Bionicle 2015 Discussion

[SoupOrFishOil]

So if Pohatu and his defender have trans yellow bones, Gali, Kopaka, and their respective defenders have trans blue bones, and the Earth Defender has trans purple bones, then maybe Lewa and the wind defender have trans orange bones? I think transparent bright orange is the official term and that one or two of the Chima sets actually use them this year.

[Aanchir]

So if Pohatu and his defender have trans yellow bones, Gali, Kopaka, and their respective defenders have trans blue bones, and the Earth Defender has trans purple bones, then maybe Lewa and the wind defender have trans orange bones? I think transparent bright orange is the official term and that one or two of the Chima sets actually use them this year.

Actually the Chima constraction sets this year tend to use Tr. Fluore. Reddish-Orange, not Tr. Bright Orange. Tr. Bright Orange is the color used for Toa Inika Jaller's leg beams and the eyes of Vahki Bordakh, while Tr. Fluore. Reddish-Orange is the color used for the eyes of Pohatu and Gahlok in 2001–2002 BIONICLE.

[SoupOrFishOil]

Actually the Chima constraction sets this year tend to use Tr. Fluore. Reddish-Orange, not Tr. Bright Orange. Tr. Bright Orange is the color used for Toa Inika Jaller's leg beams and the eyes of Vahki Bordakh, while Tr. Fluore. Reddish-Orange is the color used for the eyes of Pohatu and Gahlok in 2001–2002 BIONICLE.

Yeah, I just checked Brickset and realized that. It looks lighter in the pictures.

Edit: And it seems that Lewa would have shells in that orangish color, so I made a mistake there too. :P

Edited August 20, 2014 by Super Fish Oil

[GK733]

Edit: And it seems that Lewa would have shells in that orangish color, so I made a mistake there too. :P

"Orangish shells" sure would fit Lewa but I don't get it since it seems all others are using gold. It could also be that all the gold we see actually is orange... which won't make much sense if it isn't treated as "gold" in story.

I believe the orange you see on Lewa is just gold.

[Lord-Vorahk]

Really hope it's Matoran and not Agori. The Matoran had something interesting about them, and they could become Toa. I think a fair few people might've MOC'd a Toa form for a favourite Matoran set in the past (I've made Nuhrii, Balta, and at one point, Toa bodies for all of the '08 Matoran). The Agori were just villagers, and few of them were actually endearing as characters.

[Timeline15]

They could end up being neither. They might not even be aligned with the toa, like, they will stop anyone who attempts to get the masks, toa OR skull spider.

On a side note what do you reckon the chances of us getting Kaita are? I would love to see combiners tied into the story again.

[Aanchir]

They could end up being neither. They might not even be aligned with the toa, like, they will stop anyone who attempts to get the masks, toa OR skull spider.

On a side note what do you reckon the chances of us getting Kaita are? I would love to see combiners tied into the story again.

Hard to say. Combi models are definitely easy with the CCBS, but on the other hand, I've never been able to put two or three humanoid characters into a character with the same towering design that characterized the classic Toa Kaita. So if we did see Toa Kaita, they would probably look a lot different from their traditional look.

Though I should mention — despite none of the HF combi models from this year appearing in dedicated story media, the summer beast combi model (Scorpion Beast) was recently added to the Invasion from Below mobile game as (I guess) a bonus boss. I thought that was pretty cool.

[Shakar]

So if Pohatu and his defender have trans yellow bones, Gali, Kopaka, and their respective defenders have trans blue bones, and the Earth Defender has trans purple bones, then maybe Lewa and the wind defender have trans orange bones? I think transparent bright orange is the official term and that one or two of the Chima sets actually use them this year.

Unfortunately, Tahu, Lewa and their Defenders don't seem to use transparent parts. Which is a pity, since I see their elements as prime candidates for that (and never ever did I expect Pohatu to feature tr. yellow). If they make Takanuva in later waves (and I'd be surprised if they didn't), I think tr. yellow bones would suit him (he did have yellow eyes in 2003, and light is often represented by yellow in fiction).

Last year's Cragger's legs were indeed simpler, but the new one has two armors and a spike on each leg, which is, IMO, comparable to two armors and one add-on, especially since they seem to be rather small parts (#4 and #5 armors and a spike VS #3, #4 armors and a small add-on).

2014!Cragger has a normal torso though, which is why he has average limbs (I should've

It might be true for the others, but Lewa definitely has the gap. That's why I used the oOo liftarm, I noticed the gap, which led me to think that the armor isn't directly attached to the torso part.

I don't see the gap, sorry. Also, I don't see why his torso build would be different than the others' (minus Onua of course). Look at Tahu- his body is a seamless shape with zero gaps.

Thank you. :D

You're welcome. ; )

I agree. Actually, I also did mock-up the Defenders' structure earlier.

That seems accurate. There are some differences among them but this is pretty much the general build. The Fire Defender's torso is something along the lines of Toxic Reapa though.

Really hope it's Matoran and not Agori. The Matoran had something interesting about them, and they could become Toa. I think a fair few people might've MOC'd a Toa form for a favourite Matoran set in the past (I've made Nuhrii, Balta, and at one point, Toa bodies for all of the '08 Matoran). The Agori were just villagers, and few of them were actually endearing as characters.

I agree. Never liked the Agori. They came too late and were essentially Matoran without likeability, powers or potential. The Glatorian were the same, to a slightly lesser degree.

The Defenders do have potential, but their lack of unique masks really hurts their individuality as characters. I just wish they followed the Mctoran route (which is arguably what they tried to do with the Earth Defender)- they could've even saved a new mold that way! Part of me thinks these are prototypes (Gali is wearing a Pakari there, I'm sure of it- remember mini-Evo with Rocka's helmet in the IfB preliminary pics?).

It just seems so weird for them to return to the much hated clone sets (*). The Defender mask looks a lot like the Mystery Gold Mask (MGM) Tahu is trying to grab (many compared both masks to the Avsa or Gresh's helmet): what if the "Defender mask" is a preliminary version of the MGM they're using as a placeholder? It's a bit unlikely, but I can still hope..

* = they aren't exactly clone sets, but as I said the mask is a huge blow to their individuality.

Hard to say. Combi models are definitely easy with the CCBS, but on the other hand, I've never been able to put two or three humanoid characters into a character with the same towering design that characterized the classic Toa Kaita. So if we did see Toa Kaita, they would probably look a lot different from their traditional look.

I never quite realized that until you mentioned it. Somehow, putting three CCBS torsos together isn't quite as easy and obvious as doing it with three Toa bodies. I guess it's due to the smaller pieces the CCBS relies on and the switch from an axle based system to a balljoint based one.

I think the new Toa Kaita (pretty sure we are getting combined models as usual, so they might as well be those) will be something more akin to the 2-in-1 Hero fusions from 2011- slightly bigger and complex, but overall around Toa sized and shaped (think something like Trinuma). Maybe they will be in duos (a larger Toa+a smaller one perhaps) instead of trios, though that would kinda ruin the epicness of two super powerful giants fighting side by side.

[GK733]

Do you guys think this is all sets for winter wave? There were those blurry photos which show'd some titans. Even if they aren't real I'm pretty sure there could be at least one special set on the way.

[Shakar]

As far as I can tell there aren't any sets in the first b/w pic that didn't reappear in the new coloured image. The Titans you're talking about are probably Kopaka (fun fact: when I saw that large white figure I had hoped he would've been the main bad guy ) and possibly Tahu. I have the b/w image in front of me: the sets shown are (top to bottom) Ice Defender, Fire Defender, Air Defender, Lewa, Lord of Skull Spiders, Tahu and Kopala.

I do have this hunch there are 1-2 sets we've yet to see, though, for some reason.

[GK733]

As far as I can tell there aren't any sets in the first b/w pic that didn't reappear in the new coloured image. The Titans you're talking about are probably Kopaka (fun fact: when I saw that large white figure I had hoped he would've been the main bad guy ) and possibly Tahu. I have the b/w image in front of me: the sets shown are (top to bottom) Ice Defender, Fire Defender, Air Defender, Lewa, Lord of Skull Spiders, Tahu and Kopala.

I do have this hunch there are 1-2 sets we've yet to see, though, for some reason.

Talking about fakes, I found this floating around Brickshelf, what do you guys think? http://www.brickshel...08_19.47.51.jpg

I kinda meant that picture.

(It's not colored)

Edited August 21, 2014 by GK733

[Shakar]

Link doesn't work. If it's another colour pic remove it! The leaker asked to remove that one from the web as he'd lose his job. Only the b/w one and the new big one are fair game.

Nevermind, Brickshelf is down. Anyway, I remember you posting that but I don't remember how they look. Not sure what to say for now.

Edited August 21, 2014 by Shakar

[Mesonak]

That picture was a fake. We showed it to the leaker and he had no clue what it was or where it was from, so... :P

Everything we've heard about BIONICLE 2015's Winter Wave (both from internal sources and the set list from Exoforce.ru, as well as the display) only states 13 sets. If we were to see another, it'd probably be store exclusive.

[CM4Sci]

What about this? This doesn't really show.. much.

-Sci

Edited August 21, 2014 by VBBN
Link removed

[Anexcuse]

What about this? This doesn't really show.. much.

-Sci

Isn't that the picture TTV specifically blurred out to avoid "highly suspect" getting fired?

Edited August 21, 2014 by VBBN
Link removed

[Mesonak]

Isn't that the picture TTV specifically blurred out to avoid "highly suspect" getting fired?

Yup. That picture's existence, as well as some information on it, could potentially trace back to the leaker and cause negative repercussions for him. If you could remove it, that'd be great, but I suppose it was never contained entirely and has probably still circulated around the internet a good bit. :P

Edited August 21, 2014 by Mesonak

[VBBN]

Removed the links, do try to refrain from continuing to link to leaked photos.

Yup. That picture's existence, as well as some information on it, could potentially trace back to the leaker and cause negative repercussions for him.

I'd prefer to stick to the moral of, the photos shouldn't have been leaked in the first place and Lego would have rather they never been leaked- Quite frankly if he expected negative repercussions then he shouldn't have taken and leaked photos.

[Mesonak]

I'd prefer to stick to the moral of, the photos shouldn't have been leaked in the first place and Lego would have rather they never been leaked- Quite frankly if he expected negative repercussions then he shouldn't have taken and leaked photos.

Fair point. :P

[Shakar]

I get the feeling (and I'm sure I'm not the only one) that these sets have have a much higher budget than HF ever did, except probably its very first wave: at least one extra mask per set (I count the Spiders as masks), almost double the number of sets of the average HF wave, lots of new parts and recolours.. I kinda expect a store exclusive at this point.

I'm not too worried about the lack of full Titans (I'd place Tahu, Kopaka and Onua as "half Titans", kinda like Fluminox), we've yet to see the Summer wave and, for now, seeing the 6 most iconic characters back in fairly faithful forms is enough to make me happy!

[Chimaninja454]

I get the feeling (and I'm sure I'm not the only one) that these sets have have a much higher budget than HF ever did, except probably its very first wave: at least one extra mask per set (I count the Spiders as masks), almost double the number of sets of the average HF wave, lots of new parts and recolours.. I kinda expect a store exclusive at this point.

I'm not too worried about the lack of full Titans (I'd place Tahu, Kopaka and Onua as "half Titans", kinda like Fluminox), we've yet to see the Summer wave and, for now, seeing the 6 most iconic characters back in fairly faithful forms is enough to make me happy!

I agree with your opinion. Maybe the new sets would sell better than HF (very likely), so fingers crossed! :D

[Aanchir]

I get the feeling (and I'm sure I'm not the only one) that these sets have have a much higher budget than HF ever did, except probably its very first wave: at least one extra mask per set (I count the Spiders as masks), almost double the number of sets of the average HF wave, lots of new parts and recolours.. I kinda expect a store exclusive at this point.

I'm not too worried about the lack of full Titans (I'd place Tahu, Kopaka and Onua as "half Titans", kinda like Fluminox), we've yet to see the Summer wave and, for now, seeing the 6 most iconic characters back in fairly faithful forms is enough to make me happy!

A higher budget is likely since it's effectively a brand-new theme, but I'm hoping that doesn't add to the price too much. We don't yet know what the prices are going to be, but I'm a bit worried about them judging from the recommended age ranges and the fact that most of the Toa seem to be basic humanoid designs.

I wouldn't say it's a bigger budget than Hero Factory ever had, though. I think the budget for Hero Factory 2011 must have been pretty huge since it introduced a whole new building system that required lots and lots of new parts in lots and lots of colors. Just look at the year summary on Bricklink: 84 new parts in 2011, more than twice what there was in 2011 (Bricklink isn't a perfect yardstick since it treats parts with new decorations or blended parts with new color combinations as new parts, but a difference that huge is no fluke).

Other than masks, weapons, and a few shells, we haven't seen a whole lot of new molds in the new BIONICLE, and even though I'm sure there are ones we're not seeing, I can't imagine it being nearly as many as we saw in the CCBS's debut year. And new molds tend to be some of the biggest expenses in the design budget for any theme.

[OmastarLovesDonuts]

I just hope that Technic-based titan sets return at some point. I realize that CCBS is great, but I miss the complexity of the BIONICLE titans. Even if the possibility of Technic coming back to constraction in a major way is nearly impossible, I really hope it does, even if just for nostalgia's sake.

[exxtrooper]

I just hope that Technic-based titan sets return at some point. I realize that CCBS is great, but I miss the complexity of the BIONICLE titans. Even if the possibility of Technic coming back to constraction in a major way is nearly impossible, I really hope it does, even if just for nostalgia's sake.

I second this. It was one of my favorite aspects of building with Bionicle, something I have vaguely tried to adapt with Hero Factory.

Or did.

[Leewan]

2014!Cragger has a normal torso though, which is why he has average limbs (I should've

You should've finished that sentence.

Yup. You're right. Point taken.

I don't see the gap, sorry. Also, I don't see why his torso build would be different than the others' (minus Onua of course). Look at Tahu- his body is a seamless shape with zero gaps.

You don't have to be sorry. I totally agree about Tahu. Kopaka seems identical, and even if their arms hide their bodies, Pohatu and Gali certainly don't have the dreadful crotch gap. But when I look ad Kopaka and Lewa, which have the body in a similar position on the box art, I notice that the torso part is more visible on Lewa than on Kopaka ; the black area is more noticeable on Lewa. But I guess the only way to be sure is to wait until reviews.

And the only reason I see for Lewa having a different body is to avoid the "clone syndrome" and make each set more "unique".

[Aanchir]

I just hope that Technic-based titan sets return at some point. I realize that CCBS is great, but I miss the complexity of the BIONICLE titans. Even if the possibility of Technic coming back to constraction in a major way is nearly impossible, I really hope it does, even if just for nostalgia's sake.

Which titans specifically? Because honestly, Hero Factory has had its share of complex titans. Witch Doctor is the obvious example (comparable in size and price to one of my favorite BIONICLE titan sets, Takanuva, and arguably even more complex), but Evo XL Machine is no slouch either (with the same piece count as Brutaka and a custom torso design that includes a gear function). And I think Dragon Bolt has a design and function every bit as interesting as the Gukko, which has a similar price and piece count when you subtract the $4, 25 piece rider. If you look past sets, the sky's the limit — this MOC is a design I'm particularly fond of, using between 200 and 250 parts. I imagine it might cost $40 or $50 at retail — more than most humanoid BIONICLE titan sets, but much less than some BIONICLE vehicles and Rahi.

All of the above examples use Technic, it's true, but that's another point people can tend to overlook — integrating Technic with the CCBS is not difficult, especially with larger sets. A 7M leg beam has as many Technic pin holes as a Toa Metru lower leg beam, and you can add three additional Technic connection points to any 5M or larger Hero Factory leg beam in an instant just by attaching a Y-joint to the center ball. I don't do this a lot in my own MOCs because Technic building is not my forte, but I think it's an ability too few MOCists take advantage of. The basic Y-joint also has not gone away, meaning building legs with the same complexity as those of Takanuva or Toa Mata Nui is not out of the question, either. So is a set as Technic-based as those BIONICLE titan sets of old likely? Not really, but it's far from impossible. A year ago, I would not have imagined seeing an extremely Technic-intensive Hero Factory set at less than a $20 price point, but then we got Breez Flea Machine and Bulk Drill Machine, both of which are nearly 50% Technic.

I can definitely agree that there have also been some duds. I have little love for CHI Sir Fangar or CHI Fluminox, which have pitiful piece counts and incredibly mundane builds for their price point. But I'm hoping we don't see sets like that in the new BIONICLE. Certainly the CCBS is capable of so much more.

Edited August 21, 2014 by Aanchir