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Set Review: 76020 Knowhere Escape Mission
 Sunday, September 7th, 2014 at 11:35pm by Benjamin, BZPower ReporterI was really tempted just to say “I am Groot” as the whole video and review. Marvel Studio's latest film Guardians of the Galaxy is still doing well at the box office, and with characters like Groot and Rocket Raccoon that is no surprise. In today's set review of the Knowhere Escape Mission, we see their LEGO counterparts as they reenact a key scene from the movie while fighting some formidable bad guys. Watch the video and read the review to see what is so great about this playset, and say it with me: I am Groot!
The set itself is $40 USD and has 433 pieces. That is less than ten cents a piece! Plus it is a licensed set with four characters. Considering all those factors and then pricing this at $40 is a great deal! (Compared to the $50 X-Men Jet with 336 pieces. Still has cool figs though.) Presentation
The box front it flashy, with lots of action while it shows off the minifigs. All the important information is there too, like the logos, set numbers, piece count, name, and age recommendation (ha!). The back further explores all this set can do, from trap doors to throwing around trans-yellow barrels. We also get a glance of Rocket with a big gun, as he is known to have. The pieces come in three bags, as well as with a sticker sheet which I will not be using today. Building
I am Groot! The King from Planet X really shows his size as one of the first things built, including ten points of articulation for the limbs. Unfortunately his neck does not turn, nor do his ankles, so his expression is limited as are his leg poses. Following the build is a portion of the yellow-liquid pump system. Nebula shows up too to get in on some of the action.
Next up comes the mining vehicle Rocket flies around in, chasing after the Orb and the baddies. It fits a minifig perfectly and has some playability with the grabbing hands.
Things start to come together with Rocket's small fig and big gun all being built, as well as another, larger portion for the murky water.
Rounding out the building experience includes some traps and structures for the baddies to utilize and the good guys to destroy. More of this looked at in the Playability section. Set Design
New and interesting pieces include some light, pastel blue pieces (along with some other blue varieties), some neat brown pieces for Groot and some transparent pieces which I look forward to using. The new spring-loaded missile is included as well, which is fun to use (see the video).
The little pod for Rocket to fly around in is cool too, which has the grabbing hands up front and some sort of bomb-dropping chamber in the back. Just more play features!
Finally, Groot holds his ground with his size. His legs and torso come pre-printed with a leaf and wood design. His articulation is great for striking fearsome poses or balancing Rocket on his arm (see Playability), while his hands can grab a variety of things.
The standard figs are cool too. A Sakaaran comes with this set, just like the other two, and sports a reversible head and cool body armor. Rocket has a tail inserted between his torso and legs, kept in with the pegs from the legs. Nebula has her space suit and other details, like her metal arm and facial implants, detailing her fig. Playability
There are numerous features to this set that give it reasons not to be overlooked with all the other LEGO sets. Up top, the Sakaaran can position his cannon, but when the dish below is pushed the whole structure will fall over taking him with it! The whole top base also has a trap door triggered from the back, catching the baddie in the murky water below. Finally, there is a little catapult in the smaller yellow-liquid basin to fire barrels up at him. The whole play value makes this set really fun.
Though a balancing act is taking place, Rocket can sit on Groot's arm to show just how good buddies they really are. Final Thoughts
What I really love about this set is how much of a playset it is. All LEGO sets (well, most) are supposed to have some sort of play feature, of course, but this really feels like a scene from the movie with all the right parts to have a fun time. Two iconic heroes conflicting with two great bad guys, along with some cool vehicles and weapons. On top of that, there are some clever play features integrated into the scene, taking some liberties compared to the movie, all of which add more fun and play value to the set.
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