Review: 76965 Dinosaur Missions: Stegosaurus Discovery
Posted by CapnRex101,
Herbivorous dinosaurs have rarely appeared in the Jurassic World range, although this appears to be changing, as the Brachiosaurus was finally produced last year. Now the iconic Stegosaurus joins the selection, in 76965 Dinosaur Missions: Stegosaurus Discovery!
This dinosaur is certainly welcome, although the design has attracted some criticism, lacking the studs common among large LEGO animals. The accompanying vehicle and scenery seem appealing though, joining a pair of unique minifigures, plus a returning Velociraptor.
Summary
76965 Dinosaur Missions: Stegosaurus Discovery, 420 pieces.
£59.99 / $64.99 / €64.99 | 14.3p/15.5c/15.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Everything in this set is good, but could have been great, with some refinements
- A modern Stegosaurus, finally!
- Excellent vehicle design
- Huge play potential
- Stegosaurus lacks the 'LEGO aesthetic'
- Limited articulation
- Interiors lack detail
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
The summer Jurassic World range is based on Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, a sequel to the Camp Cretaceous animated series released between 2020 and 2022. The characters in these sets therefore return from those produced for the previous series, including Ben, whose torso is new. The sand green jacket looks great and I like his satchel, recalling the earlier minifigure in 76939 Stygimoloch Dinosaur Escape.
Sammy previously appeared in a couple of Camp Cretaceous sets and her clothing has been updated too, now including a detailed medium azure jacket. The triangular pattern around the hem looks excellent and I like the collar. Moreover, the double-sided head is fairly uncommon and suits Sammy's personality, with cheerful expressions on both sides.
Ben appears less relaxed, given his frightened alternative expression! I can understand why though, as he has evidently been tasked with feeding the Stegosaurus, using a carrot on the end of a stick. Sammy, meanwhile, is equipped with a camera and a working magnifying glass to study the included dinosaurs.
The Completed Model
I am surprised it has taken so long for LEGO to introduce a new minifigure-scale Stegosaurus, 24 years after the previous moulded version was available in Adventurers sets. In addition, the dinosaur is substantially bigger than I expected, measuring 22cm in length. I am not certain this size was really necessary, but I am pleased to have another large herbivore in the range.
The head, body and tail comprise a single large component, which is a little disappointing, as articulation is limited to the legs. They look good, borrowed from Triceratops, but the moulded claws are undecorated, sadly. While I wish the head was able to move, the combined body and head element is already rather complicated, consisting of two plastic sections and the rubbery plates on top.
Although static, the head shape looks realistic and I like the printed scales, including some tan highlights, which partly disguise the seam between the olive green and medium nougat halves of the dinosaur. Additionally, the mouth is cleverly designed with a standard bar connection, so you can place the aforementioned carrot, or anything else, in the Stegosaurus' mouth.
Unfortunately, this and the anti-studs on each foot are this dinosaur's only attachment points. The legs and the flat sides of the body are identifiable with other LEGO animals, but I miss a patch of studs on the back to match the likes of Triceratops and Brachiosaurus. However, the need for rubbery plates and spikes on the tail understandably took priority, as iconic features associated with Stegosaurus.
A young Velociraptor is also included, much closer to a realistic minifigure-scale size than the poseable raptors found in many sets. This particular dinosaur earlier appeared in 76963 Baby Dinosaur Rescue Centre and its sand blue and grey patterning looks fantastic. I love the sickle-shaped claws on its feet as well, duplicating Velociraptor's most distinctive feature.
Jurassic World sets often contain scenery and this is no exception. The tree is relatively similar to those seen before and its proportions look strange, but I like the olive green, flame yellowish orange and reddish orange leaves. The latter are particularly welcome, having only appeared a couple of times before, in more expensive sets.
The symmetrical branches could certainly be improved, but they presumably relate to the tree being modified with a lookout post on top. The light bluish grey railing stands out and I think a more natural colour would have been better. However, the mushrooms and squirrel are lovely details, beside a sticker on the tree trunk, making reference to the relationship between Claire and Owen from the Jurassic World movies.
A 1x2 plate with bar is positioned on the back of the tree, awaiting a ladder, which is stored on the truck. Two ladders could have been supplied, but I like the idea of characters bringing their own, as maybe this outpost is rarely visited. There is nothing inside the tree though, which feels like a missed opportunity, considering its hollow structure.
Visitors can find a nest beside the tree though, with one hatched egg and another still intact. The white 1x1 quarter circle tiles representing an egg's broken shell look marvellous and the nest is partly protected by lime green fern elements, which have only been available in 42639 Andrea's Modern Mansion, before now.
The nest can be disconnected from the tree if you prefer, like this campfire and log. The fire is pretty rudimentary, but serves its purpose, while the log features stickers applied at either end, representing a hollow interior. A pair of sinister eyes peak out, potentially belonging to whatever has recently hatched from the nearby egg.
Sammy and Ben drive a dark red off-road vehicle, lacking the Jurassic World branding usually seen on similar trucks. I like the colour scheme of dark red with red and white stripes and this model is surprisingly substantial, measuring 16cm long, without the trailer. It definitely seems capable of traversing rough terrain and reminds me of the truck from 75917 Raptor Rampage, released among the first Jurassic World sets.
The proportions of this vehicle seem a little more realistic, although its tyres are still relatively large and provide ample ground clearance. In addition, the bullbar mounted on the front gives this van a powerful appearance and bears a strong resemblance to the Ford Explorer in 76959 Triceratops Research, appropriately.
There is ample space for two minifigures inside the cab, seated side-by-side on jumper plates and featuring 1x2 clamps as backrests. The roof panel is removable for access and a steering wheel is included, alongside a printed dashboard. Opening doors are omitted to accommodate the wheel arches, but the cab is otherwise impressive.
A ladder provides access to the storage rack on the roof and connects to the back of the tree too. I like the crates and the 1x6 fences forming metal supports on the roof, although there is nothing inside the boxes. You could place Sammy's camera and magnifying glass here, but a few extra accessories would have been ideal.
Bumpers stickers decorate the back of the off-roader, beneath its spare tyre. These colourful details are very welcome, as the truck is otherwise unusually bland, particularly when viewed from its right-hand side, without the ladder. The extra tyre doubles as a handle to open the rear hatch, which is an interesting and surprisingly uncommon feature.
The roof opens as well, revealing the full interior. As expected, this area is fairly spacious and stickers are applied on the dark red 1x4x2 panels comprising the walls of the van, which have appeared just once before in this colour. The noticeboard stickers look nice, but they are rather generic, without any dinosaur-related icons on the documents.
Furthermore, the truck houses a simple bed, a table and a printed map, which has been used twice before in other sets and is not specific to Jurassic World. I assume the vacant studs are intended to hold the characters' accessories, but like on the back of the tree, there was surely an opportunity for more. At least this structure is removable, allowing easier play.
Removing the floor also uncovers another feature underneath, not shown in official images or mentioned in the set description. I am not sure what this is supposed to be, although the trans-clear 1x1 slopes placed at one end indicate the container is filled with water or ice. Perhaps this is a compartment for storing scientific samples, or the vehicle is outfitted with a bath!
A trailer is attached to the van, carrying some scientific equipment. This does not seem hard-wearing enough for rough terrain and should probably have been larger, but its bright colours look nice. A microscope and a communication antenna are supplied and both can be removed from the trailer, or their positions swapped.
This microscope is quite detailed and linked to a computer screen, displaying a Stegosaurus, which looks superb. Presumably, this is where the sample under examination originated. The sample in question seems to be a chunk of amber, based on the 1x1 round tile's trans-orange colour.
Overall
New dinosaurs are always interesting and 76965 Dinosaur Missions: Stegosaurus Discovery has attracted particular attention, as Jurassic World fans have long waited for Stegosaurus to join this theme. I think its translation to LEGO form is satisfactory, albeit not as effective as the likes of Triceratops, given the noticeable lack of recognisable LEGO features.
Similarly, the tree and off-road truck look good on the whole, but both could be improved. Their interiors leave much to be desired and the level of detail is inconsistent, while this set seems a little overpriced at £59.99, $64.99 or €64.99. On the other hand, previous sets containing large dinosaurs have fared considerably worse, so I am generally satisfied with this one.
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35 comments on this article
I will admit that the older I get, the more I appreciate brick built animals/dinosaurs, and in fact am starting to prefer them.
Bars being part each larger dorsal plate, kinda like the orca or sharks, would've gone a long way to making the Stegosaurus a lot more Lego-like. Also, it's a shame the tail can't swing side-to-side, since that's kind of the Stegosaurus' thing (along with the Ankylosaurus').
The things on the trailer should go inside the truck (what's up with that bath tub?) and the trailer should have a small boat or an ATV. Also, why not add windows to the truck, instead of the red panels, to get some light in?
Overall, cool looking set with a high play value.
I'd say this does look like a €40ish set with a nice 2 seater Vehicle and terrain build but then comes with a €25 dino that looks very much like another toy company made it, went too far and lost the LEGO look.
I hope I can get just the van from Bricklink. Looks like the family vehicle my parents used when I was six.
Not worth the money.
The dinosaur's OK, but no more Lego than an Ice Cube Maker.... File under Gear!
Figs are uninteresting for those unfamilair (like me) to Camp Cretaceous.
I welcome a a new Stegosaurus flaw no moving tail like the Ankylosaurus and the plates on the back would benefit from some colouring
Good part is the moving legs what 76960 lacked
Van not completely bland but completely interchangeable, nothing says JP
Tree decent but would have preffered the "Lost World" Stegosaurus encounter
A Playmobil-dinosaur in a Lego set. I'm not a fan.
I like that van, will probably see if a BLer will try to profit from dino and sell me the van for $5.
Thank god Owen is not in any of the Chaos Theory sets. I dunno what his minifigure was doing in the Camp Cretaceous sets considering that he's not even a character in the series.
Want the van. Will probably get on BL or just buy the set and sell the dino.
This set looks pretty cool! Love the revamped Stego, and the Clowen love heart is a nice little detail! $65 doesn't seem too bad for everything you get.
But I still wish some of these Chaos Theory sets featured the two missing Atrociraptors from Dominion. So far, we only have Ghost (in 76945) and Tiger (in 76948). This wave would've been the perfect opportunity to make a set with Red and Panthera, given that the Atrociraptor Squad features heavily in the Chaos Theory trailers.
One of these days, maybe. One of these days.
(And Clowen is the ship name for Claire x Owen, in case you were wondering)
I love the pros and cons are kinda contradictory and yet make sense.
As a huge fan of Lego dinosaurs I am really disapointed in Stego. I still don't understand why they havent used the Stego piece who would allow for Tail slashing action.
It just seem like this whole dino was made cheapest way possible(Unprinted legs with no painted claws, no studs?!!!!)
@Ridgeheart said:
"A Playmobil-dinosaur in a Lego set. I'm not a fan."
Playmobil one has 5 points of articulation. It's also has fully painted legs and costs WAY less.
The van is cool, might get it if discounted by s decent amount then sell the dinosaurs.
I love that new stegosaurus, and the young Velociraptor, but I won't get this set.
When I see critiques like "The stegosaurus doesn't have studs on top" or "They should've used the long legs on Sauron" I wonder "Do you really think the designers at Lego didn't try that?"
Unlike the triceratops, there's not a good spot on top of the stegosaurus for studs. Unless they made some of the plates removable which would look odd. The old stego had studs but I guess they didn’t want the plates to be that wide.
I guess they could've put some studs on the sides for... mounting weapons? Actually a battle stego would be awesome.
Stegosaurus!..... brain the size of a walnut.
They should had used the same techniques for the Stegosaurus that the Avatar range used.
I don't mind the lack of studs on the Stegosaurus since the plates are certainly more important. I also love the molded dinosaurs and would never want brick-built ones at this scale - I think brick-built animals are most successful when they're large enough to be super detailed, like the big Jurassic Park T. rex from 2019 or Cinderhowl in the new Dungeons & Dragons set.
It's really disappointing to see the quality of molded dinosaurs declining, though. Last summer the Brachiosaurus didn't have poseable legs and now we get a Stegosaurus with a static head and unprinted legs? Those leg pieces have never been unprinted on a dinosaur at any time in the last 12 years. It just feels like corners are being cut for no reason.
The Minifigures here look great although two is pretty light for a $65 set. The builds look nice but they seem less detailed than similar builds in other Jurassic sets.
I agree that without printed plates and more points of articulation and connection, poor stego looks like a poor prototype that escaped the factory.
Slap another coar of paint on it Kristiansen!!
Honestly, my biggest problem with the Stegosaurus is that it's too over-sized, even for minifigure scale. Stegs were large, but not that large.
The lack of studs doesn't bother me. I mean, it's a Stegosaurus. What's the alternative? Where could you possibly fit studs onto the body? How could you build the plates and spikes on its back even if there was a line of studs there?
I agree the lack of articulation is a problem. The tail could turn, the head could at least rotate and be angled like the Rexes.
I think the problems with the moulded Steg were mostly unavoidable, given the shape and iconic features of the actual animal. Yes, it could've been better in some aspects, but not all of them.
@Zordboy said:
"Honestly, my biggest problem with the Stegosaurus is that it's too over-sized, even for minifigure scale. Stegs were large, but not that large.
The lack of studs doesn't bother me. I mean, it's a Stegosaurus. What's the alternative? Where could you possibly fit studs onto the body? How could you build the plates and spikes on its back even if there was a line of studs there?
I agree the lack of articulation is a problem. The tail could turn, the head could at least rotate and be angled like the Rexes.
I think the problems with the moulded Steg were mostly unavoidable, given the shape and iconic features of the actual animal. Yes, it could've been better in some aspects, but not all of them."
I don't know about that.
https://www.britannica.com/animal/Stegosaurus
I think the worst is the bland plates as the scientific consensus is that these served primarily
for thermoregulation and display. That Stego isn't getting laid.
Looking forward for a Stego alternate build of 31151: T. rex
@StyleCounselor said: "I don't know about that."
I'm not sure how posting a picture of a Stegosaurus (because I don't know what one looks like?) proves anything I said wrong. And my questions went unanswered. How could you fit studs onto that creature? How could you brick build the back plates without it looking even more oversized or ridiculous?
Stegosaurus is a difficult animal to produce in Lego form, and I'm still unsure how those problems (aside from the lack of articulation in the tail and head) could've been avoided.
Nobody else seems to be making suggestions about that, either.
The lack of colour is another issue, sure, but Lego slaps an extra zero on the price just to include a few printed bricks, you can imagine what the price would've become with printed plates on the animal's back.
@Zordboy said:
" @StyleCounselor said: "I don't know about that."
I'm not sure how posting a picture of a Stegosaurus (because I don't know what one looks like?) proves anything I said wrong. And my questions went unanswered. How could you fit studs onto that creature? How could you brick build the back plates without it looking even more oversized or ridiculous?
Stegosaurus is a difficult animal to produce in Lego form, and I'm still unsure how those problems (aside from the lack of articulation in the tail and head) could've been avoided.
Nobody else seems to be making suggestions about that, either.
The lack of colour is another issue, sure, but Lego slaps an extra zero on the price just to include a few printed bricks, you can imagine what the price would've become with printed plates on the animal's back.
"
I meant your main issue, size. The toy seems to be quite accurate when compared with the scale rendering on the encyclopedic website.
I frequently visit Dinosaur National Monument with its life-sized Stego model. This looks about right. Stegos are big.
But, the pale plates are a pathetic lost possibility.
The best is that "The A-Team" style van...I love it when a plan comes together....
@FARLANDER said:
"The best is that "The A-Team" style van...I love it when a plan comes together....
"
How are we all, except our proficient reviewer, burying the lead on this set.
This is an 80s-style van, with a freakin' hot tub in the back!!!
Not sure it's worth the price, but I'm definitely getting this when it reaches 30% off. And, I'm putting this dude in the back.
https://brickset.com/sets/71020-6/Swimming-Pool-Batman
@johleth said:
"I will admit that the older I get, the more I appreciate brick built animals/dinosaurs, and in fact am starting to prefer them."
Brick-built animals is the way.
These animals are getting further & further away from LEGO, using unique, expensive moulds which mean they cost more to buy, but offer less play value than a load of bricks & pieces.
What really bugs me is that we accept this astronomical cost despite the bargain-bucket style animals.
And a swinging thagomizer™ is a bare minimum for a stego.
No studs on the stegosaurus is such a huge miss.
I don’t fault LEGO for the lack of studs on the back, but a good alternative would have been to have the backs of plates be bar-width so that things could be clipped to them. That would have been a good way to achieve connectivity on the stegosaurus’s back. The lack of a tail that can swing those spikes is also a missed opportunity.
I know it sounds almost against the point but if LEGO can't produce dinosaurs more cheaply or efficiently, I don't know what the point of them is. For the price of this set parents can buy a LEGO van or two and a whole bunch of Schleich dinos (really good quality, if a little pricey) and for the most part the kids would have the same experience.
I'm totally down for moulded raptors and maybe slightly bigger dinos, but a simple bit of maths puts a 415 (420 minus 5 for the dino) piece set at 0.10p/p at £41.50 (being sensible, it'd be more a £30-35 set at best) so the dinosaur could be argued to weigh in at a whopping £18.50. That's a third of the set's value in basically one piece, and one piece with essentially no use beyond being a big lump of plastic.
I own the T-Rex Skull from the JP/W range and it is an excellent model, and when I see that against sets like this I feel like LEGO just have it a bit wrong.
@lordofdragonss said:
" @Ridgeheart said:
"A Playmobil-dinosaur in a Lego set. I'm not a fan."
Playmobil one has 5 points of articulation. It's also has fully painted legs and costs WAY less."
Just checked, Playmobil basically has the same set that costs only 5€ less.
Its probably a bit more of plastic, but the Lego set looks deefinitley better, except for the dinosaur.