Bionicle
Game Type: Released
Max Players: 1
Genre: Action - Adventure
Developers: Argonaut Games - Argonaut Sheffield
Publishers: Electronic Arts - Lego Interactive
Cooperative: No
PEGI: U
Game Overview
Bionicle is a 3D platform game. The game's levels vary between normal platforming levels and levels that use mechanics like snowboarding or lava surfing. Light stones are scattered throughout each level, and collecting them unlocks bonus content. Captive Matoran characters are located in some levels, and finding them is necessary to solve puzzles. Each Toa character can attack using elemental energy; the attacks automatically target enemies. By timing attacks correctly, the player can launch a multi-bolt attack. Elemental energy depletes after each use. In order to replenish their supply, the player can shield and absorb attacks from enemies or draw in energy directly from the environment. When drawing from the environment, the player is vulnerable to attack. Elemental energy can also be resupplied by finding masks – called Kanohi of elemental energy. Bionicle The Game is an action-adventure video game released in 2003. The game is based on parts of the movie Bionicle: Mask of Light and other parts of the Bionicle storyline. Initially, the game was supposed to make each Toa, Toa Nuva, and the Toa of Light playable, but due to deadlines, much of the game was dropped. However, all of the characters are playable in the Game Boy Advance version. The Mac OS X version of the game was released by Feral Interactive.
The Tale of Mata Nui and the Toa's Arrival
The story of the Xbox game "Bionicle" unfolds on the mysterious island of Mata Nui, a once-thriving land now covered in shadows. This island is home to six distinct regions, each overseen by Turaga elders and inhabited by peaceful Matoran villagers. However, darkness has descended over Mata Nui, led by the dark spirit Makuta, who has cast an evil spell to keep the great spirit Mata Nui in a deep sleep. In response to this growing threat, six Toa heroes are summoned from across the island to bring hope to the Matoran and challenge Makuta’s hold over Mata Nui. These Toa—Tahu, Kopaka, Gali, Lewa, Pohatu, and Onua—wield elemental powers of fire, ice, water, air, stone, and earth. The villagers see them as their only hope of freeing Mata Nui and driving Makuta’s forces from their lands.
The Quest for the Masks of Power
To become stronger and unlock their true potential, the Toa must collect the ancient Kanohi masks scattered across Mata Nui. These masks grant the Toa a variety of abilities, empowering them to face greater challenges in their quest. Each mask’s power is tied to the Toa's respective element, and only by finding all the masks can they fully unlock their elemental strengths. Throughout this journey, the Toa encounter various Rahi beasts, controlled by Makuta to protect the masks and hinder their progress. Each region presents its own dangers, requiring the Toa to use their abilities to solve puzzles and combat Rahi. The search for these Kanohi masks strengthens their resolve and tests their courage, bringing them closer to their ultimate showdown with Makuta. With every mask they collect, the Toa become more prepared to protect the Matoran and awaken Mata Nui from his dark slumber.
The Threat of the Bohrok Swarms
As the Toa grow stronger, a new menace emerges in the form of the Bohrok swarms—ancient, insect-like machines with a destructive purpose. Programmed to “cleanse” the island, the Bohrok wreak havoc across Mata Nui, destroying landscapes and attacking the villagers. The Toa must quickly adapt to this relentless threat, as the Bohrok are nearly indestructible and possess elemental powers that counter the Toa’s own. To defeat the Bohrok, the Toa must work together and learn new strategies, as their elemental powers alone are not enough. This battle forces them to confront their own limitations and learn to rely on each other’s strengths. They discover the need to obtain special Krana from the Bohrok, which will enable them to weaken and ultimately defeat the swarms. The fight against the Bohrok serves as a critical test, shaping the Toa into true warriors ready for the challenges ahead.
The Transformations into Toa Nuva
Following their victory over the Bohrok, the Toa undergo a transformation into the powerful Toa Nuva. This transformation occurs when they encounter a hidden source of energy within Mata Nui, which unlocks their full potential and changes their appearance and abilities. As Toa Nuva, they gain enhanced elemental powers, allowing them to perform feats far beyond their previous capabilities. However, this power comes with its own challenges, as each Toa must now learn to control their newfound abilities. The transformation also causes tension among the group, as each Toa adjusts to their new strengths and responsibilities. The Toa Nuva soon realize that they will need to work even closer together to face Makuta's next wave of threats, especially as Makuta senses their growing power and seeks to counter it. This transformation marks a new chapter in their journey, setting the stage for their ultimate confrontation with darkness.
The Shadows Deepen: Rahkshi Threat
As Makuta intensifies his efforts, he releases his latest creations, the Rahkshi. These powerful creatures are infused with his own dark essence and serve as his enforcers on Mata Nui. The Rahkshi are intelligent and highly dangerous, each embodying a different destructive power designed to counter the Toa Nuva. Their presence brings chaos to the island, as they target both the Toa Nuva and the Matoran villagers, leaving destruction in their wake. The Toa Nuva find themselves pushed to their limits, forced to confront these new enemies who seem nearly unstoppable. Battling the Rahkshi requires all of the Toa Nuva’s skill, courage, and teamwork, as they struggle to defend their home from Makuta’s wrath. Each encounter with the Rahkshi tests the Toa’s resolve and pushes them closer to discovering Makuta’s true plan for Mata Nui.
The Final Confrontation with Makuta
The journey reaches its climax as the Toa Nuva gather their strength for a final confrontation with Makuta himself. This battle takes them deep into the heart of Mata Nui, where Makuta’s lair lies hidden beneath the island’s surface. Here, they face a series of intense challenges designed to exploit their fears and doubts. Makuta’s shadow powers create illusions and traps, attempting to divide the Toa Nuva and weaken their unity. However, the Toa’s bond and their shared mission help them overcome these obstacles, as they remember the reason they began their journey. In a final act of courage, the Toa Nuva confront Makuta, combining their elemental powers to counter his dark magic. The battle is fierce, and Makuta proves to be a formidable opponent. But through their resilience and teamwork, the Toa Nuva manage to weaken him, bringing an end to his reign of terror over Mata Nui.
Awakening Mata Nui
With Makuta defeated, the Toa Nuva finally achieve their mission to awaken the great spirit Mata Nui. The darkness that once covered the island begins to lift, and life returns to Mata Nui as the villagers celebrate their heroes. However, the Toa Nuva realize that their journey has not truly ended, as the awakening of Mata Nui reveals mysteries and dangers beyond Mata Nui’s shores. The victory over Makuta is just the beginning of a much larger quest, hinting at a universe beyond Mata Nui where even greater challenges await. The Toa Nuva, now seasoned heroes, pledge to continue their mission and protect the Matoran people wherever they may be. As they gaze across the island they have saved, they look forward with hope and determination, prepared to face whatever new threats the future may bring.
