Lego Exo-Force is a discontinued Lego theme that was launched in 2006 and discontinued in 2008. It focused on a team of elite pilots that used robotic mechanical machines (mecha) to protect their home against attacking robots. The backstory for the toy sets was detailed in associated media, including an online comic and a series of story books.
Overview
Exo-Force was the first Lego theme to focus on robotic mechanical machines controlled by humans (mecha). This concept often referenced Japanese manga and anime. Previous Lego Space themes had included elements of this, such as Spyrius in 1994 and Roboforce in 1997, but Exo-Force was the first theme to be driven by a detailed storyline. The toy line was produced in waves from 2006 to 2008 and was accompanied by a series of story books and 39 issues of the Exo-Force online comic, which was released between November 2005 and March 2008. Exo-Force centered on a group of elite human pilots that were tasked with defending their home from drone machines that were under the control of a robot named Meca One. Each member of the group piloted unique mecha weapons to battle the robots and then travelled to a jungle to rescue their leader.
Development
The concept for Exo-Force was developed at a time following a period of financial problems for The Lego Group in the early 2000s. As part of the financial recovery, the company aimed to create original themes that would appeal to children and adults. Due to the rising public interest in Japanese anime during this period, which was driven by shows like Dragon Ball Z, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh, The Lego Group made the decision to create an original anime-inspired theme.
Release
The Exo-Force theme launched in 2006 with the first wave of toy sets. The first wave of sets sold well enough in the first year to continue the theme with a second and third wave. However, after three years Exo-Force was discontinued and the storyline was never completed. Lego Community Development Manager Jan Beyer explained, "Regarding the low sales of the Exo-Force line, the decision was made to stop the line at the end of 2008. The sales were good in 2006 but in 2007 the sales did not meet the expectations and the expectation was that even an expensive marketing campaign could not get the sales to the expected level."
Story
On Sentai Mountain, a peaceful civilization exists where advanced robots and the ancient way of life go hand in hand. But one day, a golden robot named Meca One leads the robots to revolt against the humans. Fights between the humans and robots break out, unleashing uncontrollable energies that divide the mountain in two. The humans eventually overcome the robots and cast them into the gorge.
The humans build bridges to link the two halves of the mountain. The most important bridge they built is the Tenchi (天地 "heaven & earth") Bridge. Some humans, including Sensei Keiken, fear that the robots might come back someday, so Keiken promptly begins to construct armored battle machines for defense. But before the humans' preparations are complete, the robot legions, armed with battle machines of their own, catch the humans by surprise and quickly seize control of the southern half of the mountain. More powerful than ever, their primary aim is to completely drive humanity from Sentai Mountain. Keiken hurriedly recruits new pilots to man the battle machines and Exo-Force is born.
The Exo-Force storyline for 2006 culminates in the Battle of Sentai Fortress when Meca One unleashes an all-out assault on the humans. After a narrow victory, Keiken decides that Exo-Force is too vulnerable in the Sentai Fortress and that they need an "edge" to defeat the robots.
The 2007 storyline centers around Exo-Force's discovery of the legendary Golden City at the top of Sentai Mountain and mysterious secret codes therein which could be used to unlock powerful technology. Keiken's hope is that this technology will provide the crucial key to defeating the robots.
In the 2008 storyline, Keiken is captured, and is being held captive by the robots in the jungle at the base of Sentai Mountain. The Exo-Force pilots must rescue their leader in this hostile jungle environment that holds the secret to what gave the robots life and the will to destroy. This plot was not resolved and the theme was discontinued after a single online comic.
Main characters
Humans
- Hikaru (光; "light", "shining"): Hikaru is serious, silent, and wants to win. He prefers to work solo, but has learned to count on his teammates. He is a natural tactician and commander, though he can seem cold or overly logical at times. Hikaru is an incredible marksman and highly skilled at aerial combat.
- Takeshi (武; "military", "warrior", "chivalry") - Takeshi is grim, fierce, and a little crazy. He lives for one thing – to smash robots and their battle machines into tiny little pieces. Unlike Hikaru, Takeshi is much more likely to react instinctively and emotionally in a crisis, rather than relying on logic and planning.
- Ryo (亮; "bright", "clear"): Ryo talks and moves fast. He is a whiz with any kind of tool or circuit. He was part of the design team that created many of the battle machines used by Exo-Force. Ryo is incredibly gifted at engineering and repair work, with a real flair for technological improvisation in a crisis.
- Ha-Ya-To (隼人; "falcon person"): Ha-Ya-To is adventurous, a joker, and loves to fly. He's at his happiest and is most comfortable in the air, even if it means putting himself in harm's way. He is addicted to the adrenaline rush of battle and usually has a joke on his lips no matter how bad the situation.
- Keiken (経験; "experience"): As Exo-Force's aged and wise leader, Keiken has a long history. It was he who first designed Meca One, the robot who later led the rebellion against the human race. Stern, paternal, firm in his convictions and universally respected, Keiken provides the guidance the young pilots need.
- Hitomi (瞳; "pupil"): Granddaughter of Sensei Keiken, Hitomi showed an aptitude for mechanical work from an early age. She is smart and smart-mouthed; a risk-taker who feels she has something to prove. During a fierce robot attack, she had the opportunity to commandeer an untested battle machine, the Blazing Falcon. Using it to defeat the robots, her heroism left Keiken no choice but to make her a full member of Exo-Force. After Sensei Keiken was kidnapped by Meca One, Hitomi was surprised to find out that her grandfather had left instructions that she should be in charge of Exo-Force in the event of his capture.
Robots
- Meca One: Meca One is cold, ruthless, and logical. As the first robot ever to rebel against the humans, Meca One is now the supreme leader of the robot army. Meca One has replicated itself as a safety measure, which makes it more difficult for Exo-Force to simply target Meca One and try to end the rebellion that way. He is colored gold with red eyes.
- Devastator: Devastators are sly, cunning, and cruel. These silver robots are the elite troops of the robot rebellion. Devastators have been known to go out of their way to cause damage to civilian dwellings, or to pursue wounded battle machines for long distances just to finish them off. Exo-Force pilots have reported seeing Devastators of various colors.
- Iron Drone: Iron Drones are strong and durable. As the foot soldiers for the robot army, they are very good at following orders, but terrible at improvising in an unexpected situation or devising any kind of strategy.
Construction sets
According to BrickLink, The Lego Group released a total of 38 Lego sets as part of the Lego Exo-Force theme. It was discontinued by the end of 2008. In 2006, the theme released a variety of individual battle machines, such as Grand Titan and Mobile Defence Tank, and robot machines, such as Thunder Fury. The largest sets were Striking Venom, the robot's battle station, and Sentai Fortress. In 2007, the story was set in the Golden City, with the Fight for the Golden Tower set at its centre. The Exo-Force also had newly designed mecha. In 2008, the story moved to the jungle, which introduced new toy vehicles, such as Storm Lasher and Hybrid Rescue Tank. The minifigures in this theme were created with a unique style that included cartoon-style hair pieces and anime-style faces.
Original sets
The motto for Exo-Force in 2006 was "Time to Power Up!". 16 sets were released in 2006:
- Stealth Hunter (set number: 7700) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 164 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Hikaru. Unit Designation is A.01 龍翼 (Dragon Wing) and Alternative Model is Stealth Wasp.
- Grand Titan (set number: 7701) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 194 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Takeshi. Unit Designation is L.01 龍牙 (Dragon Fang) and Alternative Model is Titan Tracker.
- Thunder Fury (set number: 7702) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 197 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Devastator (Red). Unit Designation is TF.7702 and Alternative Model is Fire Fury.
- Fire Vulture (set number: 7703) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 177 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Devastator (Blue). Unit Designation is FV.7703 and Alternative Model is Hover Hawk.
- Sonic Phantom (set number: 7704) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 215 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Devastator (Green). Unit Designation is SP.7704 and Alternative Model is Speeder Phantom.
- Gate Assault (set number: 7705) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 402 pieces with 5 minifigures. The set included Ha-Ya-To, Human Soldier and 3 Iron Drones minifigures. Gate Defender Unit Designation is A.02 鷹 (Falcon) and Sentry II Unit Designation is 7705. Alternative Models is Swift and Blockade Bulldozer.
- Mobile Defense Tank (set number: 7706) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 365 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included a minifigure of Ryo and Human Soldier. Unit Designation is AT.02 登山車 (Mountain Climbing Vehicle) and Alternative Model is Advance Tactical Unit.
- Striking Venom (set number: 7707) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 646 pieces with 7 minifigures. The set included Meca One and 6 Iron Drone minifigures. Unit Designation is SV.7707 and Alternative Model is Frontline Barricade.
- Uplink (set number: 7708) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 69 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Ryo. Unit Designation is AT.01 虎 (Tiger) and Alternative Model and Link Transporter.
- Sentai Fortress (set number: 7709) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 1408 pieces with 8 minifigures. The set included Keiken, Hikaru, Takeshi, Ryo, Ha-Ya-To, Meca One and 2 Iron Drone minifigures. Silent Strike Unit Designation is A.04 天王 (Sky King). Alternative Models is Sentai Tower and Blightrunner.
- Sentry (set number: 7711) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 78 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Iron Drone. Unit Designation is 7711 and Alternative Model is Laser Sentry.
- Supernova (set number: 7712) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 283 pieces with 1 minifigure. The set included a minifigure of Takeshi. Unit Designation is L.02 炎王 (Flame King) and Alternative Model is Nova Crawler.
- 'Bridge Walker vs. White Lightning (set number: 7713) was released in 2006. The set consisted of 632 pieces with 4 minifigures. The set included Ha-Ya-To, Meca One and 2 Devastator minifigures. White Lightning Unit Designation is A.03 白雷 (White Thunder) and Bridge Walker Unit Designation is BW.7713. Alternative Models is Fire Eagle and Raven Attacker.
Golden City sets
15 sets were released in 2007: