With the return of the LEGO Indiana Jones theme 2023, I'm taking a look at set 7627 - Temple of the Crystal Skull. This set was released in 2008 with 10 minifigures and 929 pieces. This item has a very high collector's value by now. No surprise: Indiana Jones sets have been made from 2008-2009. Is it worth the purchase, these days?

Box, instructions and stickers:

You can see the set on the box very clearly. Even the background has been designed nicely and shows a picture of the temple. On the back of the box you can see the play features of this set. We also get two instruction books, which is easy to understand. This set also includes stickers.

Picture - Box Front

Picture - Box Back

Picture - Instructions

Construction:

The construction consists out of six numbered bags. The set should be built after 90 minutes. At the end you get a small selection of extra pieces. This set also includes 3D baseplate, which has become quite rare.

Minifigures:

There're 10 minifigures included in this set: Indiana Jones, Mutt Williams, Irina Spalko, 2 Ugha warriors, 1 Russian soldier and 4 skeletons. Three of them have a crystal skull.

Picture - Minifigures

The Set:

The set contains a lot of playability. At the front of the temple, you can find a staircase. You may've already noticed that some bricks haven't been attached very well. That has a good reason, because here's a hidden trap. If you move the dragon heads, the bricks will be knocked out by a Technic element. On the sides of the towers there're two more dragon heads, which are holding a skull, that can be dropped.

Behind the temple, you can find a secret waterfall and an arrow, a spiral staircase, a secret door and a throne room, which can spin. On the top of the temple there're two 'wings'. These wings can fold up, once you push down the 'round button'.

On the top of it, there's an entrance to the temple and a small tank for the Russian soldier.

Picture - Set Part 1

Picture - Set Part 2

Picture - Set Part 3

Conclusion:

I think, the set has been well made for it's time. I can imagine, that LEGO could realize this set much better today. At the end of the day it's a cool set with many play features and a good selection of minifigures. Due to it's high collector's value it may be smarter to piece this set together.

What do you think of this set? Would you buy it? I also have this review in German: GERMAN VERSION OF MY REVIEW

 

 

 

 

Edited July 27, 20222 yr by klokriecher

Never really liked this set even though I can't put my finger on why exactly.Maybe it's the lackluster minifigure line or maybe the built itself and it's color scheme.

Edited July 28, 20222 yr by Pulp Detective

Well by LEGO's modern build techniques and style, this set would be more at home with the Minecraft theme, maybe that's it.

Pretty cool seeing a review of a set from deep in my dark age, still I would love to have this set, I imagine the new upgraded one will look much better, have less pieces and cost more. Regardless I am looking forward to the relaunch and will likely buy most of the sets.

Thanks for taking the time to review this set, enjoyed checking out what I missed out on.