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With the current excitement of the launch of these Pirate sets, I managed to complete an 8396 Soldier’s Arsenal impulse set review, a month ago. Right now, I will bring again another new impulse set review which is bound to excite the pirates’ fans with this new addition to the current pirate theme. Shall we walk through the live of this lonely pirate?
Name: Pirate Survival
Theme: LEGO System / Pirates
Year: 2009
Pieces: 17
Minifigs: 1
Price: USD$3.50, GBP 1.95, SGD$6.90
Resources: Brickset, Peeron
An image of a 8397, Pirate Survival
The cunning castaway Pirates have been spotted on the faraway islands. Fishermen have been sending in reconnaissance reports to the Imperial Royal Navy on a regular basis that some straggling sea rats are hiding and lurking in those areas. It’s time to discover what the essential survival kit is for stowaway pirates.
Another pirate impulse set army builder, for building up more Pirate crewmembers for their menacing ships. This set enable builders to expand more of their crewmembers by purchasing more of this and adding it to your crew count. This set does not offer much building experience. Instead it offered more useful accessories and parts which could be added to your inventories.
Mini Instruction Manual
This is the overview of the 8397 instruction manual. As usual, this is the typical size for an impulse set built. The building process is extremely simple. Most of us should be using the box art as a good building manual instead. Perhaps, we could use this miniature manual as a mini poster for alternate usage, like what I have done, by pinning it in my office cubicle.
Pirate's personal survival kit
Now, let us take a closer look on the stowaway survival kit. It seemed whenever there is pirate presence, there is bound to be some loot within their possession. In here, there is an emerald and ruby gem. A pick axe and wooden box is useful for treasure burial in case the pirate has to separate itself away from its loot when the authorities are closing in. A brown flintlock pistol is essential for protecting your back. Never trust anyone, even your own crewmembers. You will never know when you are sold out. There is a warm fire keeping you warm. You can use it to grill your small fish for your daily consumption. This is how a stowaway pirate maintains itself from dying. Lastly, beware of the slithering red snake lurking around looking for its victims.
The nasty lone pirate crew
Look at that rugged fierce looking pirate. He does appear to be dangerous looking with that beard and moustache on his facial. With that green rag or beret looking, a torn brown open vest and shabby green pants, his attire does look awful. On the other hand, you are able to notice his anchor tattoo on the right of his chest and a rope slinging over his body. The amount of detail done onto its torso is simply superb especially the revealing chest hair. You might want to note, that this minifig's head and hairpiece has appeared in 6241 Loot Island as well.
Comparison against former crew member
On your right, this is your classic looking typical pirate crew which was largely available in many Classic Pirates’ sets such as 6262 King Kahuka’s throne and 6286 Skull Eye Schooner from 1992 to 1994. He has a messy brown hair, matched with an eye patch on his left eye. This crewmember does lead a hectic life. While, the current looking pirate crew offer a much different looking, especially on its facial appearance. The newer looking face, does look much unfriendly compared to the Classic looking. Despite of such differences, the point which I want to bring across is, both minifigs could be integrated as part of the pirate crew regardless of their designs. Whatever the case, these are still your pirates’ minifigs that is giving your Imperial Royal Navy a hard time.
A shanty house set up?
This lone pirate sure knows how to make his ideal way of camping when he is out alone. A fire pit and a cooked fish which is enough to fill his hungry stomach but not his crave for rum. How about a bottle of rum included? I am sure it is much complete than the current set up. You don’t need multiple fire pits. Eventually, this set is broken up into useful parts for future modifications and parts usage. This is a great way to garner these parts for an affordable price.
What is your best buy for these precious gems?
This is not one of the best impulse sets, compared to the 8396 Soldier’s Arsenal. I bought more 8396 sets compared to this. However, I will like to emphasis that this is still one good impulse set which is mainly commended for its wide variety of accessories such as the new molded fish, gems, pick axe, wooden box and an unfriendly looking pirate to be recruited into your crew. This is indeed one of the good impulse sets which you can grab without much hesitation.
Summary review
Playability: 8/10 (Pirate member could be use to increase the crew count.)
Design: 7/10 (Firepit is extremely simple. This set has very low design attributes but offer good amount of accessories )
Price: 9/10 (Price is affordable to obtain a pirate crew plus a good range of accessories.)
Overall: 8/10 (One of the best impulse sets of all time and defintely an essential one for those whom are keen to build a core pirate crew cleaning and washing your deck.)
I gave it a "4" based on my Review Score Card.
What about yours?Hope everyone of you enjoyed reading this simple review of mine. Comments and Critics are strongly welcomed.
Pictures can be found in My Brickshelf (When moderated)
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I had corrected the mistake and reflect the correct terms in it. Thanks for pointing it out.
review, I returned from Saskatchewan today hauling 1 pirate survival,2 soldier arsenal and 1 Kracken Attacking 
<----Thanks Joey! 
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