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General => Report & Review => Topic started by: tahra on October 05, 2016, 16:54:00

Title: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 05, 2016, 16:54:00
Well, I did write reviews for all  of them... but.. work in progress.

The first one (WHY oh WHY had to be the pyramid?) is online...

History Sets 2016 (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/history2016.aspx)

And the first:

5386 - Blue Egyptian Pyramid (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5386p1.aspx)


Smallish:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5386i11.jpg)


Loads of stuff:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5386i31.jpg)


Gorgeous klickys and animals:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5386i35.jpg)


And the BEST  :love: :love: :love:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5386i43.jpg)


well, more at the link - if I missed something, please let me know ;)

(the rest to follow...)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Tiermann on October 05, 2016, 17:01:31
Very nice! Did your sister help you with the photos? (the new spiders!!)  :D

I really like the size of the new spiders, and the golden jackal and scorpion are both great additions.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 05, 2016, 17:27:38
Very nice! Did your sister help you with the photos? (the new spiders!!)  :D

I really like the size of the new spiders, and the golden jackal and scorpion are both great additions.

I used the tweezers for the spiders.  :0  But my sister DID put them away.  :-[ 

I love the golden dog  :love: :love:   Jackal!?  :-[
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Pynedor on October 05, 2016, 21:20:02
The grey skeleton looks cool. It would liven up an undead army a bit. :D
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Salamander on October 06, 2016, 00:10:24
Had heard there were History sets but hadn't seen any yet. Looks very interesting!
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Indianna on October 06, 2016, 00:35:46
Thanks for the excellent photos!  I have one complaint, though - now I am compelled to acquire this beautiful blue pyramid.  8} :D   

Looking forward to the rest of your reviews for this theme!
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: cheng on October 06, 2016, 01:59:39
my kind of theme  :love:
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Raven on October 06, 2016, 03:59:15
The great thing with reviews is that they draw attention to things not previously noticed.  I hadn't realised that the skeleton and the mummy were darker in this set.  They are very nice - especially the skeleton!

I like those spiders too.  And yes, the golden dog is Anubis (in Greek - Anpu or Inpu in Egyptian, I believe) - the jackal god, Guardian of the dead.  He's most frequently depicted as black, often with a human body (like in the picture on the shrine he is lying on), though I like the representation of him laying down best.  And he's very nice in gold.

I loved your photo of Tut with Anubis.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 06, 2016, 07:33:58
The grey skeleton looks cool. It would liven up an undead army a bit. :D

Yes :)   Will need to try and get a few... but they are not in iberia yet, and I don't want to provoke them.

Had heard there were History sets but hadn't seen any yet. Looks very interesting!

Really? This is public for a long time, and available all over Europe.


Thanks for the excellent photos!  I have one complaint, though - now I am compelled to acquire this beautiful blue pyramid.  8} :D   

Glad to be of service  :P

Looking forward to the rest of your reviews for this theme!

Well, a couple more ready, if I have the time to actually put them online... The others well on the way too.


my kind of theme  :love:

And ours  :love:


The great thing with reviews is that they draw attention to things not previously noticed.  I hadn't realised that the skeleton and the mummy were darker in this set.  They are very nice - especially the skeleton!

The skeleton I noticed right in the first pics - I like (human) skeletons.. The mummy.. I don't remember  ::)

And yes, the golden dog is Anubis (in Greek - Anpu or Inpu in Egyptian, I believe) - the jackal god, Guardian of the dead. 

I should probably call him a jackal then...  :-[

I loved your photo of Tut with Anubis.

My sister immediately said the golden pup should be his! He agreed, of course :)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 07, 2016, 18:23:10
A couple more...

5387 - Graverobber's Camp (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5387p1.aspx)

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5387i06.jpg)


I REALLY like this set, though the klickys needed redoing  :P  (small changes)

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5387i07.jpg)


The accessory highlights:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5387i14.jpg)

(more at the link)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 07, 2016, 18:25:58
5388 - Egyptian Soldiers with Ballista (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5388p1.aspx)

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5388i05.jpg)

I LOVE the klickys  :love: :love: :love: (duh, those colors!)

Shame about the ballista.

And the new shield:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5388i13.jpg)

(more at the link)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Tiermann on October 07, 2016, 19:22:30
Those are nice, I like the use of the more grey-tan colors this time around instead of everyone in either white or black.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 07, 2016, 20:28:27
Those are nice, I like the use of the more grey-tan colors this time around instead of everyone in either white or black.

Yes, they are amazing!  :love:
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Pynedor on October 07, 2016, 23:17:51
Those are nice, I like the use of the more grey-tan colors this time around instead of everyone in either white or black.

I agree. That's a nice change this time.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016who
Post by: cheng on October 08, 2016, 02:36:28
though I dont have any of these sets, I'm able to totally resist collecting them(I only bought a small army of Egyptians to fight my Romans) so your review and photos really is a 'first time' for me....I enjoyed the rare rear views of these klickies and can appreciate GB making so many variants of even their neck pieces but I can't understand why they spent the money on making a different version of the pharaoh(who needs two anyway...other than Tahra  ;D)
....will kids appreciate the difference or is the newer one more attractive to kids? The money can be better spent on a new Roman  :P
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Georgeag1972 on October 08, 2016, 07:57:10
Thanks fr the pictures tahra. Very nice sets with great figures. I like also the golden dog and his base! :love:

George.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 08, 2016, 16:33:20
Last egyptian one:

5389 - Egyptian Camelry (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5389p1.aspx)

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5389i06.jpg)

Great to have in numbers.. except... we already have an egyptian army. What is missing is those spikes! I NEED those spikes.

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5389i14.jpg)

 :love: :love: :love:

(more at the link)

Romans next.................
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: cheng on October 08, 2016, 23:33:25
I never noticed this array of spikes with the quivers...and yet another differently printed neck piece...and another new hair (has GB used this hair on many other klickies?)....and the printed camel eyes(do dot mine too, for those animals without painted eyes, before noticing GB does this)   or maybe I did see all these but forgotten  8}
...anyway, thanks for these very clear close-ups...really, its like seeing a review of a new release, I enjoyed it  :P
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 09, 2016, 14:10:09
I never noticed this array of spikes with the quivers...and yet another differently printed neck piece...and another new hair (has GB used this hair on many other klickies?)....

The spikes are new, like I said.. The hair is not - new version of the classic female hair, imo.

...anyway, thanks for these very clear close-ups...really, its like seeing a review of a new release, I enjoyed it  :P

... like? Aren't these reviews of new releases, master cheng? I mean, they were out last month...
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 09, 2016, 15:01:06
And now it's the romans' turn!

5390 - Roman Galley (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5390p1.aspx)

Different color...  :P

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5390i06.jpg)

The klickys are all repeats - this is beyond ridiculous  >:(

I suppose the novelty in the romans is the shield:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5390i14.jpg)

And making the ship easier to put away!  ;D

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5390i15.jpg)

(more at the link)

Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 09, 2016, 15:11:39
5391 - Roman Biga (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5391p1.aspx)

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5391i06.jpg)

I guess there isn't much to say..

But it's a nice set, especially for those who don't have the previous versions.

(more at the link)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: cheng on October 09, 2016, 16:04:52
Aren't these reviews of new releases, master cheng? I mean, they were out last month...

Yikes! Haven't been following....just released?! Too much too many  8} ...not complaining though  ;D
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 09, 2016, 17:58:01
5392 - Roman Ballista (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5392p1.aspx)

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5392i05.jpg)

I considered not getting it.. If I hadn't bought the whole theme I wouldn't. But I'm glad I did (it's that stupid hair that puts me off, the klicky is gorgeous after that is fixed!).

And I actually like the ballista a lot more than I thought!

I believe that's it for today. Two to go, I hope tomorrow.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: StJohn on October 09, 2016, 20:37:22
5390 - Roman Galley (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5390p1.aspx)

Thanks for the spate of reviews, Tahra!

You have opened my eyes to the galley 5390, which is now definitely high on my wish list. It always has been a cool vessel, and now with the improved colour scheme even better than the original - good riddance to red masts, etc! Also the new ballista is a big improvement. However, I shall outfit my new ship with old shields, and rigging needs to be reinstalled.

A question about the disappearance of the canopy. Are there (unused) holes for the canopy supports in the hull (as in the original), or did they fix this in the mould for the reissue?

[Off topic:] Galley 4276 marks an important juncture back in 2006 - historically accurate and all that, but taking liberties with physical accuracy that would never have occurred before. I mean the invisible rowers, of course. It makes sense, play-wise, and I don't complain, but this definitely marks a huge departure from what had been happening in design before. Perhaps for the better, because would old-style PM ever have produced an actual galley, rowers and all? [Back to topic:]

Finally, I don't fret too much about the exact duplication of the klickys - the 'new' roman sets were done with minimal investment in new moulds, so old types are reused also for the figures. Actually, it is nothing short of a miracle that any serious historical themes are still making it into the PM catalogue. Just look at current Lego Knights and see that Geobra are still doing history a favour (despite all that some sour collectors keep saying) - toy producers seem to expect little desire for historical accuracy in their target markets. Let's hope that actual sales will exceed forecasts, and Geobra may consider to invest more next time. Having said this, at least they could have varied a bit more with the colours.

Best wishes
StJohn
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Indianna on October 10, 2016, 14:13:49
Thanks for all the new reviews, tahra!  I hope that everyone who follows your links to Playkingdoms will also wander around over there for a little while.  I particularly recommend a visit to the delightful "Xmasy dio 2015!"   :)9   :)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 10, 2016, 19:29:54
Thanks for the spate of reviews, Tahra!

What spam!  :P

You have opened my eyes to the galley 5390, which is now definitely high on my wish list.

Glad I could be of assistance  ;D

A question about the disappearance of the canopy. Are there (unused) holes for the canopy supports in the hull (as in the original), or did they fix this in the mould for the reissue?

I think the holes are still there - they have the bolts stuck there in the instructions.



Galley 4276 marks an important juncture back in 2006 - historically accurate and all that, but taking liberties with physical accuracy that would never have occurred before. I mean the invisible rowers, of course.

I seriously have no idea what else could be done. I mean, to be accurate it would have to be HUMONGOUS. The Airgam did the same with their beautiful galley (when I was a cub!) - of course, their rowers actually ROW!  :P  Glad playmobil's rowers do not!

Finally, I don't fret too much about the exact duplication of the klickys -

I find it extremely LAZY to have repeat klickys in a theme. The vikings were plagued when they were released. The romans are worse. ALL soldiers with the roman neckpiece have brown classic hair. All the ones in those brown sleeves have THAT black hair. All the lion armor ones have brown medieval hair.  Same as last time.

It's ridiculous.  >:( >:( >:(

(note: to ME, makes little difference - I pop them as I like, and have the parts to detwin a bunch. But a lot of kids will not. That is how we got our blonde (gay) cavalry.)

Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 10, 2016, 19:34:43
Thanks for all the new reviews, tahra!  I hope that everyone who follows your links to Playkingdoms will also wander around over there for a little while.  I particularly recommend a visit to the delightful "Xmasy dio 2015!"   :)9   :)

Thak you  :)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 10, 2016, 19:36:40
5393 - Roman Soldiers (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5393p1.aspx)

It's the attack of the clones!

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5393i07.jpg)

Oh well. Popping and detwinning needed. But a good army builder (after that, and getting them the missing neckpieces)

(more at the link)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 10, 2016, 19:38:48
5394 - Caesar and Cleopatra (link at playkingdoms) (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5394p1.aspx)

Caesar, Julius Caesar is the only non-repeat roman:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5394i05.jpg)

And there's the.... I suppose those are meant to be grapes.

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/5394i08.jpg)

(compared to sylvanian  ::) )

(more at the link)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 10, 2016, 19:42:47
And done. Apologies for all the spam...

Conclusions on the main page: History Sets 2016 (http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/history2016.aspx)

Basically, egyptian klickys are gorgeous, and almost all the romans are repeats:

(http://www.playkingdoms.com/pk2/library/articles/history2016/h2016romans.jpg)

Final conclusion: BUY THEM ALL!!!  ;D

(sorry, I'm dead tired of this)
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Tiermann on October 10, 2016, 23:37:34
I like the print on the Caesar. Nice that the soldiers come with the clear foot holds, much better if you want to do the turtle formation. The purple/blue grapes/eggplant is ... interesting. Nice part to have for no reason except ohhh pretty color.
I actually took one look at the new Roman galley, and moved the old galley add on to the top of my list before they sold out. Got one a while ago and am very happy with it. Needs a crew still but that troop builder set will be fine for that eventually.
Did you get the Roman and Egyptian family add-ons too? Maybe had them earlier in the year? I thought they had been reviewed but don't see them. I got them both the last batch from Germany and they are great, especially the Egyptian one.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: cheng on October 11, 2016, 00:17:59
thanks for your reviews and all those very clear photos here and in PK!
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: StJohn on October 11, 2016, 07:48:04
I think the holes are still there - they have the bolts stuck there in the instructions.

Thanks! I now ordered the canopy parts, rigging, and old Roman shields through Spare Parts services: with a bit of luck they come through and I'll be able to equip my 5390 as I would like it to look. The new shields that come with the galley are welcome nevertheless - saves me from buying 5393 (where you'll agree the klickys aren't worth it). :D

I actually took one look at the new Roman galley, and moved the old galley add on to the top of my list before they sold out.

What is it that you prefer about the old galley?

PS: Forgot to say last time I posted that I like the angry eyes on the bow of 5390 much better than the bovine gaze-of-wonder on 4276/7512.

Best wishes
StJohn
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: StJohn on October 11, 2016, 08:09:52
And done.
(...)
Final conclusion: BUY THEM ALL!!!  ;D

(sorry, I'm dead tired of this)

Thank you!  :*)

Basically, egyptian klickys are gorgeous, and almost all the romans are repeats[.]

True, but the dark guy in the middle of your final picture definitely stands out. I'm very pleased that the charioteer from the arena 4270 made a comeback as commander of the new galley! :love:

Best wishes
StJohn
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 11, 2016, 08:24:57
I like the print on the Caesar.

Me too :)  The hair = agh. But that is easily fixed. And did I mention he has a RED roman cloak? :love:


Nice that the soldiers come with the clear foot holds, much better if you want to do the turtle formation.

I think those stands detract from a dio/scene. I don't like them. Still, maybe they are useful sometime.


The purple/blue grapes/eggplant is ... interesting. Nice part to have for no reason except ohhh pretty color.

I think it was a major fail. And it IS a missing item from the roman theme.


I actually took one look at the new Roman galley, and moved the old galley add on to the top of my list before they sold out. Got one a while ago and am very happy with it. Needs a crew still but that troop builder set will be fine for that eventually.

I didn't set up my old ones  :-[ - have the set and the add on.


Did you get the Roman and Egyptian family add-ons too?

No, not here yet :(


thanks for your reviews and all those very clear photos here and in PK!

I aim to please  ;D
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 11, 2016, 08:29:48
The new shields that come with the galley are welcome nevertheless - saves me from buying 5393 (where you'll agree the klickys aren't worth it). :D

I have plenty of the old shields, will need a few of the new ones to trade in a couple of... centuries? Troops. Groups.  ::)

It's not that they aren't worth it - they are great (hair excepted  :P ) - after detwinning and adding a couple of neckpieces...  It's just they are the EXACT SAME ones. Lame. Very very lame.

I'm not saying they needed new molds or anything, cause they are pretty perfect, but they could change the colors a bit, and PLEASE give them different heads/hairs! SOME people won't be able to fix that easily. (maybe I should setup a detwinning business  :P )

PS: Forgot to say last time I posted that I like the angry eyes on the bow of 5390 much better than the bovine gaze-of-wonder on 4276/7512.

:lmao: :lmao:  (but you may have a point)

True, but the dark guy in the middle of your final picture definitely stands out. I'm very pleased that the charioteer from the arena 4270 made a comeback as commander of the new galley! :love:

Me too - he IS gorgeous! :love:
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: StJohn on October 11, 2016, 08:39:58
I have plenty of the old shields (...)

I wish I'd known! They are SO expensive nowadays (0.60 € a pop, up from 0.35 € before, which might interest GrahamB ...). Too late now. :(

Best wishes
StJohn
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 11, 2016, 08:41:23
I wish I'd known! They are SO expensive nowadays (0.60 € a pop, up from 0.35 € before, which might interest GrahamB ...). Too late now. :(

Since I really like the romans, I got quite a few  ::) from parts.... And now I wanted to trade the shields in a group or two. I don't really plan to make more groups of those same klickys...
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Ismene on October 11, 2016, 09:42:59
Thanks for the reviews! It's always great to see new sets up close. I definitely want the set with the well. I'm debating Cleo and Caesar. They look lovely, but I'm not fond of those non-sitting klickies.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Oliver on October 14, 2016, 17:48:12
Thanks for the reviews! It's always great to see new sets up close. I definitely want the set with the well. I'm debating Cleo and Caesar. They look lovely, but I'm not fond of those non-sitting klickies.

I feel the same about the Cleo figure. I'm not big on the skinny non-sitting klickies, and I'm not sure what advantage they have over the older skirted figures.

I've tried to resist the Roman's so far, I've only got a couple of chariots. Though the ships are very pretty....
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Rosebud on October 14, 2016, 21:29:12
Sorry for the interruption. I normally just lurk to check some of the reviews and Tahra's are great.  ;D

And there's the.... I suppose those are meant to be grapes.
(compared to sylvanian  ::) )

The purple/blue grapes/eggplant is ... interesting. Nice part to have for no reason except ohhh pretty color.

I think those are actually supposed to be dates, palm dates, you know, the fruit. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark has a great reference to them.  :P  :lol:  And very much related to the Romans/Egyptian theme.

Pictures of Dates:
https://www.google.com/search?q=datte&biw=1366&bih=677&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgFuLQz9U3yDVIT1biArHKkowtyyu1BP1KS4oySzLz84IzU1LLEyuLAQnBBcwrAAAA&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwih4Ib0mtvPAhXBpYMKHTRgB0kQ_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=dates (https://www.google.com/search?q=datte&biw=1366&bih=677&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgFuLQz9U3yDVIT1biArHKkowtyyu1BP1KS4oySzLz84IzU1LLEyuLAQnBBcwrAAAA&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwih4Ib0mtvPAhXBpYMKHTRgB0kQ_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=dates)

Although I agree that grapes (green and purple) are sorely missing from the playmobil range too.  :-\

Anyway, thank for the reviews, and now I'm seriously considering StJohn's idea to combine my old galley with the new one.  ::)  :hmm:
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Tiermann on October 14, 2016, 23:35:14
Interesting possibility, dates makes sense.
Nice to see you Erendira!
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Macruran on October 15, 2016, 13:48:47
I am always on the lookout for Ancient civilians and the new Egyptian theme has some great ones! Looking forward to them.

Has anyone translated the hieroglyphics on the pyramid?
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Justindo on October 22, 2016, 01:55:04
Great pics and reviews, Tahra!  Thank you!  :)

I'm thrilled that Playmobil has decided to re-launch their Ancient History Theme, as the Vikings and Romans are what got me back into Playmobil as an adult.

I agree that the Romans, save the add on family, Caesar's nice new cuirass printing, and the historically accurate ballista, are a tremendous disappointment, although I'm still glad to see Romans again, even if in the same form.  Unfortunately, nothing is really new here except the scutum and its design is inferior to the original.  I would have really liked to have seen Playmobil change or add to the Roman's color scheme with some green auxiliary soldiers and/or some black or blue Praetorians, all with matching new shield printing.  Even better, Playmobil could have given us some Greek and Spartan Hoplites with a new helmet and shield design.  The Roman chariot is particularly disappointing, as Playmobil could have given us a different color, namely white, so we would have had the four original Roman racing colors.  The Egyptian chariot is not as impressive as the original, but it looks more appropriate for a non-pharaoh, so it will be good for building a chariot corps.

The Egyptians definitely fare much better, looking more ornate than the originals, although I personally prefer the simpler originals for army building.  I don't think I'll be creating another Egyptian army with these new ones, but I will pick up at least one of each type of klicky and I will replace all my older cowhide shields with this new scarab beetle one.  The Egyptian family, well, camel soldier, pharaoh's treasure, 3 soldier pack, and Caesar and Cleopatra sets are all especially nice.  The pyramid looks like it pales in comparison from the original, but I'll probably buy one of each set in the theme. 

As is often the case with Playmobil, I'm happy they are releasing these sets but on many of them I think they could have done a better job.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on October 29, 2016, 17:09:05
(apologies for the delay.. still catching up!)

I agree that the Romans, save the add on family, Caesar's nice new cuirass printing, and the historically accurate ballista, are a tremendous disappointment, although I'm still glad to see Romans again, even if in the same form.  Unfortunately, nothing is really new here except the scutum and its design is inferior to the original.  I would have really liked to have seen Playmobil change or add to the Roman's color scheme with some green auxiliary soldiers and/or some black or blue Praetorians, all with matching new shield printing.  Even better, Playmobil could have given us some Greek and Spartan Hoplites with a new helmet and shield design. 

Well.. looking at it from our situation, yes. However, if you don't have any romans, they should be red, you know?  Of course, that doesn't explain all of them being twins. I hate that. I think it's lazy and silly. At least.

I think that there should be a set with different ones, even if some were the same (they are, after all, perfect - hairs excepted!).


The Roman chariot is particularly disappointing, as Playmobil could have given us a different color, namely white, so we would have had the four original Roman racing colors. 

That is true.


The Egyptians definitely fare much better, looking more ornate than the originals, although I personally prefer the simpler originals for army building.  I don't think I'll be creating another Egyptian army with these new ones, but I will pick up at least one of each type of klicky and I will replace all my older cowhide shields with this new scarab beetle one. 

Agree.. Basically cause I DO have an egyptian army already.. But I like the idea of replacing those shields.

Just want a bunch of camel things to make the camelry (I do have the camels too).



The Egyptian family, well, camel soldier, pharaoh's treasure, 3 soldier pack, and Caesar and Cleopatra sets are all especially nice.  The pyramid looks like it pales in comparison from the original, but I'll probably buy one of each set in the theme. 

Yeah, it's much smaller and half a pyramid... Though it is pretty and all.


As is often the case with Playmobil, I'm happy they are releasing these sets but on many of them I think they could have done a better job.

That is SOOOO true.


Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Wesley Myers on October 29, 2016, 20:30:11
I am glad Playmobil has brought historical sets back and finally taken the time to put Egyptian and Romans together with Julius Caesar.

However, the figure with the lorica segmentata is a couple of centuries out of place.

All the Roman soldiers should have the chain mail and they should also have sputum that are rounded.

Not to mention a totally different helmet.

Like this:

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0288/8306/products/wgh-cr-01_caesar_s-legions-with-gladius_grande.jpeg?v=1397473523)

Whereas figures with armour and shields like this are from a couple of centuries later:

(https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-20219e79fe511c1aae4290ac9c038424-c?convert_to_webp=true)


As for the Egyptians of this period, they are Ptolomeic (Greek Successor) as when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt (as with all countries he conquered) he put one of his generals in place as the ruler.  In this case Ptolemy Soter.  Here is a bust of him:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Ptolemy_I_Soter_Louvre_Ma849.jpg/800px-Ptolemy_I_Soter_Louvre_Ma849.jpg)

As for Cleopatra (really Cleopatra VII) she really looked like this (a bust of her from the Altes Museum in Berlin):

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Kleopatra-VII.-Altes-Museum-Berlin1.jpg/800px-Kleopatra-VII.-Altes-Museum-Berlin1.jpg)

She also had red hair, by the way.

As the Egyptian army was Greek Successor they would have been armoured as Greek hoplites.  (They had been under Greek rule for 250 years by the time Cleopatra VII came to the throne.)

Romans vs Egyptians at this period would have looked more like this:

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2e/61/58/2e615886aa5af3fbe26d71a121796f01.jpg)

History should be historical.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: StJohn on October 29, 2016, 21:58:53
Thanks Wesley for the exposé and pictures!

PM Egyptians is strongly based on New Kingdom iconography, and of course cannot do without a(n Old Kingdom) pyramid.

You're right that Cleopatra was by descent a Macedonian, but her dynasty and state / military had taken in a healthy dose of native Egyptian elements over the centuries of their Egyptian rule. With no more overseas territories to control or recruit from, Cleopatra's army presumably turned out more Egyptian than Greek, ethnically speaking. Whether this had implications for equipment and battle tactics, I don't know.

For a concise and up-to-date discussion of the Ptolemaic army, I recommend Christelle Fischer-Bovet (http://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199935390.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199935390-e-75/).

Best wishes :wave:
StJohn
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Macruran on October 30, 2016, 23:08:52
Wesley I agree it would have been great if the new Roman theme had been Caesarean/late Republican style troops, and the new Egyptians Ptolemaics. Would have clearly distinguished the line. However this new series is a lot of retreading and fan service, so they are matching it to the previous (brilliantly executed) theme (hence all the lorica segmentata) as well as making it even more Hollywoodlike (i.e. matching pop culture conceptions, instead of being historically accurate). I think hoping that PM will give us the accurate historical themes we want is a forlorn hope.

The new Greek gods are AMAZING though!
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Birdie on November 05, 2016, 19:21:46
Fabulous reviews, thanks a ton :wow: I love that gold dog statue and sarcophagus  :love:

Sorry for the interruption. I normally just lurk to check some of the reviews and Tahra's are great.  ;D

I think those are actually supposed to be dates, palm dates, you know, the fruit. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark has a great reference to them.  :P  :lol:  And very much related to the Romans/Egyptian theme.

Oh I thought they were prunes!
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: Lindama on November 13, 2016, 09:17:12
Thanks for the reviews.

I am absolutely bursting with hope that they will eventually release sets such as a villa, temple and more civilians. It would be amazing.
Title: Re: History Sets 2016
Post by: tahra on November 13, 2016, 15:30:42
Fabulous reviews, thanks a ton :wow: I love that gold dog statue and sarcophagus  :love:

Highlights, yes :)

Oh I thought they were prunes!

That'd make more sense than grapes - I mean, considering the result.

I am absolutely bursting with hope that they will eventually release sets such as a villa, temple and more civilians. It would be amazing.

Uhm.... How optimistic of you.... I wish. But I don't really have that hope :(