Algernon

I own both of these sets and I can say without a doubt that these are the best in the entire theme. Fear not my friend- the Reaper and Drill Walker are absolutely amazing sets and I still have both proudly displayed on my shelf. In my opinion, they're way better than the Hypersonic Operations Aircraft.

I hope these sets are out by June, my birthday month.

02, maybe not, but 01 was definitely Bionicle's best year.

Because people who spend their free time policing twelve-year-old Bionicle fanatics are the epitome of cool.

I'm a Space fan, but honestly I think this new direction for Space Police has awesome potential.

Gresh looks great, although I think this guy seems a little too picky about the build.

Those look pretty good, even from these blurry prelims. I hope we get pics of Agents, PM, and Space Police soon.

It must have come pretty hard in order to break through that rock. Cool scene, but frankly I think the monster needs to be more than just a tentacle.

Frankly I think it's a mistake to review Tahu with this format. Yes, he has some obvious problems, such as the lack or articulation or the somewhat large mask, but in terms of aesthetics this set blows 2008 out of the water, and that's definitely more important to most fans than things like piece count and price. Also to really appreciate this set you really have to have the right context. I don't miss the Mata's stiff limbs and dopey gear system, but for the time it was standard and a huge improvement on anything LEGO had done before. It was such a huge step forward that no year after 2001 (thus far) can even hope to bring about that much progress again. Things like that are important to consider when reviewing classics, and I'd give it much higher than 27/40. I'd probably give it 35/40, for both 2001 and present.

Fair enough. Oh, and when I said elegant, I meant that the designs were better aesthetically, not attempting to achieve an elegant feel (and you're quite right, Glatorian are far more ferocious than any Toa). And call me crazy but I'm not at all interested in the storyline further than the setting. Lately the writing in Bionicle has been anything but it's strong point. It's all good. :)

Ask and you shall receive.

You've seen pics? Can we have them? Also, what's the color scheme?

Hold your tongue! MM 08 was excellent, with a ton of amazing ground vehicles comparable to classic Space! Although I agree MM 07 was rather lacking, I still don't know if I'd place it below Power Miners. And also, I maintain that the Reaper is way better than the Sweeper.

I suppose "mundane mining" isn't quite as exciting a name.

Well, I had my first taste of Power Miners today- the Mining Mech was all they had at my Toys R Us. ...in spite of myself, I find myself liking it. The color scheme is weird, but seeing it in front of me does it much more justice than the box art. I don't hate it anymore- it's not my favorite, but it's growing on me. The Mech itself is actually very interesting. Sure, the tools are rubbish and the legs are too boxy, but the main body has a good "exo suit" feel to it, and it comes with a cool rollcage. The rock monsters are cute, but I don't see how I'll ever be able to use them for my own purposes, a problem I also had with MM jellies. Oh well, at least these are much better than the jellies. The "miner" minifig is not bad at all! I love the detail, and the cybernetic looking glass is awesome. Cool helment, too. For nine bucks, I'm not at all disappointed! Who knew that this strange theme would turn out to be such a winner?

I'm gonna have to strongly disagree about the Hau. Keep in mind that in 2001 they were still trying to (somewhat) convey a tribal, primitive look- something that's been all but forgotten since then. Sure, we get a few nice mask designs here and there, but do any of them have the right feel? Yes and no. In the Hau's cause, it feels primitive and mysterious, and just a tad ferocious, very aligned to the 2001 mood. It has gaps in the face that resemble war paint- a wonderful aesthetic addition. The "O-face" works well for 2001, since it does give it a slightly more mysterious feel. No, it's not completely over-the-top wild and untamed, but it's a good balance of restrained ferocity and primitive myth. Much more thought out than recent mask designs. Saying that the Glatorian are more aesthetically elegant than the Mistika is like saying a potato is tastier than a rock; true, but it's not saying much. And for the record, I love the 2009 line. The designs are finally primitive and elegant again, conveying the right mood, and the elemental theme is in full force rather than playing backseat to a "scuba" or "flying" setting. It's more 2001 than we've had since... well, 2001. And I'm digging it. I don't know where you heard I was against it, unless I misunderstand you.

Problem with your system: Some sets contain parts that are worth more money than most parts. Large, "<insert that tiresome argument>" pieces will cost more money to make than smaller parts. Larger sets tend to contain more small pieces than smaller sets (though not always). So it depends on your opinion. You're paying more money for fewer parts, but these parts are more valuable than most. Worth it? Depends on the value you place upon big parts.

I just bought Strakk. It's the first BIONICLE set I've purchased since 2007. Not bad by all accounts. I love the aesthetics. LEGO's finally got an art team that's worth keeping... the axe is possibly the coolest Bionicle weapon since Tahu's fire sword.

It's in the mask. Tahu's mask really conveys the primitive ferocity of fire, Lewa's mask looks quick and aerodynamic, Onua's mask looks REALLY cool and tribal. It really IS the perfect mix of primitive, high-tech, elemental demigods. And it was way better than the crap we get these days. People complain about articulation; need I remind them how much of a step UP the Mata were from anything LEGO had done before? The formula improved as the years went by, but there was never a better jump in quality than the Mata. Okay, fine, the Metru had more articulation, and I'll agree they're superior in that respect; but they still don't reach the huge aesthetic leap the Mata made from the Roboriders and Throwbots.

I wonder if that big baddie is at all related to the "Crystal King"...

Meh, Glatorian are cooler.

It'll probably be included in the Summer wave. Personally I think it looks cool and I'd like to see it in other colors.

Yet, I love it.

...yet your comment was far more useless than his. Personally, I think this set looks pretty good, but I do dislike the TNT flick-fire thing. I'll probably get one or two PW sets just for the figs and parts, and maybe some of the summer releases if they look good (the Titanium Command Rig sounds intriguing)

Wow. I was expecting this topic to make me feel christmasy. :P Capitalism day ON.