The very first iteration of the Official BIONICLE Website in 2001 contained character descriptions, information about the island of Mata Nui, backstory, and the Mata Nui Online Game, among other content.
Text Content
Below is an outline of the text content, including character bios, found on the site, mostly recovered from web.archive.org.
Site Description
LEGO TECHNIC presents Bionicle, a new line of products with an epic story that will unfold on Bionicle.com. Once a paradise, Mata Nui has become a place of darkness and fear, ruled by the deadly Makuta. Now six mighty warriors, the Toa, have come to gather Masks of Power and challenge Makuta. Explore the island... learn the legends... and begin to solve the mystery of Bionicle.
Toa
Pohatu
Toa of Stone
Pohatu is a stone spirit. He is immensely strong and can literally move mountains. Pohatu can cause massive rocks to explode like bombs, or roll with great precision towards any attacker. His huge feet contain great power, destroying even the toughest rocks with a single kick!
Pohatu is liked by all the Toa for his kind nature and for his rock-solid dependability. He's slow, but friendly and dependable. He's not good at snap decisions, but when he makes a decision to do something, he sticks with it until the end--and you DON'T get in his way! Whenever there is trouble, Pohatu will always be there behind you, an immovable force that few enemies can dislodge. His only fear is water: he cannot swim, and he sinks…like a stone.
Pohatu inhabits the foothills of Mount Ihu, moving slowly but sure-footedly among the rocks and boulders at the base of the great mountain.
Onua
Recovered from http://b10nicle.tripod.com/id17.htm.
Onua is an Earth spirit, and is at home below ground: with his huge hands, he scrapes out tunnels in the rocky cliffs over Papu Niho Reef. His low, squat body and head allow him to move quickly in tunnels and his infrared eyes give him amazing night vision.
In normal daylight his eyesight is poor, although he compensates with amazingly powerful hearing. He is slower on open land than underground, but has incredible strength and surprising dexterity.
Onua is at one with the land. He can hear trouble coming from miles away, and on occasion can even persuade the landscape to do his bidding - very useful when under attack.
Gali
Recovered from http://b10nicle.tripod.com/id25.htm.
Gali is the spirit of the water, and the only female Toa. She is incredibly wise—wiser, possibly, than all the other five Toa put together.
The Tohunga worship her more than any of the others. They believe she is the sustainer of life - but if she gets angry, look out! Tidal waves and rainstorms flood the island!
Gali is the most agile and gymnastic of the six Toa. She has incredible jumping abilities and her own brand of acrobatic self-defence. The only things that slow her down are excessively hot and dry conditions.
Gali is at home both in and near the waters of Lake Naho. Here she can swim and move quickly around the waterfalls that plunge down into the icy water, using her two hooked arms to grab onto rocks and cliffs. She works in harmony with the waters, which help to protect her in times of danger.
Lewa
Recovered from http://b10nicle.tripod.com/id35.htm.
Lewa is the spirit of the air, and the Tohunga believe Lewa controls the skies - the clouds and the wind. Lewa is almost monkey-like, and prefers to inhabit the treetops of the Jungles around Kauae Bay.
Lewa's axe cuts easily through trees and vines as he climbs and jumps through his jungle. He's supremely competent with aerial activities, and can even glide through the air when jumping from tree to tree.
Lewa is always ready to jump to conclusions - and he's the first to get into trouble. But his instincts are good, and his hunches often turn out to be right. If there's a fight, he's always the first one in, protecting others before himself.
Tahu
Recovered from http://b10nicle.tripod.com/id29.htm.
Tahu the fire spirit and the fiercest of the six Toa, and the most feared - you don't want to get into a fight with Tahu if you can help it.
Tahu is most at home in the hot molten world of the Mangai Volcano where he surfs on lava flows, using his sword of flames to cut through rocks and keep the lava moving down towards the ocean.
He is hot-headed and irrational, with a flaming temper. He has the least patience of all of the Toa, and often jumps into a situation without thinking, which often gets him and the other Toa into trouble!
Kopaka
Recovered from http://b10nicle.tripod.com/id10.htm.
Kopaka is the spirit of ice. He is cool, calculating, and coldly methodical in his actions. His long ice blade cuts and melts through the ice; one skillful swipe of it can cause avalanches or instantly freeze anything it touches.
Kopaka prefers to work alone. He is the least communicative of the Toa, and will only join forces with the others if it's necessary for his own survival.
The Tohunga both fear and respect Kopaka a great deal. They believe that he brings the winters, and the long cold nights...but they also know that his power strikes a balance against the presence of the fire spirit Tahu.
Kopaka is most at home on the ice and snow of Mount Ihu, skiing up and down the slopes with amazing speed and skill.
Turaga
Onewa
Turaga of Po-Koro
Turaga Onewa is the protector of Pohatu's legend. Like all of his tribe he is sure-footed and swift over loose ground. Onewa is known among his tribe as "The Referee," as his decisions are never argued (even though he sometimes takes forever to make them!).
Onewa's mask is the Kanohi Komau and his tool is a mighty stone hammer.
Huki
Tohunga of Po-Koro
Huki, who stands on Onewa's right side, lives in the desert village of Po-Koro. He is the greatest goal scorer of all time at Koli and one of the few Tohunga able to crush boulders with both his feet and his head. It is said that he learnt this skill after Maku soaked his mask during a practical joke. (Maku must have known that followers of Pohatu cannot swim and hate water.)
Whenua
Turaga of Onu-Koro
Turaga Whenua is the protector of Onua's legend. He oversees the work in the rockquarry and the vast, complex tunnels, always seeing problems a day before they occur. Whenua is known to all on Mata Nui for his fairness, good judgement, wisdom and honesty. He should always be listened to with care and respect. Whenua's mask is the Kanohi Ruru and his tool is the Drill of Onua.
Onepu
Tohunga of Onu-Koro
To the right of Whenua stands Onepu. Onepu lives in the underground village of Onu-Koro. Though he appears small, he has incredible strength in is his short, dense body, and can lift many times his own weight. He's clumsy, but enthusiastic -- if his friends need protection, you'll find him at the front of the pack (probably falling over his own feet to get there!).
Nokama
Turaga of Ga-Koro
Turaga Nokama is the protector of Gali's legend. She knows more about the ways of the oceans and rivers than anyone but Gali herself. Nokama has a reputation for resolving disagreements and bringing the Turaga together with her practical logic. All of the Turaga respect the way she listens to all sides of any discussion.
Nokama's mask is the Kanohi Rau and her tool is an enormous fork-shaped staff.
Maku
Tohunga of Ga-Koro
Maku lives in the village of Ga-Koro. Her skill at canoe racing is legendary among all Tohunga. Her sense of direction is flawless--she can navigate through the waters surrounding Mata Nui in even the worst conditions. Her skills in swimming and disc throwing are remarkable, making her a favorite in the local Tohunga games competition. Maku often gets in trouble for disappearing from the village, paddling upstream in her canoe to spy on Huki the Koli champion. She has a kind heart, but she is too trusting of others.
Matau
Turaga of Le-Koro
Turaga Matau is the protector of Lewa's legend. When he is among his people, Matau is like the silence at the centre of a tornado, calm, stable and paternal. But you'd better watch him carefully, or you'll be the victim of one of his jokes! He is also a brave warrior and a leader who receives the utmost of loyalty. The tribe repays him with great courage.
Matau's mask is the Kanohi Mahiki and his tool is the Kau Kau Staff.
Kongu
Tohunga of Le-Koro
Kongu is one of the most talented residents in his treetop village of Le-Koro. Swinging on vines, he travels from tree-top to tree-top with such speed that it looks like he's on fire. But the truth is that Kongu's afraid of heights! This is why he travels so fast -- to avoid looking down! He keeps quiet about it for fear of being removed from Matau's right side in the Great Takara. Also, Kongu loves birds so much and handles them so naturally that he has become one of Le-Koro's great bird wranglers.
Vakama
Turaga of Ta-Koro
Turaga Vakama is the holder of the Great Firestaff and protector of Tahu's legend. He is famous for his quick temper and great courage. Vakama doesn't mess around: he has no time for nonsense and practical jokes, but his fearlessness could get him into trouble.
Vakama's mask is the Kanohi Huna and his tool is the ancient Firestaff.
Jala
Tohunga of Ta-Koro
Jala's athletic ability and no-nonsense manner make him the obvious choice to stand at Vakama's right hand. As captain of the guard, it's his job to protect their village of Ta-Koro and organize its warriors. The founder of Jala's clan, Lhii, was once the greatest surfer Mata Nui has known since Tahu last walked upon the land. Jala has much to live up to, but he is dedicated and works hard.
Nuju
Turaga of Ko-Koro
Turaga Nuju is the protector of Kopaka's legend. Nuju has great sight and seems to have more time to react than anybody else. His Kanohi Matatu (mask of telekinesis) amplifies these gifts, allowing him to move objects with his mind. It is said that he can tell stories that last for days, using only gestures and whistles that none but his Tohunga Matoro can interpret. Some find Nuju aloof and uncaring, but he just shows his feelings in different ways -- like through his generous deeds.
Nuju's tool is a huge ice pick.
Matoro
Recovered from http://b10nicle.tripod.com/id9.htm.
Tohunga of Ko-Koro
Matoro is the sole interpreter of Nuju's stories, following the meaning of his movement and tones. He always stands motionless to Nuju's right during storytelling, in his narrator pose: legs apart, head back and using his deep and booming voice. Matoro has a tendency to show off, which makes him look really conceited. As a result, the other natives of his village, Ko-Koro, like to play practical jokes on him -- but he takes them in good spirit.
Kanohi
Great Masks of Power
Each Toa must collect six Great Masks of Power, so that together they can defeat Makuta and fulfill their destiny. Each mask grants the wearer new power and wisdom.
Kanohi Miru
The Great Mask of Levitation; allows the user to float and glide on air.
Kanohi Akaku
The Great Mask of X-Ray Vision; allows the user to see through walls and discover that which is hidden.
Kanohi Kaukau
The Great Mask of Water; allows the user to breathe underwater.
Kanohi Hau
The Great Mask of Shielding; provides protection against any attack the user is aware of, but not against ambush.
Kanohi Pakari
The Great Mask of Strength; increases the user's brute physical power.
Kanohi Kakama
The great Mask of Speed; allows the user to cover great distances in the blink of an eye.
Noble Masks of Power
Noble Masks do not posses as much energy as the Great Masks of Power, but they too are vital to the Toa's quest. The Noble Masks can be worn by both the Toa and Turaga, and each Toa must collect six Noble Masks.
Kanohi Mahiki
The Noble Mask of Illusion; allows the user to create illusions to deceive an opponent or escape detection.
Kanohi Matatu
The Noble Mask of Telekinesis; allows the user to move objects and project force by thought. The stronger the thought, the stronger the power!
Kanohi Rau
The Noble Mask of Translation; allows the user to read the ancient languages, runes and symbols.
Kanohi Huna
The Noble Mask of Concealment; allows the user to turn invisible.
Kanohi Ruru
The Noble Mask of Night Vision; gives the user the power to see in any level of darkness.
Kanohi Komau
The Noble Mask of Mind Control; allows the user to command others to do the user's bidding!
Infected Mask
When Kanohi Masks of Power are tainted by Makuta, they become "infected masks". Infected masks appear scarred, pitted, and rusted. Wearers become slaves of Makuta, and remain so until the mask is removed.
Mata Nui
Legend
At the dawn of time the great spirit Mata Nui was sent down from paradise to care for all living things. He brought joy and light to the islanders known as the Tohunga. The Tohunga thanked him by naming their island in his honour. The world was a joyful place, until Makuta, Mata Nui's spirit brother, secretly followed him from paradise. Makuta envied how the Tohunga worshipped his brother's goodness, so after a mighty struggle he cast a spell, which made Mata Nui sink into an endless sleep. But still the Tohunga would not worship Makuta. So Makuta brought dark places to the land where the Tohunga dare not go for all the wicked beasts, which Makuta did truly rule.
While Mata Nui slept, the Tohunga's powers and skills were weakened by Makuta's dark powers. But the islanders kept faith in Mata Nui, and the Legends of the Bionicle, which told them six mighty heroes called Toa would liberate them from Makuta and his beasts.
Po-Koro
Turaga Onewa's village of Po-Koro is located in the desert of the far north. Strange cliff formations dominate the land. The village consists of organic-looking shelters built from rock and sand. They blend in with the desert and work as a perfect protection against dangers and sandstorms.
Onu-Koro
Onu-Koro is home to Turaga Whenua. This village consists of huge caves dug deep underground, safely hidden from the surface. Like its Toa, Onua, the people of Onu-Koro have night vision, but are sensitive to daylight. Some say that Onu-Koro is as dark as the Makuta would wish it, and care should be taken when entering this labyrinth of tunnels and caves.
Ga-Koro
Turaga Nokama lives in the floating village of Ga-Koro. It's built out of strong, elastic seaweed, drifting in the water below the impressive white cliffs. Located in Gali's bay in the northeast region of the island, Ga-Koro is surrounded by swirling whirlpools and strong currents, which pull the unwary to the bottom of the ocean. The village floats above an underwater world of which little is known.
Ko-Koro
Turaga Nuju's village is called Ko-Koro. It's tucked away under a huge, solid ice block dividing two glaciers, safe from dangerous avalanches and icy storms. In the snow-covered mountains surrounding the village, deadly glacier crevasses can swallow the unwary. It's a cold, dangerous region. Kopaka makes his home in the area surrounding the village.
Ta-Koro
Turaga Vakama lives in Ta-Koro. Located in an extinct underground lava river, the village looks like a collection of miniature volcanoes. It even has a small lava stream for heating. In the area around the village, burning lava streams flow like rivers down the mountain. Sometimes the main volcano bursts open and rains pure fire.
Le-Koro
Turaga Matau's village, Le-Koro, lies hidden in Lewa's jungle region on the west of Mata Nui. The village is disguised to look like hanging jungle weeds to protect it from the evil beasts of Makuta. The tall trees of Le-Koro are jumping with life. Birds, insects and Tohunga buzz about the treetops, chattering and shrieking. But Le-Koro's villagers live in fear of the dark swamp that lies beneath their treetops.
Measurements
Size System
The height of a Toa is approximately 1.6 Bio
1000 Bio = 1 Kio
1000 Kio = 1 Mio
Mata Nui
Length = 357 Kio
Width = 178 Kio
Makuta
Makuta
No creature that speaks has seen the Makuta and returned. His lair could be in every shadow, every scrap of darkness. Some say he has three heads. Others say he can change into many forms. Only one thing is known for sure: if he is not stopped, his power and evil will grow to dominate all of Mata Nui.
The legend says the Makuta is a whirling, kicking, screaming, clawing beast. He--or IT-- could be many things at once - cobra, tiger, hawk. Each must be defeated before the Makuta emerges from deep inside the surface of Mata Nui and replicates into a vicious swarm of separate and equally deadly beasts. And if this happens, the beings of Mata Nui will know untold harm. So the legend says.
Nui-Rama
The Nui-Rama resemble large, flying insects. They can be found throughout Mata Nui, though it is believed they make their nests in Lewa’s jungles. Nui-Rama spend most of their time in the air, spying on the Toa for Makuta or stalking their prey.
Natural Tools: The Nui-Rama can make their buzzing wings flip forward to dislodge an opponent’s mask. They can fly at great speed and often use hit-and-run tactics to keep their enemies off-balance.
Danger Level: Although Nui-Rama are not as powerful as Toa, they have one very large advantage over the heroes: they can fly. The Mask of Levitation allows a Toa to float on the air, but none of the Toa have the power of flight. This gives the Nui-Rama a huge edge and makes them a real threat to the Toa and the tribes of Mata Nui.
Like all Rahi, the Nui-Rama are controlled by the infected masks they wear. If the masks are removed, the Nui-Rama will cease fighting and can sometimes even be tamed.
Nui-Jaga
The Nui-Jaga are huge, scorpion-like creatures. They can be found primarily in the deserts of Mata Nui, though they have been spotted in the jungles and along the coast as well. Nui-Jaga normally hunt in pairs.
Natural Tools: Nui-Jaga rely on their strong claws and their powerful stinger. A single well-placed blow from a stinger can knock off an opponent’s mask. They have also been known to work with other Rahi, using their stingers to “herd” enemies into ambushes.
Danger Level: The best way to survive an encounter with a Nui-Jaga is to stay out its way. Their speed, their stingers, and their cunning make them dangerous opponents. The Toa most successful at battling Nui-Jaga is Lewa, who can take to the trees and stay out of range of their stingers.
Like all Rahi, the Nui-Jaga are controlled by the infected masks they wear. If the masks are removed, the Nui-Jaga will cease fighting and can sometimes even be tamed.
Tarakava
Tarakava live in the oceans and rivers of Mata Nui, preferring the shallows close to the shoreline. They are huge, lizard-like creatures and virtually always hunt in pairs. Those Tohunga who sail the waters of Mata Nui have learned to fear the Tarakava more than any other Rahi.
Natural Tools: Tarakava are amphibious. They can stay underwater for prolonged periods of time, waiting for a chance to strike. When prey comes near, their use their powerful arms to stun their target. They have also been known to attack Tohunga boats, capsizing them.
Danger Level: Like the Nui-Rama, the Tarakava are comfortable in an element unfamiliar to most Toa: water. Gali, the Toa of water, is the best equipped to battle Tarakava, and even she is wary of them. Pohatu and Lewa, both of whom dislike water, are at the biggest disadvantage when facing Tarakava.
Like all Rahi, Tarakava are controlled by the infected masks they wear. If the masks are removed, they will cease fighting and can sometimes even be tamed.
Muaka and Kane-Ra
Recovered from http://b10nicle.tripod.com/id43.htm.
Although they are very different creatures, Muaka and Kane-Ra work together because Makuta wishes them to do so. Muaka is a large tiger-like creature and Kane-Ra resembles a great bull. They are two of the most powerful Rahi!
Natural Tools: Both Muaka and Kane-Ra are capable of extending their necks a great distance, making it easier for them to corner and catch prey. Muaka relies on his snapping jaws, Kane-Ra on his sharp horns. Muaka and Kane-Ra are both very fast and rely on surprise.
Danger Level: Many a Tohunga has made the mistake of thinking that because Muaka or Kane-Ra was far away, there was no danger. Their ability to extend their necks means you can never be sure where an attack will come from. Often, Muaka hides in the jungle and will suddenly shoot his head forward to grab something on the path, while his body stays concealed.
Like all Rahi, Muaka and Kane-Ra are controlled by the infected masks they wear. If the masks are removed, the two will cease fighting and can sometimes even be tamed.
Manas
The Manas are the most powerful guardians of Makuta. They resemble huge crabs, and their sheer power and vicious tempers are legendary. Just where on Mata Nui they can be found remains a mystery, but it is believed they protect the lair of Makuta.
Natural Tools: The Manas' most powerful weapons are their claws. A Manas claw is powerful enough to snap a full-grown tree in half. When they are not fighting the enemies of Makuta, the Manas stay combat-ready by fighting with each other.
Danger Level: Manas are easily the most dangerous Rahi. They are so powerful that no single Toa can hope to defeat them. Only by combining their powers and skills can the heroes of Mata Nui successfully challenge these monsters.
Like all Rahi, Manas can be defeated by knocking off their infected masks. No one knows if a mask-less Manas can be tamed, because no one has ever survived long enough to get a mask off one.
Software
PC
Platform: PC CD-ROM
Release date: September 2001
Adventure with the mighty Toa as they collect the Masks of Power, harness elemental forces and outsmart dangerous foes in their quest to free the island of Mata Nui from the dark shadow of Makuta. Take control of all six Toa, unlocking more characters during play. Surf streams of boiling lava as Tahu, ride the Great Bull of Legends (Kane-Ra) as Pohatu, explore underwater ruins with Gali, ski down the icy slopes of Mount Ihu as Kopaka, cause earthquakes as Onua and swing through dense jungles as Lewa.
Concept Animations
Get an exclusive look at the concept animations for the game.
| Nui-Jaga.mov 165k | Nui-Jaga.avi 208k |
| OnuaHands.mov 326k | OnuaHands.avi 394k |
| OnuaWalking.mov 187k | OnuaWalking.avi 247k |
Concept Sketches
Get an exclusive look at concept sketches of the game.
Screenshots
Check out screenshots from the game.
Mask
An image of the Vahi.
Beta Test
We would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all the people that took the time to apply for the Beta Test.
During the week of June 12th, we will be working our way through the many applications we have received to select our 100 Beta Testers. Those selected will receive an email confirmation with the next steps necessary to becoming an official LEGO Bionicle Beta Tester.
While all applicants cannot be selected, we do want to extend our deepest thanks for your enthusiasm and commitment to helping LEGO Software deliver the best available product.
So keep your fingers crossed and your eyes on your e-mail inbox -- you might just be one of the final 100!
Thanks again,
The Bionicle Beta Test Team
Game Boy Advance
Platform: Nintendo Game Boy Advance (AGB)
Release date: September 2001
The LEGO Bionicle Game Boy Advance game chronicles the exciting events as you prepare for the arrival of the Toa on Mata Nui. Build your own character and explore more than 20 individual levels filled with puzzles, traps and adversaries in single-player mode, or compete against your friends with six multiplayer mini-games.
Screenshots
Check out screenshots from the game.
The Buzz
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