#60431-1: Space Explorer Rover and Alien Life is another part of the space subtheme in the CITY line. This one was released on 1 January 2024 and contains 311 pieces. It retails for $34.99 which works out to $0.113 per piece. This is pretty high, but I got it on sale and I’ve seen it for at least 30% off recently.
The box has the CITY logo and the Space subtheme logo. The front shows the full set while the back shows some of the play features.
The box contains four numbered parts bags, two instruction booklets, and then six of the large wheels for the rover.
The first bag builds a female space minifigure and a small unmanned rover. Then there is a small piece of alien landscape with two little aliens.
The second bag builds the base of the rover and a male minifigure. The box says the set is for ages 6+, but there are a lot of Technic pieces on this one and I could see a six-year old having trouble with assembly.
The third bag adds more of the top of the rover and then you add the front four axles. The front four are not static and can be pivoted which allows you to tackle all of those tough alien landscapes. Again, more Technic pieces which was surprising for me considering that this one is a CITY set.
And here is bag four… The top is added on and there are some fun play features. You can drive the unmanned rover up and use a door that opens down to have it enter the larger rover. Then the windscreen opens up so you can add in the minifigures. The wheels are put on with the inside facing out and you add a Technic steering wheel and a another round wheel cover. The dark orange color is a nice touch too.
Here’s the final view. It’s a bit overpriced, but now that it’s showing up on sale, it’s more reasonable to pick up. There are some great play features (the off road axles) and a few fun pieces too. Two minifigures and the two aliens aren’t too bad either. It’s definitely not an 18+ set so if you’re looking for something more intricate, check out the Icons line.
Happy building!