Leoxandar Arktanus Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Probably an odd sounding question, but what is it about Bionicle that makes you say, "This is one of the greatest themes Lego has made." For me, personally, it's just the over-arching mystique of its atmosphere in practically all story mediums. When playing MNOG you had a sense that there was way more to the island of Mata Nui than meets the eye. While reading about the Bohrok you felt that there had to be more to them than just mindless destruction. When reading the books by Greg, especially ones like Maze of Shadows and Time Trap, you could tell that Makuta wasn't a villain to be simply trifled with. And then in 2008 when we all had that revelation about the entire story... it's just the best payoff to a build-up over eight years I could ask for. What about you? 4 Quote -O KnaveryMost vile, O trick of the Empire's basest wit.A snare, a ruse, a ploy: and we the fools.What great deception hath been plied today--O rebels, do you hear? Fie, 'tis a trap! -Admiral Ackbar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonkle Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 (edited) Honestly, there are themes I like better, but I enjoy Bionicle mainly for the story and the world. The sets are fun, but I'm really here for the rich history and tales of the lands. E: You should add a poll for sets, story, characters, other, etc. Edited October 13, 2015 by Bonkle 1 Quote I been away a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nescent Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 (edited) I don't really care about the story; rather, the sets are the main draw for me. The setting, however, was a huge deal for me in G1. I loved seeing what new themes/locations the sets would be inhabiting, and year after year the fantastic locations made me want to buy the sets even more. That is something that G2 is seriously lacking, in my opinion. Most of the art is highly stylized and simple, whereas G1 had lots of beautiful art each year that brought the various islands to life. I think this image from 2007 was my personal favorite. Most of the art in G2 lacks detail - the images of each region, as seen on bionicle.com, are pretty bland and don't reveal much about the island. Case and point. I'm rambling. The thing that draws me into G2 is 100% the sets themselves. Actually, the contests have also done a swell job, especially the Battle for the Gold Mask. I'm really looking forward to the next wave of sets! Edit: I might have been cherry-picking a bit with those examples. The other three regions' artwork are a bit better, and there is some good art for G2. This image of the Ancient City is great. I also like the classic Ancient City artwork. The paintings we've gotten for the months of Jungle, Stone, and Fire on Facebook have been good too, but they deviate too much from the rest of the art and don't really feel like they're showing the same world. Edited October 13, 2015 by Nescent 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petewa Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 All of it. I loved the story first. And then I found some of the sets ugly. And then I stared at them until they were the most beautiful things my mind had ever seen. Two examples of masks that I've gone through this process with are the Kakama and the Mahiki. (I've always loved the Suletu, but I don't think I'll ever like the Hau) 3 Quote Mataru Nui, an Interactive Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenFlash Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 (edited) It might be because of the fact that Bionicle is the only toyline at the time with an in depth and "deep" story. Also because the sets look cool, I guess . Edited October 13, 2015 by FF the Forgotten 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rahkshi Lalonde Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Magic elemental robots who throw rocks and fire at each other on a tribal island/high-tech city/underwater/bright light cavern is basically super super cool to me. it just clicks well as someone who likes weird action/adventure stuff and building things as well. plus the system is cool an unique but somehow, unquestionably versitile and LEGO. it's werid... 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishers64 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Oh, those deep questions that make you want to write a thousand word essay... No, that's not why I like Bionicle. And I feel like I'm going to struggle to stay in the present tense here. I like Bionicle because I feel that it has the potential to be something more than it is, that there is so much untapped potential yet left waiting to be explored. In previous times, Bionicle dug into this potential and became a phenomenon. It was the potential of the story, the intrigue, the exciting and witty character interactions that kept me turning pages and reading books over and over and thinking about it. These days, I think about set potential and how the CCBS just isn't really used as creatively as it could be. And I think, we're starting over with 2001 here and I didn't like 2001 story that much - there might be a chance for the story to come back. I like Bionicle because it gives me just a little bit of hope. Hope and opportunity. It's still an open door that I can't quite bring myself to walk away from. Not yet. 6 Quote Hero Factory RPG | Bionicle Mafia XXIX: Storyline & Theories Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Inika Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 I like BIONICLE because it does LEGO's "color-coded heroes with a God and/or mentor figure fight a bad guy that counterparts God/mentor figure" setup better and more in-depth than Exo-Force, Knights' Kingdom, or Ninjago. They even up the number of color-coded heroes from four to six, and one of them is female! I feel like it really is the most plot-intensive LEGO line we've gotten. It did so much became such a phenomenon it's hard not to appreciate. I like G2 because, well, I liked G1. 1 Quote "You are an absolute in these uncertain times. Your past is forgotten, and your future is an empty book. You must find your own destiny, my brave adventurer." -- Turaga Nokama Click here to visit my library! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naota Takizawa Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Why do I like Bionicle? Simple, it's about biomechanical beings on a island with a mystical feeling, tribal masks to collect and the plot twist was incredible. 1 Quote If you like Pingu & want to support a good project, click here. Also, I've rejoined the BZPRPG & I have a new profile for a new game. Click here to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kopekemaster Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 I love the story and atmosphere, which often varied between different storyarcs in a great way. 1 Quote My Writing Blog (more writing coming soon!) My Bionicle/LEGO Blog (defunct) Hyfudiar on Spotify (noise/drone/experimental music) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leoxandar Arktanus Posted October 13, 2015 Author Share Posted October 13, 2015 Oh, those deep questions that make you want to write a thousand word essay... No, that's not why I like Bionicle. And I feel like I'm going to struggle to stay in the present tense here. I like Bionicle because I feel that it has the potential to be something more than it is, that there is so much untapped potential yet left waiting to be explored. In previous times, Bionicle dug into this potential and became a phenomenon. It was the potential of the story, the intrigue, the exciting and witty character interactions that kept me turning pages and reading books over and over and thinking about it. These days, I think about set potential and how the CCBS just isn't really used as creatively as it could be. And I think, we're starting over with 2001 here and I didn't like 2001 story that much - there might be a chance for the story to come back. I like Bionicle because it gives me just a little bit of hope. Hope and opportunity. It's still an open door that I can't quite bring myself to walk away from. Not yet. I know that feeling. It will be many years before I'm done with Bionicle, or it's done with me, I'll never keep that straight 1 Quote -O KnaveryMost vile, O trick of the Empire's basest wit.A snare, a ruse, a ploy: and we the fools.What great deception hath been plied today--O rebels, do you hear? Fie, 'tis a trap! -Admiral Ackbar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPIRIT Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 It's like following a superhero story, only most people haven't heard of it. Oh and the action figures are pretty great too. 4 Quote ~ The Jazziest JtO Spoof ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSciFiGuy Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Elemental powers, Utility spec included (variety of masks and tools and power and so much), interesting worlds and basically its own language! What's not to love? 2 Quote Bionicle: ANP aims to create narrated versions of all the Bionicle books, with voice actors for each character, and music taken from various media to enhance the story. Check here if you're interested in voicing a character, and here for the chapters that've already been released!Formerly: Tahu Nuva 3.0Looking for a Bionicle Beanie. Black one with the symbol on it. Contact me if you are willing to sell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toatapio Nuva Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 The story. Of course I loved the sets as a child, but it was the story that hooked me and made me a life-long fan. Still the most creative, imaginative story I have ever encountered. Quote My BZPRPG profiles - Viima, Lai Lai Kirgan, Jarkale, Hile, Tuli + Kavala, Khervos, Thira Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sydorack Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 The sets are what hooked me when I was a kid. I never truly liked regular actions figures because of their usually detailing and lack of joint flexibility. When I got mata gali, that changed everything for me. I loved everything about it. The masks, the weapons, the fact that it was a Lego theme, the colors, the tribal island, all of it. I loved it all. The story that came with it only made it better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathy Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 For some reason, the building system was easier to me. I only recently got into the story. Quote Proud Graphics Artist.Current 2015 collection:I have them all green = all, blue = partial, black = noneOnly non-promotionals counted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itaki Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 I loved the building aspect of the sets and the cool designs. Also, having played with other kinds of dolls I loved the different look.But the adventure and mystery! Exploration and magical powers! Love those themes for sure! (Don't know much of the story though, need to read through it sometime. Mostly a film and set based fan) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSkeletonMan939 Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 (edited) I was drawn in by the great artwork and dialogue of the first issue of the 2005 story arc. Things started going downhill in 2006 in terms of the comics... I learned to appreciate the vast world created in such a short timeframe, and all to promote a toyline. The story serials in 2008 in particular helped boost my interest in Bionicle to extreme levels. Edited October 15, 2015 by TheSkeletonMan939 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emily Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 (edited) I like BIONICLE because the interactive CD that came packaged with Kopaka sold me with its sense of immersion, and when I choose to follow something I just instinctively stick with it to the end. It helps that MNOG is just a fantastic media artifact. Edited October 16, 2015 by Pereki 4 Quote believe victims. its actually not that hard, and youd look kind of bad if you were to, say, side with an abuser because theyre your friend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmstrongYong the X-Wing Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 I like both Bionicle G1 and G2, but for different reasons. I love G1 because of the great storyline and unexpected plot twists , and that's what I expected for a successful story franchise. I like G2 because of the way the sets been built and they representation of the characters's appeareance just looks right for me. The action features in G2 are also work well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan McOwen Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 (edited) Thematically, the idea of robot dudes and dudettes using elemental magic is just awesome in-and-of itself. The universes of both G1 and G2 are really interesting, with lots of possibilites for amazing things. I also love the idea of a central team of heroes, as opposed to one main protagonist - Toa teams are kinda like the Avengers, or the Power Rangers. And of course, placing mechanoid characters in natural environments is a really nice contrast that I really appreciate.In regards to story, G1 and G2 both rock. G1's overarching evil of Makuta really sewed it together, although that was kinda weakened for me when we learned Makuta was one of many. The theme of Mata Nui is unusual for something so Sci-Fi, being for the most part a deity. The various beasts and villains the Toa, Matoran and Turaga faced up against were all fascinating. As for G2, it's awesome to basically have the whole idea restarted from scratch. G2 is somewhat more simplistic, but I think that's fantastic for fans, young and old, as that leaves a lot that we're free to interpret as we wish. Much like with Hero Factoy, it means many headcanons are as good as canon. I hope G2 remains seperate from G1 (which I'm confident will be the case), as I'm enjoying seeing it grow into its own thing. And as a product, I love the imagination that goes into the designs. They're not meant to look like humans, but they're also not really meant to look like traditional robots, either. This is on top of the fact that Bionicle is a Lego IP, so therefore said figures are insanely customiseable and interchangable. I much prefer G2 sets however, as G1 started to feel very rehash-y in its later years, and its style was sometimes difficult to work with in a cohesive manner. Now, I've heard people complain that you can't do much with the CCBS (which I'd argue against), but what other current action figure building system gives you as much freedom? You'd have to search long and hard to find something on-par with Bionicle in that regard - even Gunpla is arguably more restrictive. Edited October 16, 2015 by Logan McOwen 3 Quote I inadvertently predicted Vorox armour's use in G2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masterchirox580 Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 I think what really brought me in as a kid was the characters. They all had unique personalities and the island was a really interesting place to explore. 1 Quote It's time to move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xan Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 They look cool, the story is interesting and making stuff is fun. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaT in Rogue Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 I don't. This franchise and everyone and everything related to it sucks including me. Mainly the sets, though I find the concept and story to be pretty interesting at times. Quote "Whether that is right or not...I also...as a Rider...have a wish that I want to fulfill." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthaka's Follower Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 The story! The mix of Mechanical (or rather bio mechanical) and tribal is so intriguing. The sets are incredibly cool as well, specially these new ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
You just lost the game Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 (edited) The story.Nowadays, that's still the main reason I like it, but G2 has been a little disenchanting for me so far. Edited November 4, 2015 by You just lost the game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedi Knight Krazy Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 (edited) I have slept for so long. My dreams have been dark ones. But now I am awakened. Now the scattered elements of my being are rejoined. Now I am whole. And the darkness cannot stand before me. The evil on this island is about to learn that justice can be very... cold. First impressions are everything. Edited November 4, 2015 by Jedi Knight Krazy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewaLew Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 I got a free comic book in my LEGO Magazine about it. Other than that, there's nothing that makes it more special to me than any other of the LEGO themes I loved as a kid. Well, outside of the fact that it went on longer. Quote How well will you die? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hip Historian Iaredios Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 (edited) Pretty much what Fishers said was what I was going to write down. However, I've gotten involved in other fandoms and franchise continuities and stuff, and if it wasn't for Bionicle's mysteriousness that longs me to fill in some of the voids and inspire my imagination, which often times takes form in my project and hobby A Rude Awakening, I would probably have abandoned Bionicle sometime last year. The new sets are cool, but there are not immersive amounts of data; and while that might change in coming years, for now it doesn't sate my thirst for immersion like with what I am used to with history, be it factual or fantastically fictitious. EDIT: Re-wordings. Edited November 5, 2015 by Sir Iaredios Quote A RUDE AWAKENING - A Spherus Magna redo | Tzais-Kuluu | Pushing Back The Tide | Last Words | Black Coronation | Blue Man Bound | Visions of Thasos ن We are all but grey specks in a dark complex before a single white light Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aanchir Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 (edited) Set-wise, the characters are colorful and diverse. I love building models with lifelike articulation and exciting play features like shooters, gear functions, and dual-function weapons. Building with the CCBS has been especially therapeutic during the times when I've felt most anxious and frustrated, like at my last college. I have been lucky enough to watch the evolution of Bionicle sets from the very start to this year's reboot, and I'm glad to have been able to help support the theme for all that time. Story-wise, I love character-driven storylines set in invented fantasy worlds, especially ones that playfully mash up concepts that are normally disparate (in this case, mechanical characters with magical powers in a seemingly primitive tropical island setting). I also really love stories with heroes who have elemental powers. I also generally tend to prefer kids' stories that clearly separate good and evil, with good characters triumphing in the end, to more cynical adult stories. Even though I'm 24, most of the books I enjoy reading and TV shows I enjoy watching are kid-oriented. And community-wise, a lot of the best things to happen to me in the past several years and plans for the rest of my life can be traced back to my experiences as a LEGO and Bionicle fan. Most of my strongest friendships come directly from this community. My contributions to LEGO discussions have earned me a mostly positive reputation in the LEGO community and helped me to make all kinds of connections with incredible people. Being a Bionicle fan helped me learn valuable social and interpersonal skills, which is really valuable to me as an autistic person. My Bionicle MOCs and fan art have helped keep my creative skills sharp and reassure me of my own creative potential. Loving and learning about the work of LEGO designers has inspired and motivated me to try and become a LEGO designer myself, and I'm making good progress towards that goal. And I've even managed to turn my love of LEGO themes like Bionicle and Ninjago into paid work by writing articles for Blocks Magazine, simultaneously following in my family's journalistic tradition. There is so much that I owe to LEGO in general and Bionicle in particular. It's truly helped make me who I am today. And I hope to one day have that kind of impact on other people. Edited November 6, 2015 by Aanchir 2 Quote Latest MOC: PAIGE (Prototype Artificial Intelligence, Gynoid Expression) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zidonaro Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 The sets are excellent The story is excellent Everything goes along well The structure is really well planned Bionicle is perfect 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hip Historian Iaredios Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 (edited) The sets are excellent The story is excellent Everything goes along well The structure is really well planned Bionicle is perfectI wouldn't go that far, it's certainly no Lord of the Rings. But it's up there, it's up there... Edited November 6, 2015 by Sir Iaredios 2 Quote A RUDE AWAKENING - A Spherus Magna redo | Tzais-Kuluu | Pushing Back The Tide | Last Words | Black Coronation | Blue Man Bound | Visions of Thasos ن We are all but grey specks in a dark complex before a single white light Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Editor Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 For me, personally, it's just the over-arching mystique of its atmosphere in practically all story mediums. When playing MNOG you had a sense that there was way more to the island of Mata Nui than meets the eye. While reading about the Bohrok you felt that there had to be more to them than just mindless destruction. When reading the books by Greg, especially ones like Maze of Shadows and Time Trap, you could tell that Makuta wasn't a villain to be simply trifled with. And then in 2008 when we all had that revelation about the entire story... it's just the best payoff to a build-up over eight years I could ask for. Basically it for me, combined with the depth of the story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erasmus Graves Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 There's a depth and richness about the story that you don't often find in many works. Like the novels of David Gemmell, there is the powerful feeling of long-passed down legend about it, with more than meets the eye about the setting. The characters are unique, with different personalities (though characters of each element have a somewhat similar temperament until Bara Magna).There is plenty of intrigue and action, great villains and mighty heroes, where white and black morality sometimes blur into grey. But even when the going gets tough, there's a hope about Bionicle that never lets you down. Oh, and the sets are great too.If I were to write down the reasons I like Bionicle, I'd be here all day. But there is a deep and philosophical question which we all must ponder. What makes G2 Bionicle really Bionicle? It's not a continuation of the G1 storyline, and many of the characters have gone missing, and the personalities, motivations of those who have survived - as well as the settings - have changed a fair deal. What makes G2 Bionicle? That is a deep question which we all must ponder. 1 Quote "Mutiny, Booty and Entropy" - The Three Vices of the Frostelus[flash=250,100]http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/sprxtrerme/BANNERS/thornax.swf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aanchir Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 But there is a deep and philosophical question which we all must ponder. What makes G2 Bionicle really Bionicle? It's not a continuation of the G1 storyline, and many of the characters have gone missing, and the personalities, motivations of those who have survived - as well as the settings - have changed a fair deal. What makes G2 Bionicle? That is a deep question which we all must ponder. Is that really a deep or philosophical question? G2 Bionicle is unmistakably Bionicle. It is the fresh start of a new saga, just as G1 Bionicle was in 2001. But most of the core story elements are still there: six powerful elemental heroes called Toa using teamwork and seeking out magical Masks of Power to protect less powerful island villagers from the forces of the evil Makuta. You might as well be asking "What makes G4 My Little Pony really My Little Pony?" After all, G1 Applejack is a lot different from G4 Applejack. G1 Ponyland is a lot different than G4 Equestria. G1 Tirek is a lot different from G4 Tirek. One of the most important characters in G1 My Little Pony, the human girl Megan, does not exist in G4 My Little Pony, just as the Great Spirit Mata Nui does not exist in G2 Bionicle. G4 My Little Pony introduced entirely new central characters like Princess Celestia, just as G2 Bionicle introduced the new character Ekimu. And G4 My Little Pony is not a continuation of any of the previous generations: like G2 Bionicle, it is a complete reboot. 2001 Bionicle, the start of the original Bionicle saga, was "really Bionicle" even though it didn't continue from or exist in the same universe as any previous story. So what makes 2015 Bionicle, the start of a whole new Bionicle saga, any different? 1 Quote Latest MOC: PAIGE (Prototype Artificial Intelligence, Gynoid Expression) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RKC_317 Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 It was definitely the beautiful commercials by Advance Copenhagen that caught my eye. Sure they were toys but there was definitely a lot of love in creating the lore of Bionicle that turned these toys into heroes living in a universe full of wonder and mystery. This was a world in which our heroes, though they are not human, tell very human stories. There are also cunning villains, some more powerful than others, who are able to defeat the usually undefeatable heroes. There are conspiracies, secret organizations, and complex entities roaming around. Bionicle offered a lot of things to explore and observe. From the beginning to the very end, Bionicle was a franchise that offered not only toys that I can actually take apart and recombine to create fantastic creatures but also a universe far more complex than you can shake a stick at! Quote "Hey, how's it going?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nescent Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 It was definitely the beautiful commercials by Advance Copenhagen that caught my eye.Every time someone links that video, I just have to watch the whole thing. It's so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadow Destroyer Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I enjoyed the story quite a bit, but it's the sets themselves that drew me in. I loved how I could play with them without them falling apart like system sets did, and the ways I could take them apart and build new creations. That's some of the reason I could never get into Transformers very much. I just think that Bionicles are more enjoyable to interact with as a whole. However, I also enjoyed the story and the mystery, and it made my love for the toyline turn into more of an obsession, haha. Quote Thank you to the Dark Beings Banner and Avatar Shop for the banner! Brickshelf Gallery BZPRPG Profiles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taria Pakari Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 They were the only toys I had that I truly liked when I was a kid. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granberia Doragoon Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 Definatly the story. Combined with the ability to build your own MOCs I fell in love with Bionicle almost instantly. Quote The Duke is AWESOME!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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