Bionicle 2015 Discussion

[Leewan]

I don't know if it has already been mentionned, but do we know if the golden Skull Mask in the LoSS set is a Mask of Power ?

Also, I think I know how the Protectors are made (though I'm not too sure about the Fire Protector, but I think I'm half right about him) :

[Still Raindrop]

Interesting--I hope that the Toa have elemental powers on their own, and not just from the masks. I also wonder whether wearing the masks will be a biological necessity this time.

[arc]

I don't know if it has already been mentionned, but do we know if the golden Skull Mask in the LoSS set is a Mask of Power ?

I don't think we have any info on his mask yet.

And regarding those new bios, it says in them that Tahu has the mask of fire. Does that mean kopaka can't wear a hau without his element being changed to fire? Or pohatu a kaukau without his element being changed to water?

Come to think of it, maybe they're one of kind? It would explain why the protectors wear the same mask.

[AyliffeMakit]

Actually, what I think TLG should have done is at least get Cartoon network or some other TV channel to show it in between programmes as well as putting them online.

Anyone else agree?

Edited October 13, 2014 by AyliffeMakit

[Kalhiki]

Interesting new bios. Not much more info, but it does confirm that the masks control elements. Not sure what to think of that, but I guess it does simplify things a bit. But what do the gold masks do? Just amplify their elemental powers?

Also, one of Kopaka's powers is Frost Sphere. Guess that's what we saw in the presentation slide.

^I was thinking the same thing. After all, Mixels is doing just that.

[AdaptingChaos]

If anyone is disappointed that we wont be seeing classic mask powers, I just want to let you guys know that there is a possibility of them coming back.

LEGO did say that they wanted to respect the roots. And I believe they did just that with these new sets and their designs. Besides, just because the Toa don't have their mask powers from Gen 1, does not mean that we won't see them in the future of the storyline, whenever LEGO needs to upgrade the sets. Powers of Shielding, Speed, Strength, X-Ray, etc. could come back when these Toa receive an upgrade to their armor next year.

I mean if the Toa now all of a sudden were to have all their mask powers and maxed out abilities for the first year, there isn't much room for improvement (storywise) when the sets get upgraded for next year. Im sure no one wants next years upgrade to just be "improved armor".

Edited October 13, 2014 by AdaptingChaos

[Dorek]

I'm still thinking they might be titles; it calls the golden masks "Mask of [Element]" as well, so what would be the point of finding them if they're the same thing? There's probably more to the story.

[Agent Fusion]

Onua's afraid of heights? I feel for him.

[Chro]

I'm still thinking they might be titles; it calls the golden masks "Mask of [Element]" as well, so what would be the point of finding them if they're the same thing? There's probably more to the story.

No no no, Dorek. The golden masks are "Golden Mask of [Element]"... clearly a significant difference.

[TheBrickPal]

^I was thinking the same thing. After all, Mixels is doing just that.

No, it wouldn't happen. Unlike Mixels, where the shorts are meant to function well on their own as zany and mindless adventures, these new BIONICLE webisodes will follow a story. Imagine how hard that would be if one had to know what was going on if a short from say, the middle of the story, were to appear in a commercial. What if that person had never seen the ones leading up to that? It will be easier when these episodes are available at the click of a "next" button online.

[OmastarLovesDonuts]

To those doubting that such short episodes can have any amount of depth or significance, remember the original Clone Wars animated series from around 2003. Each episode was about two minutes long, but when watched together, it ends up being great. I'm hoping for a similar strategy with these new shorts-they even have a very similar art style!

[Aanchir]

I'm still thinking they might be titles; it calls the golden masks "Mask of [Element]" as well, so what would be the point of finding them if they're the same thing? There's probably more to the story.

Well, it's possible that the Toa's inherent elemental powers (or the ones they get from their basic masks) are fairly limited in their versatility, while the golden masks give them secondary abilities of some kind. Kind of like how Pokémon start out with fairly basic elemental attacks, but can learn more powerful ones that have secondary abilities.

Just as an example from another LEGO theme, back in 2011, the Ninja of LEGO Ninjago only have one basic elemental ability: Spinjitzu. But the Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu allow them to use their element in other ways, like firing elemental energy blasts at their foes. And once they unlocked their true potential in 2012, they could enter their special NRG mode which, among other things, transmutes them into their element and gives them the ability to fly/levitate. They have lost and regained their higher-level elemental powers a couple times since then, but as of episode 31, it seems like they've finally regained them for good since Lloyd split what was left of his multi-elemental Golden Power between them.

This would actually be a very interesting way of doing things, especially since it ensures that the Toa's secondary abilities are thematically connected to their element, which could make it easier to remember what each Toa can or can't do. Somebody pointed out an image of Kopaka where he seems to be creating some kind of shield. That's apparently his "Ice Sphere" ability mentioned on the new website, which is one of his secondary ice powers.

Regarding the episode length, I'm not too worried. The

were between one and five minutes each, but still told a compelling storyline with good characterization. I think many of the Mata Nui Online Game cutscenes (which were released on the BIONICLE website as individual episodes) were even shorter. Edited October 13, 2014 by Aanchir

[InfurnallDragon]

For the record, TF2's Sniper isn't Australian. He actually comes from the Lost City of New Zealand.

Really, I'm not kidding.

Offtopic: THATS A SPOILLLERRRR! You just ruined it for those poor hopeless souls who were waiting for all the comics to come out in 2040! And regardless his dialect comes from those who taught him to speak (Australians).

Although it would beg the question of why a robot from another world speaks like a human from our world. Could all the Po-Okotans speak this way as a parallel reality version of Australia? And if that is so- why are the skull spiders so small there and scorpion-like?

On Topic: Also there's a really good image in the presentation of Pohatu repelling a ton of spiders. This shows how the tone and artstyle work together at times. It looks sillier than most BIONICLE combat scenes until you remember how the Nui-Rama dive in MNOG after being shot. Or actually any of the Lew-Wahi events (Techno Ride of the Valkyries with Kongu looking all serious was probably the silliest thing I have ever seen).

Actually, what I think TLG should have done is at least get Cartoon network or some other TV channel to show it in between programmes as well as putting them online.

Anyone else agree?

Sorry, but I am really tired of the modern cartoon channels now (maybe its just the nostalgia for older shows and how most modern ones really on bad scripting and shock factor for comedy) I would rather they do an internet or Netflix original series (only if they do longer episodes).

I definitely see it like Omastarlovesdonuts says it could be, but remaining as a web series. They could use one of the shorter but cliff-hanger sort of scenes as an ad on every channel to sell the toys and direct viewers to the web series.

They need to fix those character descriptions on the website. They aren't very... friendly to the eyes and brain. Look at this:

Gali is friendly and peaceful. But when the situation calls for it, she can be as fierce as a raging ocean. She finds injustice intolerable and always goes out of her way to help the ones who need it. Gali’s mellow ways have made her the most liked among the heroes. She is generous, a good listener and friend. Only one little thing: she just can’t seem to tell a joke right! Primary Color: Blue Element: Water Favorite environment: Oceans, streams and lakes Masks: Mask of Water and Golden Mask of Water Powers: Water control and the ability to out-swim any known creature. Primary weapon: Elemental Trident Secondary weapon: Shark Fins and Power Harpoon (the Elemental Trident can split into these) Signature moves: Tidal Charge & Wavestorm Key traits: Friendly, generous and fierce.

Make that into like three or four paragraphs in Word please! Why is it all one solid wall of text!?

I guess its just incomplete, probably being worked on in real time. It is really uncomfortable trying to read the current formatting (or lack thereof).

I am kind of intrigued by the idea that they have digimon-esque (first thing that came to mind) signature moves... videogame confirmed for sure. "Primary Color: Blue" is pretty unnecessary though for a Bio exposing some characterization.

Edited October 13, 2014 by InfurnallDragon

[Dorek]

Well, it's possible that the Toa's inherent elemental powers (or the ones they get from their basic masks) are fairly limited in their versatility, while the golden masks give them secondary abilities of some kind. Kind of like how Pokémon start out with fairly basic elemental attacks, but can learn more powerful ones that have secondary abilities.

Just as an example from another LEGO theme, back in 2011, the Ninja of LEGO Ninjago only have one basic elemental ability: Spinjitzu. But the Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu allow them to use their element in other ways, like firing elemental energy blasts at their foes. And once they unlocked their true potential in 2012, they could enter their special NRG mode which, among other things, transmutes them into their element and gives them the ability to fly/levitate. They have lost and regained their higher-level elemental powers a couple times since then, but as of episode 31, it seems like they've finally regained them for good since Lloyd split what was left of his multi-elemental Golden Power between them.

This would actually be a very interesting way of doing things, especially since it ensures that the Toa's secondary abilities are thematically connected to their element, which could make it easier to remember what each Toa can or can't do. Somebody pointed out an image of Kopaka where he seems to be creating some kind of shield. That's apparently his "Ice Sphere" ability mentioned on the new website, which is one of his secondary ice powers.

Certainly a possibility, it's just that the information presented makes it hard to distinguish. Lewa's element? Jungle. His mask? Jungle. His golden mask? Jungle.

We're so used to the idea of swappable masks (which is why people keep clamoring for mask packs) that it seems foreign to consider a single designated mask per character (and then the golden masks, be they upgrades or whatever). I'm sure the story will make it clearer as it goes on.

[Bigger Fish]

after years of stringer saying lines like "just like herding cattle back home" even though he came from a robot factory? Are you just a glutton for punishment?

This talk of the fact that all the toa are voiced by the narrator makes me think of Thomas the tank engine. "but it was too late, lewa was controlled by a skull spider" XD

Maybe it's because in my project, the Pohatu Expy has a southern accent and dual wields revolvers and a samurai sword. Also, the Lewa, Gali, and Makuta Expies are British.

[Shakar]

Lewa's element is confirmed as Jungle and the Toa don't have mask powers aside from their elements? ...yeah, I like the premise and I think I will enjoy the shorts (love the art style), but I think I'll follow my head canon for certain things.

[Agent Fusion]

but I think I'll follow my head canon for certain things.

Isn't that the point of LEGO? Imagination!

[TheBrickPal]

Isn't that the point of LEGO? Imagination!

It seems like this reboot is more open to imagination than the original.

[Agent Fusion]

It seems like this reboot is more open to imagination than the original.

Yes, it does seem to be that way. Let's just hope they don't take it too far. "Do the Toa save the island? You decide!"

[Aanchir]

Yes, it does seem to be that way. Let's just hope they don't take it too far. "Do the Toa save the island? You decide!"

Yeah, that would be rubbish. I'm fine with the story leaving things open for fans to decide, but the big story decisions should be written for narrative impact, not just to leave things open for different play scenarios.

[Mandate]

"Do Hahli and Hewkii get married? You decide!"

[Toa of Gallifrey]

Nope, Jaller and Macku protest to this.

[InfurnallDragon]

"Do Hahli and Hewkii get married? You decide!"

Roodkama confirmed.

Im so glad this is sarcasm. Encourage shippers? Uhh... No thanks- Im sure they'll exist regardless.

(Im aware of Hewkii and Hahli- the reverse ship by Greg is just as bad as the normal ones, and for such an instance headcanon is vindicated)

Edited October 13, 2014 by InfurnallDragon

[Chro]

Hahli x Hewkii is a new one... I've heard plenty of Macku x Hewkii and Hahli x Jaller

[arc]

So with the talk of relationships, since we're starting over, does anyone think the no love rule will be thrown out? (Or even acknowledged) I think it was stupid to begin with. Bionicles are obviously capable of hate, how can hate exist with no love? I Demand jaller x hahli! Element of Steam ftw!