Ah, the pirates... Fond memories of that which I missed out on... But now I have the chance once more!
...Tho the Kraken attackin set kind a disappoints...
On topic:
I'm very glad with the recent design turn in Bionicle. Oh, yes- this upcoming year will far outdo anything thus far, I think. So long as the summer sets aren't letdowns in comparison to the winter line, that is.
The trans-blue/white will be VERY useful as will the blue flame and the large snowflake thing. I like the comeback of the elemental themed designs. These last few years were all too similar. Sure, it gave us pieces that could be used with any type of figure, but having something specifically for an element is just cooler.
Malus looks a little bit of bad-assery, and the flaming chest piece works quite superbly. Raanu looks pretty darn hot-not like sexy hot, you see- like fire hot. That mask is too cool for a small set. Oh, yes... yellow Mata-feets!10/10
The gold on Tarix will make any MOCist happy (as will any sets 2009), though his matoran-like counterpart has some... issues as far as that thing on his head goes. blegh.8/10
I see that Metus has a similar mask design, only cooler. Plus he's associated with Strakk, so... Metus/Strakk FTW!10/10
As for Atakus and Skrall, those blades are to die for and the masks arent too bad, either. Creepy, and yet noble... 9/10
Vorox and Zesk are by far the coolest we've seen since the Rahkshi, so no need for comment there. 12/10
Gresh and Tarduk, however come quite close to Vorox and Zesk in sheer cool looks. Tarduk's mask is incredibly neat-o and will be the first I get, while simultaneously buying Strakk. Gresh has a very sharp look and a new weapon that will make him very worth getting. 10.5/10
The titans are... cool. Nothing spectacular, since thay are just winter titans, but still cool. That nidhiki mask is wierd and I'm not sure how I feel about it, but... whatever.
Even if the sets are still $13.00, they will be VERY worth it this time.
---Vertea---