The Outsider Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Hi there, just joined Eurobricks. I must say, I'm really thrilled that BIONICLE has come back. This and Transformers have been (and still are) my favorite franchises ever. And I like the direction they are taking the story: simpler than before and with a bit more humor, but without turning our beloved Toa team into pathetic clowns or removing the mystery of the first three years. I am a bit disappointed with how the Skull Spiders and their Lord have been handled, though: what's the point of having mind-controlling mooks and a mook-controlling device in the hands of a villain if neither of those plot points are going to be used in-story ? Let's just hope the Summer webisodes fix that. I also like the fact that they are making more new characters instead of just reusing previous ones. It shows they want the new BIONICLE to stand out for itself instead of just riding on its predecessor's popularity (although I'm still hoping for CCBS sets of my favorite villains, like the Bohrok and Vezon ). About the Skull Army (or more precisely the new limb pieces), I think they could be improved with some pin holes instead of that huge gap (it would make them look less hollow and more bone-like, and would be more useful for MOCing), but I don't think they're as bad as some say. It certainly fits the bare-bones better than the current ones, without making it seem that something is missing. Also, something that has been said before (way, WAY back), but apparently ignored: what does the name BIONICLE stand for now? Does it still mean "BIOlogical chrONICLE"? Does it mean something else? Or are they just reusing the name without giving it any meaning? Because depending on the answer, we might have a few guesses about the way the story is headed... Quote
mysteriouspi Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Also, something that has been said before (way, WAY back), but apparently ignored: what does the name BIONICLE stand for now? Does it still mean "BIOlogical chrONICLE"? Does it mean something else? Or are they just reusing the name without giving it any meaning? Because depending on the answer, we might have a few guesses about the way the story is headed... The LEGO employee packet leaked some months back says it still stands for "Biological Chronicle." However, I doubt they're going to pull another Great Spirit Robot. Perhaps it is an indication that the Gen 2 characters are not purely robotic but once again biomechanical, as we have speculated. That said...they're mostly using the name "Bionicle" for name recognition. Cue lack of surprise. Quote
TheDesuComplex Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Unfortunately, it appears that we are actually not getting any more strictly CCBS parts in Spring Yellowish Green. The bones on the dragon in Destiny's Bounty are in fact Trans-Neon Green (I wonder if this will lower the BL prices of them?). But still, plenty of CCBS recolours coming from Ninjago (and Laval 2014's gold beast foot is also being made available in a Chima set - good news for those in America I'm sure). Plus, for those not wanting Skull Scorpio but do want his trans-neon green 4M bones - rejoice as a few Ninjago sets contain a chock-load of them so they'll probably be cheap on BL I'm in love with all these CCBS and HF weapon recolours in case you couldn't tell! Darn dragon statue, fooling us! Good to hear about the beast foot, I have been wanting to get them for Rocka. It is always good to see more pieces in Spring Yellowish Green anyway, even if it is just swords and bricks. Hi there, just joined Eurobricks. I must say, I'm really thrilled that BIONICLE has come back. This and Transformers have been (and still are) my favorite franchises ever. And I like the direction they are taking the story: simpler than before and with a bit more humor, but without turning our beloved Toa team into pathetic clowns or removing the mystery of the first three years. I am a bit disappointed with how the Skull Spiders and their Lord have been handled, though: what's the point of having mind-controlling mooks and a mook-controlling device in the hands of a villain if neither of those plot points are going to be used in-story ? Let's just hope the Summer webisodes fix that. I also like the fact that they are making more new characters instead of just reusing previous ones. It shows they want the new BIONICLE to stand out for itself instead of just riding on its predecessor's popularity (although I'm still hoping for CCBS sets of my favorite villains, like the Bohrok and Vezon ). About the Skull Army (or more precisely the new limb pieces), I think they could be improved with some pin holes instead of that huge gap (it would make them look less hollow and more bone-like, and would be more useful for MOCing), but I don't think they're as bad as some say. It certainly fits the bare-bones better than the current ones, without making it seem that something is missing. Also, something that has been said before (way, WAY back), but apparently ignored: what does the name BIONICLE stand for now? Does it still mean "BIOlogical chrONICLE"? Does it mean something else? Or are they just reusing the name without giving it any meaning? Because depending on the answer, we might have a few guesses about the way the story is headed... Hello! I doubt we will be seeing the Skull Spiders again, which is a shame. I thought that originally the new limb pieces were going to have a long pin-wide hole like some technic beams, and while I am sad to see that there isn't a similar connection point I like the bone-esque detail the pieces do have. As to the name, I bet it won't be defined; hardly anyone but deep fans knew much about how it's full name is 'Biological Chronicle'. Especially don't think they will call it the same since I doubt they are going to make this take the Giant Spirit Robot route that gave the name its purpose. Quote
Ikaatril Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 It probably has a bashing function that eats up a bunch of Technic. No it doesn't - you're thinking of Skull Basher. Skull Warrior has visible gears and a bunch of unseen pieces somewhere. I'm not sure where they are, but they're somewhere. Quote
TheOneVeyronian Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Has anyone considered that Skull Warrior's inflated piece count could be partly down to the fact that it will come with about 7 extra studs because it has a gatling gun launcher? They're the reason why the Protector piece counts are so high, and I can see it playing a part here too, though I can't see it being the sole reason for Warrior's inflated piece count. The Warrior probably also has some Technic tht we possibly cannot see? Quote
TheDesuComplex Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Has anyone considered that Skull Warrior's inflated piece count could be partly down to the fact that it will come with about 7 extra studs because it has a gatling gun launcher? They're the reason why the Protector piece counts are so high, and I can see it playing a part here too, though I can't see it being the sole reason for Warrior's inflated piece count. The Warrior probably also has some Technic tht we possibly cannot see? I think I am going to do a rundown of everything that we do know (this isn't target at you, just wanted to write it out): Head- 4 pieces Right Arm- 5 pieces Left Arm- 3 pieces Right Leg- 7 pieces Left Leg- 8 pieces Stud Ammo- 13 pieces This leaves 62 pieces for the chest and weapons. The following is a rough estimate: Bow- 25 pieces Spear- 3 pieces Chest- 3 pieces Which leaves another whopping 31 pieces for the gearbox, which minus the shoulder balls, gears, and gearbox itself is still 21 pieces, presumably of Technic. Quote
DOTM Shockwave Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Bzpower has their photos of the 2015 Summer wave Bionicle sets up if anyone is interested. Quote
Clone 01354 Productions Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Most of Warrior's pieces are in the bow and the stud-ammo, so the 102 piece count isn't a mistake. If you count all his pieces, he does have 102. Quote
GK733 Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 I think I am going to do a rundown of everything that we do know (this isn't target at you, just wanted to write it out): Head- 4 pieces Right Arm- 5 pieces Left Arm- 3 pieces Right Leg- 7 pieces Left Leg- 8 pieces Stud Ammo- 13 pieces This leaves 62 pieces for the chest and weapons. The following is a rough estimate: Bow- 25 pieces Spear- 3 pieces Chest- 3 pieces Which leaves another whopping 31 pieces for the gearbox, which minus the shoulder balls, gears, and gearbox itself is still 21 pieces, presumably of Technic. Are the extra studs counted in the package? at least instructions don't mention them with protectors. Quote
Aanchir Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 (edited) Are the extra studs counted in the package? at least instructions don't mention them with protectors. The Protectors' instruction booklet inventories and the piece counts on the packages don't account for the extra studs, but the piece counts listed on shop.LEGO.com and in catalogs do (or at least, for six of them — the seventh is truly a spare and as such is not counted). That might indicate that the extra studs were a last-minute addition. In that case, it makes sense that Skull Warrior's package could be labeled with the "true" piece count even though the Protectors' packages were not. EDIT: And just to clear things up a bit, I just built Skull Warrior on LDD to the best of my ability. The figure itself (sans weapons) uses at least 53 pieces. The bow uses 30 pieces, the spear uses 5 pieces, and there are 12 ammo pieces. That all comes to 100 pieces. Add the bonus blended mask and that makes 101 pieces, leaving only one piece unaccounted for (which might very easily just be an extra pin in the torso like in Kopaka Master of Ice). Edited February 15, 2015 by Aanchir Quote
Scarilian Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Having built a Skull Scorpio MOC, his piece count is probably correct also Quote
Kalhiki Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Having built a Skull Scorpio MOC, his piece count is probably correct also Don't really care about the piece count, but seeing this gives me high hopes for the set. That tail function looks super cool. Quote
TheDesuComplex Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Don't really care about the piece count, but seeing this gives me high hopes for the set. That tail function looks super cool. Yes, I came to the realization yesteray that the tip stays roughly at the same angle, just closes because the back end of the linkages moves forward. It looks like it will work quite well. If interesting Technic-based functions like this will become the norm, I have high hopes for non-humanoids in Bionicle. Quote
Toa Eljay Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 EDIT: And just to clear things up a bit, I just built Skull Warrior on LDD to the best of my ability. The figure itself (sans weapons) uses at least 53 pieces. The bow uses 30 pieces, the spear uses 5 pieces, and there are 12 ammo pieces. That all comes to 100 pieces. Add the bonus blended mask and that makes 101 pieces, leaving only one piece unaccounted for (which might very easily just be an extra pin in the torso like in Kopaka Master of Ice). To be honest, I'd bet money that the extra piece is just another stud. Each and every one of my Protectors came with 7 extra studs, totaling at 13. Quote
Aanchir Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 To be honest, I'd bet money that the extra piece is just another stud. Each and every one of my Protectors came with 7 extra studs, totaling at 13. Yes, but the seventh extra stud is a "true" spare and is not included in the piece count, even online. Every set with 1x1 round plates includes at least one spare that is not a part of the piece count, because otherwise a set with one too few could easily slip past the weight check without it being noticed. Same applies for most other small, light parts like Technic half-pins, eight-tooth gears, etc. Quote
MakutaOfWar Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 Yay, bzp has decent pics. Slicer has grown on me and I really appreciate Warrior as a infantry unit. And Grinder vs MM is cheaper then predicted. :P Quote
Tanaku2010 Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 Man, thanks for the high quality pics! ^-^ Also, I'm 90% sure that those parts are 3D printed pieces(Judging from the texture, they used a method similar to what Sapeways does) rather than resin. :P Too bad they couldn't get a good picture of Skull Basher's back, I really wanna see how his function works. ;~; EDIT: Upon further inspection, I'm 100% sure those are 3D printed. At least the masks, swords & new attachments are. I'm glad they're printed. The lack of detail on the Mask of Creation worried me. Looking at the new pictures has me certain it is. I'm hoping the final product has the quality of detail of the gold promotional Mask of Creation. Quote
Scarilian Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 Don't really care about the piece count, but seeing this gives me high hopes for the set. That tail function looks super cool. Tail function is fairly good and manages to make the legs look a little less ridiculously large, with the tail being the way it is it kind of balances out the scale. Though the body is incredibly basic and due to the basic nature plus the weight, it kind of dips the same way that Lord Of Skull Spider's does. Two of this piece are probably what i'm most looking forward to in the actual version as having some of these spare will be good for MOC'ing. Quote
Shakar Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 http://www.bzpower.com/Imaging/stories//Toy_Fair_2015/TF15_Bionicle_51.jpg Holy Ekimu, Lego! I thought you wanted kids to buy the sets, not to scare the crap out of them! Mind you, this is a good sign. While the builds leave something to be desired, the work of the parts designers is impressive, the new molds are beautifully crafted and deliciously evil looking. The two new masks are honestly some of the scariest looking Lego pieces I've ever seen, the new weapons look very cool, the new armour add-on is fortunately smaller than I thought and has some fantastic details, and the new torso shell (abouttime.jpg) looks pretty versatile (and marks the return of transparent torsos!). And of course there are the chest prints, which are truly impressive- I can't get over the level of detail that went into these and the Toa chests, I thought the HF designs were great but these ones blow them out of the water. The only real bummers are the set bulds issues people have already discussed, and the ridiculously low number of sets (SW at least makes up for it, especially if the other sets are on par with DV). I'd love to see another Skull villain with Gali's and Tahu's masks in funmetal as a retail exclusive, but I'm not getting my hopes up. Quote
Logan McOwen Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 in funmetal ??? ???? ?? ?????? ? Quote
Scarilian Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 I can't get over the level of detail that went into these and the Toa chests, I thought the HF designs were great but these ones blow them out of the water. Personally while i like the printed chest plates, these ones are weakened by that random chain that is on each of them. Feel the printing would have been much better without it as it looks odd having a single chain. Even Slicer with his chain whip doesnt balance it out because it isnt the same style of 'ancient chain' as on his chest printing Quote
Shakar Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 (edited) I think Slicer's chain is made of energy, since its colour matches the Skeletons' eyes. As for there being a single chain, I guess it plays into their asymmetrical aesthetic. And LewiMOC, check the last 2-3 pages so you can see what funmetal means. It's a joke someone made up a while ago when talking about Takanuva. :wink I was referring to the two tone Toa masks the Skulls sets contain. EDIT: silly me, I left a sentence half-finished. : S Edited February 16, 2015 by Shakar Quote
toatali Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 I like the sets a lot more with these new pics from BZP and Toy Ark. Skull Warrior looks much cooler to me now, as does Silcer. Skull Basher and Grinder still look like the only ones I'm going to get, and Scorpio remains shitty (although I am a fan of the "spooky" graveyard in the background of his box). I still am intrigued by the hands on the box art, are they the Toa, Protectors, or as yet unheard of characters? But, yeah much more impressed now I've got a closer look! Quote
Scarilian Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 I think Slicer's chain is made of energy, since its colour matches the Skeletons' eyes. As for there being a single chain, I guess it plays into their asymmetrical aesthetic. I mean the chains printed on their chests. Skull Grinder and Skull Basher both have a symmetrical design, yet for some reason they have a single chain on their chest printing. Quote
toatali Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 (edited) I mean the chains printed on their chests. Skull Grinder and Skull Basher both have a symmetrical design, yet for some reason they have a single chain on their chest printing. Basher's chain is symmetrical and Grinder is asymmetrical is you take his weapons into account. EDIT: sorry if that sounds aggressive, I get where you're coming from, just making a few clarifications. Edited February 16, 2015 by toatali Quote
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