Hero Factory 2012

[Aethersprite]

Just got Bulk today. I love him, modded his rocket launcher attachment by replacing it with a Slizer arm, works perfectly. My one and only complaint is his shoulderpads: While they do look awesome, they get in the way of his helmet too much. Been playing with him for barely an hour and the sides of his helmet are all scratched up. It's not noticeable unless you remove the helmet, but the scratches are still there, due to them rubbing against the shoulderpads every time you move his head. Do be careful when playing or posing him!

[Aanchir]

The HF official site is updated.

Whoa. The new animations on the products page are pretty darn cool. Stormer XL's in particular is intense, especially when he jumps down close to the camera. Same with Stringer's when the camera rotates 360 degrees around him as he does a handstand. XT4's and Speeda Demon's are also pretty incredible and cinematic. In general they are a huge improvement over earlier product page animations, and even those had shown slight improvements between waves.

Edited August 2, 2012 by Aanchir

[Shakar]

I agree, those animations are quite awesome- Bulk and Stormer are my favourite ones. They added sound now too, didn't they? Unless my computer doesn't play sound on the Breakout 1 character animations.

Good thing they didn't add random Hero cores on villains this time. So people on the Message Board won't go "ZOMG voltixs got an hero core cuz he used to be a hero then he and black phantom fell in protodermis and they fused thats why voltix has black phantoms face!!!!111". Ok, I overdid it with the speech, but you get me.

[Kalhiki]

So, I checked the site. Was quite impressed with how morbid Core Hunter's weapon is. Surgical precision is always scary when it comes to villains.

Yeah, those animations were cool. Reminded me of some of the Ghost animations from Bionicle. Stormer's was especially good.

Is anyone else impressed at the effort that goes into the weapon and character bios. They're somewhat humorous and also quite informative especially when they go into detail on how the weapons work.

Kalhiki

[Gatanui]

So, I checked the site. Was quite impressed with how morbid Core Hunter's weapon is. Surgical precision is always scary when it comes to villains.

Yeah, those animations were cool. Reminded me of some of the Ghost animations from Bionicle. Stormer's was especially good.

Is anyone else impressed at the effort that goes into the weapon and character bios. They're somewhat humorous and also quite informative especially when they go into detail on how the weapons work.

Kalhiki

I've noticed the bios, too. They seem better written than the previous ones, I wish they had rewritten the winter set bios.

Impressive update for today's standards. Great animations, too.

-Gata

[Bfahome]

Argh, so many typos…

[Dorek]

Yeah, a lot of typos, but at least they updated the old ones. Good to see some tonal consistency. I look forward to these sets.

[Shakar]

Good thing they didn't add random Hero cores on villains this time.

I'm starting to think they do it on purpose.

EDIT: I'm reading the weapons descriptions, so fun.

Again, we're dealing with a Nex gadget, so you know no expense has been spared on development, design, or "dude, that's so cool" factor.

:laugh: Edited August 2, 2012 by Shakar

[Kadabra]

So, I checked the site. Was quite impressed with how morbid Core Hunter's weapon is. Surgical precision is always scary when it comes to villains.

Yeah, those animations were cool. Reminded me of some of the Ghost animations from Bionicle. Stormer's was especially good.

Is anyone else impressed at the effort that goes into the weapon and character bios. They're somewhat humorous and also quite informative especially when they go into detail on how the weapons work.

Kalhiki

You gotta love Bulk's biodegradable missiles. I love both of Nex's weapon descriptions as well, as Shakar pointed out, they are absolutely hilarious. However, since we didn't get updates on the Winter 2012 bios we now have two bios for Nex - The one on Evo and the one on Nex. Also, I feel so, so bad for Bulk right now. He was the "no-brainer" pick to take on Core Hunter? Is he expendable or something because of his IQ? Poor AI-challenged Bulk. Although it is an excellent pun.

[Dorek]

I just love that the bios are consistent; references to Bulk's intelligence, Nex's love for technology, etc etc. They could have just left the old descriptions up, but they went with new stuff, and it is appreciated.

[Studs Not On Top]

Consistent except for one thing: what happened to Smart Bulk of Savage Planet? I'm really happy about the new descriptions, though. I find it a little creepy that Stormer's sword chews through its target, even villains!

[Shakar]

On the weapons descriptions- did you notice how they all have an humorous style, except Core Hunter's? His are described in a dead serious manner.

Like AIDS serious.

Edited August 3, 2012 by Shakar

[MakutaNocturn]

The describtion of Core Hunter's mask reminds me Alex Mercer from The Prototype game xp

"Core Hunter's custom made infrared, ESP and x-ray enhanced goggles allow him to scan an enemy's physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. "

Hah xD I love that he is described as a clean and anonymous assassin Perfect! What a nice guy! TLG scores a point for me. Not like Thunder, big strong moron who wants to rule the world blah blah blah

[Bioniclover]

The describtion of Core Hunter's mask reminds me Alex Mercer from The Prototype game xp

"Core Hunter's custom made infrared, ESP and x-ray enhanced goggles allow him to scan an enemy's physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. "

Hah xD I love that he is described as a clean and anonymous assassin Perfect! What a nice guy! TLG scores a point for me. Not like Thunder, big strong moron who wants to rule the world blah blah blah

Thunder doesn't want to rule the world, he's a henchmen. Like, busting into banks or holding up robo-convenience stores when they increase the price of Power Core energy drinks, not plotting the downfall of the galaxy.

[Cirkit]

I just love that the bios are consistent; references to Bulk's intelligence, Nex's love for technology, etc etc. They could have just left the old descriptions up, but they went with new stuff, and it is appreciated.

I agree ^_^

The new material is great. The jokes with Nex, Bulk, and the others are great, and so are the weapon descriptions. However:

On the weapons descriptions- did you notice how they all have an humorous style, except Core Hunter's? His are described in a dead serious manner.

Like AIDS serious.

I did notice. Yiiiiiikes. They make Core Hunter sound so.. Dexter-y.

Y'know, that TV serial killer that wraps up rooms in plastic-wrap and dissects his enemies, piece by piece?

Aaannddd....

Thunder doesn't want to rule the world, he's a henchmen. Like, busting into banks or holding up robo-convenience stores when they increase the price of Power Core energy drinks, not plotting the downfall of the galaxy.

Hahaha, man that's too funny. And true!

I don't know why, maybe it's the accent and the Nebula Gas Gun, but Thunder kind of reminds me of FPSRussia from Youtube.

So.. yeah. CH is creepy but I love his parts.

[Zachattacx]

I agree ^_^

The new material is great. The jokes with Nex, Bulk, and the others are great, and so are the weapon descriptions. However:

I did notice. Yiiiiiikes. They make Core Hunter sound so.. Dexter-y.

Y'know, that TV serial killer that wraps up rooms in plastic-wrap and dissects his enemies, piece by piece?

Aaannddd....

Hahaha, man that's too funny. And true!

I don't know why, maybe it's the accent and the Nebula Gas Gun, but Thunder kind of reminds me of FPSRussia from Youtube.

So.. yeah. CH is creepy but I love his parts.

I still love that lego went ahead and finally gave a real threat to Hero Factory, don't get me wrong I love the other villains but Core Hunter is just so evil,especially with this info that the bios are giving us.Oh and by the way IMO Core Hunter looks a little like Bane from TDKR.

Edited August 4, 2012 by Zachattacx

[exxtrooper]

Hey does anyone know if Speed Demon is a hard to find item or not. The Breakout 2.0 sets has arrived where I live (Norway) but I can't for the love of god find him in any store or the online shop.

Thanks in advance.

[Gatanui]

Hey does anyone know if Speed Demon is a hard to find item or not. The Breakout 2.0 sets has arrived where I live (Norway) but I can't for the love of god find him in any store or the online shop.

Thanks in advance.

It isn't available in any Scandinavian country. This reminds me of how playsets in 2007 weren't available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland due to poor sales of 2006 playsets, as well as larger vehicles in 2009 and the Drop Ship in 2010 because of 2008 vehicle sales. Maybe this has the same reason? Maybe the Furno Bike sold poorly up there. He doesn't exist in the products sections of the corresponding HF websites, either.

-Gata

Edited August 4, 2012 by Gatanui

[Kalhiki]

I still love that lego went ahead and finally gave a real threat to Hero Factory, don't get me wrong I love the other villains but Core Hunter is just so evil,especially with this info that the bios are giving us.Oh and by the way IMO Core Hunter looks a little like Bane from TDKR.

Oddly enough I just saw TDKR and picked up Core Hunter.

Yeah, the similarity is there. Gas mask-ish face, similar body look.

Anyway, Core Hunter's cool. Generic build, yes, but the colors make him shine, not to mention the overall character. I just wish the Helmet covered his chin.

Kalhiki

[Zachattacx]

Oddly enough I just saw TDKR and picked up Core Hunter.

Yeah, the similarity is there. Gas mask-ish face, similar body look.

Anyway, Core Hunter's cool. Generic build, yes, but the colors make him shine, not to mention the overall character. I just wish the Helmet covered his chin.

Kalhiki

Wow, that's ironic .

I just wish that the helmet did cover his chin, but that ain't happining .Either way that still doesn't change my opinion about him, if anything Core Hunter is my favorite villain of this series(right now)and his appearance does look like Bane...I just realized Core Hunter has a bit Mercenary-esqe to him, while Voltix takes second just because his new pieces and the way some of his armor acts as things,such as his back the way you flip it up and down gives the feeling of a on and off switch and that whiplash feel to him.

Now if only Core Hunter would have a leather jacket .

Edited August 4, 2012 by Zachattacx

[stupidlol]

Just got Bulk today. I love him, modded his rocket launcher attachment by replacing it with a Slizer arm, works perfectly. My one and only complaint is his shoulderpads: While they do look awesome, they get in the way of his helmet too much. Been playing with him for barely an hour and the sides of his helmet are all scratched up. It's not noticeable unless you remove the helmet, but the scratches are still there, due to them rubbing against the shoulderpads every time you move his head. Do be careful when playing or posing him!

They're out in Singapore already? Where did you get them? I want Bulk so bad!!!

Edited August 5, 2012 by stupidlol

[TheRedGuy]

Hey does anyone know if Speed Demon is a hard to find item or not. The Breakout 2.0 sets has arrived where I live (Norway) but I can't for the love of god find him in any store or the online shop.

Thanks in advance.

Funny, because the only Breakout 2.0 set in my store was Speeda Demon.

[DarkSurgeXL]

About the weapon description, I didn't know, that Bulk's missle's launcher is so strong. It's atomic!

Oh, and I noticed the similarity between Bane and Core Hunter too. Funny that Bulk deserves TDK title

Edited August 5, 2012 by DarkSurgeXL

[Zachattacx]

About the weapon description, I didn't know, that Bulk's missle's launcher is so strong. It's atomic!

Oh, and I noticed the similarity between Bane and Core Hunter too. Funny that Bulk deserves TDK title

Wait if Core Hunter is Bane and Bulk is Batman, wouldn't that mean Breez would be Catwoman....nah.

Edited August 5, 2012 by Zachattacx

[KazeMonsuta]

It isn't available in any Scandinavian country. This reminds me of how playsets in 2007 weren't available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland due to poor sales of 2006 playsets, as well as larger vehicles in 2009 and the Drop Ship in 2010 because of 2008 vehicle sales. Maybe this has the same reason? Maybe the Furno Bike sold poorly up there. He doesn't exist in the products sections of the corresponding HF websites, either.

-Gata

The 2007 Playsets were not on shelves here? I saw them in a Toys'r'us and Intertoys here (the later probably due to a connection to the Netherlands). But heck, they were really no bestselling item. They sat on the shelves for so long, that all of them were reduced by 50%. That's when I took my chance. :D

---

Now to something completly different.

I finally got all of this years sets, no exception and I come this personal ranking:

Best small set: Toxic Reapa; Stringer right after him, but Reapa is just a bag of nice parts and a overall very well finished figure

Best medium set: Core Hunter; Finally a color scheme that is not jumbled together and good parts

Best box set: Speeda Demon; most expensive, but maybe I'm just a sucker for lime green with purple

LEGO really tried to do better and they did with the villains (besides Voltix). The heroes are okay, but there is something that keeps me from praising them. I like them more than all previous incarnations and they are thus the best heroes so far, but not the best I can imagine.

Maybe I'll post some pictures of my (very simple) MODs on all sets later.