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Set Review: 8904 Avak
 Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006 at 11:32pm by Andrew, BZPower News Manager[Source: Swert] Well ToyFair has come and gone and all the new sets have been revealed. Before the summer sets come out, however, we're going to try to wrap up our reviews of the first batch of 2006 sets. Today brings a review of Avak by Bionicle Sector 01's Swert. See what he has to say and then decide if this set is for you. Be sure to thank Swert for taking time out of his busy schedule monitoring the wiki to do the review. THE BOX
Well, the can isn't too bad. Bit overused, but ok nonetheless with its add-ons.
I like how the plastic head is on the lid, with 2 placements (3 if you poke out the "Try Me" tab, as I have) for the Zamors. It's not entirely unique, but at least it's new. Another thing I noted was the can's labels over the lid for a 3rd year in a row. This was also done on the Toa Horidka and Visorak lids, not to forget the Vahki. If you're out hunting for these dangerous Dark Hunters, look for any torn labels, as that's a sign of a tampered set. WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Well, most of what you're already seen from the previous Piraka reviews, plus two others.
THE BRICKS
Well, apart from old Metru parts and the Visorak leg connectors, you see everything semi-new, or in a new color. Good news is, those older parts are also in new colors. There is nothing old about him, except perhaps ... no, wait, that's new too. The best piece here has to be the Light-Up Eye Piece. Apart from that, the next best is the GITD teeth (the whole head is fused with the teeth, and GITD paint has been painted onto his pearly whites, so the whole head doesn't light up like a lamp at night) and head. BUILDING EXPERIENCE Wow, the building was fun altogether. It got pushy when I realized how to work out the Rubber spine... then, it got easier when I finally realized "Oh, hey... that's how it goes on" and moved on. Another problem with the spine array is the head. When putting it on, you're tempted to try and put it over the eyes and head, but instead you must put the eyes in the rubber head, then put the plastic ones over it. Also, when putting the teeth in place, you're tempted to straighten out the head... I've come to find that's highly normal for the design. Pay of no mind.
The Zamor launcher and spheres were awesome to work with. More rubber stuff to build with, more confusing parts to put together. PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Fun time! Avak's right arm has always amused me, since the tool appears to fit so well in its jointed slot, specifically hiding it from view. Also, the Zamor Launcher is fun to play with, and I've come to find it's easier to use than a Rhotuka Launcher or even a Kanoka Launcher. I should also note it's easier to lose the Zamors, so it's a rather good thing Lego sells 10 to a pack. Specifically, in my set, I had 3 lighter green Zamors and one darker one. I'm not quite sure if this is standard, so if not, be on the lookout for mixed-up colors. With a whopping 13 points of articulation (Okay, so it's not new... the Toa Hordika had 13 as well), Avak works almost like a human being, minusing a moving spine and hips. The webbed feet are somewhat sturdy, and holds him up even in some of the most difficult poses. One downfall is they're located on the front stud and not the back one, which means it's easier to knock off of its hipjoint. Poses aren't a problem with him, since he's by far one of the easiest of the 6. Downfall is you'd have to take the rubber arm holders off to get gungho gun poses with his jackhammer.
OVERALL
Well, what more can be said? He's an interesting set, with new looks and cool metallic-like parts, plus easy-to-lose spheres. You're better off getting this set than not if you're a hardcore Bionicle fan, and it's also great for fine playtime. I highly recommend it, unless you're allergic to rubber. And there you have it. I hope you've enjoyed the review and I'd like to again thank Swert for writing it up for BZPower members.
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