Bionicle 2015 Discussion

[Gatanui]

  On 9/16/2014 at 4:57 PM, Kalta the Noble Mind said:

oh i completely forgot about lewa! he seemed too serious or at least not as playful as i remembered. wast gali more the caring type who would prevent unnecessary harm to rahi? i think they nailed the fun loving energetic air toa in toa matau.

I think the Toa Metru were quite well characterized, at least as good as they can be in a children's movie of such length. Granted, their personalities were never that developed in the first place.

-Gata

[Voxovan]

Guys, I just looked back at the display, and Pohatu clearly has that Guurahk piece sticking out of his back there. What does that mean?

Edited September 16, 2014 by Voxovan

[Mesonak]

  On 9/16/2014 at 5:50 PM, Voxovan said:

Goys, I just looked back at the display, and Pohatu clearly has that Guurahk piece sticking out of his back there. What does that mean?

I have not a clue. The only possible explanation I can think of is that he has a secondary weapon that he stores on his back (much like Evo from Brain Attack).

[JasonEffex]

I've noticed that on Onua's back, there is a yellow (four pronged) gear piece. Could this mean that he has a function similar to the original Mata?

If you look closer at Pohatu, he has one too, so I wouldn't be surprised if all the Toa have the same gear function...

Also, beside the gear, there is a trans yellow piece similar to the Toa Metru eye pieces - a possible hint of the new head designs?

Edited September 16, 2014 by JasonEffex

[Timeline15]

All discussed in the last few pages, but yeah, we're pretty positive they have gear functions. pohatu's arm is attatched to a technic assembly on his back, instead of to his torso. Also, all the protectors seem to have white or grey heads, but coloured eyes, so hopefully a 2 piece head.

[Aanchir]

  On 9/16/2014 at 6:42 PM, JasonEffex said:

I've noticed that on Onua's back, there is a yellow (four pronged) gear piece. Could this mean that he has a function similar to the original Mata?

If you look closer at Pohatu, he has one too, so I wouldn't be surprised if all the Toa have the same gear function...

Also, beside the gear, there is a trans yellow piece similar to the Toa Metru eye pieces - a possible hint of the new head designs?

I think you are right on both counts. Notice also that the shoulder joints of the torso beam on Tahu, Gali, and Lewa appear to be unused. So that means the actual shoulders are probably set behind the torso beams and attached to some kind of Technic contraption. I'm sure some people will consider this solution inelegant (I have never quite figured it out, but a lot of people seem to have an aversion to unused ball joints), but I think it's far preferable to the sets' actual torsos relying on bulky, overdesigned gearboxes.

Also, yes, the new blasters work by rotating the outside section around the center or vice-versa. On the Protectors of Jungle and Water, at least, the outer ring is fixed to the "tool" and a gear behind it rotates the center section.

Also, I was trying to figure out why Gali's weapon has spare pins on one side of it. Maybe the axe blades connect to her feet for some reason? The only other guess I've seen is for use in a combi model, but since there are exactly the right number of pins to connect them securely to her feet I'm starting to think that's the more likely possibility.

Edited September 16, 2014 by Aanchir

[GK733]

Reading about Bionicle on other AFOL forums it makes me sad that people say that they are dissapointed if the 4 days reveal will be Bionicle.

[Mesonak]

Well, from what I've gathered it's mainly due to the fact that the general community has already deduced that BIONICLE will be returning so they don't see the need for an "official announcement" rather than any disdain for the line as a whole (although I'm sure that plays a part as well).

The actual constraction community, on the other hand, STILL has people that are skeptical and are waiting for such an "official announcement," so it would benefit Lego greatly to end all this speculation and just confirm the theme's return. :P

Edited September 16, 2014 by Mesonak

[Gatanui]

Let them be disappointed. Of course they have any right to be but they don't have the right to belittle the theme or us fans. They'll just have to accept that they are parts of the LEGO fanbase that like something that they themselves aren't very fond of and that that doesn't make BIONICLE or its fans any worse (or better) than them. They also need to accept that especially because of the rich story of BIONICLE, it's a line that molded the childhoods of many children to a great degree. BIONICLE means far more than any other LEGO line ever to me. If those AFOLs can't accept that, well, there's the door. I'm certainly going to enjoy the reveal anyway and I'm happy that there will be so many more fans around the world enjoying it at my side. What I really don't get is people wondering why LEGO is making such a big deal of this announcement when we all know BIONICLE is returning. Fact is, officially we don't yet and I'm super excited for first official images (and possibly/hopefully animated footage) that goes beyond a golden mask.

-Gata

Edited September 16, 2014 by Gatanui

[Aanchir]

  On 9/16/2014 at 7:05 PM, Mesonak said:

Well, from what I've gathered it's mainly due to the fact that the general community has already deduced that BIONICLE will be returning so they don't see the need for an "official announcement" rather than any disdain for the line as a whole (although I'm sure that plays a part as well).

There's a lot of disdain for the line as a whole on Brickset, for certain.

[Grima]

  On 9/16/2014 at 6:58 PM, Aanchir said:

(I have never quite figured it out, but a lot of people seem to have an aversion to unused ball joints)

It's similar to exposed axle ends in that it almost makes it look unfinished. It's not as bad if it's, say, one of the armor-attaching ones in the middle of a limb bone, but unless covered, an unused balljoint sticking out there often interrupts flow.

[Jasonified]

Personally, I think we're getting a reboot.

The top of the new mask appears to be sculpted rather like Kini Nui, plus the setting on the display stand image is uncannily like it. I'd say we're getting a reboot in Mata Nui again, but this is pure speculation.

[Dorek]

  On 9/16/2014 at 7:32 PM, Grima said:

It's similar to exposed axle ends in that it almost makes it look unfinished. It's not as bad if it's, say, one of the armor-attaching ones in the middle of a limb bone, but unless covered, an unused balljoint sticking out there often interrupts flow.

Speaking of exposed axles, I notice that a some of these sets go out of their way to cover up axles, primarily on weapons and things. It's an interesting design choice, and makes you wonder if there's an additional use for the parts.

[Grima]

  On 9/16/2014 at 7:49 PM, Dorek said:

Speaking of exposed axles, I notice that a some of these sets go out of their way to cover up axles, primarily on weapons and things. It's an interesting design choice, and makes you wonder if there's an additional use for the parts.

If we see Toa Kaita, or really any combiners, they could be pieces used to enhance the functions somehow. Or just attach things, but considering most of them are technic bits, my bet is on them going towards the more technic-oriented functions.

[Dorek]

That's what I'm hoping for, for sure! Even if they aren't "canon" per se, I'd love to see them do combiners with the old Kaita combinations, as a throwback.

[TheGreatSpirit]

  On 9/16/2014 at 7:32 PM, Grima said:

It's similar to exposed axle ends in that it almost makes it look unfinished. It's not as bad if it's, say, one of the armor-attaching ones in the middle of a limb bone, but unless covered, an unused balljoint sticking out there often interrupts flow.

Personally I don't really mind unused balljoints about 50% of the time. What really gets on my nerves are unused ballcups, I just don't like it. I'd take 5 open ball joints over 1 open ballcup anyday.

[Sir Kohran]

  On 9/16/2014 at 7:32 PM, Grima said:

It's similar to exposed axle ends in that it almost makes it look unfinished. It's not as bad if it's, say, one of the armor-attaching ones in the middle of a limb bone, but unless covered, an unused balljoint sticking out there often interrupts flow.

I'd also point out that exposed balljoints are extremely rare in official sets; the Electro slizer and Nui-Jaga are the only examples I can think of.

[Voxovan]

  On 9/16/2014 at 8:21 PM, Sir Kohran said:

I'd also point out that exposed balljoints are extremely rare in official sets; the Electro slizer and Nui-Jaga are the only examples I can think of.

Evo XL Machine?

[Jasonified]

I'd also like to point out that the mask in the Skull Krata (early LoSS prototype) is a gold rendition of the skull spider body.

[Agent Fusion]

That has been pointed out previously. I wonder if the Spiders will function as masks?

[Jasonified]

  On 9/16/2014 at 8:26 PM, Agent Fusion said:

That has been pointed out previously. I wonder if the Spiders will function as masks?

Oh, sorry. There's just been so many posts recently I haven't been able to skim through them all.

And I'd say that if they're using the skull spider body as a prototype mask, then chances are they will be krana-ish.

[Sir Kohran]

  On 9/16/2014 at 8:21 PM, Voxovan said:

Evo XL Machine?

Well, that too then. Was I expected to know it?

[Chimaninja454]

Woah, it is in 150 pages! And it is maybe the forum with most pages (besides 2015 speculation)?

[SoupOrFishOil]

I have internet problems for two days and this happens? I've spoilered my thoughts, because they got sort of long.

  Reveal hidden contents

First off, the artwork on Tahu, Fire Protector, and especially Lewa's box-things is gorgeous. I cannot wait to see the rest.

As for the sets themselves:

- Earth Protector's gatling gun chest is extremely creative and pretty awesome. He has a nice colorscheme too (Onepu incarnate!) though I don't care for the rocky shoulder armor. S/he may be my favorite.

- Fire Protector looks pretty good too with a clever build and a blended mask (I hope some of the others get them). His/her lack of elbows and knees hurts him/her a bit.

- I'm a little lukewarm on the Ice Protector. He looks like a good parts pack, with three of that wonderful new attachment in white, but it looks like he hasn't got elbows again, which is unfortunate. Ice is my favorite element though, so I would consider him or her.

- I want better images of the Jungle Protector. I like his weapon (those flames in green are really cool) but I am unsure about the figure itself. I don't like the color scheme's application too much, either.

- The Stone Protector is another contender for my favorite, though the view isn't that great. His/her colors seem balanced better than Pohatu's, and I love his/her staff. S/he would make a good parts pack, but I like the figure too.

- I thought that the Water Protector's water scooter was pretty clever from the first time I realized what it was, and I still think so, but now I'm not so sure it would look too great on display. I need better images to decide on this one.

Overall I am a little disappointed that the Defenders only have one mask, but it is a really nice one and having it in plenty of different hues isn't really an issue. I like that all of them have unique builds and weapons, so I will try to pick up one or two, or maybe all of them if I find the money. I may just end up using some of them as part packs to tweak the Toa's color schemes though.

- I'll probably wait for a review to judge LoSS, but right now I'm thinking that I will skip it for another Protector or two, or in hopes for other villains in the summer. The prelim probably doesn't do him justice, mostly due to the angle and stamp.

And for the main event...

- I don't seem to dislike Gali's Kaukau as much as everyone else. It is vastly better than the swamp version, and I think it is better than the Nuva one (if only because I don't see a snout). The original one remains supreme though. I'd like better images to judge her, but I think that the new color scheme will look good. I'm not a huge fan of the weapon.

- I'm still a bit wary of Kopaka's color scheme (silver or gunmetal would be better than gold I think) but it is executed nicely. His mask is nearly perfect, I just wish that the brow would scowl a little. His leg build is questionable, but I am interested to see how (or if) the concept is ironed out and looks when we see final versions. The weapons work well for me.

- The new Miru is not as terrible as I feared it will be, but I am still a bit unsure of it. Maybe it will grow on me though. I think that Lewa uses the new "jungle" scheme better than the defender, and, at least on the box, the green, yellow, and silver look better than I thought. His printed chest is lovely. Again, I don't like the weapons (really I don't care for that piece he and Gali use) and those spikes are interesting.

- Onua is looking good to me, aside from the colors. I will be looking to replace the gold attachments with silver. I think that is really all I have to say, aside from I sort of wish they had given him claws, but that is what MODs are for.

- Pohatu plainly has too much silver. I was hoping for dark tan after Vardy used it (though regular tan would have been even better), but otherwise he is my favorite of the smaller Toa right now. The Kakama is one of the better redesigns and boomerangs are a fun choice. I just wish the colors were better....

- Tahu is looking amazing. I love the new Hau, the way the golden armor is used (I like it on Kopaka too, just not so much the color) and the fact that he has a lavaboard just puts him over the top. The only real con visible from these images are the silver hands and feet, though they do create a sort of interesting effect. The printed chest is once again lovely and I cannot wait to see the other Toa's.

I'll make an effort to collect all six Toa because of nostalgia, but I am pleased with the amount of care that seems to have been put into them. Functions were not something that I really wanted back, but I am looking forward to see how they are implemented, and if they are good, great. I also really love the tribal tattoo designs on the chests, and that new add-on is a delightful compromise. I can't wait to see it in more colors, and more pieces like it.

[Mesonak]

  On 9/16/2014 at 9:33 PM, Super Fish Oil said:

- I don't seem to dislike Gali's Kaukau as much as everyone else. It is vastly better than the swamp version, and I think it is better than the Nuva one (if only because I don't see a snout). The original one remains supreme though.

Hooray, somebody else that shares my opinions.

  On 9/16/2014 at 9:33 PM, Super Fish Oil said:

- Pohatu plainly has too much silver. I was hoping for dark tan after Vardy used it (though regular tan would have been even better), but otherwise he is my favorite of the smaller Toa right now.

....Oh yeah. You're right; dark tan armor shells DO exist.

WELL, Pohatu just became quite a lot easier to modify. To Bricklink I go!

Edited September 16, 2014 by Mesonak