Vorahk Review Capsule

After doing two sets of very similar Toa kits, and two sets of very similar Bohrak, LEGO decided to opt for something new. These kits have a great range of posability and are a snap to assemble. Well worth snagging one, but for the most part, collecting all six means you'll just be getting more of the same.

Introduction

The Rakshi newest villains in the Bionicle Universe, and pretty nifty toys to boot. While they don't exactly innovate like the very first canned Toa robots of a few years back, nor do they transform, they are pretty nice toys. They come in six colors, and this review focuses on Vorahk, the black one.

With really big feet and multiple joints everywhere, this hunched over figure is capable of quite a bit.

Figure

In 2001, Bionicle launched with a series of fairly priced heroes in two sizes and large, expensive villains which came in two-packs. New sets came as time went on, and the latest are the Rakshi which, like their crablike forefathers, have an interchangable brain-slug of sorts called a Kraata. More on the Kraata can be found in the accessories area.

It's a super-posable robot of sorts. The sculpting isn't much to write home about, as it's just a LEGO set really, but it does look pretty striking. Those bright red eyes light up, and, as we've just stated, it's really quite posable, as can be seen below.

Accessories & Gimmicks

The accessories are really well integrated into the main toy, but that's the nature of the LEGO figure. It includes a staff and a Kraata.

The staff is nothing to write home about, as it's basically very similar to other previously seen Bionicle weapons. A knob has been integrated into the figure to allow his arms to move from side to side and "fight" his plastic foes. The movement is smooth and works well.

One warning about the staff is that it's actually three separate pieces that are only held together by the creature's hands. Without his hands, they can't connect and are just loose pieces.

The Kraata is neat in that the figure's action feature allows his head to be hit a certain way, which send this component flying. As such, it should be a lot of fun for the kids.

Also, LEGO is selling little canisters with additional Kraata, but why you need more is beyond me. When they sold packs of masks, that made sense, because it was like giving your toy a new head. This, well, if you were missing it, you wouldn't be missing much.

Packaging

Most if not all $10 toys in this line come in a plastic canister, and this one is no different.

It's a can that's attractive on the store shelf and a sensible method of storing the toy after you get it home. As it helps keep you from losing pieces, and doesn't lend itself to being thrown away, it's a great way to sell the toy and part of a strong tradition of good toy packaging. Good job, LEGO!

Fin

If you're not sick of Bionicle, which might be a tall order after a dozen nearly-identical Bohrok and countless other similar-looking sets, this is a great piece to snag. As it comes in six colors, well, it's probably in your best interests to just snag one. Collect them all if you must, but if you can't smell a clearance coming here, your toy senses are in need of recallibration.

At about $8, you could do worse. It makes a great gift for someone who's aged for the toy line's target demographic and is a nice little desk diversion for an older toy fan.

Reviewed and photographed by Adam Pawlus
Sample purchased from a Toys "R" Us in Phoenix in Summer of 2003
Reviewed on October 30, 2003.