Exo-Toa, Review of the 2002 set

[Luke]

I have decided to do a review of one of my favorite sets of all time, the Exo-Toa.



Alright, so the Exo-Toa was released in the Summer of 2002. The main draw behind this set was the ability to put an actual Toa Mata or Toa Nuva inside the suit of armor. I will get to that later, but for now let's have a look at the packaging.



On the front we get a basic look of the set with a slight angle. The light in the background makes for a good allover look to the design. It's not too crazy, but it's a good representation of what you will be getting with the actual set.



On the back there is a main diagram showcasing the two arms and their features. On the bottom left is a picture telling the customer that this set can be combined with a Toa. On the right of that is the alternate model that can be made, a interesting looking creature. It is common knowledge that the alternate models are created so that the set will have more versatility, but I have to say that the look of this creature did not give me enough motivation to actually build it.


Now on to the actual set.



Left side view

Right side view

Back view

It's hard to argue with the fact that this a pretty awesome looking set. The construction is clever and the color scheme is great. The slight hints of orange really complete the look of the set. The only quip I have with the construction is the posability, particularly in the legs. The posability of the arms is passable, but the legs prohibit any good poses. They are only able to spin around and move up and down. There is no way to move them side to side or move the feet. This is annoying, especially if you are the kind of person who loves to pose their sets in cool ways. However, the overall quality of this set easily makes up for this shortcoming.


The biggest draw for this set is the ability to place a Toa inside it.



To do this, you simple press the orange piece on the Exo-Toa's stomach, tilt the head back and place a Toa inside.



In order to get a Toa Mata to fit you must only remove their elemental tool. However, for a Toa Nuva you must remove the tools, shoulder armor, and chest plate. It is very possible to keep the chest plate on though, as I have done here:



The Toa look much more awesome when placed inside, and this feature really enhances the fun that you can have with this set.


The best features of this set are actually the arms. Both have unique functions that really give the Exo-Toa a large amount of playablility



On the right we have an interesting looking arm with some Gali Mata hooks on the end. This arm is actually able to make a punching motion when pressed down on. This punch is fairly powerful and will be able to knock down any unsuspecting Toa.



On the left we have the rocket launcher. This projectile can be fired by simple pressing back on the black piece on top. In my opinion this is best projectile system that has been put on a Bionicle. It fires well and goes a long distance.





In conclusion, I honestly think this is one of the best titan sets in the history of Bionicle. The idea of an exterior suit of armor is still pretty awesome even seven years later. The posibility isn't the best, but cool poses aren't needed to make this guy look great. I highly suggest you pick this guy up on eBay or wherever else you can find him if you get the chance.

Also, if you want me to do any other reviews of "classic" sets, just ask.

This post has been edited by Luke on Sep 7 2009, 07:11 AM

[Monasti]

Yeah Luke, do some more.

That was a good review. Are its knees able to bend?

[Luke]

Thanks, and sadly, no.

[EmperorWhenua]

Thanks for making me wish I got it. Again.

Oh, and nice review, BTW.

~EW~

[hoorj]

Due to it's lack of leg movement I think I'll pass this one up.

The projectile system does look promising and I believe it has been used in other Technic sets...

Can anyone tell me if it's been used in a more recent set?

This post has been edited by Kokua aviatrix on Nov 3 2009, 12:15 PM

[Luke]

I don't think it has been used in any recent sets, but it was commonly used on other sets that came out around the same era as this set.

[Adrninistrator]

A bunch of the sets out now still have them I think, and a great deal of sets have had them since the bionicle Exo toa did. I know at least two of the sets where Ogel was the villain with the transforming vehicles had them. So did a LEGO batman or two.

The launcher is pretty good, but the midaks are considerably better in some regards to this one shot cannon.

[Matoro]

Lots of great small MOC pieces of the set. But I don't like the gray color scheme though. I can't think of anything you can use gray for. Unless its going to be like the Toa Metru (where their secondary color is gray). Hmmm. I might consider buying this set off from a friend.

Later On...
Ok. I bought this used set for 37 dollers. I'm not sure if was even worth the price. Was I ripped off or something? By how much. I might try to get my money back.

This post has been edited by Matoro on Nov 4 2009, 04:05 AM