Prototype Bionicle Inika & Piraka VS The Final LEGO Sets

[@BoisegangGaming]

I wonder if the Toa Ignika weren't originally intended to be the matoran, but rather just another form of the Toa Mata. Considering their lighter colors and especially the whole "multi-purpose/transport mode" for their weapons, it really does feel like they were trying to make them evoke the original Toa Nuva sets.

[@Celon549]

DuckBricks put out a video recently regarding the early outlines for the 2006-2008 lines of Bionicle drafted in early fall 2004, with the early pitches of 2006 having a new Toa team coming in to oppose the Toa Nuva on Mata Nui. I'd definitely recommend watching it.

[@BoisegangGaming]

@Celon549 yeah I watched that, its very interesting. A lot of the early character bios for the toa were very cringe and "how do you do fellow kids" lmao

[@empatheticrambo4890]

I unironically LOVE the Nuparu, it looks like the prototype became Nuparu Mahri

[@chutas]

Same, I think the mask mixes some kind of elephant shape with the yellow matoran mask from the Mahri wave

[@JohnWilliams-wl9px]

Same looks like when they did the Mahri the designers look back at rejected ideas to get them right.

[@voidaspects9173]

Interestingly, you may or may not be aware, but nuparu mahri is one of the characters we know the most about the design process of, because the designer has made a video breaking down the entire process. I bring this up because he specifically explains that the designs were made from scratch with no added context from previous waves. And yet I can totally see the resemblance too! Maybe it was just fate lmao

[@5days5hearts25]

The Inikia wave were such weird Toa, but it's fascinating to see just how much weirder they could have been with these kitbashed masks. Whenever I see these prototypes they always look like knock-offs to me. It would be really fascinating to see the bridge from rough mock-up to full set.

[@stickdrip_7581]

I wanna see this become a series; also many talk about the concept art? The concept art for the piraka is awesome

[@Noah-ru3jx]

Ah, yes, the Kongu mandibles were too villainous so they fixed it by making his face a patchwork Frankenstein zombie.

[@Noah-ru3jx]

Jokes aside, these prototypes look sick! Maybe I’m just really not an Inika fan, though

[@badger273]

I feel like they were trying to evoke the imagery of Lhikan's swords with Jaller's prototype, especially with the hilt using part of the sword (the square hole with the 4 pin holes), which would've be sick thematically. Overall I do like the final design better, just give him the old sword and "jetpack" lol

[@williamcooper8599]

I agree. I think they used elements of this design in his Mahri weapon though. Also I think the gold elements in his final design is a homage to Lhikan

[@williamcooper8599]

Jet pack would have been a cool homage to Toa Vakama aswell

[@badger273]

@@williamcooper8599 oh that's true! I wasn't even thinking about a possible Vakama reference but it very well could've been

[@sssspider]

I don’t think it’s necessarily them intentionally calling back to Likhan’s swords, it’s just that the part was literally made from one that was cut up.

[@badger273]

@@sssspider idk, I just look at the pattern of textures on the sword (namely the edges of the blade and the bits in the gap in the middle) and think it looks very similar to Lhikan's blades, if you were to like fuse them together and shrink them down Whether or not they were actually referencing that, only the set designers can say

[@Janoha17]

They really wanted a mask with cheek spikes, didn't they? And they got that with Brutaka's Olmak.

[@BigLadStudios]

Honestly, they should have kept the unique pieces for the Inika. In fan spaces, the argument for best Inika is purely between Hewkii and Nuparu because they do more than the others who might as well all be the same. If they all came with a little something extra I think there would be more to say about the other Toa in comparison.

[@GrizbyK72]

Maybe if they kept Kongu’s wings? I do like Kongu, but he was always the most boring Inika to me. Probably because he was only made up of two colours (metru green and silver). Everyone else had three.

[@milliman4]

I remember these really well, I was hella confused as a kid when I had the actual sets to compare them directly

[@MatejBeranek]

great to see a video on the prototypes of 2006! are you planning to make more videos on the prototypes of bionicle?

[@BenCossyOfficial]

Yes

[@SonicJrandSarah]

I remember seeing the Toa Inika prototype images on BZPower and I was like, "Oh yeah! These are going to be epic!" I think that when the finalized sets came out, I forgot about the prototypes, so when I saw the prototype images again after getting the sets, I was like, "Oh yeah. They were going to look different."

[@grimmurrough]

A few points that I noticed, just my opinion: -Kongu's prototype pincer mask reminds me more of Chirox's, maybe they put the wings-pincer mask combo of Kongu onto the shelf and later used it to make that set. -Matoro's prototype mask reminds me of his Mahri wave mask, mostly the eyes. And interestingly, the tube, now that I'm thinking, they might've had the Inika and Mahri parts merged at an early point in development. -Hahli looked way cooler with the prototype design, I might say if you look into it, the side parts of her mask reminds me of Hewkii Mahri's mask. -Nuparu's mask having some large tusks is awesome, that design would've been cool too. -I can see how Avak's initial tusked mask later turned out to be Brutaka's, it has a similar-ish silhouette, and yeah, the tusks. - Reidak having 3 eyes, again really cool idea, not only because he's the tracker of the group, but to give the mask some Splinter Cell reference. - The last mashup mask reminds me of Helryx, similar shape, the two tubes, and the added water blade for more emphasis on being a toa of water.

[@empatheticrambo4890]

That Matoro sword is amazing, and the snowboard looks pretty cool!!

[@nehehehgraylois]

I like how the brutaka/axonn boxes have a moon in the corner with Voya Nui on it, really slick

[@-FileNotFound-]

3:31 I like how matoro’s prototype mask looks like a mix of his tryna in his next appearance and the helmet of the fallout X-01 power armor!

[@iamthestormthatisapproaching69]

The one thing I hated was how these were discontinued when I was just getting into these. I think I was in kindergarten when this set came out 😂😭 I got into it probably in 1st grade (year one elementary school) in 2007/2008 when the barraki set came out. I got a mantax and some time later (probably on my birthday) I got a gadunka. I was SO happy I got the gadunka, that thing was big for my little hands. And of course, the heroine I got from this collection was Mahri. I'll never forget the music that plays watching the trailers. I would go on KZbin and watch all trailers that would release and jam tf out to the music, being a nuisance to my parents as I watch on my mother's laptop in the living room as they watch TV. God, my childhood rocked. Here I am at 22 nerding hard to this...

[@postproductions]

I know this video only came out a couple of days ago, but I seriously cannot wait to see you make more of these prototype videos on the other years and themes. I'm a huge Toa Mahri / Barraki fan so I'm DYING to see what kind of deep dive you take us on!

[@jeremygorski7570]

I remember when I saw these toa in the magazine in 2006 I was freaking out!

[@MCLegoboy]

Prototype Avak has Mythosaur horns. For Mandalore!

[@Shotesu]

This is The Way.

[@maskmakerbuddie2001]

Great video. Here are some things i wanted to mention. Jaller masks seems to be a mix of a Red Rahkshi Foot and kolhii hammer end for the mouth Kongu mask seems to be Toa Metru Whenua mask with claws. Hewkii mask was almost certainly a switch as images of Axonn mask in sliver being made of Toa Nuva shoulder pieces exist. Axonn mask here is grey, so it's possible the designers were playing around with different masks Hahil mask seems to be a mix of Toa Hordika Nokama mask and her Metru torso. Matoro mask is Toa Metru Vakama mask in white with the center piece and bits added Nuparu mask is Turaga Dume mask in black with bits cut up. Lastly, Vezon mask looks like it was 3D printed, so it's likely the final mold wasn't ready yet.

[@GrizbyK72]

Always loved the Inika because of their pose-ability and the fact they were the Matoran from the first years of Bionicle. Also they really went all out for their colour schemes. Always liked the brown Toa, but Hewkii looks amazing in gunmetal and keet-orange.

[@Mrlolol7779]

The mask you show at the end, I would argue it's more interesting to look at what seems to be the prototype for the entire Inika build underneath it. You can see a kitbashed Onewa Metru tool as the torso armor, and what appears to be Rahkshi and Bohrok weapons making the shoulder armor. Makes me think it came before the other prototypes shown at the beginning, contrary to how you put it.

[@susiehatchet9438]

I love this series. Binged it all today

[@christopherwood8778]

Oh matora looks like the Enclave power armor mk 2 from Fallout 2.

[@LordMegatron818]

That makes him 10× cooler

[@empatheticrambo4890]

10:53 I wonder if this mask might have once been meant for Umbra? (edit: I commented too fast, you said it was for Kongu)

[@EnigmaThePhoenix]

looks like the overarching theme for the toa was underwater in the prototyping phase, wich was used in the next wave for the final products.

[@purplehaze2358]

Prototype Jaller's sword looks.. alarmingly similar to G2 Tahu's surf board swords.

[@SirGrimLockSmithVIII]

Prototype Kongu kinda looks like Mahri Hali

[@bentoncozzi612]

Interesting! Honestly would've loved the Inika to have axle-based masks instead of the rubber ones. I know this is a really weird ask but do you think a BIS episode focusing on using masks as anything but masks could work?

[@BenCossyOfficial]

I agree! That's a cool idea, I can add it to the list

[@tyrannicalsaur]

Nuparu’s mask is giving me some vibes to the mask of regeneration when I look at it closer

[@graylinbeaudry4651]

i probably would have bought some of those sets if they had gone with the prototype designs. was grossly disappointed with the inika series but it was good to see them trying a new direction with the design. what would be amazing is if they took some these people that make mocs and had them make advanced versions of existing sets for older audiences. have your cheap and easy intro sets, then the more complex build with more parts for more advanced user with more advanced build techniques and parts. it'd be a great way to share some of the more obscure build techniques with newer users. i'd sure have loved that kind of inspiration growing up, but i'm just dreaming at this point.

[@DioStandProud]

Wtf bruh we were ROBBED

[@Ze_Koda]

These looked great, hope somebody make 3d print files

[@eow4317]

I prefer the final models

[@Ze_Koda]

@@eow4317 I prefer the masks, but the color schemes leave a little left to be desired

[@i_am_inside_your_closet]

zamor sphere tho

[@theredoctopus3196]

The color schemes we got are way superior lol. Dont tell me you prefer an puke green kongu over the mixed metallic/dark green one we got ​@zehilereviews9016

[@diegogalvan1810]

As a kid I loved bionicle, I had so many of the sets and never knew that these prototypes existed. I have to say I prefer the Toa prototypes over the final product, as a kid I hated the new masks of the toa and felt the designs were too drastic of a change. I liked how the previous lines felt like a gradual evolution. The piraka are great tho, Ty for sharing!

[@biospark4758]

Some interesting things you didn’t comment on: Kongu’s mask looks like a HEAVILY modified Great Ruru, Hahli’s mask looks to be a combination of Nokama Hordika’s mask and Whenua Hordia’s weapon; and her weapon is taken directly from Vezok Nuparu (and I gues Hewkii) is confirmation that were considered using Metru heads again for the Inika at some point

[@Shadow_Lifeman]

It's pretty crazy that the prototypes of the Inika, for me personally, illustrate everything i loved about original early Bionicle and the final sets, everything i hated about later Bionicle. ESPECIALLY the Mask designs. Hard to describe, but i really didn't like the "smooth", humanoid, uncanny valley look they ended up taking Bionicle as the series went on. I really liked the angular, robotic feel of the early days.

[@HYBRIDZHQ]

While i am not in love with how these prototypes look i gotta agree somewhat. The designs were kind of angular and abstract in the early days

[@nihili4196]

0:56 if you think sword is the only thing made out of cut parts, then don't look closer at his mask. His mouth is definitely not a kohli hammer part, his forehead is not Rakshi foot, and his cheeks are not green Wahki staves

[@mrbri6463]

I honestly prefer the prototype masks for the Toas.

[@fullmetalguy8357]

I remember a bunch of promotional images for the Piraka still using those prototype versions. I was confused as to why the actual Piraka didn't look exactly like those. Especially Zaktan, I wanted the extra spikes on his arms.

[@florider_hd]

they looked way cooler imo

[@carpetbeetle8349]

Seeing Proto-Kongu's wings, I wonder if the devs for Bionicle Heroes were working with the Prototypical Models at first given the Jump Pad things.

[@williambaldwin9487]

Nuparu's prototype mask is giving Xenomorph vibes

[@aresnir2725]

11:47 I think this mask design became Jaller Mahri mask. They have similarities.

[@kalskirata42]

Inika Kongu's prototype mask seems to have ended up becoming the titan Umbra's mask, minus the pincers and add in a couple other minor details.

[@bionabot]

The Prototype Brutaka box art is beautiful, dramatic and looks super evil

[@jostin5908]

I love and prefer the final Jaller version than the prototype. That fire mask its...just insane

[@lyrilmtv2428]

One thing people dont really talk about is just *how many* new pieces they made in 2006

[@stevenpendell2481]

I love how positive this dude is, so many LEGO KZbinrs are super aggressive and nitpicky but this dude just super positive about everything

[@kulehulfer4385]

For protoype kongu i think the mask works because these guys have the masks given to them by that crazy guy in lore, and their final masks dont exactly scream hero either. Idk i think its cool

[@Aswd54321]

Bionicle

[@TSMKstudios]

Bonkle

[@gloomyfates]

As someone that was very disappointed by these designs as a child, especially the masks, I feel robbed. Proto Jaller goes really hard, he actually invokes the design of the hau if you squint

[@roryrdmb6667]

I think Hahli’s flippers resemble her feet pieces with all of the ribbing designs

[@BasementDweller_]

The only prototype I like was Avok’s.

[@derekditkowski5399]

A lot of these old designs have tubes in their masks I like to think they held off on that concept until they did the Mahri wave

[@TheRealAndroz]

Where did you find those images?

[@AL-Inverse-Game]

Well the masks and armor of the Toa in that year were intended to be a bit different in the plot and it's worth looking up how and why they didn't look heroic.

[@TheRealAndroz]

Damn, where did you find those images? Edit: why do you ignore my comments?

[@starkillerdude1914]

Most of these images have been posted on biosector and reddit for many years now

[@cornerfluff2290]

I liked that the masks were rubber

[@The_Caledonian]

looks like a lot of these were later used for the mahri designs

[@-neonvr6266-]

kongu's weapon is just a carbon copy

[@cirnospaghet]

It kinda feels like they went for an insectoid theme for the prototypes

[@TabletopStopmotions]

would be cool if someone made these prototype sets. And it looks like alot of the prototype parts are cut up lego parts

[@fluffywolfo3663]

I’m in a bit of a pickle tbh I like Matoro’s prototype mask but the final product is also my favorite inika mask

[@sillywilly6999]

Yeah its beautiful

[@mmicb0b]

I actually like most of these Inika concept designs more than what we got but definitly think many of them needed more color (also these are easily the most iconic commercials in the franchise kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XanZqBiax-r9E) EDIT ok it kinda feels like to me they wamnted to stick with elements in a lot of these but decided to do something else

[@pablesm]

The original Avak mask is much better than the actual one (the actual one looks like a scary poop emoji)

[@vantablackecho]

I am soooooo glad we got what we did, because those prototypes look awful 😭 Inika always will be my favorite wave out of them all ⚡️⛈⚡️

[@TheArticulatingAnoraksPodcast]

Bionicle prototypes are so unhinged. They look kind of like bootlegs

[@juhor.7594]

Looking at Hewkii's mask and axe, it feels clear to me that the designer had a strong idea that went on to inspire Axonn. It also seems like a lot of the ideas here, such as Kongu's wings, lived on in the Mahri line.

[@Lazo9]

38 👍

[@Golden284-fan]

The decision to change the head pieces was the single worst thing bionicle ever did; the second worst thing was the marketing for these two sets. Nothing quite like seeing a bionicle chew bubblegum while someone raps about it to make me not want to buy it.

[@e.g.5160]

Cringe when he enfatises "darker and edgy" 🙄😒