2009 new knights

[gloobey]

I can be optimistic and think that perhaps this fantasy line is a hedge for the more historically correct lines, just as a bar will 'carry' a restaurant these fantasy lines which may be more financially lucrative can 'carry' lines with more depth but less marketability.

You might be right about this Gepetto. I can see kids loving this stuff. I definitely want Playmobil to stay in business. I tend to shy away from good guy vs. bad guy toys. I'd like to see Playmobil do the same.

[cachalote]

  lamborghini could also decide to start building and selling cars with wings and finns and jet engines and blades and shinning lethal extras.
  they could even "inspire" themselves in designs taken from blockbuster movies like batman series.
  ... and i am sure there would be a lot of "kids" loving them and buying them.
  ... and i am sure an explanation that this design path would save them from bankruptcy could be accepted.
  ... and maybe it woulb be a success.
  but they just don't do it.

[core]

fwiw a micro sample feedback from PM's target audience - our 2 boys 5 & 9 - responded enthusiastically to the new sets, especially the projectile-spewing weapons and new towers.  In addition, they have seen Mega Block's castle/dragon theme on the shelf for the umpteen time and it doesn't have any draw.

They also like the various novelties on the latest pirate ship (hide-away canons, etc) for the play factor (likewise the upcoming Egyptians) - so in a way PM looks to be successfully catering to their target audience.  The older one though has an eye on the steck-era knights, and is known to lament the simplification and "non-accurate/realistic" aspects of the newer knights (then again, I might have rubbed that off on him  )