Thornatus V9 Review, Be warned very picture heavy Options

[Keetongu Hordika]

Welcome one and all, and thank you for looking upon this very special review. Well upon returning from paintball practice this afternoon I found a very interesting package awaiting my arrival. It bore the name Lego and a shipping order too. I strode inside and set it upon the table and as any true Lego fan would do; proceeded to tear every scrap of paper away from the box as fast as humanly possible. Among the torn pieces of brown paper and tape sat a very special box, a box of epic proportions, a box that very few could say they own. It was alas the box of a very large and very tan Thornatus V9. Please read on for an in-depth and very picture heavy review!

The Box
-A colorful cardboard construction separating you from your well earned reward-

The front is simply a typical titan box design. It portrays the set in an interesting pose, or in this case just driving; as well as shows the sets contained within. It is adorned by the respective years design or logo, this years choosing to be Mata Nui's typical scarab in a strange celtic looking circle.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0876.jpg

The back is slightly more interesting showing a different view of the set. The thornatus us shown in it's closed mode with the "hood" open, and it's pilot is standing beside it in an intemidating looking pose. The back also shows the sets functions such as: 4 firing Skyblasters, its ability to open and close its foward struts to change between what i see as its battle mode and speed mode, and ones ability to fire a thornax from the top mounted launcher.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0877.jpg

However the part of the box that i truly found interesting was the top flap which portrayed a small 3 picture teaser of for "The Legend Reborn"; this is shown below. Of most interst in the picture (aside from skopio's immense size) is a scene of Mata Nui standing on one of the outer struts of this very Thornatus which is being piloted by another of the Legends.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0878.jpg

The Build
-The true reason that you bought this set, no one really cares about the box-

"Wow!" That is all i have to say in order to describe this sets building process. I must sya that this was one of my favorite builds that i have done in a long long time. In my personal opinon i feel that this set somewhat embodies that old feel of building a set that actually contins a worthwhile function. While the Thornatus is not boxor, or Bahrag Queen and nor is its functions as mind-blowingly amazing; it does hold some reminescent values to its build.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0880.jpg
(What the box contains)

Upon opening the page of the first instruction booklet (yes thats right there are TWO instruction booklets) i found the process by which i would build this sets pilot (sorry but i am completly blanking out on the name, if someone could provide it, i would greatly appreciate it). Alas the pilots desing was very simpyl and just anoyher Inka rip off, but after all i suppose he is supposed to be a typical glatorian. He is adorned by a very nice helmet however it is simple yet portrays the look of a tough adversary and an experienced rider. I was also pleased with the integration of the new Legends arm pieces, which i personally find to be a MOCists' dream come true. however his build was simple and honestly did not require instructions to complete. Aside form the simply build my only true complaint is that his legs appear far too long when standing in a simple pose, this also becomes apparent when he is inserted into the Thornatus.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0881.jpg
(His Pieces)

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0882-1.jpg

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0883.jpg

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0884-1.jpg
(Almost There)

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0886.jpg
(Simple Pose)

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0887.jpg
(Veeeery Long Legs)

The real build in this set however belongs to the Thornatus, and what an enveloping build it was! The instructions break the Thornatus into three key parts; The upper half - which consists of the foward struts, its foward wheels, and the sets function, the rear half- which consists of the riders set, the large rear wheel, and the sets weapon system, and the canopy which is just the simple piece that lowers in aboce the driver to hold him in his vehicle.

You begin with the upper half, which uses the majority of the pieces.
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0888.jpg
(A few pieces of interest)

This portion of the build consists of alot of straight beams, the majority of which are in a very pleasent tan, and armor accents. It is a straight foward build that is pretty much based around building the models skeleton and the fleshing it out with the fucntion, its tires, and its multiple awesome bits of armor (my favorites being the recolored Krika pieces, and the tan Onua Mistika shields). Once the skeleton is build you simply add the wheels, which i might add have a veyr worn and rigged look which really add to the set,; and proceed to finish by adorning it wich multiple pieces of silver.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0889.jpg
http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0890.jpg
(Partially Builded)

The upper half also houses the first of the two life counters which is stowed directly in front of where the drivers feet end up. The bulk of the upper half is made up of interlocking beams that makeup the models function, this is finished with the placing of a large red rubber band which give that set the required "snap" to hold it in place. The function is faily simply, yet very entertainging: when the set is in its closed position one simply pulls on the front mounted Onua Mistika sheild (nicely colored in tan) and the upper struts and wheels srping foward into what i call the sets "attack or battle mode" then when one pushs on the same shield the struts and wheels close back into what i refer to as the sets "speed mode." This all happens very quickly in a nice snapping motion thanks to the aforementioned rubberband.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0891-1.jpg
(Upper Half Completed)

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0892.jpg
(Closed Struts)

The rear portions build is fairly straight foward consiting primarily of the the seat for the driver, the housing for the rear wheel, and the addition of the sets armor. Its also consists of alot of beam constructions and skeletal work.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0893.jpg
(A few more pieces)

The majority of this build is creating the housing for the rear wheel which i must say is a very nice addition to any MOCers' collection. Much like the front wheels this wheels grooves look very off road-ish and very worn which adds to the overall appearl of the set. It is closed on the top by another one of thsoe gorgeous Tan Onua Mistika shields and another life counter held in place by a tan metru chest piece.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0894.jpg

Two midak skyblasters (or whatever you want to call them for this years sets) extend from each side of the wheel and give the vehicle a veyr powerful and threatening look. However if there was one aspect of this set that i feel is absolutly essential to this set being as awesome as it is, it would have to be the very simple additon of the side mounted hoses. These four hoses provided this vehicle with a very present almost motorcycle-ish appearence. The add great dynamics to the set and just make it look that much cooler and that much more like a true vehicle. I truly feel the set would not be the same without this very simple addition.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0895.jpg
(Rear Completed)

To complete the build one must simply attach the front and rear ends via some more beams,

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0896.jpg

and then comeplte the very simple canopy (which holds an intersting target piece much like galit mistika's and the sets well placed thronax launcher). All in all it took me about 45 minutes to complete this build and all the while i found it extremly entertaining and interesting.

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0898-1.jpg
(Rear)

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0900.jpg
(Completed)

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0907.jpg
(With rider, closed)

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0902-1.jpg
(Very Back)

The "Play-Factor"
-Now that the much awaited build is over, how does the sets playability hold up to your expectation-

This set is so much fun, it rools smoothly across the floor no matter what kind of "terrain," and it holds up very well. the entire set measures a massive 24 inches or 2 feet long!!! It is very solid and is obviously meant for some extreme play time. There are few "poses" that you can put it in due to the fact that it is a vehicle. However this does not damper the true "playability" of this set. It is a blast to look at. a blast to play with, and is perfect for creating scenarios. I know that as soons as "The Legend Reborn" comees out everyone who has one of these (and everyone should) will be reinacting all of the amazing scenes that it is used for in the movie!

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0905.jpg

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/ReqRep/DSC_0901.jpg

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0906-1.jpg

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0904-1.jpg

In Retrospective
-All in all how does this set stack up against all other sets, is it worth the money-

Overall i would truly rate this set at around a 9.5 out of 10! This is an amazing set that has very very few flaws and is absolutly worth the money. I was very please with the absence of gaps in this set, unlike others such as Skopio. I also immediatly fell in love with all of the amazing tan pieces. I can guarentee taht whether you are a MOCer, or a colelcter this set is absolutly perfect for you.

Pros
[list]

• Amazing selection of mocing pieces, although most are recolors
• Lots and lots of tan
• Very solid build
• An enjoyable and reminescent function
• Very large in size
• Good price tag for what you recieve out of the set
• Overall just very well designed

Cons

• The Pilot/Driver is just another unorinional Inka Rip-off
• Limited posebility
• Very Large Size
• Not enough to complain about

All in all I feel this to be an incredible set and I truly think that the designers haev redeemed therselves with it. I implore everyone to purchase this set as it is an amazing addition to any colletction. Thank you so much for reading, and i hope you enjoy1 I would also like to give a special thanks to Bink Tufi, and the rest of the BZP staff for helping to make this possible Thanks so much!!!!!

http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj369/R.../DSC_0907-1.jpg
So Long!!!

In addition if any of you would like the amazing opportunity to own this set before it hits shelves please chekc out my auction for it which is listed in my signature! Thanks alot!





KH-----

This post has been edited by Keetongu Hordika: Jun 30 2009, 03:05 PM

[Bionicle King 17...]

How'd you get it from Lego? It says "not available" on the website. Anyway, really cool!

This post has been edited by Bionicle King 1709: Jun 27 2009, 02:04 PM

[Nuju Metru]

Thanks so much for this review - the Thornatus was already my favorite of the new vehicles, and now it's my number on priority to save for!

-Nuju Metru

[-IGNITION-]

Good review, excellent pictures and was very informative. Who knows, I may buy this set instead of Skopio VX-1, I can't really make up my mind this year

[Erebus]

Perditus doesn't look all that original. I agree, looks unoriginal.
The vehicle itself doesn't look so bad. I like that it can "fold" up.

[Bluenuhvok765]

Perditus.

[DXD]

That was one massive review, thanks for that.

The machine and pilot for this set reminds me a lot of Toa Antroz and his Jetrax from last year.

[Johnuva]

@BK: he got it as a BBC #53 prize.

THe thornatus is on the shelves here in the UK, and i will buy it sometime next week.

Thanks for that.

[Keetongu Hordika]

Thank you for the name info. Also in response to your question this was my prize for winning second place in the last BBC contest, thats how i got it. Im not sure why i forgot to mention that. Also Ignition i heavily suggest you go with this set over Skopio. although not having built skopio it appears to have many flaws in my opinion and it seems that its price makes it a far worse buy than the Thornatus. You choicee though

KH-----

[Bionicle Raptor]

Thanks for the pics.

[TriNuMaNuVa-EndZ...]

Like the BV7 review did , you made one of my least favorite vehicle one of my favorite .
I wanna buy....

[Smuffin Nudpucke...]

Nice pics man! The tan is WIN and WANT.

-=< >=-

[-Sephiroth-]

I never was one for vehicles like last year's or this year's for Bionicle. As it was, I was only going to get Skopio because it looks the least vehicle-ish to me. However, ever since the Thornatus became so 'important' to the story (Desert of Danger) as well as its appearance in the new movie, I've begun to sway towards buying this vehicle as well. It's still unvehicle-ish enough for Bionicle, tan is always good and I'm all for a good build. Your pictures helped me make my decision, and now I'm going to get this set if I see it (but only after getting all the Legends and Skopio).

This post has been edited by -Sephiroth-: Jun 27 2009, 03:51 PM

[Captain 'Soa...]

Very nice review, I really want this.

[Iro: Spirit of I...]

On the pilot issue: would you prefer a poorly designed vehicle, or a simply designed rider? You're not payin' $60 for just Perditus... <.< ...I hope.

[Tilius]

On the pilot issue: would you prefer a poorly designed vehicle, or a simply designed rider? You're not payin' $60 for just Perditus... <.< ...I hope.

Erm...why not improve both?

- Tilius

This post has been edited by -Tilius-: Jun 27 2009, 04:22 PM

[Uzumakikunai]

Looks cool, but still too skinny for my tastes so I've opted for skopio instead.

Still, this review has made the set much more appealing to me.

[The Wretched Aut...]

Very nice review. Looks like I will be getting Thornatus in the end... Thanks!

[~X-Clone~]

Unquestionably my favourite Vehcle set this year. It has tan, it transforms, it has a great aesthetic...It's wonderful. Can't wait to buy it myself

[Aussie Tahu Nuva]

Cool, but could you tell me where it is made in?

[Alice Margatroid]

This thing looks awesome. I can't wait to get it.

[Keetongu Hordika]

Thanks for the replies everyone!!!

To all: I would just like to say how glad i am that this review was able to convince some of you to purchase this set, thanks for taking it so highly!

Iro: I agree that i would much rather have a better vehicle, however as you state we are not just paying for the pilot. But nor am i just reviewing the vehicle. therefore i feel that it is my duty to go ahead and review him as i would if he were a set on his own, seeing as he is in fact part of this set.

Uzamakikunai: I can see that you might think this set is skinny from the pictures however all in all it is actually quite wide from strut to strut it measures 10 and a half inches and the body itself measures 3 inches across. In relation to the pilot it is the perfect size to allow the set the much sought after "dunebuggy" look.

Aussie tahu Nuva: Im sorry but i do not understand your question. What are you meaning in asking "Could you tell me where its made?" Im happy to answer just if you could clarify the actual question please. Thanks

Thanks for all the replies!!


KH-----

[Iro: Spirit of I...]

I guess, but to me, the pilot's just a bonus. Regardless, I'll be getting this one soon (hopefully).

[Greivous's M...]

LUCKY. I wanted to be the first one to own a Thornatus though..... Ah well. I'll do a better one!!

Just kidding. But I still will do a review if I get it. This truly is an awesome set. I can't wait to get mine. I must ask though, do the struts slide or do they snap into position? Like, are they like Nidhiki claws, where you turn them a little and they snap into one position? Or do they just slide?

FYI, Perditus is the pilot and Force Blasters are the names of the Midaks.

[Kylus]

A very nice and informative review, Keetongu Hordika. I really like the tan pieces that come with this set, especially the tan Onua Mistika shields. The review really made this set appeal to me more, and now I'm really liking the build and appearance of it.

[Keetongu Hordika]

If i understtand you correctly the simply slide back and forth however the addition of the rubber band on the bottom creats a taunt hold that prvents them from sliding around whenever it is moved. This way you can as i said "snap" them into position; however this snap is simply them sliding and being restrained by the force of the rubber band.


KH-----

[Greivous's M...]

Oh, ok. Thanks KH. Nice review. I'm definitely getting it if it's at the Lego store tomorrow.

[~Valuuk~]

anyone know the price?
An excellent review! The figure is actually starting to grow on me- mostly for the universally usable black upper arm piece. There aren't any canisters with the new mold in black. And the tan works VERY well-much better than I had originally thought. The big wheel is very cool, and those tubes are expertly placed. My only bother is that the rider seems a bit big, making the vehicle look small.

Keetongu Hordika, do you know if an Agori could fit in there?

[Bioran23]

Fantastic review of a fantastic set. That huge wheel made me squeeze. :3

~ Bioran

[~Xplode-The-Fire...]

Pure 100% awsomesause...

~GWOI~

[Keetongu Hordika]

I believe the4 price will be $60.00 Usd when it does come out. As for the Agori it is possible to fit on it the vehicle however they look a tad strange; mostly because their backs will not touch the back of the set. Also Predatus has pins in his back that help attach him to the seat. It is possible to add pins to the agories back to have them be all that way back in the seat however then they cannot reach the hand controlls. The agori would alos have to have a mask that does not come out very far in the back becasue they would not fit otherwise. I can provide a few pictures if you would like.


KH-----

[The Boss]

anyone know the price?
An excellent review! The figure is actually starting to grow on me- mostly for the universally usable black upper arm piece. There aren't any canisters with the new mold in black. And the tan works VERY well-much better than I had originally thought. The big wheel is very cool, and those tubes are expertly placed. My only bother is that the rider seems a bit big, making the vehicle look small.

Keetongu Hordika, do you know if an Agori could fit in there?

60 USD according to Lego Magazine.
Thanks for the reveiw, by the way.

[Takuta-Nui]

Please link the pictures. They stretch the screen and take too long to load even on a high-speed connection. Thanks.

[Kirby Fan#1]

Nice review man!Nice pics,too.Now I'm deciding to get Thornatus,Kaxium,Cendox,or Titan Mata Nui.......

This post has been edited by Kirby Fan#1: Jun 27 2009, 09:36 PM

[InnerRayg]

I don't understand what is wrong with the legs-they look like they are in much better proportion than the last few sets have been.

[Mata Magna]

To bad I won't be able to get Thornatus .Anyways I wonder why Skopio is much more expensive than Thornatus?Thanks for the pics .

[Mata Magna]

To bad I won't be able to get Thornatus .Anyways I wonder why Skopio is much more expensive than Thornatus?Thanks for the pics .



SORRY DOUBLE POST

This post has been edited by Mata Magna: Jun 28 2009, 05:57 AM

[Nitrone]

Great review. This is one of the only 2 vehicles I'm going to get this year, next to the Skopio. The box art is incredibe compared to recent years, and the tan color scheme works supremely well. I LOVE that the Thornatus is almost 2 ft long! And I thought that the Axalara was the longest vehicle we would ever see. But it seems that Thornatus pretty much accounts for all of the Axalara's length.

So, I'm either going to get a Thornatus and a Skopio, or 2 Thornatus (the wheel on the back is too good to miss out on).

[Tilius]

To bad I won't be able to get Thornatus .Anyways I wonder why Skopio is much more expensive than Thornatus?Thanks for the pics .



SORRY DOUBLE POST

Because it has 849 pieces, whilst the Thornatus has 438. I don't see how you could ever expect Skopio to cost less - it's definitely this year's Axalara set.

I don't understand what is wrong with the legs-they look like they are in much better proportion than the last few sets have been.

Agreed. My only problem is the wide shoulders, but that's easily fixable.

This set originally looked quite bland to me, but this review has made me rethink it. But for £15 more you can get Skopio, so I'm unlikely to choose this over Skopio, should I buy any sets this year. Cendox is still my favourite vehicle, though. It has a managable size and cost, and just looks cool.

- Tilius

[Captain 'Soa...]

To bad I won't be able to get Thornatus .Anyways I wonder why Skopio is much more expensive than Thornatus?Thanks for the pics .



SORRY DOUBLE POST

Because it has 849 pieces, whilst the Thornatus has 438. I don't see how you could ever expect Skopio to cost less - it's definitely this year's Axalara set.

I don't understand what is wrong with the legs-they look like they are in much better proportion than the last few sets have been.

Agreed. My only problem is the wide shoulders, but that's easily fixable.

This set originally looked quite bland to me, but this review has made me rethink it. But for £15 more you can get Skopio, so I'm unlikely to choose this over Skopio, should I buy any sets this year. Cendox is still my favourite vehicle, though. It has a managable size and cost, and just looks cool.

- Tilius

Agreeed, Theres no way Skopio would cost less then this.
Theres twice as many peices and the size of it is huge, maybe not in length but overall, yes.