Set:8557

Exo-Toa
Large Set
Set number	8557
Subtheme	Toa Nuva
Release date	June 2002 (AM)
Pieces	367 August 2002 (IN)
MSRP	$34.99 (US)
Ages	9+
Instructions

Set 8557 Exo-Toa is a large boxed set released in summer 2002, portraying the Exo-Toa.

Product Description

2002

The following is a product description taken directly from LEGO. View the source here

Ultimate power for your Toa! When a Toa dons the Exo-Toa armor, he wields more power than any being on Mata Nui has ever known! Hidden underground for centuries, the Exo-Toa features a mighty claw arm and an electro-missile that really fires. But will even the power of the Exo-Toa be enough to overcome the Bahrag?

2003

The following is a product description taken directly from LEGO. View the source here

Armored guardians of Mata Nui! The Exo-Toa wields incredible power! Hidden underground for centuries, the Exo-Toa features a mighty claw arm and an electro-missile that really fires. Will this awesome armor be enough to overcome the challenge of the Bohrok-Kal? Over 10" high!

Set Information

The set box

The Exo-Toa set contains 367 pieces, and was first released in June 2002 in America, and August internationally, alongside sets 8556 Boxor and 8558 Cahdok & Gahdok.

Instructions for an alternate model were also included, depicting a raptor-like steed.

Due to product changes, some copies of this set included a Bohrok faceplate piece that was marbled black and transparent clear (like that found in 8561 Nuhvok), as opposed to the usual fully black piece.

Features

8534 Tahu in the Exo-Toa

Both of the arms of the Exo-Toa possess a unique function. The left arm contains a "blunt shooter", a spring-loaded Technic projectile launcher which fires a rubber-tipped ammunition piece. The right arm is a punching claw, which extends when the forearm is pressed down and retracts due to attached rubber bands. The punching feature could be used for hooking into a part of one of the Bahrag from 8558 Cahdok & Gahdok to "disarm" them.

One of the Exo-Toa's primary designs is to combine with the Toa Mata sets from 2001. The chest portion of the Exo-Toa opens when an orange tab is depressed, the head construct retracts when a gear on either side is turned, and the two thigh pieces flip down to create footholds. A Toa set is then placed into the Exo-Toa, and the chest piece flips back up, securing the Toa in place. The tab for opening the chest portion also functioned as a weak point for play, exposing the Toa inside.

8557 advertises 8534 Tahu, as well as 8572 Tahu Nuva, as connecting with it, though the latter requires modifications before it can be included.

Reception

8557 Exo-Toa's score on Brick Insights indicates generally positive reviews. The set received a positive review from BZPower; then-admin and co-owner Kelly McKiernan (later the webmaster for BIONICLE.com and HeroFactory.com) praised the set for its overall look and enjoyable build, though he noted there was a confusing part of the instructions that caused an element to stick out. The playability was lauded, being able to function as a set by itself as well as combining with other sets.

Trivia

• 8533 Gali, 8535 Lewa, and 8536 Kopaka could fit properly in the Exo-Toa, although 8531 Pohatu and 8532 Onua could only fit with alterations. 8566 Onua Nuva could fit properly, although 8568 Pohatu Nuva still needed alterations.