LEGO has explored and exploited dinosaurs several different times over the last two decades, and has had several successful themes with different takes on the prehistoric beasties.  Kids can't get enough of them, and in 2012, everything old is new again.  The most recent version is simply called LEGO Dino, and my son ended up with several of those sets for his 10th birthday.  

The smallest of these sets is Dino Ambush Attack, which includes a small vehicle, a dinosaur, and minifigure.   The vehicle is like a small open ATV, freewheeling but with several play features that make it more fun.  There are spikes on the front of the grill, and "flickfire" missiles on the back that shoot tranquilizer dart with the press of a finger.  There are grates/boarding ramps that fold up on either side of the ATV, and safari/camouflage details on the yellow body.  

The minfigures in the Dino line are in military style uniforms; this one has a dark red sleeveless shirt with a "D" logo on his chest, and a bandolier slung over one shoulder.  He's got a scrape on his cheek, and a dark brown helmet to keep him safe.  The dinosaur in this particular set is a sort of velociraptor--a single piece made of a more rubbery plastic than most LEGO, giving it more detail and a more slender tail and arms than it would have otherwise.  Painted details include tiger-like green stripes, white teeth, and yellow eyes.  The right foot has a socket that grips a standard LEGO stud, but the left foot's socket is too big.  It stands well enough on its own, and is taller than a minifig, and is 3 1/2" from nose to tail.  It's a nice figure, and great for a set this size.

One of the things I liked best about this set was also one of the smallest--a new rifle that has a tranquilizer dart mounted in a bracket on top of it.  The tranquilizer is a separate syringe piece in a lime green that snaps into place, so you can be sure they're just putting the dinosaur to sleep, not killing it.  It feels better, and more LEGO, than a big ol' bazooka or something.  

This 80-piece set retails for $7.99, and that's about right for what you get.  There's a small piece of bushy scenery to set the stage, and then the LEGO hunt begins.  If you've got kids that like dinosaurs and LEGO, check out Dino Ambush Attack.  

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 7.99
Type of Toy: Blocks
Age Range of Child: Kids to Teens