I can see maybe 2-3 new bricks, then their is the new pieces for all 4 minifigures. Even though obviously the build will mainly be existing bricks, the quantity, quality and uniqueness far exceeds any offerings from Hasbro or anyone else.

I do understand that production costs are a factor here – but I also feel that Hasbro’s “go as cheap as possible” strategy is turning a lot of people off. They seem to do best when they try to appeal to as many consumers as possible, which I don’t think this approach is doing. I think they’d be better off with a a more “mid tier” product priced around $8 each than the 5POA model.

I don’t disagree that they (Hasbro) could make amazing figures with limited effort – sourcing existing parts. It all comes down to production costs (i.e. painting and assembly). Factors that LEGO doesn’t have to contend with at anywhere near the same degree,

Different business models, sure. But in 2012, Lego didn’t make collosal mistakes like Hasbro did – which I feel is why we are now seeing this huge change in Hasbro’s business model. Lego keeps things fresh – Hasbro has not recently… But given their extensive tooling library, as evidenced by local gotals mockups, they can reuse parts too… I think it’s fair to say Hasbro has gone in the wrong direction the past couple years. It’s obvious retailers have lost a lot of confidence in Hasbro too…

I’d be curious to know how many unique bricks make up these sets (or and “new” LEGO release? I mean if they are 80% rehashed, common plates, just extruded in a new color, can they really be held to the same standard as “the other company”? 😉

The other company making Star Wars toys trips over themselves again, and is sinking.

Any guesses on what said “other company” is?