09 Summer Sets

General Ceyrox · 09 Summer Sets

Well, earlier today 09 summer set picture were released. And I thought it might be appropriate to discuss them here. So chat away.

Lord Storms

Can you give me a link?

General Ceyrox

Sure thing, I'll try. Not all of 'em are great though.

http://flickr.com/photos/24983068@N06/sets/72157613820780461/

There you go! Be sure to look at more than just page one.

Lord Storms

Nice!

I like all of the sets, for once. Ackar is the best canister set I've ever seen!

Vehicles are pretty good. I could care less about the chariot, but the Spikit looks cool. The only bad vehicle is the blue one, which looks pretty cheesy.

Colonel Banryx

The spikit sucks. I probably won't get most of the vehicles. Uh, but I think I either like Gelu or Stronius best.

General Ceyrox

Which one's Ackar? Also, I hate Kiina's chest. You really like the Spikit? I think it and the chariot are both terrible. (Shudder) The Spikit's legs are just so awkward. And when youy say the blue do you mean the motorcycle with the sidecar? 'Cause I very much like that one.

Colonel Banryx

Talk about spelling errors.

General Ceyrox

Gone now.

Lord Storms

Ackar? Akar? Akbar? Gah, I can't remember! It's the red Glatorian.

Colonel Banryx

He's pretty cool. But Gelu and Stronius are not without their charm. Have you seen Stronius's club? Ridiculous!

Lord Storms

Gelu is a bit weird, but I like him. He looks like someone turned Krika into a Glatorian.

Stronius is awesome! He reminds me of the Jiralhanae from HALO.

General Ceyrox

I love Stronius too. His head looks like a Xenomorphs. Anyways, I don't see why he's not your first favorite, Banryx.

Colonel Banryx

I bet Stronius is the Skrall that get's named. He looks like he would be. After two years of crappy summer sets, finally we get some semi-cool ones.

Lord Storms

I agree about Stronius, but I thought '07 and '08 had pretty good sets, aside from Tahu and Gali Mistika.

Colonel Banryx

07 sets looked good at first, but they were actually pretty crappy. And 08 was very mixed.

General Ceyrox

You thought the Mahri were good?! They were the worst sets I've ever seen! Kongu and Hewkii were midgets, Hahli kept breaking, Jaller wasn't that bad, Nuparu was very repetitive, and had terrible limbs.

Lord Storms

Well, Hahli had a cooling error...

But the rest were good. Some of my favorite sets, actually.

General Ceyrox

Really, which ones, and what did you like about them?

Colonel Banryx

You have an awful taste in sets. What about them could you have possibly liked?

Lord Storms

I liked the body designs. Remember, they were supposed to be underwater, so, considering that, they were pretty good.

Jaller was the best set-wise, with Hewkii coming in second.

Oh, and on-topic: The scorpion-walker thing is WIN!!!

Colonel Banryx

Jaller was the only passable one. Hewkii? Hewkii sucked! His color scheme was terrible, his armoring was just awful, he was terribly short, his mask was terrible and clunky, his body wasn't creative, it was just a backwards Piraka Torso. Same with the other Toa Mahri, besides Kongu. They're bodies suck. And Kongu didn't have any creative weapons.

Lord Storms

Kongu's weapon setup was amusing.

I liked Hewkii's color scheme. Black and yellow is better than lime green and black...

He was short, I'll give you that.

Mask? It was good for MOCing.

Really, the Mahri were Lego's first attempt to stop making clones. It didn't quite work, but it opened the way for the Glatorian.

Colonel Banryx

Kongu's weapons setup was terrible. You couldn't be creative with it at all.

But Hewkii contributed to the Anti-brown era. That's terrible.

Him and Kongu were unbearably short.

His mask was not good for mocing. Not only was it difficult to get on as armor or anything, but its a mixed color scheme, so if you used it s armor, there color scheme has to include yellow AND black.

The Barraki were Lego's first attempt. And the Barraki were pretty good. The Toa Mahri just had uncreative builds. At least the Barraki had sea-themed armor, and heads, as long as contributing weapons.

Lord Storms

But it was funny in the storyline and to look at on the set.

Brown sells poorly.

I prefer the shorter sets.

I used to have a hobby of MOCing Hordika incessantly.

Still, Lego was breaking new ground that year.

Dread Abyss

Hewkii was an awkward looking set in my opinion. That's why I took him apart to make a giant spider that uses black, yellow, and silver as a color scheme. Hewkii's mask looks pretty good on it.

Brown was a good color, but I like tan better.

Hewkii was short, but the Glatorian... well, in a way, they're alien midgets.

Anyways, I think this Summer's sets look really odd. I think the Winter sets were better (but not in the same ratio as last year's sets). Gelu has a cool mask and a cool weapon, so I'll probably get him; Kiina and Vastus are hideous; Ackar has Berix's mask for some reason, but I like the weapon and orange so I may get him; Stronius is cool, he's probably my favorite; Mata Nui is, well, let's just say I hate him.
I well never get Skopio, it is incredibly overpriced.
I just don't like the Spikit and the chariot, but the idea of red heads is tempting.
The only one I like is Kaxium (blue motorcycle), though I agree with Storms, it seems very out of place.

General Ceyrox

Colonel Banryx

What do you mean Mocing Hordika? The mask still sucked as armor.

Dread Abyss

Hewkii's mask works fine as armor.

Melee weapons are better than projectiles, hands down.
Tan's cool.
MOCing Hordika is a serious problem!
Gadunka, Nocturn, and Maxilos were also really cool.

General Ceyrox

Abyss, how come you never take our side in any argument?

Colonel Banryx

Hewkii's mask does not. There will always be ways to use them, but mixed color pieces are simply flawed. It's too big for matoran or Toa armor, and unless its used with a rahi that's yellow and black, which is pretty much the only exception, it can't be used well.

On topic, I think I like Gelu, then Stronius, then Mata Nui. I like the new leg armor pice. Finally, a way for me to customize legs!

Also, Stronius might actually be my favorite, it's close between Gelu and Stronius.

Dread Abyss

Colonel Banryx

Still, there aren't as many uses.

General Ceyrox

Dread Abyss

I didn't feel like adding to the argument, I'm not a contentious person.

You're right, there aren't many uses but it's one of the first masks I've used successfully as armor.

Lord Storms

I still prefer multicolor pieces. But then again, I'm not a huge MOCist. I mostly folow BIONICLE for the story.

General Ceyrox

Lord Storms

Like I said, I dropped MOCing a couple years ago. I just like the sets.

General Ceyrox

Doesn't mean you can't answer that question...

Dread Abyss

I think two-toned pieces can be useful in MOCs with the corresponding colors, but otherwise they're a burden.

General Ceyrox

More often than not, they are a burden.

Colonel Banryx

Yes, when it comes to non-blacks and silvers, I tend to go for custom color schemes.

General Ceyrox

But there are currently very few of those left.

Colonel Banryx

Not really. Sure, there are fewer and fewer every year. But more and more colors come out every year, and surpisingly, LEGO tends to use the same color schemes repetitively.

General Ceyrox

Yeah, but there still aren't any.

Dread Abyss

There are still many color schemes left, such as anything plus gold. I tend to try and make custom color schemes or make the secondary color minimal in the set. Raethr has a pretty good custom color scheme.

Colonel Banryx

Yup, but they're sometimes difficult.

Dread Abyss

Exactly. I wonder why Lego doesn't use gold more often. It's a good mold and it would've made Mata Nui's set form awesome.

Colonel Banryx

Meh, I like Iruini gold more than Brutaka Gold. Although there could be a physical reason, like with purple.

Have you guys ever wanted to make a translucent blue-translucent green color scheme? That's always been my goal, but most of the pieces don't exist yet...

General Ceyrox

Dread Abyss

No, he's yellow. In the movie he's gold.

Yes, bronze was a good color and I'm suprised Lego scrapped it, though the new gold is also good. I have some translucent green pieces, but not enough for a MOC.

Colonel Banryx

So, you guys wanna talk about 2009 summer sets? I think Gelu has an awesome sword, as well as Stronius's club. Vastus has a cool weapon, too, and so does Ackar. Better than Misika and Mahri, that's for sure.

General Ceyrox

Dread Abyss

Gelu is really cool, I will definately get Stronius and him. Vastus, right now I think he's ugly but I'm going to wait until you guys get him before I judge him. Ackar has a cool weapon, definately; Mata Nui also has a cool weapon.

I think he's yellow, I doubt Lego would make another shade of gold so close to yellow.

Lord Storms

In one of the Ask a BIONICLE Set Designer things on BZP they said that gold was too expensive to manufacture.

Dread Abyss

...

Then why were all of the thornax gold?! Also, why did they use gold on a mediocre set like Tarix? They could've saved it for Mata Nui.

Yup, pretty sure he's yellow.

Colonel Banryx

Its a new shade of yellow, at least. So, are you gonna get Ackar?

Dread Abyss

It looks like the same yellow as Toa Ignika to me. Which is good because we don't need another yellow. I doubt I'll get Ackar.

Colonel Banryx

I think Ackar is rather good, actually. And in some points of light, Mata Nui's yellow looks like a new color.

What do you think of the new thigh and upper arm piece? It seems like it might be useful.

Dread Abyss

he's alright, I just don't like his shoulder armor and mask. It does look like a new color in certain lighting, but I can't be sure yet.

Meh. It might be useful, it seems like an odd choice on Lego's behalf.

Colonel Banryx

I agree. Still, I like almost all of the masks of the Legends. Kiina's might be a little odd, and I like the recolor of Ackar's. Vastus's looks unique, and it MIGHT be great. Stronius's looks bizarre, I'm not sure on it yet.

General Ceyrox

I like Stronius's. It looks like a Xenomorph. :alien:

Dread Abyss

Mata nui's mask looks good, especially with his blue eyes. I like Stronius' helmet and armor, but I like Gelu's helmet best.

Colonel Banryx

Yes, Gelu's helmet is nice. Although I can't really judge until I see them in person. I like the idea of multiple Glatorian from each village, though.

Dread Abyss

So far it looks good and I like the Metus snowflake shield-esque spikes on the back of it. Likewise, it would be odd if there was only one Glatorian per village.

Colonel Banryx

Well, I sorta meant in set form. That way, there are more Glatorian to interact with each other. Its like having more Agori or matoran, more people to choose from and talk to, and even pick custom ones if you like, by making a custom team of Glatorian, instead of just the Glatorian or Glatorian Legends.

Dread Abyss

Oh, I understand. Yes I like that as well. Though I'd have trouble making a custom Glatorian considering the new hands, heads, and helmets.

Colonel Banryx

And, I also like the fact that we will have more than one represantitive of each village. That way, when someone hires, oh, say Iconox, they don't have to hire Strakk, they can hire Gelu too.

General Ceyrox

Well, thanks to Tarduk. Me and Banryx have a spare head and hands.

Colonel Banryx

No spare hands. The only set without them...

Dread Abyss

Well besides Zesk and Malum...

Yeah, but I'd like hiring the two of the Iconox Glatorian.

General Ceyrox

Are you going to get Gelu? (That's the ice one, right?)

Colonel Banryx

He's the best one, I think...

Dread Abyss

Yes, I've already stated I'll be getting Gelu. Though Stronius is my favorite, which is a first. Normally I like the white ones or any other one that isn't black, but for once I like the black one best. I like Stronius because of his cool helmet, weapon, and interesting new pieces.

General Ceyrox

I really like Ackar 'cause of mata-red. He'll be great to have. His weapon is also sweet, and that new leg armor is so awesome. I think that's the first time we've had armor like that. Vastus doesn't look too great, but I think it's just because his arms are postitioned wierdly in the picture. His scythe is sweet! Kiina is my least favorite, but at least the body's custom...

Dread Abyss

Yeah, Mata red and orange is a good color scheme but I'm not sure about him. I need to see him in person first. Vastus looks weird to me, though the tube's neat. Just because the body's custom it's good? Just look at Kiina, oh wait.

Have you seen this folder yet? It's pretty cool and Stronius' mask looks awesome.

General Ceyrox

No I hadn't seen them. Of course the ones that aren't new are the only ones that aren't blurry...

Colonel Banryx

Cool. I still like Gelu best. Am I the only one who isn't that satisfied with Stronius's chest armor?

Dread Abyss

Of course not, I don't like any canister sets' bodies nowadays. Though the armor could be useful for a MOC.

Also, I realized Kiina's body isn't a bad thing. I revamp all of my sets and the pieces I get in return are the awful Inika/Piraka bodies with some crummy armor on it. With Kiina I get two Hordika/Barraki necks and a random leg piece.

Colonel Banryx

So, you gonna get Kiina?

Who here thinks these are the best summer sets for at least three years?

General Ceyrox

I, though we don't have them yet.

Dread Abyss

I probably won't get Kiina, I don't care for Kiina's mask or weapon.

The Inika were good during their time, so I say I for two years.

Colonel Banryx

Kiina's mask does look disappointing, but I think it will look better in person. I like the new light-blue color that they're using!

Dread Abyss

Yup, it looks really good on Strakk and Gelu. I'm surprised that all of the canister sets are using the thornax launcher, but I'm happy too. The thornax launcher is definately the best launcher yet.

General Ceyrox

I like how small the gun is. Plus the thornax are really cool.

Dread Abyss

Yup, we finally have a well-sized projectile. Though no ammo can compare to the squids!

General Ceyrox

This one is way better than the squids!

Colonel Banryx

The lightblue I'm talking about isn't on Strakk or Gelu, its on Berix and Kiina.

And yes, the Thornax is nice, but I think a slightly altered version of it would be cool. Then again, we originally thought the Glatorian had zamor launchers.

Dread Abyss

Yeah, it's the same color as Metus' body and Strakk's upper arms and legs. Though I don't think it's new, as Matoro Mahri had it.

Yes, I'm really glad we have the thornax lauchers instead of zamor launchers.

Colonel Banryx

I'm just saying what is Thornax in their sets could be something new when it comes out.

Dread Abyss

Perhaps, that would be neat. I wonder why they haven't made any thornax packs.

Colonel Banryx

Hm, I don't wonder.

General Ceyrox

Yeah. Lego can't do anything to please it's customers! You know that!

Dread Abyss

Well they did make smaller launchers and another eye (head) shade... I'm surprised they ain't makin' thornax packs, it would definately make sense. Each canister set this year only has one and all of the titans also have thornax, but just one per launcher. Plus Lego could make the different varieties, green and orange for raw and cooked. Oh well, as long as Lego doesn't screw the next movie I'll be moderately happy.

Colonel Banryx

Well, Thornax are expensive to make, which explains why there's only one per canister. Also, packs in the past haven't sold well, according to Greg.

Also, LEGO doesn't make the movie. Tinsletown Toons does. So if the movie's bad, its not LEGO's fault, its just LEGO's story that's being told.

Dread Abyss

I think they're expensive because of the gold used, that's why packs would work in that category. Yeah, ammo packs don't seem to sell well and that makes sense for Lego to stop making ammo packs.

Ah yes, I didn't feel like remembering who's making the movie. Well I hope TT doesn't make the movie bad and as corny as the last one was.

General Ceyrox

I don't think making them gold costs any more money than making them blue.

Colonel Banryx

Its true. Really, it's just the mold. It's a lot more sophisticated than the previous years, although Nynrah's weren't simple. And the plastic bands costed a lot.

General Ceyrox

Nynrahs probably cost more than Thornax to make. But, Abyss, we're missing two Thornax. They at your house?

Dread Abyss

I don't know how thornax can be so expensive as I don't know how it works, so I'll just take whoever's word for it. I don't know, I'll check and PM you when I find out.

General Ceyrox

Stupid Thornax! If we've lost 'em it'll be stupid.