Deep Sea Submarine

When the latest range of LEGO models was released this was the one that stood out for me. I immediately knew I had to buy it! A great range of parts, very well sculpted, and cool details all impressed me. The build is mostly easy and very satisfying. The instructions break down the various modules nicely. Younger builders may require a bit of help connecting the tubes at the end, but they are a great detail and well worth the effort. The scenery is well done too. The new colour of bright green sea grass looks really good, the treasure chest is packed full of gold and gems and best of all the rib cage of some huge sea beast looks awesome (and includes the "curved connector with a fin" in white for the first time, which can be used to build all kind of cool monsters and skeletons). What makes this set such a pleasure for me is the overall form of the submarine. The bubble dome, buoyancy pontoons, propulsion system, articulated arms and nicely shaped body, combined with the lots of details like lights and protective bars, make for a convincing and enjoyable model. A delightful model, I'm a proud owner and will be buying more for presents soon. more less

Easily one of the best LEGO sets this year. My kids love underwater adventure themed toys, shows as well as science and biology, so this is the perfect theme for them. While we would love to get all of them, this one is a fantastic balance between adventure and nature, plus the sub is a blast to build and everything looks amazing. more less

The sub has an opening bubble cockpit that fits one minifigure, two articulated mechanical arms, and tilting thrusters. The environment piece has a whale ribcage and a sunken treasure chest. more less

It is a pity the black rotors at the back don't fit inside their housing, but that is really the only drawback I have found for this set. It is a very complete set which really invites you to play out the scene. more less

The new Deep Sea Explorers sets are very much 'more of the same': updated versions of Divers and Aquazone sets, but no real innovation. If you were a fan of them you will either love these too, or will pass on them given you have similar sets already. The submarine certainly benefits from the use of modern parts and updated building techniques but, disappointingly, there are no new parts in the set at all, not even minifig parts. more less

There's plenty of playability with a moderately sized underwater rocky outcropping, two divers, a hefty and realistic looking sub, and a shark. The sub has a good bulky design that looks seaworthy. Not a lot of great parts, but it's not too expensive for somebody wanting to get in on the underwater exploration theme. more less

I can't help but feel this one of the best looking sets that has been produced in recent years, and there have been some pretty good offerings! The front and even the rear view are nice and imposing. The side view gives off a nice stumpy look, which compares to the realise versions very well. more less