The Massive Samurai Code Lego Project

Lego MOCs come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the most remarkable are the also the largest. This is the Samurai Code; a gigantic MOC created by Ben Pitchfork. Just the cost to build something like this is something to marvel at. Thousands and thousands of Lego pieces make up this huge Japanese volcanic island. This project has a little bit of everything, a huge MOC, a Lego Ideas proposal, and time-lapse video.

Featuring an ancient shrine (or samurai dojo), a huge mountain lake, multiple waterfalls, a volcano, beach, rope bridges, islands, steep cliffs, winding paths, and lots of little secrets. This is a masterpiece.

The best part is the whole thing has been wired up with LEDs. Giving these twin peaks a whole new atmosphere in the dark. The lighting brings out new details, while creating dangerous shadows.

Lego Ideas Samurai Code

A piece of the Samurai Code has been carefully recreated as a Lego Ideas project. Go vote!

“Recreate the old tales of traditional Japan with a highly detailed, yet realistic model of ancient Japanese architecture. Featuring one model that you can customize into an ancient shrine or a samurai dojo. Includes a cherry blossom tree, 2 decorative lanterns, and 3 minifigures with a horse.

Designed with lots of exterior and interior details, advanced building techniques, and inside lights for displaying. Unlike previous dojos, this is geared more for adult fans and displaying. There is a detachable roof to allow access and play ability also.” — Lego Ideas

Time-lapse Video

Also, make sure to check out this quick time-lapse video of the project going from concept to finished MOC. It shows off some great building secrets, such as hallow mountains…

If you need more details and more photos of the Samurai Code Lego MOC you can find that over here: Flickr, Lego Ideas, YouTube

Lego Collectable Minifigures Series 13 (71008) Review by WhiteFang

Lego is on a roll with their Collectable Minifigures. The newest Lego Collectable Minifigures Series 13 (71008) has a release date of January 2015. Which means you can probably expect a few retailers to sell them at the end of December. So, make sure to save up your Christmas money because there are a lot of great figures. Series 13 continues the trend of extremely detailed Minifigs, while increasing the quality. These figures are still made in China but a lot of the production problems of the past have been worked out (slightly off colors, tight or loose connections, etc.). Interestingly, there is also some sort of code/contest thing going on with each figure. The only bad news is that these are at the, now permanent, price point of $3.99. Although some retailers (notably Target) may be selling them at $2.99.

Lego has made a few breakthroughs in Lego Minifigures during the Collectable Minifig theme. This time around there seems to be a breakthrough in cloth capes. Featuring multi-piece capes with color printing! Whoa!

As has been the case for the past few years Lego reviewer WhiteFang has received a full set of Collectible Minifigures early. This allows WhiteFang to be the definitive source for Minifigure reviews. Check out the full Series 13 review over on Eurobricks, it features part analysis, detailed photos, and commentary about the latest release. A full box of Minifigs will include rare, uncommon, and common figures. The common Minifigures include the Goblin, Carpenter, and Galaxy Trooper at 5 each per box. The uncommon ones include the Classic King, Sheriff, Snake Charmer, Alien Trooper, Egyptian Warrior, Evil Wizard at 4 per box. The hardest to find, rare, Minifigs will be the Unicorn Girl, Paleontologist, Fencer, Samurai, Disco Diva, Hot Dog Man, and Lady Cyclops at 3 per box.

Go check out the full review of the Lego Collectable Minifigures Series 13 (71008) Review by WhiteFang here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=99986

Shinjen the Samurai

Shinjen the Samurai is a wonderful Lego figure. Packed full of little details with amazing Lego building skills. Using a combination of Lego bricks, Bionicle and Hero Factory almost seamlessly. The design for Shinjin is based from the idea of a hybrid of the Chinese lion statue and the samurai. The green eyes, built with the Lego lime dome really help to sell this little guy. Using the balljoints for the hair/lion mane is another great unique use. And, the shingled armor around the waist is actually built with a piece I have never seen, but it looks good.

Check out Shinjen the Samurai, built by [Rhymes_Shelter], on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62087062@N07/9045299098/