Akida - Creature of Water

An incredibly successful blend of CCBS with the classic technic system. A unique build that we haven't seen the likes of since 2001, this set is probably the most innovative set of the year. While not the most incredibly functional or great in terms of playability, when placed on the stand Akida has a nice range of motion and a unique look that is very eye catching when put on display. more less

This set is by far the largest, having 120 pieces, a large and intricate build for what is a pretty pointless play feature, it only helps for posing Pros The set is the largest, having the best value Has a great color scheme Has great parts Best looking trap monster Cons Play feature is just moving body back and forth Little play ability This set is great for parts and display, but thats all it really stands more less

For what she is, I really like the way Akida turned out. There are some disadvantages to being a fish character that we're not used to seeing with CCBS, such as with limited possibility, but the stand helps put Akida on display quite well, and she's fairly swooshable like a ship or submarine, and has a great color scheme. I'm still not a fan of the stud launchers, which I think interrupt the flow of the set, and I would've liked it if the head had been filled in a bit. But I still like that we got an aquatic character, and the Shadow Trap makes a nice addition too. more less

I feel like Akida is an "acquired taste." As a standalone set, you are getting a good amount of pieces for your $10 and the build is somewhat interesting. The final product does have quite a lot of technic influences, but I think it was pulled off better here than a set like LoSS where articulation was severely lost to the function. more less

Akida features a pair of six-shooters, like those that debuted in last year's Bionicle sets, but is otherwise less functionally interesting than Uxar since it trades a gear function for a function composed primarily of Technic beams. By angling Akida's dorsal fin forwards, the two six-shooters and Akida's two pectoral fins tilt forward as well, but this function is less impressive than Uxar's flapping wings and seems to be designed primarily for when Akida unites with Gali or the other Toa, to provide “pop-up" blasters. Also, while all the other 2016 Bionicle sets with six-shooters include a Technic wheel piece (Design ID 4185) for storing their extra stud ammo, Akida features no such solution, and thanks to its dual shooters it features more extra ammo than any of the other sets (with a whopping 13 extra studs in addition to the 12 used to load both shooters). Still, Akida is a very nice set with a very unique and complex build for a Bionicle set this size. more less

A fitting cap on the creature reviews, Akida has one of the best set values I've seen. It might not contain a lot of new or big parts, but Akida is very full when just considering the figure itself, and then also has a sweet stand to help on top of a rocking Shadow Trap. It's an entire battle to itself, and also happens to connect with Gali in a thematically appropriate way, making it a definite set to get regardless of what else is on your plate. more less