Bionicle 2016 Sets Discussion

[Dorek]

Got my Onua review up! Doesn't have quite as much character as last year's (which remains one of my all time favorite BIONICLE sets), but is still very solid on its own.

[Scarilian]

So luckily the 2016 Star Wars CCBS sets were released early, and i ended up getting them. Recently though i've been comparing the new pieces their with the gear CCBS body piece - and honestly, the current gear CCBS body piece sucks. If you've seen the 2016 Star Wars CCBS sets they have a body piece that essentially ends just before the arms, enabling the gearbox to be easily attached. Along with having a piece on the back that covers the gearbox and allows for a head to be attached.

The pieces included in the 2016 Star Wars sets are as follows;

Essentially i'm questioning why we didnt get this (below) instead of the current version;

It would have allowed for a variety of sizes, easily customiseable and allowed the 2016 sets to incorporate the gearbox function along with the Star Wars back coverage piece. I guess i just hate to see wasted potential and this is going to be one of those situations where Lego had a great idea for one line and didnt impliment the same idea with another line.

Got my Onua review up! Doesn't have quite as much character as last year's (which remains one of my all time favorite BIONICLE sets), but is still very solid on its own.

I know the designers intended the shoulder pads to probably be thought of as crystal structure's, however its difficult viewing them as anything other than Skeletal body pieces. Feel i might have to mix and match Onua with his prior version a bit.

Edited December 21, 2015 by Scarilian

[One Very Agile Cat]

On the plus side, it should be pretty straightforard to mod the Toa if you don't like the gear waist. On the minus side, you'll have to figure out how to attach a neck post, and have to get six of these things, plus six neck posts.

Needless to say, I'm up for the challenge. I just feel bad for the people who don't want to have to deal with the effort to get sets they want when they shouldn't have to. One thing I'll always give 2015, I modded those sets a heck of a lot less than what I'm planning to do this year, as great as the new parts are.

[Lyichir]

On the plus side, it should be pretty straightforard to mod the Toa if you don't like the gear waist. On the minus side, you'll have to figure out how to attach a neck post, and have to get six of these things, plus six neck posts.

Needless to say, I'm up for the challenge. I just feel bad for the people who don't want to have to deal with the effort to get sets they want when they shouldn't have to. One thing I'll always give 2015, I modded those sets a heck of a lot less than what I'm planning to do this year, as great as the new parts are.

I don't see why it should have to be easy to mod one of a set's key features away? I mean, to each their own, but if Lego cared that much about people who didn't want the waist geared, they probably wouldn't have geared it in the first place. As they say, you can't please everybody... the fact that the Star Wars torso has even shown up as an alternative in the first place should be seen as a boon to modders, rather than complaining that it's not available enough.

Edited December 22, 2015 by Lyichir

[Aethersprite]

Got my Onua review up! Doesn't have quite as much character as last year's (which remains one of my all time favorite BIONICLE sets), but is still very solid on its own.

Thanks for that! 2015 Onua is one of my all-time favourite Bionicle sets as well. The Uniter version isn't all that bad. I quite like it, in fact (second to Kopaka for me), and I think it's a great set. It just doesn't match up with its 2015 iteration.

I don't mind that Onua has lost his broadness - but I do wish that they'd fill up the gap in his shoulders more. The Bohrok teeth are nice, but not enough.

although for someone with intermittent OCD (not me who said it was me tell me who it was), aligning the gear to the turntable in a symmetrical manner can be a pain.

Oh, dear. That's me too. Am I the only one who makes sure I align all my pins exactly as they appear in the instructions, and place my bone pieces such that the plastic nub marks all face backwards?

Edited December 22, 2015 by Lockon Stratos

[MakutaOfWar]

Soooo I'm still a bit confused by the new torso piece, I think I read somewhere that it has friction but how exactly does that all work out?

[Dorek]

Am I the only one who makes sure I align all my pins exactly as they appear in the instructions, and place my bone pieces such that the plastic nub marks all face backwards?

Every time I write a review I want to mention this but have to stop myself from fear of being seen as insane. Because YES IT BOTHERS ME

It used to not. Truly. But then I read that exact same question in a review and ever since I have not been able to stop thinking about it.

[Scarilian]

On the plus side, it should be pretty straightforard to mod the Toa if you don't like the gear waist. On the minus side, you'll have to figure out how to attach a neck post, and have to get six of these things, plus six neck posts.

Needless to say, I'm up for the challenge. I just feel bad for the people who don't want to have to deal with the effort to get sets they want when they shouldn't have to. One thing I'll always give 2015, I modded those sets a heck of a lot less than what I'm planning to do this year, as great as the new parts are.

Its less the idea that such a solution cannot be modded and just that this is going to be something that limits Lego's own sets. We could have had a virtually perfect Toa with the waist swivvel plus gearbox along with a full level of coverage on the front and back. Its a missed opportunity on their part. The Toa sets have the swivvel, the Star Wars sets have the ability to easily connect with the gearbox... it makes sense to combine the two to maximise the usefulness of the piece.

I'm not sure who here owns the Kylo Ren 2016 CCBS set, however that set has no gaps in the body thanks to a few armour pieces and the new CCBS torso it uses. One of the things plaguing the Bionicle sets currently is them being gappy or not having enough coverage, if they had made the alternative piece then chances are it would have fixed these issues and allowed for more customisation for future Lego designs. Instead, the way it is currently, any potential titan/big set with the waist swivvel will have to find a way around using the balljoint at the top - which as demonstrated with Kulta results in the arms looking like they are pushed further back.

Just hope we do get that combination eventually, as it would open up to a wide range of set possiiblites. You could have essentially a perfect CCBS set, no gaps, with multiple functions if this piece was created as demonstrated.

Soooo I'm still a bit confused by the new torso piece, I think I read somewhere that it has friction but how exactly does that all work out?

Been wondering this myself, seen some reviews where people are stating it has really tight friction and others where it spins easily without friction...

[EdWebhead]

Been wondering this myself, seen some reviews where people are stating it has really tight friction and others where it spins easily without friction...

I find it a bit too tight, making the function kind of annoying as it's hard to turn easily by the gear and it squeaks really loudly (at least on mine ).

[dviddy]

Every time I write a review I want to mention this but have to stop myself from fear of being seen as insane. Because YES IT BOTHERS ME

It used to not. Truly. But then I read that exact same question in a review and ever since I have not been able to stop thinking about it.

It used to bother me, but now it doesn't. It's funny, I used to make sure even on my MOCs that all the pins aligned, but now I just slap them in.

I find it a bit too tight, making the function kind of annoying as it's hard to turn easily by the gear and it squeaks really loudly (at least on mine ).

My Tahu was really tight when I got him and put him together. However, after taking the hips out and attaching them again several times, it is far looser. Almost too loose. I get into this a bit in my Tahu review Black Six will post on BZPower in the next few days, hopefully.

[Dorek]

Most of my guys hip joints are fine, although I wouldn't say they've gotten any significant stress. My Tahu one was probably the loosest to start with; feels like the friction is only on the sides, and not the front or the back. But so far so good, in general. I imagine they'll get looser over time, and it'll be interesting to see where they are in six months/a year from now.

[Aethersprite]

Every time I write a review I want to mention this but have to stop myself from fear of being seen as insane. Because YES IT BOTHERS ME

It used to not. Truly. But then I read that exact same question in a review and ever since I have not been able to stop thinking about it.

Glad I'm not the only one. It's tolerable for CCBS sets but when I have to build a big set like the UCS Slave I... I think I spent as much time aligning the pins as I did fixing bricks together.

On hip joints (and joints in general, actually) I've found that they become tighter over time. I don't usually take my sets apart, though, so this might not be the case for frequent MOCists.

[dviddy]

My Ikir review is live on BZP.

[MakutaOfWar]

Figure I'll post this here, but after reading the Terak and Kopaka/Melum reviews on here, and the mention of Bohrok similarities I've wondered maybe they'll model Quake beast after one? I think, at least, that it would be fitting. And as cool as having a Bohrok for each element was I doubt they'd do it again, so 'Quake' and a similar Bohrok function sounds nice together.

[Dorek]

The gearxle functions overall have been Bohrok-esque, but I didn't get any particular Bohrok vibes from Terak or Melum. If we see some sort of head snapping motion, though, I'm on board.

Although I'm mostly just hoping for some quadrupeds from summer's beasts. Maybe like a BEAR.

[Scarilian]

Honestly getting more of a Rahkshi vibe from the pieces we are getting. Waist articulation plus the 2016 Star Wars body piece would allow for a fairly simple Rahskhi body if the pieces were combined (as i've already posted before) The only thing lacking would be a new mould for a head piece. You could also use the new 2016 armour pieces that the Toa have for uniting as a 'spine'

I find it a bit too tight, making the function kind of annoying as it's hard to turn easily by the gear and it squeaks really loudly (at least on mine ).

Ah, thats unfortunately, maybe its a 'first few batches' issue like the Kopaka and Tahu board issue from 2015.

Most of my guys hip joints are fine, although I wouldn't say they've gotten any significant stress. My Tahu one was probably the loosest to start with; feels like the friction is only on the sides, and not the front or the back. But so far so good, in general. I imagine they'll get looser over time, and it'll be interesting to see where they are in six months/a year from now.

Yeah, admittedly having the same issues with regular CCBS connections. Even wtih the friction adders they seem to be losing friction over-time even if just put in a specific pose and left. Without them its worser though, used to be able to pose Pohatu 2015 in a 'legs slightly apart, arms like a boxer' sort of thing - however now whenever i try this the friction is not strong enough with the legs and he ends up doing the splits. I still have Toa lhikan from back in 2004 and still has tight joins enough to balance on one leg... not sure why CCBS doesnt have the same longevity and seems to only last a few months before getting too lose for some poses. Having to use friction adders on everything.

As a suggestion though, without owning the 2016 Bionicles, is it possible to perhaps add a rubber band or lego tire piece so that it fits inside the joint so that it adds slightly more friction? Wondering if that would work.

Edited December 23, 2015 by Scarilian

[One Very Agile Cat]

I don't see why it should have to be easy to mod one of a set's key features away?

Its less the idea that such a solution cannot be modded and just that this is going to be something that limits Lego's own sets.

Just making conversation, guys. I mean, it's Lego, I was just thinking of ways people could change it if they wanted to but whatever. Literally just thinking out loud is all. I even mentioned that I feel bad for those who don't want to have to do this but I guess I didn't say it clear enough. Edited December 23, 2015 by One Very Agile Cat

[Dorek]

Took me a while, but I finally got Gali and Akida's reviews up! Both very good sets, Akida in particular is exactly what I wanted from a creature set.

I'll save my final list of rankings for when I'm done with Umarak, but in terms of Toa and creatures, from best to worst:

Toa:

1. Lewa

2. Onua

3. Tahu

4. Kopaka

5. Gali

6. Pohatu

Creatures:

1. Ikir

2. Akida

3. Uxar

4. Terak

5. Melum

6. Ketar

Combinations:

1. Kopaka and Melum

2. Tahu and Ikir

3. Gali and Akida

4. Lewa and Uxar

5. Onua and Terak

6. Pohatu and Ketar

3-5 for the Toa are pretty interchangeable since they're all roughly as good as the next one, but Lewa's the standout. And the back half of the cretures are "meh" to "terrible", but the excellence of the first half more than makes up for it.

[Kalhiki]

Took me a while, but I finally got Gali and Akida's reviews up! Both very good sets, Akida in particular is exactly what I wanted from a creature set.

I'll save my final list of rankings for when I'm done with Umarak, but in terms of Toa and creatures, from best to worst:

Toa:

1. Lewa

2. Onua

3. Tahu

4. Kopaka

5. Gali

6. Pohatu

Creatures:

1. Ikir

2. Akida

3. Uxar

4. Terak

5. Melum

6. Ketar

Combinations:

1. Kopaka and Melum

2. Tahu and Ikir

3. Gali and Akida

4. Lewa and Uxar

5. Onua and Terak

6. Pohatu and Ketar

3-5 for the Toa are pretty interchangeable since they're all roughly as good as the next one, but Lewa's the standout. And the back half of the cretures are "meh" to "terrible", but the excellence of the first half more than makes up for it.

So basically what you're saying is don't get the Stone sets :P

Oddly enough, I'll probably pick them up first. I can't break tradition. Gotta get Pohatu first.

Though I'll probably be getting Kopaka/Melum and Umarak as well in the same haul, so it's all good.

[dviddy]

My Tahu review is also up.

[Kalhiki]

My Tahu review is also up.

Thanks for the review! Man, your photography/editing is superb.

Anyway, I'm glad to say I really like Tahu. Clashing textures was never something that bothered me, so that's good. And I don't mind the over-abundance of gold. Would I have preferred more red? Sure. But probably in place of some of that trans-orange, if anything. Maybe the shells on his forearms... I just think the gold looks nice and would want to keep it.

[VBBN]

And that marks the end of this wave of reviews. Below is a direct list to them all, remember if you haven't commented/voted in the polls please do so! LEGO looks at what you have to say and how you rate the sets, so using those reviews is a great way to get your opinion out there! Umarak's review has done fantastic stats wise, but some sets like Terak are going to need some help.

71300 Uxar Creature of Jungle

71301 Ketar Creature of Stone

71302 Akida Creature of Water

71303 Ikir Creature of Fire

71304 Terak Creature of Earth

71305 Lewa Uniter of Jungle

71306 Pohatu Uniter of Stone

71307 Gali Uniter of Water

71308 Tahu Uniter of Fire

71309 Onua Uniter of Earth

71311 Kopaka and Melum Unity Set

71310 Umarak the Hunter

[TheOneVeyronian]

Finally, LEGO decided to get some of the Creatures up on the UK S@H as I noticed, and I can't quite believe their price. I thought they'd be £7.99 each. Or £9.99, like the Protectors.

Nope. They're... only £6.99 each! That makes the entire wave in GBP only £129.88. My wallet can definitely agree with that and I hope that this UK pricing continues in 2017

Note that I feel that this suddenly makes the Kopaka and Melum unity set seem like bad value at £19.99

[CabooseBM]

VBBN, you do realize you have given me a terrible power. >=)

[Fulcrumfan91]

So to anyone who owns the sets currently, I'm looking for a recommendation. I found that I visually loved Master Lewa last year, I liked Pohatu's playability, liked Onua's playability and colours, and liked Gali's weapon, dark azure and her mask. Having said this, which set pair (creature, toa) do you think would be best for me capturing some if not all of these qualities (perhaps it's not detailed enough) for 2016? Also forgot to mention, but looking at Master Lewa, I think he's definitely my favourite of the last wave.

Edited December 25, 2015 by lambda_cla3391