Bricknave Posted January 6, 2011 Hello! Here's my review of set 7326 "Rise of the Sphinx" from the new Pharaohs Quest theme! Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- main photo by Bricknave, on Flickr Deep in the Egyptian desert, famous adventurer Jake Raines searches for the Golden Sword, the fifth of the six treasures sought after Amset-Ra's minions. Using a bundle of dynamite, Jake Raines daringly raids the treasure from the temple. However, he wasn't expecting mummy warriors to bring the sphinx to life through an enchantment. Jake Raines has achieved a lot of daring feats before, from defeating caravan bandits to rescuing the British Ambassador's camel from quicksand, but is a living sphinx statue more than he can handle? Name: Rise of the Sphinx Set Number: 7326 Year of release: 2011 Price: $49.99 Piece Count: 527 Minifigs: 3 (Jake Raines, two mummy warriors) Theme: Pharaoh's Quest Flickr Let us continue our tour of the sphinx, shall we? The box: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- box front by Bricknave, on Flickr Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- box back by Bricknave, on Flickr The box of "Rise of the Sphinx". It shows the play features and mentions the list of collectible treasures. The Instructions and Stickers: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- instructions and stickers by Bricknave, on Flickr The instructions to build the car and Minifigs is separate from the instructions to build the whole sphinx. Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- instructions ad by Bricknave, on Flickr An ad for the whole Pharaohs Quest line. This isn't too uncommon for instruction booklets. Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- instructions glyphs by Bricknave, on Flickr One interesting thing about the instructions is that it mentions a special LEGO Glyphs language. Can you decode the message? The Minifigures: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- minifigs with accessories by Bricknave, on Flickr Here, you see Jake Raines sporting a detailed bomber jacket, but without the aviator's helmet. The other minifigures are ordinary mummy warriors. Nope, no flying mummies, just average mummies. Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- minifigs back by Bricknave, on Flickr The back of the bomber jacket has an interesting logo. You 'd think the logo would be weather related, because of the whole weather-themed name gimmick with Pharaohs Quest and Adventurers (Johnny Thunder, Jake Raines, Harry Cane, Mac McCloud etc.) The mummies each have dual-faces, so you can have a choice of what your mummies look like. New, New-ish, recolored or interesting pieces: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- special bricks by Bricknave, on Flickr The jeep cabin in dark red makes it really stand out from the Adventurers sets, and adds a little hot-rod spice to the variety of explorer vehicles. There are also two fezzes included with the set, so if you missed out on Venice Canal Chase you can get this set for the fezzes. The models: Since there are technically three parts of the set, I have decided to break it down into three separate sections. --The car: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- car by Bricknave, on Flickr The car is fun both to build and to play with. The design balances symmetry with asymmetry. However, there is a horizontal gap at the back of the car, but I don't mind it. --The temple / bottom half of the sphinx: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- inside the temple by Bricknave, on Flickr Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- completed temple by Bricknave, on Flickr The bottom half of the sphinx is a simple and engaging build. --The top half of the sphinx: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- anubis head by Bricknave, on Flickr This is the section you have to pay the most attention to when building this set. The build is engaging until you reach the legs, which is quite repetitive. You can plan ahead and just build all four legs at once without having to skim through the pages. I would rather the hind legs of the sphinx be different from the front legs, like a real jackal. The play feature: There are two play features. One play feature is the same concept as what you'll find in 7327 Scorpion Pyramid -- a plastic bundle of dynamite is "used" to blow up a wall in order to get to the treasure. I wish there was a way to obtain the treasure whilst keeping the ancient structure pristine, because the ancient builders who spent all that time to create it probably didn't want it to be blown up. Oh well, it's all in the name of adventure and archeology, right? Jake Raines patiently waits for the dynamite to detonate, while a mummy warrior approaches Jake with ill intent. The ensuing chaos from the dynamite destroys the mummy in an amusing fashion! "Oh" said Jake Raines, "If only I captured that on film and sent it to Egypt's Funniest Adventure Videos!" An axle at the back of the temple is pushed, causing the sword holder to jet out. This function is comparable to "Secret of the Sphinx" from the Adventurers theme. The other play feature is that the sphinx can stand up and "attack" minifigures. Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- anubis attack by Bricknave, on Flickr When a giant Anubis sphinx begins to munch on you're car while you're driving it, you begin to wonder whether you drank too much Rubis d'Egypt or not. Overall set: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- completed model by Bricknave, on Flickr The build was engaging (except for the legs), and the overall set is fun to play with, especially if you're a little kid getting their first dose of Adventure-themed LEGO fun! Conclusion: Eurobricks Rise of the Sphinx review -- defeated mummies by Bricknave, on Flickr Wielding the Golden Sword he recently acquired, Jake Raines kicks the mummies' papyrus-wrapped cartouche-ies. Adventurers Anubis and Pharaoh's Quest Anubis by Bricknave, on Flickr A comparison with Oasis Ambush from the Adventurers theme. Both are similar in that they use 2x2x3 slopes near the legs. The overall build is very engaging, except for the legs. This set also contains a lot of good MOCing pieces, such as the dark red jeep cabin and the 2x2 jumper plate. As far as entertainment goes, the Anubis sphinx monster is good to pose for photo fun, while kids can have a blast with the dynamite function. On the 1-to-5 rating system, I rate this set a 4.6 On the 1-to-10 rating system, I rate this a 9 The Pharaoh's Quest theme is Adventurers incarnate, I definitely hope kids enjoy it like how we enjoyed the Adventurers theme when it came out. ~Bricknave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CMP Posted January 6, 2011 My first though when I saw REVIEW: 7326 Rise of the Sphinx: Finally! Good review. I don't understand why nobody seems to care for it. The car is beautiful, not to mention the little shrine with the golden sword and scorpions. The sphinx isn't half bad either! It's just the legs that are a bit thin. It's still a nice set. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wand-stone-cloak Posted January 6, 2011 Nice set, great review. I've been waiting for one! wand-stone-cloak Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregorovich Posted January 6, 2011 Thanks for this very good review. I like the set, but it doesn't look much like a sphinx. I am surprised they haven't front-paged this yet, though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sirens-of-Titan Posted January 6, 2011 Excellent Review Bricknave, thank you! ... I don't understand why nobody seems to care for it. The car is beautiful, not to mention the little shrine with the golden sword and scorpions. The sphinx isn't half bad either! It's just the legs that are a bit thin. It's still a nice set. I think it has to do with the fact that its the second-larges set in the theme, and second most-expensive, but it offers recycled minifigures; Jake again like all other sets and 2 generic mummies. (One could acquire these with the two cheapest sets. ) The other reason is the design of the sphinx; try as I must I can't seem to like it. The head is nice and all, but the body is pretty awful. So lack of useful minifigs, parts, design and a steep price will discourage most buyers. The best part of the set is that golden sword. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rumble Strike Posted January 6, 2011 Thank you for the review, it's one we've all been waiting for for a while. I like the car and the bottom part of the sphinx, the area with the golden sword, but the sphinx itself always looks a bit awkward, mainly due to the identical, spindly thin legs. I'm sure people will add some more bricks to it to give it a better shape. Combined with the low-key minifigures who are available in much cheaper sets, means it's not an instant buy for me, although a sale price on this would be worthwhile. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peppermint_M Posted January 6, 2011 Indexed! Thanks for the review, it isn't quite Sphinx Secret Surprise but it's pretty cool anyway! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningtiger Posted January 6, 2011 Thanks for the review 'Bricknave' and I didn't realise it can stand ! Great looking hot rod style car, dual carbs eh ? The Sphinx itself is very well designed and it like's to eat car's I see.....must need more iron than most ? Must wait till mid-year in Oz for these sets, dam it ! Ah, well.......keep on chasing mummies ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prateek Posted January 6, 2011 Thanks for this very long overdue review. This set is way better than I expected, although the legs could be better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MontanaVista Posted January 6, 2011 Hey Folks - Long time reader, first time post! This is the line that has gotten me back into Lego at the age of 28. I just picked up this set and cannot wait to build this, looks just as good as I thought it was going to be. That "Sphinx" (Jackal) looks evil and dangerous just sitting atop the shrine!! It must look menacing when fully upright! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WesternOutlaw Posted January 7, 2011 Nice review and I esp. like the image next to the Adventurers set. It really shows how large this set is. I picked this up a few weeks before Christmas but haven't had a chance to break it open. I'm looking forward to this and the pyramid. It is nice to see that the interior has something to show, as I thought it was just empty inside. Thanks for taking the time to photograph and share your thoughts here on EB. I like the PQ line-up and look forward to seeing what else LEGO may offer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
XimenaPaulina Posted January 8, 2011 Well done review Bricknave, thanks for sharing! Overall, this set looks good with a nice adventurer's car, well-designed brickbuilt Sphinx, and good selection of minifigs, but I just think other sets in the PQ line are better in terms of 'value' (Golden Staff Guardians, Flying Mummy Attack, Cursed Cobra Statue). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ceroknight Posted January 8, 2011 (edited) Thank you for the review! Like many set, unless you want a sphinx, not really even one, more like a jackal, I'd get the other sets.. Edited January 8, 2011 by ceroknight Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baylego Posted January 9, 2011 Thanks for the review! I like it when he is attached to the thing, but he looks quite strange standing on his legs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Masked Builder Posted January 9, 2011 Very nice work! Originally this set looked like the weakest set of the line to me. Now it looks like on of the best. I almost got this set but I traded it in for 7931. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Princess Muttonchops Posted January 9, 2011 Awesome review Bricknave. When I first saw pictures of this set, I didn't realise it transformed as well. The Sphinx is gorgeous enough by itself, but to make it come to life as well??? Kyaah, that's just too awesome. Can't wait for its release Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gryphon Ink Posted January 9, 2011 I don't understand why nobody seems to care for it. The car is beautiful, not to mention the little shrine with the golden sword and scorpions. The sphinx isn't half bad either! It's just the legs that are a bit thin. It's still a nice set. For me, it's just the "midsized set that doesn't stand out". The minifigs and a couple of cool PQ vehicles can be found in much cheaper sets, and if I want to get a big PQ set I'll save up for another couple of weeks and buy the pyramid, which is bigger and far cooler, has an even nicer vehicle and some really special minifigs. I think PQ shines in the cheap sets and the top of the line, but both this and Cursed Cobra are not really attracting me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aedai Rivin Posted February 1, 2011 I have all of the smaller sets, and this is the last I plan to get (unless they sell the pyramid at ~$70. That is an instant buy for me.) After seeing this review, I really want to get it. But after my less than perfect view on the Cursed Cobra, I am hesitant to dish out $50 for this. But even if I don't like a lot, it still comes with a marvelous assortment of tan pieces, an super smexy vehicle, two more mummies for my army, and parts for another adventurer to add to my crew. All in all, I am most certainly going to get this neat set, but I might want to wait until it drops to like $40 or something. Aedai Rivin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGO Guy Bri Posted February 1, 2011 Nice review Bricknave. I'm not a big fan of Pharaoh's Quest sets but, I really want to get the car Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindice Posted February 1, 2011 Great review first off so thanks for that. Unfortunately I'm just a bit underwhelmed by the Pharaohs quest theme. A lot of kids are interested in Ancient Egypt (and Adults) but i think they would gravitate to the far more authentic looking playmobil sets. I think Lego have missed a trick here but I will probably be proven wrong! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Man with a hat Posted February 27, 2011 Nice review. I liked this set already. But now I think it is the best set of the series. Not only as a set with a very nice car, but the parts are also very interesting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silverface Posted March 1, 2011 Very nice review, now I nearly want this set Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TeufelHund Posted March 3, 2011 (edited) [Deleted - I was referring to the Scorpion Pyramid] Edited March 4, 2011 by TeufelHund Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gabe Posted March 17, 2011 Got my "Rise of the Sphinx" in the mail the other day - can i just say that it far surpassed my expectations. The posability of the Anubis statue really is great, and it's so much fun making it chomp on minifigs and stomp on the car! I was prepared to find it's legs spindly, but was pleasantly surprised by thier bulk and durable connections. The only things i would have wished for would be a more contoured underbelly and a tail, but hey, that's what modding is all about, right? The car is also sweet, the little temple does the job, the minifigs are of course great, and the whole thing looks super-sexxay. If yr sitting on the fence with regards to this set, i'd say go for it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yatkuu Posted March 18, 2011 Sorry guys I could not resist! More silly pictures like this on my Flickr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
