In 1997 LEGO released 3 Aquazone sets. The largest Aquazone set from 1997 was
2162 Hydro Reef Wrecker with a piece count of 287 and a retail price of $39.99. The current estimated value of all these Aquazone sets from this year is about $683.04 which represents a 854.1% growth.
Aquazone was an underwater theme introduced in 1995 that lasted until 1999 and contained five subthemes all of which took place in the ocean and typically involved two sides fighting each other for valuables such as Hydrolator Crystals. Aquazone was the second new theme after Pirates that was introduced after the initial three classic major themes Town, Castle, and Space from 1978.
1997 LEGO Sets
In 1997, the LEGO Group faced significant challenges as it grappled with a changing toy market and internal organizational shifts. While the company introduced its first-ever licensed theme, "Star Wars," laying the groundwork for one of its most successful and enduring lines, it also experienced a dip in sales for the first time since its inception. The LEGO Group recognized the need to innovate and diversify its product offerings beyond traditional brick sets, leading to endeavors in new areas like software and video games, with the launch of LEGO Island, its first PC game. This year marked a period of introspection and transformation for the iconic toy company.