LEGO's Failed City Theme

We all know about LEGO City and the theme that came before it, LEGO Town. But what if I told you there was a theme that hit shelves in between Town's 22 year run and the 18 year journey LEGO City is currently on... that being World City - this is the story of LEGO's Failed City Theme
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[@DZstudios.]

World city is famous for having really expensive sets in the after market

[@CarpetBanana]

Yeah he said that

[@jetbricksstudios5530]

He said that

[@RogerCharlamange]

Lego is famous for that in general lol

[@Nomadfilms_]

Yeah he literally mentioned that

[@Pigraider268]

I always thought "Lego City" was the rebranding of "Lego World City" and not seperate themes. I thought the title "World City" isn't quite catchy as just "City" and the logo wasn't that interesting either, so that's why they've done it :)

[@TheAutobotPower]

Me too, and made sense. Besides, some sets from early "City" and "World city" were practically the same with some minimal changes.

[@legofanaditya]

Kinda? I mean World City only had two designers, early City had many more

[@TheOtherGuys2]

I really liked the colour schemes of World City, and I liked the concepts too. I wish there had been more buildings and such, and any good things that weren't trains, but unfortunately for the theme, it was released at a time when Lego was all excited about the fact that it had just invented curved pieces, and had to put these big shell parts in every single set. That police car was mainly so ugly because it appears to be trying to use up some parts that were made for the Jack Stone theme. I like the concept of World City itself, it feels like it's a huge, international metropolis where everything's heavy and industrial, and as someone else suggested, just a little bit dystopian. It's a vibe I still try to achieve in my own Lego City.

[@Gameprojordan]

I had a set from this theme as a kid. It was a bank truck/swat van with a criminal on a 3 wheeled bike. Honestly I liked this theme overall. It had a sort of dystopian near-future vibe to it. Everything felt dark and gritty/industrial but also sleek and somewhat technologically advanced. Not to mention the authoritarian aspect with all the police/SWAT/FBI style sets. It really brought home the fact that you were in this monstrously large, overbearing and crime infested metropolis. Which is an extremely sinister, but somehow fitting vibe for a Lego theme 😂

[@jimmynuetronrblx8628]

I know, it was kind of intresting seeing a gritty, industrial Lego city

[@reprodcer]

Always preferred this theme over the first waves of Lego City. World City just felt more interesting to me as a kid, maybe because of the slightly cartoonish but also gritty look, especially on the box art

[@HT-vd4in]

I had a carpet in my room which was a billionaires private island (with me and my brother being the billionaires of course). The houses of the island were just boxes and of course the little island had a small fire station, small hospital and a huge police station (to protect our billionaires wealth of course). And we had many gangsters which regularly attacked that little island with their villain boat (from another room). We had lots of World city sets which perfectly fittes into that billionaires/ private island/ secret agent theme. 😊

[@sonicguyver7445]

I think World City was an experiment. While Town had all small and quaint setting, they probably wanted to test the idea of a sprawling Metropolis. It looks like a lot of the concept ideas I remember seeing for "The 21st Century." A lot of the police cars look more like the weird tiny cars from "Space Mutiny" or the classic "Total Recall." But I'm glad went by the wayside for City. That has a real Slice-of-Life modern city feel I like. Plus it gave us one of the greatest Lego games of all time, LEGO City Undercover.

[@LOTIL62]

They really should have included a set with someone like Blast Hardcheese.... Or was his name Buff Drinkslot...

[@sonicguyver7445]

@@LOTIL62 Big McLargehuge

[@XOFInfantryman]

I actually like the black & white style of Police sets, it gets them very US policing style Vibe, with the undercover van also having bit of Federal law enforcement fare. Entire series feels more american style for that matter and i think its cool, I'd very much enjoy revisit of such style

[@OurToyWorld]

The look is cool but the actual builds are horrendous for the most part imo

[@XOFInfantryman]

@@OurToyWorld oh i agree very much but i would be lying if i said i don't like anything out of it lol

[@rhcp8390]

The early 2000s was a great time for LEGO train enthusiasts. Between my brother and I, we had all of those train sets. I still own the train shed, which holds up surprisingly well 20 years later.

[@powercou]

Couldn't disagree more about the police vehicles. My friends and I were so amazed with the upgraded/smooth modern look and the 'dark night' FBI/secret agent inspired theme that was unheard of before World City happened.

[@WorldCityStudios]

Totally second this notion! The designs of these police vehicles also seem to fit right into the era between what Town Jr. previously was, and what City would eventually popularize, especially given what Lego bricks were available at the time

[@trontosaurusrex9532]

Another sub theme that i believe was part of Town,was the Outback. Had some cool sets.

[@LOTIL62]

Outback was awesome. Though there was some I don't know how it fit (the TV crew) all those sets were Bonza.

[@ShyGuyXXL]

The Train shed was really great and I'm sad they never tried to make another train shed since.

[@OurToyWorld]

I agree!

[@MayoHosko]

I don’t think it’s that World City is bad I just think they haven’t aged well. I think every World City set that isn’t for the trains didn’t have a big budget because LEGO was undertaking changes after filing for bankruptcy. The new CEO was wise to only employ 2 designers for World City because it cut costs and was good trial and error

[@ryanelliott71698]

That would explain a lot of things.

[@King011Productions]

They ABSOLUTELY NEED NEED NEED to bring back Lego town. It could be like the JR version of city, like basically simple builds with 1-3 Minifigs. It would be perfect for young kids but also filling up small bits of Lego citys.

[@LOTIL62]

As someone who loved LEGO since the 1990s, one thing i have to say the early Y2K era was rough on lego. I feel a lot of the sets were expensive and quite frankly, the buildings felt like they were going through what i call "Jack Stone syndrome", where the buildings were both pretty skeletal and minimal inside. Like, the sets which had buildings all felt like that Once LEGO snapped out of it later on, things got good. I would say that Jack Stone was one of the worst systems made and the deaign influence it has aruck around long afterwards in other systems. On the other hand it did give us the modern jet engine we see in various new airliners, and a larger fuselage we also see too... i rememeber looking at the lego magazines and remembering how hideous the buildings were, it was the dark ages of LEGO. Not sure how trains escaped it though, but loved it also conincided with the 4558 Metroliner re-release (as set 10001), which is possibly my favorite Lego train. Should be noted, earlier Lego police from the "LEGOLAND" era town used heavy black with some white as well. Another thing i hated about late 90s and world city era sets was that motorcycles disappeared seemingly, replaced by triwheelers. Hated that too. It made sense for systems like Res-Q, but looked goofy for a big city theme. You also mentioned a fire station missing. It felt like LEGO was missing a hospital and ambulance for a bit through the later half of the 1990 and this era as well. As a kid I wanted something like the 6666 Ambulance, and it wasnt until ResQ came out with set 6445 we got anything resembling an Ambulance.

[@Thekitty0706fan]

I had the bank truck as a kid, as well as the small car and i honestly really liked the sort of "Swat" style of the police, as opposed to the colorful ones, they fit well with other themes like the later batman ones, and i believe they even reused the bank car police figure torso for one of the first lego batman sets. The darker colors were more fitting for that enviorment. I do however remember vividly not liking the fact that the bank van had one regular door and another which was a locker that you stored the handles needed to unlock the van. This locker was so big that the figure sitting in the car ended up looking very awkward because his arm was getting forced up as opposed to his other one, which had more free space.

[@slycooper459]

I love World City

[@OurToyWorld]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts- did you grow up with the theme?

[@kailahmann1823]

There is more to the story. Back in 1997 Lego "reinvented" the Town theme, now aiming at 5 year old kids with extremely simplified builds - build quickly, play early. This theme died in 2000 and Lego had just nothing in that section for some years. So World City was trying to reinstate the classic mostly with the concepts of the early 90s. The all new City in 2005 however had a totally new concept with much more complex builds split into segments. This way they could attract a much wider age group.

[@O1sson]

Eyo, you're hating on the vehicles I wanted really, really bad as a kid 😅 I was stoked just to find the Police Heli in a store when what I really wanted was those police cars

[@user-Unknown781]

World city trains are just AMAZINH

[@BrickQueen]

Great video! I definitely had forgot about that theme!

[@NolanSchuster4]

1:42 I actually have one! The top right one is actually pretty dope to play with. I’ve since taken it apart and used the “glass” pieces in battle mocs but it’s cool to see that I have one

[@thelemmon]

The police station shown at 1:38 is THE BEST station of all time. 2014 was a good year for police.

[@ToraVanguard2004]

I would agree except the 2021 Police Station modular exists

[@cowboydup]

i bought that large fire boat because it looked like a warship. i just pretended the water cannons were actual cannons, and it was the "coast guard" protecting my town

[@liammeech3702]

The Armoured van's locking doors was really cool ngl

[@pandemoniuspanda]

Awesome Video! 👍I think it is a transitional 'stepping stone', and covered that aspect quite well. It takes you on a journey from that small Town to the big City, taking the Theme Logo for example, as it is a actual Road Sign pointing straight ahead to World City, as if you were driving and approaching the actual city limits. The first thing you come across being the Transportation Infrastructure, maybe crossing a bridge overlooking the harbor or train yards. Taking the train or riding the subway, The sets, perhaps being those things you had seen, the memories from that trip, all rolled up into one experience, your first time into the big city, ...LEGO's first time into City. While they may seem dated now, I thought it worked well for their time. I understand that people might not get the different police theme and visual contrast from normal City Units, but If you use a 'loose NYC style' example of a port city, they would actually representative of different groups/agencies. Harbor Patrol, the NYPD Transit Police, or other Railway Police and Security groups. As for the FDNY Fire Boats only being tied up at moorings, normally having only basics, Shipping Containers, Sheds, and boat racks (aka. No Fire Trucks). Just my 2 cents 🙃

[@f_low]

I love World City, it’s so fresh.

[@brickmanusa]

Great video as always brotha! Have a great weekend!🔥

[@northparkST]

As a huge fan of old Lego sets, I don't particularly see any problem with this theme. I think the sets are beautifully put together and iconic for any retro Lego fan. "Lack of quality control" is a bit of a stretch for me, but I respect your opinion.

[@Solbrick]

I liked the police sets and have most of them. The cargo train was my first train. Still being used in my towns.

[@OurToyWorld]

Wow! Thanks for sharing

[@osadniczek140]

world city was dark and griddy like half life 2 beta

[@MomentsOftheMagic]

it could have been a stepping stone to the new sets - great video!

[@starkillerdude1914]

Lego World City is a weird hybrid between 90s town and late 2000s city with both looks and design

[@OurToyWorld]

Facts. It’s very much a hodgepodge Theme- in terms of the sets, lack of direction, and while we’re at it, how about those FACES? Such an odd assortment of minifigures lmao

[@Gameprojordan]

I'd say City Center is more of a hybrid of town and city. It's the theme that came directly before World City and directly after Town Jr

[@legobuildert909]

World city was still good theme

[@Tai0474]

The train shed is a set I've always wanted, but these days I find it more cost effective to buy pieces at Pick a Brick and make a custom one or something. I feel that Lego used to have more creativity in the case of trains, now they release at most a station, a cargo and passenger train and a maintenance truck (sometimes), I feel that it is time for them to innovate on a theme more related to the extras, a bridge like the one in set 7937 or 10128 things like that. Another good implementation would be to let you buy the train individually, like sets 10157 and 10158, I would like that option as they allow you to complete the train, since the passenger trains are no longer like 60051 and now you have to buy another set to complete it with the two locomotives although of course, behind that I imagine there are economic decisions... so... idk

[@Starwarsawesomeeu]

I always thought world city looked more gritty and realstic

[@JamesBoxxy]

Great video! 🔥 Always had a soft spot for the World City theme! Got multiple of all the fantastic train sets and accessories, plus a fair few of the sets in the theme! While the police sets are rather bad, most of the other sets are really solid ~ offering some pretty cool 2000s parts that would be relatively unusual otherwise! I don't think Lego City would've been anywhere near as successful (especially in it's early years) if World City hadn't laid the groundwork! Just wish we got a couple more train related accessory sets within each 4 year cycle! 👍

[@JerryRBLX]

Dam bro your channel exploded fast last time I saw your channel it had a few hundred subs

[@OurToyWorld]

Thanks for the support! The growth this year has been incredible!

[@Marco1973est]

Interesting and informative piece on a theme I was not familiar with. Many points I’d have to agree with. Nice job 👍🏼

[@OurToyWorld]

Great to see you again, Marco. Glad you agree :)

[@FenNick1994]

I had the long police lorry thing back in the day!

[@waffler222]

Honestly I liked all the world city sets. Police sets and everything.

[@cykrypt1049]

that train shed is one of the greatest sets lego has ever made and i dont understand why they havent made more sets like that.

[@TheSoldierinus]

Though I never have the sets seeing lego world city gave me some wierd hodgepodge of mid 2000s and early 2010s nostalgia for me because I remember obsessing over it, which I think it’s due to the skybox which I really want a wallpaper for

[@theplasmatron3306]

Is it just me or does the Lego man's' face look more exhausted than ever now. I think toys, especially Lego people expressions tell a lot.

[@xotwod3254]

Yeah that grand central station looks horrendous lmao

[@halguy5745]

world city's design always seemed more futuristic, even cyberpunk, compared to family friendly looking town and city themes

[@OurToyWorld]

I mean, I think the main issue was that there wasn’t consistency. The police sets were darker for sure But then the trains were just trains lol

[@lordradam5409]

It is a real anger for me, that you can´t combine the baseplate of the coast guard HQ witch the normal ones.....

[@skythewolfgon5843]

I remember the train ones

[@maxidy1498]

I remember world city. I bought at least 2 sets from that theme.

[@OurToyWorld]

Thanks for sharing- what are your thoughts on the theme?

[@maxidy1498]

To be honest, its an improvement to the last subtheme of town. World city may not have the best builds but it's nowhere near as bad compare to town jr/city center from 1997-2000.

[@legobrickabrac]

It was an experiment by lego before City.

[@theend1555]

World City is insanely nostalgic to me. Had all the police sets.

[@Starwarsawesomeeu]

Ah i remember world city

[@AIFT_Staff]

I wouldn't call police station "bad", it's more cursed than bad. Like, why police station itself and 1 car is futuristic, but others don't? Why prisoner had orange suit? Or set 7033, why policeman had bulletproof vest?

[@darthharry]

The Lego Book states under the timeline, 2005 - "Lego World City is renamed Lego City" city is seen as a continuation of world city rather than a successor theme as far as i can tell

[@roachmusic700]

was gonna like but you’re at 420 likes, don’t wanna ruin that for you😂

[@mattsmocs3281]

World city would have easily done better if it had more buildings. After all now buildings are proving more popular than the over abundance of vehicles which fans are sick of because of so many vehicles clogging up everything

[@Danplays3000]

I want lego to make a trains theme

[@user-ts7eg4ln5u]

Well I like the police sets

[@MrJimheeren]

Hmmm I had a lot of sets from this series actually

[@mynameisgustavo7662]

I like World city and city and I have world city police station

[@Tupiaz]

The police uniforms used to be black in the 80's and 90s, al though their buildings and vehicles where often white with some black. So the color combination wasn't totally of given the time period.

[@xotwod3254]

All black > blue and white color scheme

[@OurToyWorld]

If the builds were better I’d agree

[@renechristmann2607]

Lego 60246 Police Station is even worst then the world city set tbh

[@OurToyWorld]

They’re both 🗑

[@RobloxFilmsAndAnimations]

SWAT Van is prob the only good one

[@OurToyWorld]

for police? 100%

[@Elliottblancher]

Lego City started to get worse after 2020

[@stud_sidious]

Recently it’s been LEGO CITY “facade” theme…do you want 1/8 of a building?!?! We have the sets for you. 😆 In all seriousness I know it’s aimed at kids so I can’t complain. But if you want just the front of a bland building buy City.

[@SkyKid002]

Ur supposed to find them on heavy discount and buy multiples to combine lol

[@stud_sidious]

@@SkyKid002 they are supposed to be purchased as crappy gifts for 8 year olds 😂. They are marketed to a kids demographic. Even my nephews & nieces don’t want that theme. They ask for the other themes. I’m just being realistic. I understand some afols enjoy the theme but it is what it is. They aren’t marketed to bulked up…that’s what mocs are for.

[@SkyKid002]

@@stud_sidious you build mocs out of sets like these. Modulars are already complete.

[@TheAutobotPower]

My first lego set was the cop car 1:35 from this line. It was fun and wonky XD

[@thomasbernhoft1744]

Ssssssssssss

[@sir.confident]

Never cared for World City. I'm glad it was short lived.

[@tomzicare]

Black police stuff looks ways cooler than the bright yellow garbage we have now lmao.

[@OurToyWorld]

in all honesty I hate the new lego city color palette