| 07.02.2019 – This year LEGO® City brings back the Space subtheme that inspire young minds about dreaming of becoming astronauts and explorations in deep space. The theme has been part of the brand since the introduction of the minifigure in 1979 as a separate theme until in the late 2000s.
The Space subtheme for 2019 introduces sets that inspire real world space vehicles and orbital station in collaboration with NASA. These LEGO® sets have already landed in Manila and taking a spotlight is Testing Rover Drive! |
This is also the right timing to celebrate the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with these sets that inspire further interest in space exploration. There are actually seven sets for this subtheme with plenty of time to build and explore each sets functions, which can also become the right gift to kids who study STEM.
From the tiny Maintenance Mission Shuttle to the more complex build like the Rocket Transport there’s something to appreciate about the new sets from LEGO® for this year. The imagination is limitless with astronauts and technicians that operate the space station or mission control there’s something to look forward to with this sets that certainly inspire young minds and AFOLs putting together elaborate sets out of this theme that stands out from the other sets.
Roving Together to Exploration
The Testing Rover Drive takes inspiration from the actual NASA S.E.V Chariot as depicted in the left hand corner of the box and larger image at the back. Although not exactly the same in appearance, but if you’re aware of this set there is some resemblance from the Creator 31066 Space Shuttle Explorer set that was released sometime in 2017 with the alternate build called the “Space Rover.”
This set of course has 202 pieces more that feature new elements and parts that are exclusive to putting together this Mars Lunar Rover. Besides that it includes two new minifigures and a rock element called “geodes” that is included in the other space-themed sets for you to collect.
From the other space-themed set this one stands out with being the only manned roving vehicle with the other a drone controlled included in the Mars Research Shuttle set. Besides that the new packaging for 2019 indicates this as part of the space subtheme due to the aesthetics and colors.
Lunar Roving Chariot
Upon opening the box the set contains two separate bags, two manuals, and a sticker decal as some parts needs to apply them. The build is two parts hence the separate manuals in putting together the minifigures, accessories and the geodes.
The second part is the main build which is the rover itself. If you’re like Adam Savage might as well putting things together in order to avoid the chaos with the art of knolling the pieces. It will take you thirty-forty minutes to an hour to get the Rover prepared and ready to go as you might be curious on the new parts.
At the end you still need to apply the stickers leaving some parts of the Rover appears to be bland. The logo for the themed set is included as seen in the sticker sheet. It will take you only a few minutes’ in-between builds to apply them. There will be leftover parts as always the usual thing with LEGO® sets.
Ride Roving Through Adventure
The astronaut with the new helmet in comparison to the first Classic Spaceman has more details that contrast to real world spacesuits. The evolution of LEGO® minifigures like the spacemen you see certainly gives you something to look forward to with the brand new sets.
Although the accessories are great the empty container only had a jack hammer. It would be great if there are other accessories, but may be LEGO® had a minimal budget for this set that already have a detailed Rover with a new arm and a laptop being carried with the engineer. Still, the set stand out with little nuisances with the set really focuses on the main build which is the rover.
The Rover though was a mix of enthusiasm as the wheels are not made of rubber, which was more of that concern. But you can understand that even though they are not rubber wheels a carpet surface is the best place for kids to roll them through. It’s not bad either having tested it on an actual rocky surface.
Going Beyond Roving
Overall the set was interesting, although not the most outstanding set for the price point sold in the Philippines for PHP 1,699.75 Pesos (that’s $47.10 AUD*) it might not get much attention when it was actually priced in Australia for $20.00 AUD. There was a Toy Kingdom promo last June 2019, where you pick any LEGO® City set worth PhP 1,500.00 Pesos you get a LEGO® City 30361 polybag.
For it’s entirely, this set is a fun build that includes new elements and parts like the new robot arm that is springy due to the elastic-band. The helmet with female hairpiece, the red geodes, and the new helmet are unique to get in this set. But the wheels were non-impressive. This is still a good set for those into space-themes specially those who grew up with classic space, but the price point is still left to be desired to limit which you will invest on next.
LEGO® City 60225 Rover Test Drive released for the Space subtheme retailed at PhP 1,699.75 Pesos in the Philippines at Toy Kingdom, where this was acquired. It was retailed in Australia for $20.00 AUD (PHP 708.92 Philippine Pesos*).
* Pricepoint based on Philippine currency converted to Australian and US Currency by Currency Converter via Google.com
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