The LEGO Universal Building Set theme, also often referred to as the 'Universal' theme, was a series of sets released primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. These sets were somewhat similar in concept to the LEGO Basic theme. The primary characteristic of the Universal Building Set theme was its emphasis on open-ended creativity. The sets didn't belong to any specific storyline or detailed theme, like castle or space. Instead, they provided a mix of basic bricks and some specialized pieces, allowing builders to create a wide variety of models from a single set.
1988 LEGO Sets
In 1988, LEGO continued to expand and solidify its position as a leading toy manufacturer. The year witnessed the continuation of popular themes and the introduction of new ones. One of the notable introductions was the LEGO Pirates theme, which brought a fresh adventure concept to the LEGO world, complete with pirates, soldiers, island settings, and unique elements like the iconic LEGO pirate ship. This theme was groundbreaking as it included new minifigure facial expressions, departing from the classic smiley face to showcase more character-specific emotions. Meanwhile, the company maintained its commitment to educational products, with the DUPLO line catering to younger children and Technic sets offering more intricate building challenges for older fans.