Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus Attack (76949) Review

A couple of weeks ago, we shared a number of the sets coming in the LEGO® Jurassic World Dominion lineup. Specifically, we examined T. rex Breakout, Triceratops Pickup Truck Ambush, Pyroraptor & Dilophosaurus Transport, as well as T. Rex & Atrociraptor Breakout. Through these, we received a number of great new dinosaur color variations, as well as a couple of new species. However, the pièce-de-resistance in this wave is really Giganotosaurus & Therizinosaurus Attack (76949). The LEGO® Group sent us a pre-release copy of the set shortly after the aforementioned sets. But was it ever worth the wait! You can see the unboxing video below, followed by the review.

NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. True North Bricks’ usual rating system applies (click here for more information).

GIGANOTOSAURUS AND THERIZINOSAURUS ATTACK SUMMARY

• NAME: Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus Breakout
• SET #: 76949
• THEME: Jurassic World
• COST: $169.99 CAD
• BRICK COUNT: 810
• MINIFIGURES: 6
• OF INTEREST: 2 large dinosaurs
• RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2022

GIGANOTOSAURUS AND THERIZINOSAURUS ATTACK QUICK REVIEW

• VALUE: 74% (Costly bricks and build time, but the dinosaurs are worth it.)
• BUILD: 60% (This set tries to be too many things without enough detail anywhere.)
• MINIFIGURES: 90% (Excellent selection of characters with good designs.)
• ENTERTAINMENT: 100% (Fun for kids and dino-loving AFOLs.)
• OVERALL SCORE: 81% (Average set.)

GIGANOTOSAURUS AND THERIZINOSAURUS ATTACK REVIEW

VALUE: 74%

This set costs $169.99 in Canada and includes 810 bricks. The resulting cost-per-brick is $0.21. As far as LEGO® sets go, that is on the pricey side. Comparatively, our average cost-per-brick here at True North Bricks is currently $0.138. However, the Jurassic World theme tends to be more expensive. There, our average is $0.174/brick. Whether that’s licensing or big figurines or both, you tend to pay more per brick with this theme. Based on our usual rating system, I rate the cost-per-brick at 60%.

In terms of build time, I clocked this set at one hour and 50 minutes. At full price, each minute of build time costs $1.55. No matter how you look at that, it is not a lot of build time for the price. By comparison, the average LEGO® set usually comes in at $0.84/min, while Jurassic World sets are more like $1.02/min in my experience. I rate the build time at 51% in this case. Averaging this with the cost-per-brick gives an overall value of 56%.

Two new dinosaur species certainly increase the set’s value.

With that said, this set includes two amazing dinosaurs. Not only do they look great, but they are both new species for the Jurassic World genre. At the moment, they are also exclusive to this set. When I reviewed Triceratops Pickup Truck Ambush, I boosted the score quite a bit on account of the triceratops figurine. I did not do the same for Pyroraptor & Dilophosaurus Transport, nor for T. rex and Atrociraptor Breakout. I did not feel the dinosaurs really added extra value in those cases. However, in the case of Giganotosaurus & Therizinosaurus Attack, they really do. I am super impressed with these figurines, especially the giganotosaurus. On their own, I would be willing to pay around $20 for each of these dinos.

Based on that, I am comfortable saying this set without the dinosaurs is more like $129.99. The resulting cost-per-brick works out to $0.16 in that case. Similarly, the build time value also jumps to $1.18/min. Those are much better values. As I dinosaur collector, I really think both figurines are worth the $40 deduction and the subsequent boost in score. Therefore, I adjust the value rating to 74%.

BUILD: 60%

I went into this set not expecting much. Apart from the more adult oriented sets relating to the original Jurassic Park, the builds from this theme rarely impress me. I collect Jurassic World sets for the dinosaurs. Additionally, I like the dinosaur and DNA themed computer screens and Jurassic logos. If ever I decide to build my own Jurassic Park MOC, they will come in handy. With that said, parts of this set surprised me.

With that said, let’s get the less than stellar stuff out of the way first. Much like Triceratops Pickup Truck Ambush, this set includes a really poorly designed ATV. In fact, the two are quite similar in design. Two really bad ATVs in the same wave is a bit much. Each one falls apart practically from a glance. This vehicle constitutes a waste of bricks in my book.

This set tries to be too many different scenes.

The main build in Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus Attack is the Biosyn lab building. It is mostly a façade consisting of two levels. The equipment inside is fun, but the building itself lacks substance. This build needs more bricks. In fact, I wish it was its own set without all the side stuff. This set tries to be too many things. I would split this kit in three, sticking one dinosaur in each. That way, you get more complete builds in each case that can combine or not depending on your collecting and taste. The highlight of this build is lab equipment and computer screens.

The helicopter is interesting, and that surprised me. I usually do not like the little helicopters shoved into large sets like this. I do not need that many helicopters, and they are often not very detailed. Using bricks for a helicopter costs detail elsewhere. While that is the case with this set, this helicopter is also nice. It has more substance than what you normally see in the City theme. Additionally, I like that it opens up and features storage space. Sadly, the storage space is not quite big enough for a Minifigure to fit inside. If the helicopter fit two Minifigures, I’d be happier.

The watch tower is the highlight of this build.

I like the observation tower most. I wish it was its own set. As it stands, the build is open in the rear. Additionally, it features a ladder that comes nowhere near the ground. The Jurassic World theme features too many vehicles and dinosaur transports. It would be refreshing to get more buildings and scenes. Getting a really detailed tower with one of these two dinosaurs would have been amazing. With that said, the tower design is the best feature in this build. It also has a collapsing floor play feature.

Ultimately, none of these builds really impresses. I like the helicopter more than I thought I would. Additionally, the tower is a great concept that inspires me to build my own custom, more detailed version. I do like the techniques used to build the elevated platform. Sadly, most of this build is of little interest to me though. Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus is a parts box that provides a little inspiration. I rate the build at 60%.

MINIFIGURES: 90%

This set includes six Minifigures. It is the only set in this wave to include the elderly Dr. Grant, as well as Dr. Wu. All the other characters come in other sets as well. However, each Minifigure features all the standard parts. Additionally, they all have front and back torso printing, and with the exception of Grant, they all have double-sided faces. Only Owen Grady has any leg printing though. In terms of accessories, the set includes two mugs, a rock pick, two yellow syringes, a wrench, a 1×1 printed amber brick, two grey syringes, two whips, two hand radios, and two eggs. Of course, there are two dinosaurs as well. I rate the Minifigure designs at 87%. A little more printing and a few more accessories would improve the score.

Six minifigs and two dinosaurs gives you eight figurines. In an 810-piece kit, the brick-to-fig ratio is 101 bricks/fig. For a Jurassic World set, that is actually good. Comparatively, the average for the theme is 128 bricks/fig. Compared to LEGO® sets in general, it is even better since our average there is 170 bricks/fig. Considering both these comparisons, I rate the ratio score at 90%. You get a great number of characters for a set of this size. Averaging this with the design score gives an overall Minifigure rating of 89%. Since you get two exclusive Minifigures, I am okay bumping that up to 90%.

ENTERTAINMENT: 100%

I already harped on the builds in this set a little. So, I will not focus on that more here. However, I will say that Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus Attack is a kids’ play set. Consequently, children may enjoy the set design and not be overly bothered by uncomplicated builds. Additionally, the watch tower and helicopter are decent constructs, all things considered. So, as a playset, I think this would be entertaining.

For AFOLs, the real draw is the two new species of dinosaur. Both look great, but the giganotosaurus is the show-stealer. The head mold is a re-color of the Indominus rex. However, the body features a new dorsal sail. While I do not see any indication that giganotosaurus actually had such a sail, it looks awesome. I absolutely love this dinosaur. Consequently, I would have bought this kit just to get it. The dorsal sail also leaves me hopeful that we might finally see the LEGO® Spinosaurus in this style…

The giganotosaurus looks awesome!

On top of the giganotosaurus, you also get the therizinosaurus. This is a fierce looking bird-like creature. The claws on the hands seem formidable. Sadly, in reality they probably were not so. Quick research reveals they were in fact quite fragile and probably used to hook and pull down vegetation the animal browsed on. We’ll have to wait an see if that gets embellished at all in the film. This figurine reuses the Indoraptor and baryonyx body with a new head. The neck joint is similar to the baryonyx, which I am not so crazy about. However, I am always thrilled with a new species. In then end, this set will entertain dino-loving AFOLs if only for the dinosaur figurines. I rate the entertainment at 100%.

OVERALL SCORE: 81%

On the whole, I think Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurs Attack is an average set. However, it is one of the better Jurassic World offerings. Taken as a general LEGO® kit, the value is not great. Additionally, the set tries to be too many things. I wish this came as three separate, more detailed sets. However, if you consider the two large dinosaur figurines, I think most fans of the Jurassic World franchise will think the set is worth it. I particularly love the giganotosaurus. In my opinion, you are better off buying the kit than paying separately for the dinosaurs on the secondary market. Even though the builds are not phenomenal, you get some nice bricks and minifigs. What do you think of Giganotosaurus and Therizinosaurus Attack? Let us know in the comments below or reach out on social media.

Until next time,

-Tom

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