Bionicle 2015 Discussion

[Grima]

Question, guys. The way the masks attach to the heads - do we think they are they going to have friction? Reason I ask is because I'm afraid they're going to be like the Knights Kingdom action figures, where (IIRC) the helmets were frictionless and would just flop around depending on how you held them.

I've heard it's probably going to be similar to the jaws of Chima Chi Cragger - is this true? From what I've seen his jaw joint has friction, so that gives me hope.

Last I checked, what jaws like Cragger and the Beasts have is a click joint, not friction. A click joint is out of the question here, because there's only two little nubs. If there was a click joint, there would be two smaller nubs further in, or else a click joint wouldn't function.

Now, it is possible for the things on the side to clamp tight enough to not wobble, though I'd imagine over time, constant stress from attaching and removing would push the two sides apart slightly and weaken the connection.

I do not personally expect the new masks to have a lot of friction, but to be honest I'm not entirely convinced that they even actually hinge. It's entirely possible that the new head will be designed in a way that holds them in place, kind of like how this minifig helmet holds a regular visor in a way that keeps it from opening or closing.

Oddly, at that point I'd have to ask the simple of question then of "why attach it like that"? If you have something like that in place, the mask will neither be hinged to pop up nor easy to knock off, the two reasons I've seen posted for why they could be using this new attachment. So why would they bother using this new attachment if neither of those reasons would actually work?

Also, if that is indeed the case, using these pieces on anything but the new head would mean the masks flop around, so they end up being pretty non-versatile in the end.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Grima

[mysteriouspi]

Oddly, at that point I'd have to ask the simple of question then of "why attach it like that"? If you have something like that in place, the mask will neither be hinged to pop up nor easy to knock off, the two reasons I've seen posted for why they could be using this new attachment. So why would they bother using this new attachment if neither of those reasons would actually work?

It provides a way of attaching the mask without use of a stud or axle to stick it in the mouth or head, something some people have complained about. This way it fits more like an actual mask. It may also allow the (assumedly) new heads to be designed for form over function.

[Agent Fusion]

I hope it either ratchets like the Chima jaws, or does not move at all.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Agent Fusion

[VBBN]

Regardless of how secure they are, I am quite curious as to what head will actually be beneath the mask. The knights kingdom heads were big round blobs with a printed on face, which wouldn't make much sense here. I imagine the head would have to be vaguely the shape of the Inika's head mount.

Personally I don't think the knocking-off-mask is a plausible feature- It appears that only three Toa have geared arms. What happens if a kid has Lewa, while another has Onua with (presumable) moveable arms? Both masks can be knocked off, but Lewa wouldn't have a way to do it. Play features should ideally be implemented on all sets of a price range, at least that's how it's been done in the past, and I can't imagine why they would change that now. If anything I think it's mainly for the flip-up feature, to make Bionicle's faces more prominent this time around.

[arc]

Here's to hoping there not printed faces. I could do with the inika and how there masks stuck to the head firmly, but having a flip up mask that reveal a cheesy printed face would ruin the whole thing to me. If there like knights kingdom... *shudder*

I'm hoping they look like the metru or glatorian heads.

[Nekchir]

If you compare the room within the MOCr with something like a HF head, you'll notice how little to any room there is for upward movement.>

Edited September 24, 2014 by MonkeyChud

[Grima]

It provides a way of attaching the mask without use of a stud or axle to stick it in the mouth or head, something some people have complained about. This way it fits more like an actual mask. It may also allow the (assumedly) new heads to be designed for form over function.

But an axle connection for masks makes them more useful for MOCing.

Also, I can't recall ever seeing complaining about using an axle connection besides constant bickering over where that axle should connect.

Regardless of how secure they are, I am quite curious as to what head will actually be beneath the mask. The knights kingdom heads were big round blobs with a printed on face, which wouldn't make much sense here. I imagine the head would have to be vaguely the shape of the Inika's head mount.

Personally I don't think the knocking-off-mask is a plausible feature- It appears that only three Toa have geared arms. What happens if a kid has Lewa, while another has Onua with (presumable) moveable arms? Both masks can be knocked off, but Lewa wouldn't have a way to do it. Play features should ideally be implemented on all sets of a price range, at least that's how it's been done in the past, and I can't imagine why they would change that now. If anything I think it's mainly for the flip-up feature, to make Bionicle's faces more prominent this time around.

I can't say I understand what you mean; as far as I can tell, all of the Toa have at least one geared arm. It's pretty clear to me none of them have both arms connected to the torso's ball joints, at least.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Grima

[Leewan]

I imagine the head would have to be vaguely the shape of the Inika's head mount.

If they all share the same head, it won't be "flat" like the Inika's head : the shape of a jaw is visible on some Protectors (Ice, Fire, Water and Stone).

It appears that only three Toa Masters :p have geared arms.

I'm pretty sure they will all have geared arms. I'm just not sure for Gali, since her shoudlers armors are in the way, but I'm convinced that Lewa (see my mockup), Pohatu, Tahu, Kopaka and Onua (okay, it's quite obvious on Pohatu and Onua) have geared arms. And if the boys have a gear function, why wouldn't Gali have one ?

Edited September 24, 2014 by Leewan

[Grima]

And if the boys have a gear function, why wouldn't Gali have one ?

Well, it's not like LEGO's cared all that much about gender equality in Bionicle in the past :P

[dviddy]

Regardless of how secure they are, I am quite curious as to what head will actually be beneath the mask. The knights kingdom heads were big round blobs with a printed on face, which wouldn't make much sense here. I imagine the head would have to be vaguely the shape of the Inika's head mount.

Personally I don't think the knocking-off-mask is a plausible feature- It appears that only three Toa have geared arms. What happens if a kid has Lewa, while another has Onua with (presumable) moveable arms? Both masks can be knocked off, but Lewa wouldn't have a way to do it. Play features should ideally be implemented on all sets of a price range, at least that's how it's been done in the past, and I can't imagine why they would change that now. If anything I think it's mainly for the flip-up feature, to make Bionicle's faces more prominent this time around.

All six Toa have gear functions. The only one that isn't at least slightly visible is Gali, but they'll all have them. I think the knocking-off mask function is more than plausible, I'd say it's pretty likely. The method for holding the masks, the gears, the blatant attempt at capturing the 2001 atmosphere? The heads seem to be one colour from the parts we can see very small amounts of, and the eyes are a different colour. I don't think we're looking at a KK style face underneath.

[Agent Fusion]

Opaque heads and trans. eyes are fine by me.

[Kalhiki]

One suggestion was that only the MoCr (and possibly the Skull Spider) has the clip connection. And the mask would slip over another mask a la the Mask of Time in the LoMN movie.

Seems like a stretch to me, but it would be an interesting turn of events.

Also, do we know if the MoCr is going to be in any of these sets? It so far hasn't appeared, so I figure it'll be an Ignika deal where we don't have a physical version until later (not counting Vezon's flip-head). Unless they just haven't included it yet since the pictures we've seen aren't finalized.

[Leewan]

Also, do we know if the MoCr is going to be in any of these sets? It so far hasn't appeared, so I figure it'll be an Ignika deal where we don't have a physical version until later (not counting Vezon's flip-head). Unless they just haven't included it yet since the pictures we've seen aren't finalized.

I personally hope it'll appear in Summer 2015 or 2016 with the main villain. It could be Makuta, or someone else, I don't care. I wish for a 25-30€ priced set. Putting the MoCr with the main villain would be cool for a "final confrontation" between the Masters and him (her ?), IMO.

[Gatanui]

All six Toa have gear functions. The only one that isn't at least slightly visible is Gali, but they'll all have them. I think the knocking-off mask function is more than plausible, I'd say it's pretty likely. The method for holding the masks, the gears, the blatant attempt at capturing the 2001 atmosphere? The heads seem to be one colour from the parts we can see very small amounts of, and the eyes are a different colour. I don't think we're looking at a KK style face underneath.

Just admit already that you've got all the sets.

-Gata

Edited September 24, 2014 by Gatanui

[Aanchir]

Just admit already that you've got all the sets.

-Gata

As much as I'm sure he'd like to, I highly doubt the LEGO Group would send out review copies this far in advance!

But in all seriousness, you can see a Technic contraption of some kind built into the back of MOST of the sets, and in most cases it looks like it could be for a gear function of some kind. If it weren't, then there'd be much simpler ways to achieve the same proportions

Of course, what TYPE of gear function each set has is not entirely clear. Gali in particular puzzles me, because she has a two-handed weapon. Do both of her arms move in the same direction (rather than alternate directions like the original Gali and Onua)? Is only one of her arms gear-driven, with the other just on a friction pin? Since she's the one where the mechanism is least visible, it's very difficult to tell what it might do.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Aanchir

[Gatanui]

As much as I'm sure he'd like to, I highly doubt the LEGO Group would send out review copies this far in advance!

It would be very strange, but let's say I wouldn't be too surprised at all if DV knew more than meets the eye. For example, imagine if LEGO had planned for BZPower to show reviews of the sets after NYCC! Please note that I may be a staff member there but please don't take any of this as fact - just describing a situation that isn't even that far-fetched and would be quite cool, but it's still just speculation. I have no knowledge about such plans and even if I had, I doubt I'd be allowed to say. :P I've just noticed that DV seems oddly sure about everything he says regarding the sets and I think there have been several cases he's even been proven right already - it's very likely that I'm reading way too much into his posts, though, it's just something I'd observed. Maybe it's just wishful thinking? :P

-Gata

Edited September 24, 2014 by Gatanui

[VBBN]

Well then, after taking a closer look I realize how I completely missed the gears/odd arms on Pohatu and Lewa- My mistake.

One suggestion was that only the MoCr (and possibly the Skull Spider) has the clip connection. And the mask would slip over another mask a la the Mask of Time in the LoMN movie.

Seems like a stretch to me, but it would be an interesting turn of events.

I think if that were the case, every mask would have to have points to connect a hinged mask on top of them, that would have severely changed the designs of the masks.

[TheBrickPal]

http://www.bzpower.com/board/topic/14785-hero-factorys-end/

I was browsing BZPower for a while and came across the above thread. Like others have said there, it's like what went on in 2010, but in reverse. In the words of Voltex: "I hadn't actually considered the fact that Bionicle is actually replacing the line that originally replaced it..."

But to be honest, I do feel kind of bad for that kid. Have any of you considered that how WE feel about BIONICLE could be the same for many children of this current generation, but for Hero Factory instead? It's sure interesting.

[Lord-Vorahk]

That was surreal... but like Aanchir said on the BZP thread, not sure if trolling or actually serious.

[Aanchir]

http://www.bzpower.com/board/topic/14785-hero-factorys-end/

I was browsing BZPower for a while and came across the above thread. Like others have said there, it's like what went on in 2010, but in reverse. In the words of Voltex: "I hadn't actually considered the fact that Bionicle is actually replacing the line that originally replaced it..."

But to be honest, I do feel kind of bad for that kid. Have any of you considered that how WE feel about BIONICLE could be the same for many children of this current generation, but for Hero Factory instead? It's sure interesting.

I'm sure there are plenty of kids like that, who grew up with Hero Factory and will feel bad about it going away. But to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if that topic was just somebody creating a dupe account to troll people and parody the reactions to BIONICLE being cancelled back in 2010. The fact that the member in question seems to have joined just to post that topic, claims to have only gotten into LEGO in 2013 but has a 2011 set as his avatar, and knows the term MOC but not how to spell it all seem to point to somebody putting on an act. Plus, his poor spelling seems suspiciously consistent.

[Timeline15]

But to be honest, I do feel kind of bad for that kid. Have any of you considered that how WE feel about BIONICLE could be the same for many children of this current generation, but for Hero Factory instead? It's sure interesting.

well, the last changeover was a step down in quality whereas this will most likely be a step up, but I can see his point of view (assuming it is a legit post). If HF had existed when I was 10, I probably would have got just as into HF as I did with Bionicle. I was much more forgiving back then, as I'm sure we all were. Hopefully those who grew up with hero factory will learn to love Bionicle too. I like to think that our aversion to HF early on was about more than just "it's not Bonkles!!1!1" , but rather, about the legitimate drop in story depth. It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out in reverse....

EDIT: also just occurred to me that someone who got into HF first, and apparently only in 2013, doesn't seem a likely candidate to join BZP.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Timeline15

[Grima]

It would be very strange, but let's say I wouldn't be too surprised at all if DV knew more than meets the eye. For example, imagine if LEGO had planned for BZPower to show reviews of the sets after NYCC! Please note that I may be a staff member there but please don't take any of this as fact - just describing a situation that isn't even that far-fetched and would be quite cool, but it's still just speculation. I have no knowledge about such plans and even if I had, I doubt I'd be allowed to say. :P I've just noticed that DV seems oddly sure about everything he says regarding the sets and I think there have been several cases he's even been proven right already - it's very likely that I'm reading way too much into his posts, though, it's just something I'd observed. Maybe it's just wishful thinking? :P

-Gata

I thought he was that sure of everything, whether he had physical proof or not. Certainly how I've come to know him. :P

[dviddy]

Just admit already that you've got all the sets. -Gata

I definitely don't have any of the sets. That would be pretty cool, but I can't imagine review sets being out this early. NYCC is where I'm betting we'll first see finalized sets. That's one of the main reasons I'm going to it!

It would be very strange, but let's say I wouldn't be too surprised at all if DV knew more than meets the eye. For example, imagine if LEGO had planned for BZPower to show reviews of the sets after NYCC! Please note that I may be a staff member there but please don't take any of this as fact - just describing a situation that isn't even that far-fetched and would be quite cool, but it's still just speculation. I have no knowledge about such plans and even if I had, I doubt I'd be allowed to say. :P I've just noticed that DV seems oddly sure about everything he says regarding the sets and I think there have been several cases he's even been proven right already - it's very likely that I'm reading way too much into his posts, though, it's just something I'd observed. Maybe it's just wishful thinking? :P

-Gata

Wishful thinking combined with ten years of analyzing every detail of a leaked picture possible, coupled with a decade plus of intense MOC building and deconstructing. I don't have any sets yet, and if BZPower had gotten review sets already (which I don't think we have) I wouldn't have any, as I'm no longer an official reviewer, which makes me ineligible for receiving them according to BZP review policy (as you know, but others here might not).

I thought he was that sure of everything, whether he had physical proof or not. Certainly how I've come to know him. :P

I mean, why hedge your bets when you're right. ;) Besides, this way, when it turns out I'm right, we can all say (again) "DV was right, dang it".

(Plus I like the idea of the mask-knocking-off game coming back, and I've become attached to the concept. Like how people keep looking for proof of a continuation or reboot in any tiny thing, I'm going to look for the mask thing. Childhood nostalgia makes fools of us all.)

Edited September 24, 2014 by Darth Vader

[Mandate]

Personally I don't think the knocking-off-mask is a plausible feature- It appears that only three Toa have geared arms. What happens if a kid has Lewa, while another has Onua with (presumable) moveable arms? Both masks can be knocked off, but Lewa wouldn't have a way to do it. Play features should ideally be implemented on all sets of a price range, at least that's how it's been done in the past, and I can't imagine why they would change that now. If anything I think it's mainly for the flip-up feature, to make Bionicle's faces more prominent this time around.

All 6 have gear functions. Lewa's arms are behind his normal arms and have two pinions connected to each arm, Onua has two yellow Four Knob gears, Pohatu has his own Four Knob sticking out (and a Technic backpack, and I think we should try to reverse-engineer it because it's simpler and similar to the MOC-up ( ) Leewan did.), Tahu's back is overly bulky to not do anything, Gali's arms are lower than her shoulder joints (which I must add are completely unused), and Kopaka has a big black blob at the back of him. There's also the piece counts, etc.

[Lord-Vorahk]

Still, a mask with two connection points probably won't be viable for a knocking-off gimmick.

Also, the more I look at Gali's new mask, the more it grows on me. My only problem with it is the Chin of Doom.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Lord-Vorahk