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General => Report & Review => Topic started by: Martin Milner on April 21, 2010, 18:17:11

Title: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Martin Milner on April 21, 2010, 18:17:11
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review006.jpg)

I wanted to get this tower to expand my "Medieval Fantasy" theme, despite reservations about the construction system. As suspected it uses the Clip system.

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review023.jpg)

As designed it is completely non-customisable, and difficult to disassemble once constructed. This limits the number of these towers I want to one, and makes me wonder what Playmobil think German children do with their toys when playtime is over. The major (i.e. only) benefit of the Clip system is that it makes for very rapid construction, with six pieces forming the bulk of the tower: three rock base pieces, the tower body, and two pieces forming the gun platform at the top.

The larger pieces were just rattling loose in the box, resulting in some surface abrasions.  ::)

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review022.jpg)

There are some stickers to put on, ten for the five-sided top platform, the tower door, the gate dragon's eyes and a lava pool at the bottom of the tower.


(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review008.jpg)

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review016.jpg)

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review007.jpg)

The castle has four denizens. The leader is the Wizard Benedict, who is not Evil, just misunderstood. A very nice figure, and unusual, with runes playing along his lapels, and a high-shouldered cloak and a two-piece hat.

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review010.jpg)

His lieutenant Gunner mans the dragon-defence cannon on the tower roof, and carries a big sword in a special scabbard across his back.

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review014.jpg)
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review018.jpg)

His second-lieutenant Scout carries a specially-shaped shield and two swords across his back.
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review011.jpg)
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review012.jpg)

Most importantly, he is the rider of Wings, the tower's green dragon. The smallest of the Playmobil dragons to date, about the size of a horse. His wings are fixed but his legs swivel, and his head twists and mouth opens. The neck joint is NOT a ball and socket, thus limiting the head movement. It is not clear to me why they chose this sort of joint. At first I was disappointed at his size, as this is totally unclear from the box and catalogue artwork, but I now see it as a good thing.

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review013.jpg)

Scout lacks a lance or spear of any sort, so aerial battle is not his intention. He is intended to do reconaissance for Benedict, and report back unscathed and unnoticed. The unusual shield shape now makes sense, as it tucks neatly between the dragon's neck and wing.

If I were still a ten year old schoolboy Scout and Wings would be be travelling to school with me everyday in my bag or pocket, and reporting back to Benedict on the evils perpetrated by the teachers.

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review019.jpg)
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review020.jpg)
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review021.jpg)

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review019.jpg)

The bottom of the tower hides a glowing blue crystal, the heart of the dragon, behind a dragon's mouth portal.

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd97/Martin_Milner/4836review009.jpg)


Overall the set is well designed, and does what it does very well. It just doesn't quite do what I'd like it to do. I'd like to be able to redesign the tower myself, and that just isn't possible. The current design and figures stimulate the imagination to an extent, and then they limit it.

Set 4835 forms the other major half of the Dragon World theme, and I will be reviewing that soon.
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 21, 2010, 19:22:25
Great review Martin!!! Thank you for clearing lots of things i could not cover in my thread!!!
How did you learn the names of the characters????
I really enjoyed Scout and Wings!!! And now that I know what to make with the shield I'll carry them with me everyday to work!!!  ;D ;D ;D
The blue flame i think is called the breath of the dragon...The heart of the dragon is in the other bigger set 4835, a sword and shield embedded on a stone!
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Gepetto on April 21, 2010, 21:44:14
Great review and photos Martin, thank you!!  :wave: I really like the looks of that Benedict figure.
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Richard on April 21, 2010, 23:28:57



I wanted to get this tower to expand my "Medieval Fantasy" theme, despite reservations about the construction system. As suspected it uses the Clip system.

As designed it is completely non-customisable, and difficult to disassemble once constructed. This limits the number of these towers I want to one, and makes me wonder what Playmobil think German children do with their toys when playtime is over.

Overall the set is well designed, and does what it does very well. It just doesn't quite do what I'd like it to do. I'd like to be able to redesign the tower myself, and that just isn't possible. The current design and figures stimulate the imagination to an extent, and then they limit it.




Great review, Martin!

This was one of the sets that appeared to be of great concern to Mr. Brandstätter! He did not seem very happy to learn that it wasn't a SystemX construction set.

All the best,
Richard
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Martin Milner on April 21, 2010, 23:46:31
How did you learn the names of the characters????

Benedict is named in the Nintendo DS Knights game, but the other names I made up for the purposes of this review.  ;) I apologise for not making that clear, as Playmobil characters very rarely have given names.




Great review, Martin!

This was one of the sets that appeared to be of great concern to Mr. Brandstätter! He did not seem very happy to learn that it wasn't a SystemX construction set.

All the best,
Richard

That's very interesting Richard, presumably then Mr. Brandstätter has not cleared and approved the shift from System X to Clip, and is unaware of what his current design team are up to.  :o

This tower bears similarities to the 3665 Baron's Tower set. The difference is that that Steck set could be integrated with other Steck, or the parts rearranged or integrated into a different building, and this can't.

That may seem a good idea for quick profits, but I think in the long term this set will not sell as well as those old Steck sets have, nor have the same resale value.
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Lindama on April 22, 2010, 10:59:16
Fabulous review and photos! Thanks for that.

 ;D
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Giorginetto on April 22, 2010, 12:01:40
Excellent review , thank you . To hear these sets get abrasion when boxed as thry  are loose  ( my god !!!  :o :o :o :o) is a worry that will reflect probably on poor sales on ebay for boxed sets. i have a feeling altogether these sets and type of construction will not last very long  >:D >:D >:D >:D
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: WarriorOfToys on April 22, 2010, 14:05:05
Cool review Martin!
I was thinking of getting one of these sets myself, as it does look very intresting.
But I am afraid that I would be limited to getting only one...
Maybe if I didnt want the bigger one I could get two and connect them like the other castle is connected. However, I really do like the figures! (However much I dislike the castle design...)
The cloak on your first luitenant could make some awsome Elf customs. ;)
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: flatcat on April 22, 2010, 14:59:42
Excellent review Martin! :)9

I've never really seen this set before but looks rather interesting :)
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Justindo on April 22, 2010, 23:53:11
Thanks for the review, Martin.  I won't be purchasing this set, but I'm hoping to get Benedict from DS to use as a druid.
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Elric on April 24, 2010, 14:15:13
Nice review Martin.  I like the wizard and the little dragon.
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Elric on May 12, 2010, 13:10:08
I said in previous topics that I was not going to get this set. Well I did anyway. Just love these figures. The green dragons are my fav along with the wolf knights coming in at a close second.
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Gustavo on May 15, 2010, 17:22:31
Cool!
More than I could imagine, specially the riding dragon, and the reason for the shield shape, after all.

But, Martin ... "Benedict"??! :hmm: Come on! :P

lol!

Thanks
Wonderful pictures, as usual!

Gus
:blackhair:
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Wolf Knight on May 15, 2010, 17:29:07
Just had another look at Scout and Wings... Scout's head must be very clos to Wing's head so this holding shield stand can work!!!!
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Gustavo on May 15, 2010, 17:37:44
(It could be like Melimane Barad-Annamir ... Er ... do you have a "The Silmarillion" edition by you? :P Very useful :yup: ...)

(mel + man, barad + anna + mir ::) )

Or Iaur Fealuin ...

or Luinril Mellon (I like this one better! 8} ) It could be Luinmellon ::) ;D ...

"Ennyn Durin Aran Moria:
Pedo mellon a minno.
Im, Narvi, chain echant,
Kelebrimbor o Eregion
teithant i Thiw hin."

(LotR, vol. I)
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Wolf Knight on May 15, 2010, 17:48:49
(It could be like Melimane Barad-Annamir ... Er ... do you have a "The Silmarillion" edition by you? :P Very useful :yup: ...)

(mel + man, barad + anna + mir ::) )

Or Iaur Fealuin ...

or Luinril Mellon (I like this one better! 8} ) It could be Luinmellon ::) ;D ...

"Ennyn Durin Aran Moria:
Pedo mellon a minno.
Im, Narvi, chain echant,
Kelebrimbor o Eregion
teithant i Thiw hin."

(LotR, vol. I)

I stil have not read the Silmarilion :( :( :( But i plan to....
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Gustavo on May 15, 2010, 17:53:49
I stil have not read the Silmarilion :( :( :( But i plan to....

@Wolf Knight Some people don't like it. I loved it, back in 1992 :love:

-x-

@Martin Mate ... I was taking a look at the pictures again ... How did you make the jewel glow in the cave? :hmm: It certainly doesn't have a battery with the set ...

(hint You don't have to reveal your secrets, if you want to keep "the magic", like our friend Richard does ::) ... But it was a very good work! ;) )


Gus
:blackhair:
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Wolf Knight on May 15, 2010, 18:28:01
@Wolf Knight Some people don't like it. I loved it, back in 1992 :love:

-x-

@Martin Mate ... I was taking a look at the pictures again ... How did you make the jewel glow in the cave? :hmm: It certainly doesn't have a battery with the set ...

(hint You don't have to reveal your secrets, if you want to keep "the magic", like our friend Richard does ::) ... But it was a very good work! ;) )


Gus
:blackhair:

Gustavo the flame in the cave has battery and light in it...It was the 4806 ghost ship that had none...

I am sure i'll love the Silmarilion...I just never happened to have the time to get it and read it...
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Gustavo on May 15, 2010, 18:38:18
Gustavo the flame in the cave has battery and light in it...It was the 4806 ghost ship that had none...

I am sure i'll love the Silmarilion...I just never happened to have the time to get it and read it...

Battery?! Whoa! Awesome! 8}

---

I read it on a summer vacation ... I was in highschool. It didn't take long, but I would spend the afternoons.

It's a good thing that you will still read it, because it means you'll still be delighted! :love:

I recall having read the Harry Potter (first book, only & enough for me), one chapter a night before going to sleep, back in 2008, when I worked in a library counter ... To read The Silmarillion, even like that, would be much more exciting! :yup:

---

Back on the set, ... I love the door (in spite of it's silly upper shape ... well it _is_ a fantasy set, after all), it's very cool too!
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: CountBogro on May 16, 2010, 08:31:19
I must admit that these sets are definitly growing on me.

To be honest - I've always loved the klickies; they're definitly awesome. Allthough it would have been even better if at least 1 female would have been added to the mix.

I've seen the set as Saskia's and even though I still think that the towers look a bit cheap; I do start to see the charm of it all ...
Still; the major problem I still have is that they don't seem to be able to be disconnected again. In that case they do take up some serious space  :( - space that I simply don't have.

Bogro
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Wolf Knight on May 16, 2010, 08:43:05
I must admit that these sets are definitly growing on me.

To be honest - I've always loved the klickies; they're definitly awesome. Allthough it would have been even better if at least 1 female would have been added to the mix.

I've seen the set as Saskia's and even though I still think that the towers look a bit cheap; I do start to see the charm of it all ...
Still; the major problem I still have is that they don't seem to be able to be disconnected again. In that case they do take up some serious space  :( - space that I simply don't have.

Bogro

Space is a serious problem with them...I just took them out of the boxes and placed them all together in a big bag untill i buy a plastc box big enough to fit them...

Also a female klicky for these would be fantastic!!!!
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: AndrewL on May 16, 2010, 10:03:26
Also a female klicky for these would be fantastic!!!!

Hi Wolf Knight,

Do I detect a challenge there: create one or more female Klickies to go with the Dragonland theme?

I'm not sure I'd have the parts to do it, but I'm sure others out there do!

Cheers,

AndrewL
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Wolf Knight on May 16, 2010, 10:13:34
Hi Wolf Knight,

Do I detect a challenge there: create one or more female Klickies to go with the Dragonland theme?

I'm not sure I'd have the parts to do it, but I'm sure others out there do!

Cheers,

AndrewL

Its a challenge then!!!!  ;) Lets see what we can come up with!!!!  :) :) :)
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Elric on May 16, 2010, 10:49:01
Just put this set together yesterday and the kids and I played all day. They loved it. I really dig the turret gun. I will be getting the other set to go with this. A female klicky would be nice. 
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Ds dad on August 15, 2011, 14:34:40
Sorry to resurrect such an old topic. Can someone tell me if there is a easy way to partially disassemble this set. I'm looking for ways to make it shorter so that it will fit on our shelves. At 49 cm tall it is about 10 cm too tall.
Title: Re: 4836 Dragon World Wizard's Tower
Post by: Elric on August 15, 2011, 18:21:31
Only idea I have is to take the turret off. You could leave the base with the fires on.