Why LEGO Star Wars Fans Complain About Clone Troopers | On My Mind No. 2

I am an ally. I am content with what we're getting, but it could absolutely be more.
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[@JdR3108]

This is one of the most calm ways this issue has been expressed and it gives the necessary context to understand the issue. I feel like most (newer) fans, who often dismiss this "issue", don't know what the standard was earlier and what one could ask from Lego. This video points this out perfectly. Thanks for that

[@PenPlays]

You're very welcome. If you find people who fit the description you mentioned, send them here. I'll be glad to keep people informed.

[@cutestcreeper569]

I have been building Star Wars sets since I was 8, or in 2015. I have no problem with the helmet holes, but I do think the waist capes should come back. I'm not super crazy about it though unlike the crazy perfectionists.

[@chrisluong0852]

@@cutestcreeper569The helmet holes look weird, otherwise it’s alright. A change on the 2023 clone trooper helmets that many people are not discussing, are the ring shaped area between the visor and the Mohawk. Compare the 501st clone troopers from sets 75280 and 75345, then you might see the differences (besides the helmet holes)

[@spencerboerboom4043]

​@@cutestcreeper569the issue I have is the fact that they were lazy with the helmets. No other figure that had helmet holes have the actual hole and a molded hole. Just the new troopers, it's very disappointing

[@Ian91911]

I cannot express enough how much I think someone that works at Lego needs to see this video. It’s so well reasoned and perfectly explains why fans are upset. This was great video!

[@PenPlays]

Thank you so much! Sharing it with people will help KZbin recommend it, and, who knows, maybe someone at LEGO will see it!

[@pronoun171]

After someone at Lego sees it, a suit will beat them into submission and explain why saving .0003 cents per clone will make the investors more money while they continue to raise prices even though inflation and the supply chain issues of the pandemic have stabilized

[@doktorsmiles2034]

They wont listen Lego doesnt care for anything that is not their money to stuff into their pockets instead of quality products

[@morgymomo8535]

Lego needs to do a minifiguers run, adding cool unique clones that may never get to be in sets like Fives, Echo etc.

[@F4PhantomGaming]

i think the reason they havent is that hasbro copyrighted star wars action figures (which minifigures technically are)

[@kptz4343]

Search for WM Blocks 501st clones. They are better than original legos and cheaper

[@roejogan5094]

I think there is an echo minifigure. I feel like I’ve seen it before

[@LoftOfTheUniverse]

Fives is in one now

[@Fridgemasters]

i think the best course of action would be to put the holes where they’re supposed to be and reinvent the visor. would’ve been so much better

[@PenPlays]

Might be easier for LEGO just to make a new helmet that works with the old visor. Wouldn't mind if they made a new one tho. It's not the best to represent Commander Cody's, especially.

[@baartys]

@@PenPlays I must say, that Cody is the last Clone trooper since the holes, which people should complain about. I mean he looks the most accurate of all these commanders we are getting lmao.

[@ICECAPPEDSKY]

@@baartysyeah to Legos credit the Cody Minifig was well executed. The new Fox looks awful though lmao

[@definitely_just_floating]

💯

[@alternatefuturemapping]

They should’ve never changed the previous helmet design

[@Ketchup_Dragon]

As a lego star wars fan I can say you covered everything and explained it verry wel. Bravo!

[@PenPlays]

Thank you very much!

[@baigled7085]

This video nails 99% of the issues I have with the clones. One thing that wasn’t mentioned is the inaccuracy of the prints. Back in the day, Lego would have 2 separate prints for P1 and P2 armors (since, y’know, they’re different). Nowadays, Lego uses one print for both that combines elements of them for a strange mishmash of designs that doesn’t look *bad* per se, but isn’t as accurate as it should be.

[@Xyzima]

Nah, it was Animated vs Realistic style not p1 vs p2

[@kevinmcmillin870]

@@Xyzima Yeah you’re correct this guy clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about

[@doctorcreeps2169]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@Xyzimaactually it was p1 vs p2, but only on animated clones which was accurate to the clone wars. on realistic style clones (and the original 2002/2005 styles) the torso style was the same on both p1 and p2 which is actually accurate to the films. the new 2020 style would be better if it had separate styles for both types but the blend of realistic (which is the same on p1 and p2 anyway) and animated does kind’ve work as the more angled yet still slightly curved design is a mix of all styles which is effectively what the new 2020 style does. it mixes everything into a single design so 2 separate styles aren’t needed anymore and therefore makes things a bit easier for everyone (or at least i believe thats what they were going for)

[@Xyzima]

@@doctorcreeps2169 eh, the p1 to p2 animated style difference is very tiny

[@doctorcreeps2169]

@@Xyzima still a difference nonetheless

[@MandRproductions]

I still can't believe they've fallen this far :/ great video.

[@PenPlays]

At least there's still room for change. Thanks for the kind words.

[@ianpatrick2472]

Hi mandr

[@skullofglory10]

...But...Look at this from a child perspective, Legos are toys, And the helmet holes let them be customized however, As for waistcapes? Well, Now they can sit with it without bending a cloth, And can be posed more, I'm a clone fan, And while I understand others want accuracy, I'm just glad we get clones again with new builds, Pieces, Sets, And the ability to customize them, Creativity is a wonderful thing, Especially in children! So these ones are pretty darn good! Not movie accurate, Sure, But to be fair...They gave us battlefront troopers, A large AT-RT, And kashyyk droids in a set that seems to take place on definitely not kashyyk!

[@MandRproductions]

@@skullofglory10 I'm not gonna front, LEGO is far from a kids toy now. Designers know this, consumers know this. Rationalizing some of the worst design choices in LEGO Star Wars history for the virtuous cause of "children" is just wrong. Things were fine for 15 years one way... but now look awful "because kids" when LEGO is less "for kids" than ever.

[@skullofglory10]

I think they should compromise by removing the fake visor holes, Extending the height of the well...Lines leading up to the holes, And leave the holes in, I can see why i came across as virtuous...But i'm speaking from experience as someone with 5 child siblings, 3 of whom are hardcore clone wars fans, That and, Well, To be fair...I personally dunno why the designs get so much hate, Like, I grew up with the early 2000s clones and whatnot, And then the later ones, And now these ones, I get it, They look inaccurate, And are missing details, But...To be fair, It isn't like they're going to make the troopers look like those customs, All and all...I dunno, Man, I feel as though the lego star wars community is freaking out for no reason over something as simple as a clone. I get it, Having something you have a connection with being messed up can get on your nerves, But i feel like people are being too harsh about this, I, Personally, Get it, Lego should put in effort, But i feel like what we have is already good enough, And, I mean, Even for collectors and MOC builders like myself...I dunno, I guess we're not that vocal majority on youtube, Talking about how we hate this or that. But, Eh, I guess i AM the guy ranting on a youtube comment section to a guy who's known to buy lots of lego. So, I s'pose i'm not really one to talk...But uh...Yep, MASSIVE rant over, Have a good day...Army building, Or collecting sets, Or whatever it is you do. I'm off to build a kamino mess hall for my clones! :D

[@Lucas-sf6km]

6:05 it’s neither. It’s simply marketing. Everyone can claim things about their products to sell said product Also about the printed kamas and helmet holes: these things don’t/didn’t happen because the designers don’t need to care. There wasn’t a new helmet mold because lego knew people would buy it anyways. Same with the kamas. They wanted to make the 332nd bp 27€ for godsake. Because people would buy them anyways. Don’t like it, don’t buy it. That’s the only way you can make change happen

[@jbarnett9776]

My first complaint, I'm totally fine with the holes on the helmet as long as they're used. Either by macrobinoculars or a visor. However, when you add rangefinders and flashlights to the helmets it looks out of place because the attachments are way too high up. Not only that, the entire shape of the Phase 2 helmet is completely botched just by adding those 2 small holes. It's also affecting prints on the forehead of the helmets. The 212th and 332nd Clone prints look worse than the original ones Lego made a few years ago and custom markets has "fixed" the 212th helmet print from the ATTE. My second complaint with the new Clones is of course the kama. Kids aren't dumb. When we had a Darth Vader or Emperor Palpatine minifigure it would be common sense to remove their capes so they don't get damaged while in a tight spot or sitting down. Todays kids can do that with the Clones as well. You have to add the kama on before you put the torso and legs together so it would be painfully obvious that in order to make your Clones sit down, you'd remove the torso and legs, remove the kama and reattach the legs and torso, it's that simple. My third and final complaint is the accuracy of the Clones themselves. Commander Fox and Captain Vaughn in the upcoming summer sets look terrible. Fox is missing red on his chest and his kneeguards aren't even red like they are in the 2008 Clone Wars show. Not only that, Lego is making his visor gray when it's supposed to be black and the printed kama on the figure is also gray, again it should be black and red. As for Captain Vaughn from the seventh season of the 2008 Clone Wars show, he is basically Commander Cody but blue. Lego has kind of replicated him by giving him the same torso as the Phase 2 Commander Cody released in 2022, however the prints are very, very wrong. Vaughn's abdomen and the 2 pouches on his belt are supposed to be gray but in the upcoming battlepack they are both white. Another problem with the Captain Vaughn figure is that his helmet isn't a regular 332nd helmet with a visor. If you watched the episode closely, he actually has dark red markings below the "eyes" and "mouth" of the visor, neither of those details are present on his 2023 minifigure. It sucks because I've been collecting Lego Star Wars for over a decade and it hurts me see how bad Lego is, especially when it comes to details and small errors, that when fixed, take the figure from a 20 to a 90 easily. I just really hope that Lego gets their head in the game and makes better Clone figures in the future.

[@ok-km9pf]

not reading all that

[@TylertheCC1010fan]

Fox's visor is dark gray, the lighting of some scenes just makes it look black, in scenes such as him arresting ahsoka you can see it's lighter than his kama, both phase 2 hasbro figures of him have the gray visor, in the vader comics it seems to be gray, tho the comics don't always get things right, and the magazine Star Wars Insider #130, released in 2011 before the release of Season 4 and the onscreen debut of phase 2 Fox, includes a photo of a render of his phase 2 armor clearly shows it's gray, Fox's phase 2 visor is gray and always has been, but the kama, lower chest and kneepads are indeed wrong.

[@julienvalley28]

@@TylertheCC1010fan It hasn't always been grey, phase 1 fox does have a red visor according to several pictures from tcw on wookiepedia, although I cannot attest to the lego fox as I haven't seen pictures of him yet.

[@TylertheCC1010fan]

@@julienvalley28 yea phase 1 fox is dark red, but phase 2 fox has always been gray, phase 1 lego fox was gray purely because at the time the clone trooper accessories only came in black or gray, with black accessories only coming in like 2, maybe 3 sets, dark red visors do exist but weren't created at the time, which is why phase 1 Cody also had a gray visor, they also had gray kamas which at the time where hard plastic and where packaged with the the visors and rangefinders, along with floodlights, clone specific pistols which lack the scope, and hard plastic animated style phase 1 pauldrons, all of which where the same color, and where mostly gray.

[@nekipeh7373]

"We're are just toy figures, sir. We're meant to be badly made" "Not to me"

[@PixelPieceProductions]

I think another reason why this is such a controversial issue is because the fans of the Clone Wars show in 2008 have grown up and are looking for that same quality they got from sets in 2008-2013. LSW went from being a toy, to a hobby for many adult fans (like myself). Here we are 15 years later, and LEGO has been releasing clone wars sets again for a few years. They have a massive range in market, ranging from kids to adults. Things have changed a lot since 2008-2013 era of LSW though, and they have to meet the standards. Older fans that have grown up want quality, and sadly LEGO isn't producing it like they used to. Whether they like it or not, younger/new fans will never understand the nostalgia of being a LSW fan in 2007-2013, when life was fun and easy for us. These little details may not be a big deal to them if they were born before or in that era of the Clone Wars, but they are important and LEGO should fix them. If they did, I believe young/new fans wouldn't even notice anyways, but older fans would. Even speaking from a marketing perspective, fixing these helmets and kama issues would be a huge W for LEGO.

[@DemarcationMedia]

I do want to point out that the helmet with the holes IS a new mold. They didn't just mod the old one. If you look at the back of the helmets in particular there's a lot of different details. Thank you for pointing out the rangefinder position on the 501st pack!

[@zachduperron8543]

The new clone figures to me aren’t as great as 2014 and even 2008 or 2005. I’m very passionate about the designs of the previous clone minifigures before the design changes. The holes is just a new thing that seems to set the new figures apart from previous years, unless the holes are just a fad but I’m sure they’re still gonna be around. People take criticism of some of the downgrades as complaining but our voices need to heard to make things right and mend the quality of future clone trooper minifigures.

[@Grandof-the-PentastarAlignment]

I don't think there is much to save through criticism though. Prices of single figures and 20-50$ battlepacks keep climbing and with the print designs not matching older collections anyway, there is nothing making what Lego is currently producing worth it or attractive aside from being able to order the sets very easily (though at high prices compared to before). I rather go full custom decals on blank body parts. A real aficionado will want to use custom blasters either way so the one thing Lego has a monopoly on are helmets and only when you willfully ignore that there are countless manufacturers of reasonably priced alternatives. Call them customizers, chinese online shops or bootlegers, they all use the same methods in manufacturing and the product is 99% identical between each other and Lego.

[@9tz768]

well dont buy them

[@Hanshotfirst6688]

The 2014 212th troops look far superior to the 2022 version. I’m very glad that I stocked up on the 2014 troopers back in 2014

[@zachary8833]

I think the biggest issue really comes down to that these are premium products at a premium price. Lego is far and away, one of the popular most toy ever and the top dog in their field, no question. It feels like they kind of just realized that people will just buy it regardless. (Self admittedly i am a part of the problem.)

[@areiosbleidd5139]

Yes, bc in the same time we are pissed about those matters, and happy that they started making more clones again, after years of neglect and we are buying them like crazy 😂 we cant vote with out wallets for the changes, without voting againts making more clones, so frustration grows

[@omarbaba9892]

The worst part is that they couldn’t be bothered to update the printing machine to take into account the new helmet shape which means all the helmet prints are distorted and look horrible

[@andrewfollette5342]

I think you made the most reasonable way of describing these issues and criticisms, whereas a lot of other people have been going on a rampage about it. While I mostly disagree about the new helmet, as I actually think it works completely, the kama is something I can totally agree with. I would propose that we keep the front printed ones, but add a new cloth shape for the waist, like the one on Mime Joker in the UCS Batwing. The old kama going around the front corners cause an articulation issue in my opinion. I'm also thankful that you brought up how there will always be some level artistic license with minifigure proportions and lego's general artstyle, because that's what I find appealing about lego. A lot of the hyperdetailed custom figures just look ugly to me, as they cram so much detail on a form that's not meant for it. Personally, I think the new clones mostly are the best they have ever looked, a good blend of the clone wars and live action designs.

[@PenPlays]

Definitely agree with the purist/custom comparison. I'd hate for the Clones to be too detailed, but I love when they have a reasonable amount

[@joshuamueller3206]

What about the fabric kama? The legs moved well there in my experience. The plastic one forced them to penguin walk.

[@andrewfollette5342]

@@joshuamueller3206 the fabric one kinda worked but it did wear and tear on me and I have only had a figure with it for a couple years. It’s because it doesn’t just go down the sides and back, but also a bit in the front. That’s why I think the cloth piece from Mime Joker combined with the legs we have might work the most

[@mysterybroz4810]

Since the helmet holes are where they are because of Cody’s visor, I think if visor helmets just got there own dual molded piece and normal helmets got holes in the correct spot that may fix that issue. I don’t care too much but I know to others it’s a big deal.

[@lucasbosier6808]

Should we expect a response from lego? I think at this point that’s the question we should be asking, I remember when solid brick studios got an interview with the lead designers and I think the lead concept artist and he asked a few similar questions about quality of product and they were like fishes outta water, they acted like they’ve never heard of these problems.

[@PenPlays]

The only time LEGO will ever respond to something with a post, would be if something controversial from all aspects would occur. For something like this, asking that from them would be a fool's errand. The only response we'll get is if they change the designs in time. Takes about two years for them to process feedback, and since this only really started to get serious in Summer of 2022, we likely won't see any change until Summer of 2024.

[@bluehero-96]

​@PenPlays Which seems silly since the easiest change is to simply remove the warts under the helmet holes.

[@AJVfilms]

This is a very good way of explaining the current state of clone troopers and the criticism most fans have against how they look now. The waist cape thing honestly bothers me more than helmet holes since it feels like something is missing when looking at figure from behind or sideways.

[@matthewcozon4686]

I’ve asked people on the Lego Star Wars subreddit to please explain what they’re angry about and have just gotten snarky comments and downvotes. Thanks for actually explaining it.

[@PenPlays]

You bet. That was my goal. Something easy to follow along with and share.

[@lilbubz2803]

“Lego fans complain too much, ya’ll are babies” It’s fascinating to see people be actively opposed to wanting better quality products. They literally have nothing to lose and have everything to gain. If I had to guess they’ve attached their personality to their hobby, so any attack on Lego is an attack on them.

[@PenPlays]

They're the people who will behave the exact same way about their own fandoms, and just choose to ignore that.

[@Akhen.]

That was the best and most professional video on lego stuff ive seen in a good while, good job! One last thing (that i dont think you mentioned?...) is the fact that lego costs alot. Some of these figures come in really expensive sets. This is a premium product with a premium price...

[@PenPlays]

Thank you for the kind words. Price is definitely a huge factor, but there’s just so much to discuss on the matter that it deserves it’s own video. It’s also a given as a LEGO Star Wars shopper too. But man the quality you get for the price, at least on the minifigs is…somethin else

[@baconatorman3770]

I loved this video. I found myself agreeing with almost of what you had to say. I too like that we’re getting so many clones, but wish they could be they best they can be. I hope you make more videos like this one in the future!

[@PenPlays]

Not sure if explaining complaints will be a constant thing, or whether it will always be about Star Wars, either, but I'll definitely put my best effort in whatever I do next. Thanks for the kind words.

[@cutestcreeper569]

I honestly actually want LESS clones. I like the clone figures, but stormtroopers aren't getting the love they deserve because of that.

[@kentslocum]

This was the best video I've yet seen on LEGO's slipping quality control. More people need to be discussing this important topic and holding LEGO accountable. As you mentioned, LEGO does listen to the fan community (such as they started putting some transparent clear windshield pieces in separate bags to prevent them from getting scratched up). The other major issue that comes to mind is the noticeable differences in coloration of dark red pieces. Some dark red pieces are clearly a different shade than other dark red pieces, when they should be consistent.

[@Fishysalmon02]

Kamas and printing are a problem, but I wholeheartedly support the holes themselves. Lego is a building toy. Customization should be priority. As a matter of fact, that's also the same reason physical kamas are so important

[@PenPlays]

Oh. No, holes should be there, it’s just they could be applied better

[@devoursilent]

just got back into collecting lego clones again, honestly im fine with them having holes.

[@PenPlays]

As I said in the video, it's not about the holes existing, it's where they're placed. The parts they used for customizing them is not meant for them, and is more a compromise than a solution. Which sucks, cuz they could be even better!

[@HTS_Editor_Jack]

My take on this issue is that LEGO is a high-end quality toy manufacturer. The prices have always been high, and they always will be. With recent price hikes which have left fans feeling like LEGO is more expensive than ever, (although accounting for inflation, that is only marginally true) with LEGO prioritizing budget on other factors as well as minifigures, (more new parts, sustainable packaging, their Adults Welcome Icons line…) it makes people feel like the quality is going away, whereas, LEGO is using their budget on advancing areas many fans would not have prioritized. These criticisms are valid, because as customers who pay a high price for these toys/collectables, it is understandable to be alarmed when certain aspects aren’t up to our expectations, however, despite that, I do not partake in vilifying The LEGO Group, as understanding the nuance of the situation, (such as that hardcore AFOLs and TFOLs aren’t LEGO’s key focus) is of far more interest to me in order to better find the flaws with which LEGO is more realistically suited to mend.

[@boogie1434]

They are pricing their key focus out of the market right now, parents aren't going to buy kids the Lego sets they want if it's price hiked by as much as 30% with no additional value and don't even get me started on how expensive they make 4+ sets.

[@FHT1883]

Lego is the biggest toy company on the planet and their sets are extremely fucking expensive (even more nowadays) - and because of this there is absolutely nothing wrong with demanding premium quality for the premium^2 price they are demanding.

[@DilbertChan]

The problem for me is LEGO set a standard of quality for Clone Troopers in the 2010s. The last cloth kama included with a Clone was in 2020 with the 212th Airborne Trooper; afterwards, that standard LEGO set for themselves dropped unceremoniously when the cloth was stripped away and the kama printed on. If I wasn't already familiar with Star Wars, I wouldn't be able to tell what the two vertical lines printed on the Clones' legs were supposed to be. I asked a friend recently if he could tell, and then showed him a Clone with the cloth kama for comparison, and he was shocked at the difference!

[@bgees]

Most of the people who make a sound on the helmet hole are those resellers who intend to sell old minifigures. I think a Battlepack like this is more worth the money than buying old minifigures from a reseller.

[@Impo8816]

Me personally I don’t want a new helmet mold, cuz then all the armies of p2 troopers have built would look weird if diffident helmets would suddenly appear so yeah and I think the helmet holes are not THAT bad, I mean it ads more customisation opportunities which I like

[@CommanderKilo-g4r]

While the clone trooper design these days has some cons to it, I’m hoping this is a learning/experimental phase for LEGO, seeing the feedback in regards to things like the helmets, waistcapes and helmet holes, what is working and not working. Some decisions LEGO makes like how they executed Captain Vaughn I have questions about. I’m not a LEGO designer and in their shoes, so I don’t know what their limitations are but I wonder why they skip out on some details or where they pull their source material from sometimes.

[@jaimelopez4396]

They won’t fix the clone issues because they’re going to sell regardless. They can produce the bare minimum and people will buy it regardless

[@samszeto7303]

Good video, and very calmly explained without lots of shouting, clickbait and calling Lego "lazy"

[@PenPlays]

I appreciate you watching. Thanks for the kind words

[@callummacey983]

remove the unsightly shadow printing on the cheeks, sort the unsightly helmet holes out and fix the poorly printed markings. Give us fabric kamas again. If clones need dual moulded legs, give them dual moulded legs.

[@PenPlays]

I’ve heard a lot of negativity about the shadows. It’s interesting to hear

[@callummacey983]

@@PenPlays it’s just strange. sure the shadows often appear ‘naturally’ in the shows but it’s because of the physical topography of the helmet which casts the same on the minifigure helmet because it’s got the same shape. it would be like painting shadows under bits of a dolls house even though the shadows would cast the same under a room light as the real one would with the sun

[@firebirdbricks]

Great job summarizing this issue! Hopefully Lego will improve on the product. I am happy that we are getting so many variations of clones, but I think everyone would be even more happy if these issues were taken care of. A few minor fixes and things would be just about perfect! As much as it may not be enjoyable, Lego should receive the feedback from the community and act on it, whether they like the delivery of the feedback or not. It can definitely be harsh at times, but I think their lack of communication around this makes things worse. Any brand that really listens to fans and addresses their frustration/betters their products ends up doing much more business in the long run.

[@PenPlays]

LEGO being as private as they are makes it tough for them to respond, but I'm not sure them being owned by the public would either. They do act on things, but it takes them way too long. Usually two years, and the helmet holes, for example, were not an issue until Summer of 2022. That means we'd have to wait until Summer of 2024 for any results, if there even will be any.

[@leeprice2849]

Lego "Only the best is good enough" It would be nice if they took that more seriously. They have been very lazy at times or cheap.

[@mattshelton7423]

Especially for the price of some of these sets, we definitely deserve to be getting actual quality minifigs.

[@jarplego7201]

Great video👍🏻 im from Denmark and have never seen the danish sign for “Only the best is good enough” - but a real translation would be “The-best-is-not-too-good” Hope this helps😅

[@PenPlays]

Yep, and thank you! The translation to English is loose so that the same weight is given to the perspective LEGO has. That ending of "...not to good" can be read different ways, several of which aren't the best, hence why it's translated so different.

[@bi-product]

I’m a clone fan, but if I hear one more person complain about helmet holes I’m drilling a hole into my head.

[@itsjustawatermelon714]

As a former kid. I had the brainpower to understand that I can take off the waste cape

[@j.francisward1897]

I understand why LEGO put the hole there, rather than make a new visor mold/attachments, and its so all the attachments will have compatibility across the mandalorian and clone helmets. That being said, LEGO is perfectly fine making one-off molds and new pieces all the time, so it would not be a huge stretch for them to just continue making two helmet molds, one with holes for commanders or special troopers, and one without for the rank and file clones. Between that issue, the false advertising on their boxes, and incorrect/misprinting (notably on the 212th) it gives the impression that LEGO knows they could do better, but just doesn't for whatever reason, most people assume for money.

[@achillestycoon-mh2ss]

I think another issue is that with the more expensive sets that are targeted to adults there is a quality drop, such as the upcoming Rex in the 650 dollar venator being completely inaccurate. There is the argument that Lego is for kids, but sets such as these are targeted to adults and they do cost a lot of money. So the inaccuracy of the clones suck even more especially since it is a legacy character such as Rex in a ver anticipated set such as the venator.

[@PenPlays]

It arguably is the most high-quality Rex we've gotten. With everything going on tho, it still could be so much better, and that's why it doesn't feel as good. Especially for a set that expensive.

[@cisfan]

I like adding visors to lots of clones and other attachments and I prefer the holes so I can add accessories to any clones

[@conquiscortez6372]

I’m happy that they’re making clone troopers

[@awesomepants184]

Im a huge lego star wars fan. Ive spent thousands on it but i feel like people are over reacting a bit. "The 332nd troopers triangle doesn't come to a point. Its complete garbage."

[@PenPlays]

Most of them come to that conclusion because, in the past figures with patterns like that would be printed just right. It's wanting the same quality they used to get, rather than asking for something they never were getting in the first place.

[@Spartan-bl4pq]

I like the holes, I can make my own clones of each class in each color

[@PenPlays]

I like them too, I just wish they were handled a bit differently, like I said in the video

[@Ripvanwinkle29]

I really like the way you addressed this issue so many fans are whining and slating Lego and it comes across as so entitled, smug and immature however you have calmly explained the issue and have changed my mind on the issue.

[@PenPlays]

I’m glad I could do that for you. Sometimes explaining things calmly is what’s needed

[@Jared-Jones]

If we ask enough for Lego to make a “pilot” battle pack maybe we can finally get all the commander figures. “Doubles as pilot”

[@omarbaba9892]

It’s because the designers are salty OT fans who hate the prequels😂

[@epicsshadesmaster-animatio4398]

To be fair some of the clones can be inaccurate but for me I never had many clones as a kid so I’m am just super happy to see them in common now

[@michaelyoung7261]

The missing quality in stark contrast to their mission statement has often confused me, but never as much as in the last two years. I’m glad that a few different factors have come into play to reduce the amount of lego that i buy, which is a boon to my wallet

[@ToyotaCamry.]

Honestly I would imagine the people at Lego are exhausted with adult Lego clone fans complaining as there decisions make a lot of sense from a toy perspective and cost perspective. Adults simply aren’t the target audience and although we sometimes get our way it’s important to remember who these toys are truly made for

[@PenPlays]

Are you saying kids shouldn't have the best they can get? I'm not asking to get rid of the holes and removing playability. Watching the video will help make that clear.

[@ToyotaCamry.]

@@PenPlays i understand your point but I think the printed capes make sense as when I was younger I would often accidentally rip them or lose them and as for side printing Lego is already pretty expensive and that would raise the price

[@EnjoyerOfCastle]

I feel like just redesigning the visors and moving the holes to the correct spot would look good

[@lordzox5926]

with the orientation of the nobs where the accessories should be, it does fall short but looking at captain rex, the position lines up with where it should be on the helmet. essentially the latest phase 2 mold without the holes was still bad because of the positioning. but since there were no holes before it didn't really matter. I understand recycling/re-using things to a point but also as said in the video, you'd think they'd have the budget to make the new mold with holes in the right place and the positioning proper. good video honestly. I'm glad someone takes the time to explain such things for people on the outside. as a massive lego star wars collector I appreciate this

[@albertohidalgo7284]

So it could be possible to file a lawsuit against Lego for false advertising, after all you don't get what are you paying for

[@BlinksAwakening]

I feel like these issues would only upset the biggest of Star Wars fans that also take Lego way more seriously than any normal Lego fan.

[@tom400iq6ft]

You should’ve gone over the real scandal here. Lego’s laziness and shortsightedness is what destroyed the printing quality. It was perfectly fine on the original 501. Why? The helmet mold was largely the same as 2014. In their infinite wisdom, rather than make a new visor piece to work with hole slots in the appropriate location, they simply drilled holes into the a modified existing helmet. The new helmet is thus distorted on the top (compare side by side from the back), and causes their printing on the helmet to fail. Remember guys, if you “complain” about this, you’re just a manchild!

[@macinnes800ad]

My issue with the clones is that Lego obsesses over making remake after remake, different moulds and prints of clones - but the droids have been using the same peices since the start - even going back on using printed peices on some of the droids like the Commander Droid and Security Droid - not even mentioning the sheer ridicuolsness of the Magna Guard being made in 2 sets and selling for around £30 over here. Plus, the quality of the legs on B2s and Commando droids is abysmal, constantly snapping and requiring replacements to be bought. Oh! And also the X-20 Tactical Droid thats only been sold in 1 set, which now sells for something like £60 on the low end. Idk, seems like some attention could be diverted from all this clone stuff - because like you said its upsetting when Lego messes up things we care about

[@lesgrossman6332]

“Kids wouldn’t know how to take them off” That has to be the dumbest excuse. If they knew how to put the waist cape on the figure, surely they can figure out how to take it off.

[@PenPlays]

You would be quite surprised. Hardly an excuse for something like this, tho. It’s why I offered a solution anyways.

[@UpstairsAtrocity]

Small theory, but what if the rangefinder on the officer in the battle pack was a prototype that had 2 holes. One for a visor and one for a rangefinder

[@PenPlays]

Since the image is digital I assume not.

[@the_messageman]

I appreciate your open-minded view on these different controversial LEGO topics. It’s very educational and has served as inspiration for some of my videos. Thanks for your insight!

[@PenPlays]

No, thank you for the kind words! Sometimes what's needed is some civil conversation to get things figured out, and that's always been my goal

[@the_messageman]

@@PenPlays You’re welcome, that’s exactly what the LEGO community needs right now

[@terrified057t4]

What I don't understand, why is LEGO cheaping out in so many areas? They know people will buy clones, so why bother with marketing, advertising, printing, designing anything. Just throw something together and send it out? I often see the argument stated "LEGO is a company, a company is for profit, not satisfaction of the consumers" but how far can that run? Just churn out enticing products for profit? What happens when people get fed up with the products and only the loyal whales dish out the money for it? Should not be that a company works its hardest to retain its consumers, satisfying their wants with whatever is required?

[@Arc77crA]

Honestly I don’t think the helmet holes are an issue, they’re fine tbh and trade aesthetics over functionality My main issue is the quality of printing and lack of waist capes which have no excuse to be absent or lacking

[@alderkm7901]

Succinct, to the point, and a simple listing of the issues that present themselves over time. Great video, especially for non-Lego or non-Star Wars customers/fans. Another issue is that the new holes only look fine with the visor pieces as they help cover the side areas, but the rangefinder attachments are very poor. They require force to push into the holes and they cannot be moved without falling out. Even the Phase 1 troopers of recent months didn't have that problem. I feel like the issue with the kamas/waist-capes can be easily handled if Lego provided a pick-a-brick style purchase option for either online or in-store shopping. Just buy a number of cloth pieces (be it capes, waist capes, etc.) for a set price and BAM, fans and older collectors could just buy the missing pieces, Lego can make more money, and any concern dealing with younger kids is mitigated.

[@PenPlays]

That’s a really smart idea. I feel like the only way to entice LEGO these days is to show them the money. Thanks for the kind words

[@TheManBehindTheSlaughter6669]

the UCS gunship was also a slap when they decided to put out a poll of who people wanted in the set and then disregarded it.

[@MrScaryPasta]

It’s sad that a multi billion dollar like LEGO spends thousands on printing and molding, yet they can’t even create canonically accurate Clonetrooper helmets. They did it with Phase 1 twice. They did it again for Phase 2 Captain Rex and even for the ARC Trooper sets! IS IT REALLY THAT HARD to make film and TV accurate helmets?! 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@The_Nü_Wave]

I'm sick of everyone getting so angry over lego star wars

[@PenPlays]

It's why I made a video like this. Something level headed explaining what's going on with reason, rather than with anger.

[@eduardpaven2802]

Lego has a problem with pauldrons too!

[@thebrickbiker]

Great video! I really liked the way you approached this subject!

[@PenPlays]

Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

[@iraanderson5042]

It’s simple, if Lego listens to the fans, they will make far more money

[@BenTheTiger131]

When the AT-TE set with the 212th getting Holes in their Helmets, Now a days I don’t care about the Helmet Holes on my Phase 2 Clones.

[@lego_minifig]

My main issue is that they don’t really make plain standard clones anymore. An army doesn’t look as impressive when every uniform looks different. In the rare occasion I decide to buy minifigures or sets now, I would much rather just purchase older minifigures/sets off eBay rather than buying a new set. Clone wars era sets (when the tv show was airing) and earlier are the only ones that interest me now as I feel the designs just look better (though that may just be nostalgia speaking)

[@camoking3609]

idk how you feel about this, but there are some good rumors of a new battle pack featuring generic standard clones

[@austinluce9767]

In my opinion they're just clone troopers the perfect there way they are.

[@gbj6581]

Just thinking out loud, but could one solution to helmet holes be that lego included small little white plastic plugs that simply pop into the holes to cover them up? Pull em out of you need to put a range finder on for exampme.

[@PenPlays]

It's a good idea on paper. The super small pieces needed to do that would be easy to lose. They'd still look like strange dimples on their helmets too, which is also part of the full issue as well.

[@MandRproductions]

The issue isn't the lack of plastic within the wart. It's the wart.

[@Fartmart14]

I think you forgot the part to mention that Lego should totally give me free clones

[@craftmastr]

I thought we all already knew that LEGO Star Wars aren't LEGO Star Wars fans

[@johnsimone]

Literally sums up the problem with Lego and clone troop problem. This video needs to blow up in the Lego community, like hellooooooooo🤦🏼‍♂️

[@PenPlays]

I’m glad you feel it sums the situation up well. If you feel this needs to blow up, the best way to encourage that to happen is sharing it around yourself. KZbin will recommend it more, and maybe someone at LEGO will end up seeing it.

[@Sev3617]

The helmet holes themselves don’t really bother me too much, it’s how they are affecting the helmet prints that really irks me. After seeing the 332nd troopers prints being very inconsistent with the holes, it’s pretty obvious that the holes are causing the issue. Same with the new 501st battlepack. I picked one up and two of the prints on the helmets were laughably bad. They look pretty decent with the visors but when you attach the rangefinder to the helmet holes they just look ridiculous cause they’re up too high. The removal of cloth pieces for the legs is also pretty upsetting especially considering the printing is only on a very small portion of the front of the lake which just looks odd. It’s really sad because I mostly dig everything else about their current clone troopers. I think the new visor T shapes for the prints they’ve been doing look pretty cool to. Gives the Lego figures a distinct aesthetic while still looking like Star Wars. Not that I’m necessarily trying to defend Lego, they’re a multibillion dollar corporation and the fact that they’re cutting so many corners is laughable.

[@xguy2950]

But do they print it first and then the hole or is the helmet with hole being printed❓(if lego focus on fixing the print people wouldnt complain much unless it those people who want accuracy when the style isnt💀)

[@Tiishen]

Are you sure that's not just a coincidence and confirmation bias? Because not only have I not gotten a misprinted/misaligned clone helmet with holes yet (and I've got like 20 of them), I really don't see how the hole could possibly interfere with the printing process, it's not like they're in the way or anything. They're off to the side where there has never been any printing Not to mention that misprints have been a thing on basically every other helmet. It's by no means exclusive to clones, clones are just what people buy a lot of, so the bigger the sample size the more errors you're gonna find, even if the error % remains the same across the board.

[@xguy2950]

@@Tiishen true even the helmet without holes did had some print problems where the blue didnt match with the visor(2 out of 4 of my clones from one set)

[@Sev3617]

@@Tiishen no, I bought 2 501st battlepacks (2020) and the lines were all more or less perfectly aligned, the officer in the new 501st packs helmet was horribly misaligned, the left side bowed away and touched the fin, meanwhile the right side bowed outward far from the fin and the highest point of it is higher than the left side, it’s laughably horrendous and the 212th troopers in the ATTE have the same issue although doesn’t appear quite as severe as the 501st troops or the new 332nd pack which prints also bow farther away from the fin

[@RedSun446]

I haven’t bought any clone trooper set in a while, and the decals for me are why, the 2013-2018 Decals with the AOTC/ROTS accurate printing was so good and was honestly the perfect design that shouldn’t have been changed and they made the Clone Wars animated designed mini-figs alongside a separate entity, so when they showed the 501st set with the new decals back in 2020, I was disappointed, they made this weird amalgamation of the Clone Wars animated design with live action, and imo it just doesn’t work, its weird that the clones ended up this way, because even with the new Stormtrooper helmet mold, they still did their best to make them movie accurate and didn’t make this weird Rebels Animated live-action hybrid trooper, The printed waist capes are bad, they cut corners when they didn’t need too, and what I also don’t like is lego has been doing this particular process for awhile where they make a specific number of legions for the clones and then they move on to a new artstyle, so as an example my disappointment for the 501st minifigs in 2020 is partly because we didn’t see the 501st in the 2013-2014 Decals (not counting the clone wars minifig that came with the AT-RT and Z-95 sets) I wish lego would just make a list of all the movie legions and just make sets about everyone of them before moving on to a new minifig artstyle etc.

[@Grandof-the-PentastarAlignment]

Not having been able to enjoy 501st clones in 2002-2007 or 2013-2019 is my biggest gripe in all of this. I wanted to play with those in 2005, not with Shocktroopers, 327th or these stupid Swamp clones that are actually 442nd Siege Battallion and only exist in online promo images. So many sets with so many clone variants in all these years but much of what we got is entirely pointless, not the major legions that actually played roles in stories. Who is actually happy about Bomb Squad and Geonosis Camo Phase 2 & Airbornes? They could have made Geonosis camo ARFs or at the very least Phase 1s to mimic the com troopers.

[@atiredgoblin9861]

Jangbricks says it well. "We are paying premium prices, for premium pieces of plastic. They should be done to premium standards." At the end of the day Legos are toys and I get that, but the price that we pay, and the love we have for these franchises, should warrant some better quality control and care. Especially with UCS sets, and when we have seen they are capable of better quality in the past.

[@ICECAPPEDSKY]

I would’ve honestly preferred the plastic waistcape rather than the printed one by a long shot. Then keep the cloth pauldrons

[@stroy2467]

Basically they half a**ed it and now they don’t even put blue arms on the 332nd clones.

[@mattwhelan13]

the new helmet mold baffles me. I don't see why LEGO can't release a set with helmet holes for the figure that's supposed to have a visor and the normal helmets for the other troopers, they must still have the old mold, surely. I haven't bought any new clones since the helmet holes. How ironic that Cody, a figure that was desired by fans for so long, ended up ruining the design of his brothers

[@Megalon-qc8pf]

I have a problem. THERES LIKE NO DROID SETS BUT SO MANY CLONE SETS!

[@gateworm2903]

I agree with the issue on the helmet holes. They should have placed it where the circle part is and should have designed the new microbinoculars around that. The 'OG' commander visor is too big anyway so they should have used the opportunity to make a completely new mold to also accommodate the position. Sadly it's kind of too late as they've released so many now with it, it would hurt if they completely remade the helmet. But might be best if they did a minor change with the hole position and new attachments to fit it.. Making kamas printed is definitely a downgrade by miles... I think it's a cost cutting thing which doesn't make sense when they're making peak profits. So it's got to be 'greed' which goes against their motto with quality.

[@claytonnighthawk7837]

This was a very well written and delivered video but I still do not get the rabid dislike for helmet holes, or even more than minor dislike personally. I think the P2 helmets look the best they have ever looked and I am just super happy that all helmets support customization considering we get 4 visors and 4 range finders in every set that even has 1 clone with them. I can barely see the issue with my eyes and its only really evident in macro pictures of the helmets. Even in a world that had 2 or 3 separate helmets with 1 hole for a range finder right on the round bit where the range finder is supposed to go and helmets with dual holes for visors, possibly a helmet with no holes we would still have the problem of not having the right helmet when you wanted it. In this world we would have to also people complaining about how much a clone trooper costs because to have 3 different helmets when you could realistically have just 1 means a ~3x price increase of each helmet because each of them would probably require a different mold. Certainly 2 different molds, 1 for plain and range finders, and 1 for visors. I agree completely with the rest of the video especially about kamas, I really wish they'd do more sets with cloth ones, possibly redesigned if necessary.

[@PenPlays]

We should absolutely continue to have helmet holes. The hope is that they can go in a different, less intrusive spot on the piece. Customization is very important for the clones, after all

[@kerotomas1]

Sadly the only way nowadays to get nice clone minifigures be that regular trooper or something special is to buy custom figs. Basically all Lego made clones look utter junk no exception.

[@FyreNano]

Seems silly how butt hurt they are over a toys that costs a few dollars lmao

[@PenPlays]

They don’t cost a few dollars. That’s the problem. The blue clones in the video come in sets that should be $15 tops. They’re $20 at most retailers. Some have them for more. Commander Cody, comes in a set that is $140. Also, yes, it is a toy, but for kids and adults alike, shouldn’t they be the best they can be?

[@omarbaba9892]

Bruh do you know expensive this shit is?

[@dvizual]

Now we just need the stormtrooper helmets to revert back to the better ones

[@bambostarla6259]

I think the helmet holes are fine, they allow more customizability! We only had that for 3rd party phase 2 troopers, and to have it on standard lego clones is a great thing

[@PenPlays]

That’s precisely what people want. Like I said in the video. People just assume fans want them gone. Makes no sense to do that. People just want them moved

[@bambostarla6259]

@@PenPlays Yeah I agree. They could be improved. Lets also consider that the 2014 phase 2 clones were peak design. What I fail to understand is how people are so upset about such a little detail on a plastic toy. If you want accuracy collect action figures, if you want better clones you can also buy them from 3rd party companies that jave always made better custom minifigures than lego anyway

[@PenPlays]

The big issue there is that one single action figure, or one single custom helmet, can cost as much as an entire LEGO set. It’s why the action figure market is as fragile as it is at the moment, as the quality isn’t delivering for the price. Customs are also very hit or miss, so most people want nothing to do with them, and would much prefer the official source get it right the first time.

[@richardnixonpog9925]

Honestly considering the clone wars drought we were in for such a long time with the sequel trilogy sets I'm happy to finally get some decent customization options with the new stuff

[@adolfomclovin7082]

*"We want to save money on printing"* *REFUSES TO MAKE A SIMPLE PLAIN P2 CLONE, INSTEAD MAKES NEW LEGIONS AND COMPLICATED DETAILED PRINTS*

[@The_AGL_Group]

I’m just sick of Phase 2 clones entirely and want it to be easier to get a full set of consistent Phase 1 clones more easily, also thinking it’s gross negligence for Lego to make major named clones so rare; Rex is a major marketable character but he’s basically only been in four sets ever

[@ignaciorodriguez5636]

I also hate the new design of the printing of the phase 2 helmet as well as them using clone wars styled torsos instead of live-action styled ones

[@adamdempsey1585]

The thing is lego knows they look bad they are falsely advertising the printing on the helmets and where the helmet holes are on their box art

[@pclone5019]

That's the gist, although you did miss the part about colored arms on 501st and other Legion minifigs. Great vid.

[@PenPlays]

Slipped my mind as it doesn’t seem to be making the rounds like you’d expect it to. Important to note, however.

[@pclone5019]

@@PenPlays It's a relatively minor issue compared to the helmet molds.

[@chernobylcharles1625]

I honestly don't care even slightly about helmet holes, the prints however, they could definitely better.

[@zeratul____1228]

Honestly they should just reuse the old molds like the ones that were used in the Clone Fighter tank and just save the new one for when a character is shown having acessories. That way you can have the best of both worlds and don't have to alter or make any new molds. Honestly I don't really care about the helmets the bigger issue for me is simply the lack of waist capes, and how aweful their bandaid of a solution is. Printing it on just looks pathetic and ruins an otherwise amazing figures.