Lego has made some pretty fantastic mech/robot sets recently, but I feel like this one in particular shows the potential of a brick-built Bionicle line (which is realistically the only way Bionicle could return again, even as a one-off tribute).
The torso shaping is giving me strong Jaller Mahri vibes, with the curved ‘horns’ on the chest, and it even comes with a functional heartlight lit by a light brick!
It’s also trivially easy to replace the neck with a joint suitable for attaching a Bionicle head (only required swapping 3 pieces), and though it’s slightly out of proportion it fits remarkably well:
That would work pretty well yeah.
Though I do think that the style would be super suited to a Mata-Nui robot set. Maybe prototype Mata nui robot vs Teridax robot.
I could totally get behind a Bionicle reboot if it looked something like this. I’m actually planning to get this set once it’s released specifically to get a better feel of it.
Interesting idea, though I’m gonna be honest, I’d be disappointed if we got brick-built bionicle. I understand why a lot of people would be happy or at least satisfied with it, but the main part of a bionicle revival for me is a revival of the system. I know that isn’t really realistic, but a man can dream. Also, I’m completely unfamiliar with this set, what theme is it for?
This specific build kinda sucks for a Bionicle character, but System itself is a perfectly fine basis for constraction. Just…get rid of the ■■■■ ratchet joints…
As long as a hypothetical line of sets looking like this would at the very least include molded masks and weapons, I wouldn’t be opposed to it at all.
However, I do echo @SirKeksalot’s sentiment that they shouldn’t be using ratchet joints, but rather regular brick ball joints for a maximum amount of articulation.
Given how expensive that set is I don’t think it’s really the ideal blueprint for a new line of Bionicle sets.
I think a large part of Bionicle’s success came from the low pricepoints of the main canister sets. A hypothetical line of brick built action figures would need to aim for a 10-15 dollar price point to be successful imo.
If I were to pick out existing sets to act as the basis for a Bionicle reboot it would probably be these:
I don’t really think that would be an ideal way of making Bionicle system sets, because those mechs are just… way too small.
I think something in this build style would be much, much better:
It is still using Mixel joints, but in a much more efficient way than the Marvel Mechs in my opinion.
See, something bigger would be nice, but one key factor in Bionicle’s early success was its price tag. Each Toa was affordable on a kid’s allowance, and Matoran were even cheaper. Inflation has made sets of a similar scale pricier, but something more compact could be cheap enough to make it easier for kids to get their hands on it, giving the theme a greater chance of success.
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