Bionicle is a 3D platform game.[1] The game's levels vary between normal platforming levels and levels that use mechanics like snowboarding or lava surfing.[2] Lightstones are scattered throughout each level, and collecting them unlocks bonus content.[3] Captive Matoran characters are located in some levels, and finding them is necessary to solve puzzles.[4] 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.[5] 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.[6] Elemental energy can also be resupplied by finding masks – called Kanohi – of elemental energy.[5]
Bionicle is set on the fictional island of Mata Nui, which is divided into six elementally-themed regions, or Wahi: the aquatic region of Ga-Wahi, the jungle region of Le-Wahi, the icy and mountainous region of Ko-Wahi, the subterranean region of Onu-Wahi, the desert region of Po-Wahi, and the volcanic region of Ta-Wahi. Each of the regions contains a village, known as a koro, and each koro is led by a Turaga, the village elder. A great temple, Kini-Nui, lies near the center of the island.[7] Each village is protected by a Toa, a warrior with elemental powers. According to Bionicle story team member Greg Farshtey, the game took creative liberties with the official Bionicle story,[8] although some aspects, like the Kanohi of elemental energy, were later adopted into the official lore.[9] All six Toa are playable in the game – some as normal Toa, and others as upgraded Toa Nuva – as well as the new seventh Toa, Takanuva, the Toa of light.[5] The story follows the Toa as they defend Mata Nui against the return of Makuta – the spirit of darkness – and his minions,[10] culminating with a battle between Takanuva and Makuta.
The Game Boy Advance version of Bionicle, an isometric platformer,[11] adopts a different gameplay structure. In an interview with Bionicle fan site BZPower, the game developers noted it told the same story and offered a greater variety of playable characters but lacked the variety of the other versions.[12] All six regions are in the game, and all six Toa are playable characters,[13] along with Takanuva.[14]
