions of the minifigs. Is it just me or is the windshield/canopy piece darker than what’s on the box?"
Got some away missions that need expendable members? Just kidding hehehe
"
Is that a dark/earth red version in 60434? Or is that dark orange? I can't quite tell."
On my phone the suit looks brown, which would make sense being that he’s got a drill and appears to be mining while under the watchful eye of a little green guy.
On a different note - It would be awesome if the little green guys (technically, the humans are the aliens on their planet) show up with cool mechs, vehicles, and structures of radically different design. Maybe organic technology, maybe crystal-based; just something totally different."
Look up Life on Mars. That theme was everything you just described"
Just did. Kind of what I’m talking about, yes; but IMO the Martian’s’ tech was still a bit too recognizable. I think the little green guys should have some crazy tech.
@MutoidMan said:
" @Majkl said:
" @Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
You mean like nuclear power, which could power whole cities with few kikograms of uranium for years? Surely a mini nuclear batery could power a space colony."
Exactly. I can’t imagine being on an alien planet and having to expend the energy to lug the materiels needed to erect windmills or solar panels, hoping to generate enough power to run an outpost, or relying on a finite supply of fuel cells - when something like a Thorium reactor, or fission/fusion/anti-matter reactor or battery would be far more reliable and compact.
All this virtue-signaling and self-righteous indignation is repulsive, quite frankly, and showcases not only narrow-minded thinking, but a lack of both imagination and foresight.
Perhaps the crystals are akin to dilithium, and make possible some advanced reactor that can provide plenty of power with only a small amount of crystal. Maybe they grow above ground and require no mining. Maybe the crystals themselves are like natural batteries and grow like weeds, thereby making them self-sustaining. Maybe the astronauts discover the little green guys are a highly advanced species who are happy to share their advanced energy tech with the humans, and are happy to accept the humans into their galactic coalition as junior members, and take it upon themselves to teach them the ropes of galactic relations - just as long as their leaders stop dressing like… that. And no virtue signaling; annoying civilizations tend to invite annihilation.
“Energy crystals” are mysterious, enigmatic, and fun. Wind farms kill native flying creatures, take up way too much of the aliens’ planet, and are boring.
Flame away, haters!!! "
I was going to say something similar, but you beat me to it ha! I agree with you, the theme is very nicely designed. It feels like a combination of Futuron and Rock Raiders/Power Miners. While many of the issues discussed by some here in the comments are important, I don't think toys should be oversaturated with politically themed ideas and practices. Let kids be kids.
@MutoidMan said:
It’s textbook gaslighting on the part of “progressives”, pushing their Marxist narratives based on a foundation of lies and fantasy they brazenly assert as facts and reality.]]
What did I just read? I mean, I kind of agree with you on your points vs @Zink (wind farms in LEGO Space sets???) but this sentence does not seem relevant to the discussion (who exactly is pushing their narratives?) and reeks of a conspiracy theory mindset.
@LordDunsany said:
[[ @MutoidMan said:
It’s textbook gaslighting on the part of “progressives”, pushing their Marxist narratives based on a foundation of lies and fantasy they brazenly assert as facts and reality.]]
What did I just read? I mean, I kind of agree with you on your points vs @Zink (wind farms in LEGO Space sets???) but this sentence does not seem relevant to the discussion (who exactly is pushing their narratives?) and reeks of a conspiracy theory mindset.]]
If you haven’t already, I can only recommend rereading it in context with the post to which I replied, and that post in context with the post to which itself is a reply. If it makes sense, there you go. If not, no big deal.
@Flying_Ace_UK said:
"I agree with you, the theme is very nicely designed. It feels like a combination of Futuron and Rock Raiders/Power Miners."
Very nicely designed, indeed. This is yet another line that I would collect in a heartbeat had I the time, space, and money. Just two Infinity Stones, and money.
@Reventon said:
"Very cool set. Would love to see some red suited versions of the minifigs. Is it just me or is the windshield/canopy piece darker than what’s on the box?"
It's not just you. I feel like they may have edited the box pictures to make the interiors more visible, possibly to better show off the minifigures behind the windscreens.
I don't feel bad about that, because ultimately I really like the darker color—the new trans black looks great on these sets and feels appropriate for the sort of solar shielding you'd expect in space. And it's not like "enhanced" box pictures are a new thing—Tim Johnson's recent Lego Space book goes into some of the sort of lighting and camera trickery used in photos of classic-era space sets to make them look especially vibrant.
@Zink said:
"Such a weird focus on energy crystals and batteries in this theme. Every set should include countless solar panels, the base should include wind turbines, a wind park even. The whole energy crystal thing feels incredibly outdated. They don't seriously think humanity will conquer the stars, when relying on a non-renewable power source, right?"
As an environmental engineer, I can assure you non-renewable energy sources are the best ones. We are trying to go solar in order to protect our planet, not because it's more efficient or even practical. You can afford having solar to power up small scanners and sensors and other non essential low energy consumption items, not so much propulsion and other power hungry devices. The most efficient power source we have to date (pound for pound) is nuclear. These crystals seem to be something like that, but clean - as it seems the local aliens don't mind it, even thrive next to the crystals. Imagine solar being useful as extra energy for day to day operating systems, but you need a high density fuel to run a rover or fire a rocket.
@WemWem said:
"This looks almost *identical* to the ND-1 Nomad from MASS EFFECT: ANDROMEDA.
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/ND1_Nomad"
Funny, it reminded me of the Baserunner from "Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak"
https://homeworld.fandom.com/wiki/Baserunner_(Coalition)
Loving this line so far. I really dig the fantastical elements the most. Feels like a good ol' romp in sci-fi fantasy. Plus the designs just rock. Bought multiples of a few of the sets already but this rover is my favorite so far. Shame about the loading ramp but it is a minor thing compared to how fun it is. The 4+ set too has been a joy. Got two of those and, aside from the copious supplies of crystals, it allows you to start making some neat patterns with those hexagon land plates. I imagine that may have been the intention from the start. It starts to get substantial as you add more plates to it from the other sets in the line.