Review: 60264 Ocean Exploration Submarine
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO minifigures have conducted considerable underwater exploration, recovering abandoned treasure or mystical remains. However, the new collection encompasses animal conservation so provides multiple exclusive creatures alongside updated ocean animals!
60264 Ocean Exploration Submarine therefore includes an anglerfish. These predatory creatures have appeared in previous sets, although they have typically been brick-built. Furthermore, the submarine seems particularly realistic when compared with modern exploratory vessels and incorporates impressive functionality.
Minifigures
Four minifigures are included, the first of whom is named Jessica Sharpe. Her sand blue attire seems comparatively simple, although I like the reddish brown bag on her back. In addition, the colourful headband looks splendid but this figure lacks an alternative expression which is rather disappointing as the blonde hair piece could have concealed a secondary face.
The remaining characters are not identified by name, although they also feature new elements. This minifigure wears a dark red jacket with dark bluish grey highlights and his new torso only otherwise appears in 60266 Ocean Exploration Ship so remains quite uncommon. The head and dark blue baseball cap are both prevalent across the City theme though.
Divers have appeared in numerous sets and their equipment is frequently updated. Two such figures are provided here, sporting dark blue and orange wetsuits with corresponding helmets. These bright colours look excellent and I like the metallic silver highlights on the torso and legs too, although they are partially concealed by the enormous helmet component.
While the new diving equipment that appears in other Deep Sea Explorers sets may be more exciting, these bulky helmets and air tanks seem most suitable for exploring the depths of the ocean where anglerfish typically reside. Moreover, this element has not been released in dark blue before and the rotating lamps connected to the air tanks look great. Both minifigures also feature double-sided heads.
Various accessories are provided here, befitting the ocean environment. They include a large camera, a remote control for the drone submarine, a handheld torch and a detector which can scour the seabed for debris. I think this printed 1x2 tile on the remote is starting to seem dated, having existed since 1999, so an updated version would be appreciated.
The Completed Model
Underwater scenery generally accompanies sets focused upon ocean exploration and this model includes adequate textured detail. I like the combination of dark bluish grey and sand green bricks which seems fairly realistic and the complementary aqua and teal highlights are perfect. I am particularly pleased with these coral elements that were introduced during 2019 and feature numerous useful connection points.
Trans-bright green crystals are found here and these seem certain to interest the divers. Two red crabs also inhabit the rock but the most interesting creature is undoubtedly the brand new anglerfish! This intimidating fish really stands out against its surroundings and fits onto a trans-clear Technic beam, allowing it to burst forth from its cave. This function is quite enjoyable but the blue Technic pins look awkward.
Lime green and white plastics are combined to exceptional effect for this anglerfish, faithfully recreating their sharp teeth and bulbous eyes. The jagged fins look marvellous too and reflect various anglerfish varieties, although this example cannot easily be identified with one species and instead combines the best known features from several.
Anglerfish are renowned for the bioluminescent bulb on their head, known as the illicium, that attracts prey in the darkness of the ocean floor. However, the whole body of this fish can glow-in-the-dark! That might make predation more challenging for the anglerfish but it looks brilliant and the glow is surprisingly strong. A slight mottled effect is visible across the surface but has been exaggerated in this photo.
Many different LEGO submarines are available and these frequently feature the same yellow colour scheme. The latest submersible measures 18cm in length, incorporating 6x5x2 curved elements at either end which distinguish this craft from its predecessors. The rounded canopy and adjustable propellers appear familiar though, matching 60092 Deep Sea Submarine from 2015.
Nevertheless, the updated hull shape achieves sufficient differentiation from earlier models in my opinion and I like how the aforementioned 6x5x2 curved part wraps around the trans-clear cockpit. Several stickers are situated here, including one that displays the lovely hammerhead shark emblem associated with the newest deep sea diving organisation.
Articulated claws flank the cockpit, comprising several segments which are connected using click hinges and the claws which were introduced during 2019. White rubber bands surround both claws, allowing them to grip items securely. I dislike the inconsistent arm colours though. Black, light bluish grey and white sections are included but one colour should have appeared throughout their entire length.
The interior space is modest, as one would expect of deep sea submersibles. One minifigure can sit inside the cockpit, where two red levers are found, while another sits behind the sonar display. This printed slope appears in three new sets and I appreciate the ample room to seat the divers and their helmets. However, the smooth floor does not secure figures properly.
Cylindrical ballast tanks are fixed on either side, contrasting against the yellow and dark blue hull. These look excellent and I like the adjustable flaps which are visible above the tanks too. Unfortunately, the stern is not wholly enclosed. A drone submarine docks here and looks nice but an internal wall should have separated the habitable section from the docking area.
The robotic submersible is fairly simple so includes two red ballast tanks and the hammerhead shark insignia that also appears on the bigger submarine. This offers considerable play value though, featuring two propellers and an opening storage box. Presumably this vehicle follows the divers as they explore, ferrying recovered items back to its parent vessel.
Overall
The new anglerfish is the outstanding feature of this set, although the accompanying submarine has surpassed my expectations. The exterior has been simplified in relation to past designs but appears realistically streamlined, especially across the top. Furthermore, I love the articulated claws and the deployable vessel is a welcome addition for play.
60264 Ocean Exploration Submarine also offers a great selection of minifigures. I would have appreciated one of the new divers that appear exclusively with larger Deep Sea Explorers sets, although the quantity of characters is definitely sufficient. I think the price of £24.99 in the UK is reasonable and the US price of $39.99 is consistent with other City sets, although that seems expensive when compared with the broader LEGO range.
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35 comments on this article
Moved from my "Want" list to "Maybe/ Perhaps/ Likely not". Just not enough there to justify the expenditure and even the angler fish looks weird up close.
£24.99 is very cheap. May pick this up, but it would be my first divers/marine life set ever.
How many pieces are there?
I still prefer the 60265-1: Ocean Exploration Base set if I had to choose 1 set of this City subtheme.
My favorite part of this set is definately the underwater scenery.
The Orange/Blue suits look good too, could easily be used as Space explorers as well, or the leg/torso print is even useful for Construction workers or people wearing a Parachute/Climbing Harness.
Okay, I really need this just for the anglerfish.
@Slobrojoe
There are 286 pieces in the set.
"an internal wall should have separated the habitable section from the docking area"
Yes, I can imagine how that could lead to an issue lol
@Trigger_ said:
" @Slobrojoe
There are 286 pieces in the set."
Cheers. Does it say that in the review? I may have missed it but thanks.
Like the last submarine that was $40… I’ll wait till it goes on sale for 20.
The anglerfish is awesome.
It is a cute little sub, I really like it :)
It's okay, but it does seem to reflect a wider trend of City sets being juniorised. Still, considering we're talking about a literal child's toy I can't exactly complain about that.
Why do all the minifigs look like jerks except the guy with the glasses?
This set really gives me The Abyss vibes. Ed Harris' character also wears a blue baseball cap in the movie. Coincidence? I think not!
Shame the 60263 mini-submarine I was looking forward to is merely a 4+ set.
@Slobrojoe said:
" @Trigger_ said:
" @Slobrojoe
There are 286 pieces in the set."
Cheers. Does it say that in the review? I may have missed it but thanks."
No, but it says the piece count on the set page.
Pretty decent
”I think this printed 1x2 tile on the remote is starting to seem dated, having existed since 1999, so an updated version would be appreciated.”
This is a legit comment, however, I really appreciate the fact that LEGO is preserving older prints, just like a nod to all the legacy of older sets that had them.
Ah, the nostalgia ride!
@The_Brickster_ said:
"Eh, might pick up the Anglerfish on Bricklink. But the sub is a little underwhelming."
Underwhelming and subpar.
I instantly fell in love with the anglerfish from this, but I must say I was unaware that named characters would appear in this range! I'm glad they aren't keeping that trend exclusive to Police sets, it's nice to have a few protagonists to get attached to.
@Kostur said:
"”I think this printed 1x2 tile on the remote is starting to seem dated, having existed since 1999, so an updated version would be appreciated.”
This is a legit comment, however, I really appreciate the fact that LEGO is preserving older prints, just like a nod to all the legacy of older sets that had them.
Ah, the nostalgia ride!"
I always get excited when I buy a new set and it includes some old element I thought Lego had long since stopped making.
Looks like a wonderful set to me--especially for the price! (That anglerfish is worth at least $5 to me all by itself, and the diving equipment also rates extra IMO.)
As a collector of Lego animals, I always have a shudder of combined delight (for the collection) and fear (for my wallet) when a subtheme like this is announced. As they're not licenced, I can hope to get some through Bricks and Pieces. (Of course, I'm still trying to complete my "big cat" collection from a few years ago, so that method doesn't always work!)
After reading the review, this doesn’t seem too bad. Probably the best of the Divers wave this year.
Compared to Friends line this whole new theme is such letdown in terms of design.
But the animals are great!
I am aiming for both this set as well the Underwater Base, I also want that Diver Polybag.
For a small set aimed at younger audiences I think they've done a fine job with this, I wish there was more interior space in the sub and that light grey pins were used to attach the snazzy new fish but those kind of issues are hardly unique. I don't like that City sets are priced similarly to or worse than Star Wars ones these days, this needs a minimum 25% discount to be reasonable, but I do like what I see here.
@sklamb said:
"As they're not licenced, I can hope to get some through Bricks and Pieces. (Of course, I'm still trying to complete my "big cat" collection from a few years ago, so that method doesn't always work!)"
I wouldn't hold your breath. Even though it's not licensed, LEGO has been keeping the really sought after parts from sets on B&P. At least that's what I've noticed lately while trying to order from the most recent sets. I suppose it makes sense since it keeps people from buying an entire set. Don't get me wrong I'd love to buy a separate Anglerfish, too.
The sub build matches what I'd imagine NatGeo funded researchers would use. The protagonist minifigs, however, I find rather lame and disappointing. I don't get the headband and satchel she's wearing.
60092 is so much better than this, it’s like chalk and cheese.
I really think they need to develop some sort of spring loaded claws again, those visible white rubber bands are always a bit ugly.
@MTBrickHouse said:
. " @sklamb said:
. "As they're not licenced, I can hope to get some through Bricks and Pieces. (Of course, I'm still trying to complete my "big cat" collection from a few years ago, so that method doesn't always work!)"
. I wouldn't hold your breath. Even though it's not licensed, LEGO has been keeping the really sought after parts from sets on B&P."
Oh, agreed--hence my comment about the big cats! But given the number of larger and very desireable sets coming out this summer, I won't be able to buy all the City or Friends sets with interesting animals. It will be B&P or Bricklink for the rest--and Bricklink prices for animals have always been higher than B&P ones!
Is the anglerfish only in this set?
@Merlict - Yes, unfortunately.
Any clue when this set (and all the other June releases) will be available to order in the US? I'm seeing on multiple websites that they've been released, but they're all still listed as Coming Soon on the Lego website.
My five year old daughter really likes this sub and the underwater base, and any time I can get her something that's even vaguely science-related I jump at the chance!
@MTBrickHouse:
If you don't see the element in the B&P list, then you may be correct that they're intentionally withholding it from that resource. If you find it and it's marked as unavailable, it may have had limited stock listed that just got blitzed by people trying to buy a bunch for their own collection or to list on Bricklink. I was able to buy ~60 Green Lanterns from the set with Space Batman, but not too long after that they were unavailable. I believe once they sell out of a particular element, they only restock that if/when they need to produce more copies of a set that uses that element.
I bought a couple angler fish on B&P last night. I think they were about $2.
I think in terms of an actual submarine build, 2015's 60092 Deep Sea Submarine is a lot more aesthetically pleasing, but the new brick-built rock formation is very much appreciated over the original. I'm sure if you could wrangle up both for a decent price, it'd make for a nice little display, not to mention the remainder parts are all pretty worthwhile.
I prefer my old submarine 60092 from 2015.
@SeekerBear said:
""an internal wall should have separated the habitable section from the docking area"
Yes, I can imagine how that could lead to an issue lol"
It's also a disturbing point to me. ...