Review: 75935 Baryonyx Face-Off: The Treasure Hunt
Posted by CapnRex101,New dinosaur species are an important feature of the Jurassic World theme so 75935 Baryonyx Face-Off: The Treasure Hunt is probably among the most exciting sets from the latest range. An intimidating Baryonyx is included and the truck seems remarkably detailed too, despite this set only containing 434 pieces.
However, that also reveals an issue as the price of £59.99 or $59.99 seems relatively expensive, even considering the value of this substantial dinosaur. The minifigure selection is excellent though and I think the accompanying models look superb so am hoping their quality will go some way to justifying that considerable cost.
Minifigures
Despite appearing in fourteen sets, only five different versions of Owen Grady have been produced. This example is particularly common, sporting a reddish brown jacket over a sand blue shirt. I think it looks brilliant though. The torso is highly detailed and compares favourably with the movies while the double-sided head includes smiling and angry expressions beside some accurate stubble.
Claire Dearing has also appeared on numerous past occasions and this minifigure was designed for the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom range, sporting an olive green jacket and ponytail hairstyle which both correspond with her appearance in the 2018 movie. An entirely different version of the character would have been preferable but this design looks reasonable and the frightened expression would be difficult to improve upon!
The heroes are accompanied by Red on their journey into the Isla Nublar jungle. This dog component was originally created to represent a Husky but its new dark orange and black colour scheme appears equally impressive. I love this dual-moulded design and the medium nougat face is excellent, featuring a miniscule black nose and eyes.
Several new characters have been introduced during the LEGO animated prequels to Jurassic World, the most intriguing of whom is perhaps Danny Nedermeyer. This devious minifigure is the nephew of Dennis Nedry from Jurassic Park and is searching for treasure on Isla Nublar. He definitely resembles his ill-fated uncle, featuring similar glasses and a pronounced chin on both sides of the head.
The minifigure wears a sand blue Jurassic World uniform which matches Simon Masrani from 75915 Pteranodon Capture, featuring a similar metallic silver emblem on the reverse. Furthermore, the floral shirt underneath appears prominently in 75938 T. rex vs Dino-Mech Battle so demonstrates continuity between sets. I always appreciate such attention to detail and am delighted with this figure.
Sinjin Prescott helps Danny in his search for the treasure and appears rather reminiscent of Roland Tembo or Ken Wheatley from the Jurassic Park movies, based upon his rugged clothing. The reddish brown fedora suits this minifigure perfectly and I like his new bearded head too, although this amiable expression seems odd for an apparently villainous character.
The dark tan torso is interesting, sharing certain design features with minifigures from the City Jungle subtheme. For example, the green ropes, harness and metallic silver radio are borrowed directly from previous figures, even sharing exactly the same rope arrangement. Sinjin's shirt, on the other hand, is brand new so presumably the graphic designers sometimes re-use parts of their earlier creations!
An alternative dark brown hair piece is included for Sinjin which is unusual and he wields a pearl silver machete. However, my favourite accessory is the map that displays Isla Nublar, albeit without its north western quadrant. Hopefully the significance of this component will become apparent in the upcoming animated series.
The Completed Model
Several components from the Indoraptor have been combined with a new head to create a Baryonyx. The resultant creature is reasonably accurate to its onscreen counterpart from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, sharing similar proportions. This figure measures 28cm in length so appears comparatively large beside minifigures, although not to the extent of some LEGO dinosaurs.
Spinosauridae, such as the Baryonyx, are distinguished by their crocodilian head shape and that has been replicated effectively here. The enormous lower jaw opens to reveal serrated teeth, matching its appearance in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. I love its vivid yellow eyes and the head offers superb articulation, enabling some extremely dynamic poses.
The arms and legs are similarly articulated which is satisfying, although their design is inaccurate. The distinctive opposable thumbs appear totally out of place on a Baryonyx and the prominent claws on its feet are disappointing too. I understand that introducing new elements is not always possible but think the hands should certainly have been replaced, especially since a new dinosaur hand might be useful elsewhere.
Excellent printed detail covers the entire dinosaur, beginning around its head before crossing the body and finishing at the tail. The dark blue scales distinguish this creature from other LEGO dinosaurs and seem faithful to the animal from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, resulting in a reasonable rendition of the Baryonyx. Nevertheless, room for improvement to the arms and legs certainly remains.
Off-road vehicles occupy a prominent role throughout the whole Jurassic Park franchise and they are available in a few LEGO sets. This example seems especially impressive, towing a ramshackle trailer that would look at home within the jungle on Isla Nublar. The two models are connected using a basic ball joint so they can move around with great flexibility, even when driving over rough terrain.
This model bears some resemblance to the Jeep Wrangler from Jurassic Park, incorporating a similar wheel base and bonnet shape. However, its predominantly dark green and sand green colour scheme is distinctive and the rear section carries cargo rather than passengers, hence the absence of roll bars towards the back. I think the vehicle looks wonderful, appearing appropriately robust for most dinosaur encounters.
White elements dominate the front of the model, presenting an attractive contrast against the darker bodywork. The curved mudguards have not appeared in dark green before but they look perfect and the bonnet is excellent too, concealing an extremely simple engine bay underneath. The windscreen structure was presumably inspired by 75916 Dilophosaurus Ambush as two crowbars form pillars on either side which is an effective technique.
There is plenty of space to seat two minifigures inside and the model includes opening doors which is somewhat unusual. I love the diamond plate stickers situated on the running boards beside each door and further stickers are applied towards the front, providing welcome detail. In addition, another figure can ride behind the driver, although this area is primarily designed for keeping accessories. The lamp and oil can at the rear are notably realistic.
Caravans have appeared in numerous LEGO City sets but this example differs fairly significantly from its predecessors. Light bluish grey pieces give the impression of a corrugated metal exterior, although even that is not invulnerable to damage from dinosaurs as some claw marks are visible here. I like the sticker on the door and its colourful awning but there is no step underneath, unfortunately.
The opposite side lacks detail by comparison, featuring a white window panel beside a reddish brown tile that forms a window ledge. I appreciate the decorative foliage on the roof though and the structure underneath provides adequate support to the model when deployed. However, it can also be retracted very easily for travelling around.
Opening the caravan reveals limited room inside, although the available space is remarkably detailed. Its occupant evidently enjoys playing solitaire on the computer while their bed appears quite colourful, including some dark orange 1x1 tiles beside teal 1x2 tiles. A pearl silver frying pan is kept on the wall but the most interesting detail is probably the video camera that features a printed video cassette!
Baryonyx are believed to have dwelled around riverbanks, plucking fish from the water. This excellent riverbank environment therefore seems appropriate and its vibrant colour scheme is striking. However, the structure seems comparatively small when placed beside the dinosaur, measuring only 14cm wide, so offers little display value in that regard.
Some lovely details are included though, particularly near the waterfall where two pearl silver fish are swimming along the river. They are positioned on clips which is effective and the water includes three different shades of blue, distinguishing calmer water from that beneath the waterfall. The curved palm tree looks marvellous too, although its base could probably have been integrated more neatly with the surrounding rocks.
Furthermore, the jungle conceals a reddish brown treasure chest that contains a selection of colourful gems and two golden ingots. This can be reached by pushing the green 2x3 plate in front of the chest, thereby causing the plants to swing aside. The mechanism is simple and functions perfectly, although similar features have appeared in many previous sets and this is not my favourite example.
Overall
Jurassic World sets which include new dinosaurs are generally interesting and 75935 Baryonyx Face-Off: The Treasure Hunt certainly conforms to that trend. This unique Baryonyx is not entirely faithful to the movie but its head looks brilliant and the articulation provides ample potential for creating dynamic displays. In addition, the off-road truck and its trailer are both exceptionally detailed so have exceeded my expectations.
Unfortunately, the price of £59.99 or $59.99 feels rather expensive, particularly when compared with 75937 Triceratops Rampage that costs £54.99 or $59.99. Nevertheless, I am sure that dinosaur fans will enjoy this set and would recommend adding it to your collection, albeit only following a significant discount.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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19 comments on this article
Some nice parts but as mentioned, seems about £15 overpriced.
The map might as well be a 2x2 L shaped tile
Hope the minifigures using the caravan thank LEGO Friends for helping them *not* fall out of bed ;-)
The design of the arms are very-very inaccurate, because:
"The generic name, Baryonyx, means "heavy claw" and alludes to the animal's very large claw on the first finger;"
Nevertheless, it's a very cool new lego predator.
@Anak One of the worst Dinosaurs in my opinion. Misses it's main feature, has a raptor-claw instead...
Oh look.
A jeep.
Baryonyx was one of my favorite dinos as a kid, so it's nice to see it in Lego form. Looks halfway decent, even if it's a bit oversized (but then most of the dinos are).
Rest of the set is OK. Would have preferred another souvenir stall like the dilophosaurus set rather than a rather weak bit of jungle terrain.
Nedry’s nephew? Now I’m listening. Wasn’t really thrilled by Fallen Kingdom.
Good figures (love the dog), good jeep and caravan a decent dino and forest with waterfall but awful price.
Yo that outside picture is awesome. I'd love to see more of those.
That's a nice jeep, great with another car that fits two minifigs side by side. And that videotape is just awesome.
I'm thinking, how is that dinosaur any different from the millions of platic toys out there? It doesn't qualify as a construction toy, but I guess the few studs on its back make it worth 10 times the price of the other similar plastic figure toys..
I don't mind the set. Even with the problems with the Baryonyx (they obviously just put a new head on the Indoraptor's body), the new dog makes up for it.
The price, though? All these Jurassic Park/World sets are *so* over-priced. I'll be waiting for shops to start clearancing them out.
@olivierz: There's actually a great deal more engineering that goes into a Lego creature vs a generic "bucket o' dinos" figure. It needs to be completely compatible with Lego environments, just like any other part. The hight it stands in comparison to stacked plates and bricks, the spacing of it's feet and it's stance (being able to stand upright of it's own accord and being able to successfully attach to a studded base). It's not just a matter of spitting out a dinosaur likeness.
I love the dog!
It is fascinating to see how bad of a licensing deal TLG got on the JW property versus the Harry Potter universe, as those sets appear to be quite reasonably priced versus this range that is so grossly overpriced it is almost laughable to think anybody could be willing to buy such a set at RRP.
This set is actually pretty good in my opinion. The off-roader impressed me. My full thoughts: https://youtu.be/98mxODxY3DI
Looks like a cool set to me! I’m digging all the different components of this set.
The prices don’t even make me flinch anymore. The retail pricing appears to have an overall design to it. Now when I see the price, I take 20% off in my head, because I think there is a buffer of at least that to account for the Amazon discount that kicks in almost immediately on many of the items.
In fact, the only time I pay full price on anything anymore is when I simply can’t wait and buy direct from LEGO, which I still do often, during promotions and double VIP, etc.
This set is pretty cool. I’d purposely stayed away from Fallen Kingdom because I’m so behind on picking stuff up. But now...gotta get the new stuff, and my nature is to try to get everything in a theme once I start down a path.
Super review!