I like the integration of the Bionicle piece with generic system. It’s surprisingly sleek. Also, the flexibility of the creature’s construction is impressive, given its cohesiveness and relatively small stature. The rocket launcher is also a very neat construction!
At the same time, and this is undoubtedly me nitpicking to an absurd degree, I feel like the finer features clash too much with each other. TL;DR - some features are mismatched or feel poorly planned.
Summary
Claws normally indicate something predatory, and predators have eyes facing directly forward for better depth perception, yet this creature has side-oriented eyes, giving it a wide field of vision, which is commonly associated with prey animals that do not have claws. Use for climbing is likely eliminated given the legs are clearly not built for climbing and are also not equipped with claws; similarly, digging is eliminated because these claws are incredibly thin. As such, the physiology of the creature feels out-of-balance (like I said, this is definitely me nitpicking).
Speaking of the legs, the thighs are rather problematic. In your other builds you have had some wide hips, but they always feel cohesive and intentional (and for clarity, I have no issue with builds that exaggerate certain features to absurd degrees, provided they still exemplify good design). Here, though, as I mentioned, they don’t match the rest of the creature. They don’t end in appendages, and they’re too smooth and rounded for the angular and sleek feel of the upper body, making them feel like part of another MOC instead of part of Val here. If you’re attached to the design of the legs (which you should be, they’re very well-built!), try putting them on another MOC and giving Val some more sharp edges. I am certain wide hips can still work, but the current design needs some fine tuning.
A flawed design in some areas, but a fun design nonetheless. Keep up the good work!
wow, only 2 bionicle parts? doesn’t seem very on-brand for your style.