Bionicle 2016 Sets Discussion

[dimaks13]

The first was skull scorpion with the first bionicle magazie and this hawk is gift with second bionicle magazine.

[VBBN]

As I've been messing around with the spare Toa masks that were included in the beasts and noticing how absolutely awful they actually look once they are placed on the Toa, I realized- I really wish we had gotten the Toa's main color blended with gold instead of trans neon green. It would have been a cool replacement for the standard color blended with silver masks that they came with, and since the masks belong to the three Toa with gold already on them, it would have been a sensible choice. (And, such a color combo would have worked on them, while the masks blended with silver would have worked for the other three toa as they already are, so it wouldn't have felt like we were getting an incomplete set of masks as we are right now.)

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the masks we got as they are (I'm so used to having white mixed with trans light blue that it's nice to have a a change for once) but they don't make sense on the respective toa, and it is a shame that we don't get the other three masks with a similar blend.

[JekPorkchops]

I agree that added gold would be nice, but the masks are meant to look out of place as they are corropted.

[the last chronicler]

I got Ekimu, but holding out on the expense for Umarak. The problem I have with G2 is how the mixed back of the sets take away from the appreciation I can have for the building process. Like, Lava beast looks good but he's the best of a basic build, and I'd rather wait to see what future villains have since the beast theme itself is not that great. Old Bionicle seems to know how to quantify coolness in its villain, but in a unique way that stood out from other villain toys. Now there just doing the Ninjago thing with horror villains because it sells, but in the end the sets won't hold up. What happened to the walking raptor skull snakes that were the Rahkshi?

Anyways, I might use Ekimu's parts to make a Takanuva, just to see if I can.

Edited June 3, 2016 by the last chronicler

[MakutaDreadscythe]

As I've been messing around with the spare Toa masks that were included in the beasts and noticing how absolutely awful they actually look once they are placed on the Toa, I realized- I really wish we had gotten the Toa's main color blended with gold instead of trans neon green. It would have been a cool replacement for the standard color blended with silver masks that they came with, and since the masks belong to the three Toa with gold already on them, it would have been a sensible choice. (And, such a color combo would have worked on them, while the masks blended with silver would have worked for the other three toa as they already are, so it wouldn't have felt like we were getting an incomplete set of masks as we are right now.)

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the masks we got as they are (I'm so used to having white mixed with trans light blue that it's nice to have a a change for once) but they don't make sense on the respective toa, and it is a shame that we don't get the other three masks with a similar blend.

I'd have to agree, despite their purpose as a trophy for the beasts it would be nice seeing as the current combinations look kinda meh. Either regular/gold or regular/trans-orange/purple/light blue for their respective masks. Kopaka's is the worst culprit looking a lot like spoilt milk.

[Tarvaxx]

I'd have to agree, despite their purpose as a trophy for the beasts it would be nice seeing as the current combinations look kinda meh. Either regular/gold or regular/trans-orange/purple/light blue for their respective masks. Kopaka's is the worst culprit looking a lot like spoilt milk.

That's literally the whole point. It's supposed to be venomous looking. It's not supposed to be pretty for all you MOCers out there, it's meant to look disgusting and corrupted, because it is. No one complained about the infected Hau back in the day. #CollectorMasterRace #MOCerPeasants

[Aanchir]

I think the masks that come with the beasts look great. Tahu's especially, since it has great contrast. I haven't tried seeing what they look like on the corresponding Toa yet, but I can see them looking amazing on MOCs!

The colors do seem a bit peculiar story-wise, considering that at this point of the story (midway through the year) the Toa already have their golden masks, so you'd think the masks the beasts steal from them would be recognizable as such. That said, the differently colored masks with Tr. Flu. Green blends do a good job conveying a feeling of corruption/sickness.

[Kalhiki]

I will say the dual-injected masks have been tempting me to build MoCs with less conventional color schemes. Who'd have thought to put trans lime green with red or white?

[xboxtravis7992]

In happy news I finally bought Gali and Akida; my first Toa set from this year. I hope to get Kopaka and Tahu sometime, but since I have all the 2015 Toa they aren't much of a priority compared to some other sets Lego is making right now.

And in a more somber tone; I'd like to comment on why Bionicle might have not found its market this time around. With the rumors coming in heavier and heavier that it will end in 2017, I think now is a time to comment on what I think it did right and wrong; and more importantly what its LEGACY will be if it ends early. I think it is critical to take note of the legacy Bionicle will be leaving behind even if it bites the dust within the next year.

So something I feel G2 has messed up on big time is it's advertising. I know the social media campaigns have had some success, but I can't help but feel like Lego missed it's target audience with the advertising methods used. There is no doubt in my mind that Bionicle's Facebook page is the main focus of advertising in many ways, alongside JtO and last year's web animations. However there are some issues here, the Facebook page appeals mostly to TFOL and AFOL fans of Bionicle (I often see Sco... I mean Aanchir commenting on it, a reminder that yes the page is geared to the older crowd). Sure the Facebook page has some great stuff; but the issue is that the commentators on it are mostly G1 fans who still care about G2; a fanbase which is rather small and limited compared to the 8-14 demographic Lego wants to market this stuff to. In fact Facebook user rules don't allow anyone under 14 to form an account on there, so it means the majority of the target demographic is outside the loop.

So lets look at the other to main advertising features, the Web Animations and JtO. Yes they were both simplistic, and the Web Animations fortunately are far more accessible than the original G1 animations where, as YouTube is a reliable and famed video streaming service. So I have no doubt the Web Animations reached their target audience. However JtO's Netflix arrangement might have been detrimental to it's use for advertising. Yes I am sure plenty of kids saw JtO on Netflix; but what about those who don't have Netflix? Look at how Ninjago by being aired on Cartoon Network has reached a larger audience, and has generated far more buzz for that brand. Could Bionicle's sales have been bolstered had it been on cable TV instead of online streaming? Hard to answer but I am sure it is a factor. I also think that JtO might have turned away some of the G1 fans who were interested in the new Bionicle. I know that in my opinion I found it hard to tolerate the simplistic dialogue and the predictable plot, despite the best visual moments. Also the lack of TV based advertising for G2 is strange, I know from memory that the G1 TV commercials where very well done, and the fact almost all G2 commercials are YouTube only has limited it's exposure.

Another factor is the simple story. Now let me explain, I do think Lego was right in their assumption to make the story simpler to understand and easier to follow, and that helped bring new fans in at first. However a complex and more layered story is more likely to create lasting fans. From my understanding the novel's had a more complex story drive and world building to them, which was very appropriate as in G1 most of the complex story was portrayed in books or comics. However the lack of widespread distribution for the novels meant that for the most part the simplistic animations and JtO where the only main story materials. This is great for first time viewers; but what happens when a fan who enjoyed the animations wants more from the story? If he/she can't find the novels or graphic novels in stores they aren't going to find more reason to follow the action. Admittedly I have no idea if reading long serial novels is as popular as it was 16 years ago (G1 had the fortunate blessing of a large percentage of children who were reading serial novels thanks to Harry Potter, the Series of Unfortunate Events, and film revivals of old series such as Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia).

Another attribute that has hurt Bionicle is its own fan base. There is ample evidence that the older TFOL and AFOL fans have been caustic since the line's revival. While I think it is okay for AFOL's to express their criticisms, the amount of trolling and flame wars here, on BZP, and TTV have made the fanbase harder to access and less likely to retain longtime fans. I remember a large reason I stopped buying G1 sets was because of my distaste as a child with my interactions with the fan community online. With the community even more toxic right now, how many new Bionicle fans have turned tail and abandoned the brand completely because of it? It is something that as a fanbase we should look in introspectively. Yes I agree as adults we do have a right to criticize and express our distaste of certain decisions made by Lego; but we must avoid the toxic feeling that has plagued our community for a long time.

Another detriment to Bionicle might be set design. G2 has had some WONDERFUL sets; but looking at the issues with some sets shows G2 has some strange choices. In G1 and Hero Factory sets had a far more limited color palette, with a primary color, an accent color or two, and some colors for structural pieces. G2's colors have been all over the map from the trans purple and trans neon orange on Skull Basher to the five shades of brown on Pohatu and the Dark (Metru) Blue arms of Kopaka. It is a strange color choice. Furthermore G2 has kept it's hero designs rather consistent; which while great for a story might not be good for sales... How can you convince a jaded parent that the six Toa Uniters are that different from the previous Toa Masters from 2015? There isn't enough variation in them to identify them as vastly improved. (This is actually the reason I didn't buy a new Toa Uniter until TODAY, because I don't feel pressured to buy sets that are so similar to last year's). Even the Toa Mata to the Toa Nuva changed the visual look with new radically different masks and tools, despite being the same build type. It is hard to casually look at Tahu Master and Tahu Uniter together and see what is "improved." Yes I know the gear actions and articulation are wonderful on the G2 sets; but the visual designs themselves are all over the place.

Lastly another factor is the fact Traditional Lego has exploded in popularity. Remember Lego put so much in G1 because it was its only hit line at the time that didn't have to pay royalties to George Lucas. But now in 2016 Lego is huge. I am glad Lego has had such success, but with it there is no surprise Bionicle is no longer a huge priority and is stuck playing second fiddle to other Lego themes.

So with all those detriment to the line listed, I still won't believe it is being cancelled until it actually happens. Like all fans that was supposition and hypothesis. I will wait to see what happens to the line and then make a final assessment.

With that said, what if Bionicle is canned in early 2017? I strongly believe that it will still have a huge Legacy that will immortalize it in Lego's minds. Just look at how Faber is already working with Lego to install a Bionicle exhibit in the Lego Idea House. Do you realize that means Lego is dedicating part of their Idea House to be entirely a Musuem Exhibit for Bionicle? No matter how you cut it, Bionicle still is the toy that saved Lego. Like Fabuland and Classic Space, it will hold a part in the minds and mentality of future Lego designers. Just look at how it was mentioned in The Lego Movie; I doubt the film makers knew the theme was going to be rebooted, yet they included it because it is important to Lego. Sure it might not be rebooted again (or it might) but it will still play a part in Lego for years to come. Just look at how much Ninjago or Nexo Knights takes from Bionicle with the idea that the story is focused on color coded elemental powered people fighting evil. Besides, just imagine the easter eggs that will show up after Bionicle is long gone; I just want to see a kid in a City set with a T-shirt with the three virtues printed on it! Don't worry if the line is cancelled again, it will find a way to get new life even if it is no longer being produced.

Edited June 3, 2016 by xboxtravis7992

[Sr1847]

This new wave of bionicle is much better than 2015 and I really like how we got the mask of control this year

This new wave of bionicle is much better than 2015 and I really like how we got the mask of control this year

[MrHerofan]

Eh G2 has always been planned for a three year run. Now as for how much we'll get for 2017 is still up in the air. Personally while it might suck that the line is ending, I'll end up enjoying what we got and see where constraction goes from here. System Lego is too expensive for me so constraction fills builder in me.

After seeing some videos on the summer sets they look really good to me. The trans colors make sense this time around because its almost like they are supposed to be lava or storms and the ground. Also Umarak should be an impressive build especially next to General Grevious. Then Ekimu just looks plain cool. The trans on him was off putting at first but he just keeps on looking better and better.

Edited June 4, 2016 by MrHerofan

[TwistLaw]

Another attribute that has hurt Bionicle is its own fan base.

Not that kind of argument. Please, just don't. 95% of BIONICLE buyers are kids and they don't give a fat sheet about what a group of grown ups says on websites they don't even know exist.

Even the Toa Mata to the Toa Nuva changed the visual look with new radically different masks and tools, despite being the same build type. It is hard to casually look at Tahu Master and Tahu Uniter together and see what is "improved." Yes I know the gear actions and articulation are wonderful on the G2 sets; but the visual designs themselves are all over the place.

lol what

BIONICLE 2016 is literally the first time they even tried changing CCBS aesthetics. From 2011 until 2015 you saw more or less the same pieces organized with small variations. This year we had new pieces creating a new aesthetics and tons of custom builds. And the Toa Nuva were, in retrospect, an embarrassing (and wonderful, I freaking love them) attempt to cash in the success of the Mata with the smallest effort. In 2002 even BZPower didn't like the similarities between weapons, probably the only mistake this year's Toa "Nuva 2.0" repeated.

Just look at how it was mentioned in The Lego Movie;

Something they don't even need to mention? That doesn't sound like good advertisment for me.

Other than that I mostly agree with you, you raise many interesting points. They made many mistakes with G2, even though I'll never fully understand what made HF more interesting and succesful than this second generation of BIONICLE.

[GK733]

Not that kind of argument. Please, just don't. 95% of BIONICLE buyers are kids and they don't give a fat sheet about what a group of grown ups says on websites they don't even know exist.

As there is an existing community, there's not that big drive for people to create a new one.

I am not saying Bionicle community has had a tremendous impact but just remember how we laughed and mocked everyone who liked Hero Factory? Plenty of kids must have gotten disturbed by that and thus they never integrated.

[xboxtravis7992]

lol what

BIONICLE 2016 is literally the first time they even tried changing CCBS aesthetics. From 2011 until 2015 you saw more or less the same pieces organized with small variations. This year we had new pieces creating a new aesthetics and tons of custom builds. And the Toa Nuva were, in retrospect, an embarrassing (and wonderful, I freaking love them) attempt to cash in the success of the Mata with the smallest effort. In 2002 even BZPower didn't like the similarities between weapons, probably the only mistake this year's Toa "Nuva 2.0" repeated.

My point was not focused on the build but the look. I agree that the 2016 sets were boldly trying to do something new build wise, but as characters they look the same. My Gali Uniter that I just got was built far differently from the Toa Masters, but when put side by side she looks awfully similar to the previous Gali. I think I failed to clarify this was my intent in the comparison. Yes the Toa Nuva build wise where blandly identical to the original Mata; but the changes in masks and weapons meant not only did they look vastly different; they might have been easily mistaken for completely new characters by a casual customer. Same thing happened in Hero Factory 2.0 and 3.0; blandly enough the same build but with enough new trimmings they looked different. There is no mistake the 2016 Toa are just the 2015 Toa which are reboots of the 2001 Toa. From a story perspective I think that is the better approach, but in terms of sales it is the classic "comes with a new hat" syndrome. And unfortunately Lego didn't do a lot to showcase the vast differences in build style from 2015 to 2016 in advertising; heck even today I was amazed at how much Technic has returned to the Bionicle building systems, but this isn't something you notice unless you have the set in hand (or read a highly detailed online review).

[JekPorkchops]

I got Ekimu, but holding out on the expense for Umarak. The problem I have with G2 is how the mixed back of the sets take away from the appreciation I can have for the building process. Like, Lava beast looks good but he's the best of a basic build, and I'd rather wait to see what future villains have since the beast theme itself is not that great. Old Bionicle seems to know how to quantify coolness in its villain, but in a unique way that stood out from other villain toys. Now there just doing the Ninjago thing with horror villains because it sells, but in the end the sets won't hold up. What happened to the walking raptor skull snakes that were the Rahkshi?

Anyways, I might use Ekimu's parts to make a Takanuva, just to see if I can.

Yeah I think we're not gonna get anymore Rahkshi or Bohrok or Piraka levels of unique villains anymore. I was actually fine with the Skull Villains. Bionicle just came back with the Toa, maybe bringing back too many of the classics wouldn't be a good idea. The Skullies were nothing out of the ordinary as far as villains go in, say, about everything villainy, but it was a first for Bionicle to have an undead type of theme. That's why I appreciate them. But yeah, it's time for G2's equivalent to a Rahkshi, something that truly stands out.

[Anthony12901]

My point was not focused on the build but the look. I agree that the 2016 sets were boldly trying to do something new build wise, but as characters they look the same. My Gali Uniter that I just got was built far differently from the Toa Masters, but when put side by side she looks awfully similar to the previous Gali. I think I failed to clarify this was my intent in the comparison. Yes the Toa Nuva build wise where blandly identical to the original Mata; but the changes in masks and weapons meant not only did they look vastly different; they might have been easily mistaken for completely new characters by a casual customer. Same thing happened in Hero Factory 2.0 and 3.0; blandly enough the same build but with enough new trimmings they looked different. There is no mistake the 2016 Toa are just the 2015 Toa which are reboots of the 2001 Toa. From a story perspective I think that is the better approach, but in terms of sales it is the classic "comes with a new hat" syndrome. And unfortunately Lego didn't do a lot to showcase the vast differences in build style from 2015 to 2016 in advertising; heck even today I was amazed at how much Technic has returned to the Bionicle building systems, but this isn't something you notice unless you have the set in hand (or read a highly detailed online review).

I can see what you mean there. But if they are so vastly different, then will they be horrible figures, or arise another question: Who are these heroes? If you change them so crazily, it would endanger the line. If you change something, it could either be a change for the benefit of the line, or work for Makuta, in making the line worse. You see where I'm going there?

Edited June 4, 2016 by Anthony12901

[GK733]

Yeah I think we're not gonna get anymore Rahkshi or Bohrok or Piraka levels of unique villains anymore. I was actually fine with the Skull Villains. Bionicle just came back with the Toa, maybe bringing back too many of the classics wouldn't be a good idea. The Skullies were nothing out of the ordinary as far as villains go in, say, about everything villainy, but it was a first for Bionicle to have an undead type of theme. That's why I appreciate them. But yeah, it's time for G2's equivalent to a Rahkshi, something that truly stands out.

The skullvillains were really bland, not essentially bad. It's not a surprise they filled the clearance. Their main color was silver, what did you expect to happen? with brick yellow instead you would had at least invoked some of that 80s nostalgia, but they went with the more relevant robot skeleton designs instead, terminators.

I still think the skeleton figures in Ninjago were absolutely horrible but at least all the vehicles and equipment made them look more interesting and creative.

Edited June 4, 2016 by GK733

[xboxtravis7992]

I can see what you mean there. But if they are so vastly different, then will they be horrible figures, or arise another question: Who are these heroes? If you change them so crazily, it would endanger the line. If you change something, it could either be a change for the benefit of the line, or work for Makuta, in making the line worse. You see where I'm going there?

Yes it is a fine balance. Products should look different enough to justify a second purchase, but can't look to different as in the Metru-Hordika change that they seem completely different... :P

[Anthony12901]

Yes it is a fine balance. Products should look different enough to justify a second purchase, but can't look to different as in the Metru-Hordika change that they seem completely different... :P

Yes, that is a perfect example.

[TwistLaw]

My point was not focused on the build but the look. I agree that the 2016 sets were boldly trying to do something new build wise, but as characters they look the same. My Gali Uniter that I just got was built far differently from the Toa Masters, but when put side by side she looks awfully similar to the previous Gali. Yes the Toa Nuva build wise where blandly identical to the original Mata; but the changes in masks and weapons meant not only did they look vastly different; they might have been easily mistaken for completely new characters by a casual customer.

Are you telling me that these two guys...

...are more clonish than these two?

I don't really wanna sound rude, but I'm pretty sure I'm missing something here. Of course, it could have gone worse, it could have been like this...

...but at the end of the day I think that the Uniters did an amazing job at being similar-but-not-too-much to their previous incarnation. Heck, I personally think they're perfect at this: masks similar but not replicas, builds with different pieces yet with an overall similarity (except colour schemes, but well that's G2 what did you expect). I'd honestly love to understand your point of view, as I said I'm sure that I'm missing something.

[VBBN]

Figured out what the random Umarak mask with Ekimu works on.

Reviews tomorrow.

[MrHerofan]

Figured out what the random Umarak mask with Ekimu works on.

Reviews tomorrow.

That admittedly looks really cool.

Edited June 5, 2016 by VBBN
No need to quote a picture from right above you.

[Takanuinuva]

If by an off chance we don't get the MOUP Next year. I'm happy using the red and gunmetal Umarak mask as the MOUP

[xboxtravis7992]

*snip*

Looks at Toa Nuva side by side with Mata...

Refreshes memory...

Dang I guess the masks are the only real difference :P Maybe the Mata-Nuva comparison was not the most well thought out part of my argument.

But I think my point still stands some consumers may have found the 2015 and 2016 sets to similar to justify the second purchase. Still hard to prove how much it might have affected sales though.

[Toa-Nuva]

Here's a picture of Ekimu's falcon actually sitting on his arm: http://vk.com/wall-976808_199349