Darkdragon Posted November 16, 2011 (edited) It's been a few years since Jurassic Park hit the big screen, and these new Dino theme sets are not based on the movie, yet they have brought back some fond memories for me. Since I got back into LEGO last year, I've been slowly collecting the various dinosaurs from all the retired dino-related themes. Some of the dinosaurs in the past range varied from strange to downright ugly with a few gems, of course. Will the new theme live up to the hype and impress dinosaur fans around the world, or will it fall quickly to extinction? Read on to find out my answer. Name: Raptor Chase Set Number: 5884 Pieces: 255 Price: $29.99 Ages: 5-12 Minifigs: 2 Theme: Dino Year of Release: 2012 (actual 2011) Box Front Here's a big scene for this small set. At least, that's the way I felt when I saw the front of the box. The box itself is a lot larger than I had expected for a $30 set. The background and graphics on the box, as well as the setup of the set, really make the set feel bigger than it actually is. This isn't a problem in my mind, just something I noticed. If I was a parent and purchasing this for a child, I'd really feel like I was getting a great deal buying this set. Box Back Ok, now the set feels even bigger and more action-packed. The back of the box depicts the interactive features of the set. The best scene on the back is the one where they lasso the Raptor and getting ready to tranquilize him. That scene is so full of action it really makes me want to play with the set and make roaring sounds. Box Sides The sides are very typical of any LEGO set. They have used the new style of large but thin boxes so that more room is available for artwork on the front and back, less cardboard wasted on the sides. Instructions Cover Very similar, nearly exactly the same artwork as the front of the box. However, the front of the instruction booklet does not have the same wow factor for me. Instructions Open The printing of the instructions is nice, as I've come to expect from LEGO sets. I have a bit of an issue with the booklet, and I'm not sure if this is simply the first time I've noticed or if it is something new. The issue is that the instructions are so long. For such a small set, I'd expect a much thinner book. This book, as you can see from the photo, has steps that only place one part. One?! I think even a child could follow more than one part per step. The problem is that it slows down building by forcing you to stop and turn pages so often, as well as using extra ink and paper. Stickers The stickers are nice. The printing is nice and I like the designs. I do feel that some of these could have easily been printed parts, which I really would have enjoyed having. Bag 1 & Raptor The Raptor body parts are packaged in the "Chinese factory" plastic bag, just like many other large molded and glued parts from other sets (specialty minifigure heads, Toy Story characters, etc.). I've included the Raptor parts with Bag 1 because the build is shown at the start of the instructions, right after the minifigures. Bag 2 Here you can see the big tires, and probably guess most of the truck will be built using these parts. Raptor Parts Outside the package now, it's plain to see the nice printing on our Raptor. The color scheme is just great and the use of standard Technic pin joints will make for many MOCs later. Even though the tail looks like it has a joint, it does not. I was disappointed by this, as I wanted to make a video of my Raptor wagging his tail. Bag 1: Dark Parts Bag 1: Light Parts Bag 2: Dark Parts Bag 2: Light Parts Raptor Build Straight out of it's own personal bag, we can almost completely build this guy. Looks like we'll need to break open Bag 1 to get that last connection for his head (black Technic pin). Our completed Raptor. I'm very pleased with the design of him overall. The paint detailing is great, the mouth opens and stays in the position I place it, and the arms and legs and head all swivel. The only two things that I would have liked to see are that the tail end section could use the ability to move that and it would have been neat if the head was on a ball joint instead of standard Technic pin joint (so that it could have more articulation like a Fabuland figure head). Minifigures What can I say but wow! I really like these new torso and leg prints. Not only are they great in the action theme, but I feel that the torso on the left will work in literally any current LEGO theme. The new leg print is very nice, I like the modification to the standard holder print and the addition of the compass. The bearded face is nice, but the real gem of the heads is the smug smiling scuffed-up face of the younger man. What a great face. Oh, and did I mention they are printed on the back too?! I'm not a big fan of that huge D logo, but the design of the clothing and other details on the back printing is great. Of course my favorite face from this set has a dual-sided head too. There's been a lot of chatter about this gun. The design is very simplistic, but it looks very solid and feels very solid. I'm looking forward to some military MOCs with the syringe replaced by something more scope-like. Outpost Complete The outpost is a simple build, I didn't bother with an in-progress photo because of it's simplicity. Most of it is built on one level right on the 6x6 plates. I do think that the designers did a good job creating a small addition to this set, it gives the set a bit more atmosphere and extra playability. Vehicle Build Here is something I found a bit strange. In all the other sets I have built, Bag 1 started and finished Model 1 and Bag 2 started and finished Model 2, and so on. In this set, however, Bag 1 has the builder starting the truck, which is what I'd call Model 2. This photo shows what we have at the end of the instructions for Bag 1. It's a strange little rainbow-colored vehicle. Vehicle Complete Ah, that's better! After finishing the instructions for Bag 2, we have a very strong truck with some great play features. The bright green missiles can be flick-launched at your brother Raptor, the turret can turn and the barrel of the noose/bait can be moved up and down. Of course it's a truck with some hefty tires, so you can drive it all over the place (hand-powered of course). Whole Set Here is the whole set together, I've set it up similar to the photo on the front of the box. Looks like they are trying to capture the Raptor and he seems interested in the bait. I don't see how anything could go wrong here. Conclusion Overall, I found this set a great value. We get this super-cool new Raptor, two minifigures with great new prints, a tranquilizer gun, two lime green syringes, and a very play-with-it-rough truck. All for only $30! I really like the yellow/dark-red color scheme and the dark tan minifigure scheme. The various greens used on the dinosaur itself are perfect too; it looks very natural and pleasing to my eyes. I have to say that, based on this set anyway, this theme is a winner in my book. Ratings Playability: 9/10 - Everything in this set is very much built for play. It's plain to see the designers had playing in mind when creating this small set. The playability of the outpost portion of the set is a little bit more difficult for my giant adult hands. Design: 9/10 - I really like the design of the truck itself. It is very sturdy and looks nice, so much so that I may keep it built. The design of the Raptor is wonderful, the minifigures are excellent, and even the little outpost looks nice. The only major fault I can see is that dinosaur tail not moving. Price: 8/10 - The price is good, though I would have liked it down to $25 since it only has two minifigures and isn't a licensed theme. Minifigures: 9/10 - I love these figures, the new prints are great and the new items too. I'd have scored it perfect if both minifigures had a tranquilizer gun (there are two darts, but only one gun). Parts: 8/10 - Overall great parts. Bonus Photo Looks like they got a little too rough trying to capture this fella. No worries, the nurse is here to help. Edited February 11, 2012 by Rufus Indexed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K-Nut Posted November 16, 2011 Where'd you get this? I live in Wisconsin, so I might be able to get it where you did. This set is probably my second favorite in the line, right behind the HQ. Is the hat a new color, or is it like the CM Cowboy hat? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darkdragon Posted November 16, 2011 Where'd you get this? I live in Wisconsin, so I might be able to get it where you did. This set is probably my second favorite in the line, right behind the HQ. Is the hat a new color, or is it like the CM Cowboy hat? Ordered from Shop@Home. I checked the local Toys R Us (still blows me away there is only one) last weekend and they did not have any of the new sets. I ordered from S@H last Thursday and the set arrived yesterday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Masked Builder Posted November 16, 2011 Great work Darkdragon! This set is on my list to get as I reall want that Green raptor. That and I need the dude with the hat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K-Nut Posted November 16, 2011 (edited) I was hoping it was at TRU. Hopefully I'll get this and the HQ this weekend. Great work Darkdragon! This set is on my list to get as I reall want that Green raptor. That and I need the dude with the hat. Great minds think alike, I see. Edited November 16, 2011 by K-nut Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Cam Posted November 16, 2011 This is such a fantastic review of a brand new series and set. Your images are top and I mean top notch. I like how you present your content and you cover the set from a good AFOL angle. Seeing these reviews pop up is making the dino series look very tempting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deinonychus Posted November 16, 2011 Great review. Let's me know what to expect from this when it finally arrives. Unfortunately, it looks like just another in the long line of uninteresting big-tired trucks. Still, it will look nice among the other vehicles in the theme, or being pulled to pieces by a Tyrannosaur. I think the other version of the Raptor looks a little better, but this one is still a nice looking beast, and that new head with the mustache/sideburn print is awesome. That'll make for some good American Civil War solder Minifigs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prateek Posted November 16, 2011 Looks pretty nice. Could you please take a picture of the gun with a telescope piece as a the scope? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rumble Strike Posted November 16, 2011 A fantastic review, darkdragon. Amazing pictures and very informative. I have to admit that I like the colours of the raptor in the HQ set a bit better than the green one here, so this set isn't high on my purchase list but would certainly make a good purchase in a sale. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpiderSpaceman Posted November 16, 2011 wait a min - raptor head fits on minifig neck? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darkdragon Posted November 16, 2011 wait a min - raptor head fits on minifig neck? Yes it does, if someone doesn't beat me to it, I'll get a photo when I get home tonight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mikeosaurus Posted November 16, 2011 Excellent review of an excellent set! I had planned to pass on this one, but now it has shot up to the top of my list beside 5885. Of course the raptor really steals the show here, one of TLC's best animal designs. The truck has some good bits but seems rather odd as is, in my opinion it would look far better with smaller wheels. That can be easily fixed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lordofdragonss Posted November 16, 2011 I'm sure that I will try to get multiples of this set, the dino is rea;ly oustanding figure! Thanks for great review! I'm sorry for the Raptor... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Algernon Posted November 17, 2011 This is my favorite set out of the new Dino theme. I love the design of the jeep, and the great figs and awesome dino make this a big win. Your review is fantastic, too! Very clear photos. Thanks so much for doing this! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lostboy1 Posted November 17, 2011 This is my favorite set out of the new Dino theme. I love the design of the jeep, and the great figs and awesome dino make this a big win. Your review is fantastic, too! Very clear photos. Thanks so much for doing this! Whoops, forgot to type something^ Great review, lots of useful parts in these. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darkdragon Posted November 17, 2011 Now who da Man? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ceroknight Posted November 17, 2011 That is pretty epic! At first I really didn't like the dinosaurs but I think I'm getting used to it! Thank you for the review! And that above picture is great! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
XimenaPaulina Posted November 17, 2011 Wow, lovely crystal-clear pictures. And a very good review overall, great job darkdragon! This is an nice medium-sized set, and is third on my DINO buylist behind the T-Rex Hunter and Triceratops sets. The Raptor is reason enough for me to get this, even if I'm not much of a fan of the jeep's design, though it could be a very useful parts source. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UsernameMDM Posted November 17, 2011 Thanks for the excellent review! I am looking forward to getting the raptor and vest torso minifig from this set. I can see this line selling really well for Lego. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhiteFang Posted November 17, 2011 Very nice review. Thank you darkdragon. The Jeep is very iconic and it kind of reminds me of the Jurrassic Park II scene where they are catching those running herbivorous dinosaurs. I will definitely pick this for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpiderSpaceman Posted November 17, 2011 Now who da Man? my reaction c. 2minutes ago: Yehehesomygodyehehessssss Thank you for that. I guess I need to buy one of these puppies now... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindicare Posted November 17, 2011 Great first review(or second, idk ) of this series. The whole thing is great, the figs are awesome! I really like the hat fella. I echo everyone else about the raptor. I could definitely see this as a multiple buy. What team doesn't have more than one vehicle in the convoy? Especially when you're hunting/trapping animals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pp7 Posted November 17, 2011 Interesting point about non-articulating raptor tail. For some reason, that didn't occur to me at first, possibly because lizards and reptiles are not as tail-conscious as, say, the feline or rodent families. Would have been sweet, though, particularly for a raptor! (Of course, if I had my way, the raptors would have feathers like chickens, their closest living relatives, but I'm a party-pooper like that ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
def Posted November 17, 2011 Very nice review! Top notch pics! I only saw some of these sets last week (I'm not so obsessive these days about "next year's line" anymore). Probably I don't like it nearly as much as Pharaoh's Quest, but it's still pretty interesting. The mini-figs have a lot of character, and the dinosaurs have benefited from the monster creation skills built up making tauntauns and whatnot in the Star Wars line. I'm sure I'll end up buying a few of the little sets of this series, and this might end up being one of the ones I pick up. Thanks again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jareth Posted November 17, 2011 Boy, I had given up interest in the Dino theme, but this has brought it back. I really like the modular dino, the figures are cool, the gun is cool, the truck is a little meh, but is looks good for parts. It still seems a little overpriced for me but, that's what sales are for. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
