Review: 71316 Umarak the Destroyer - The Titan of G2 Villains
Welcome back to another Mata Nui Monday here at All-Out Brick! Today we’re diving into one of the most formidable sets from Bionicle’s Generation 2 line—Umarak the Destroyer. Released as the large villain set for the latter half of 2016, this build marks the final form of Umarak following his mutation by the Mask of Control.
Let’s break down the lore, packaging, build experience, and our final thoughts on this towering threat to the Toa.
Lore: The Birth of the Destroyer
After succumbing to the powers of Makuta through the Mask of Control, Umarak transformed into Umarak the Destroyer—a hulking, corrupted version of his former self. With his newfound strength, he raised the Shadow Horde (covered in our last review) and was tasked with recovering the Mask of Ultimate Power. This mission was vital to Makuta’s plan to escape the Shadow Realm, making Umarak the Destroyer a key player in G2's climactic storyline.
Packaging Overview
The box design mirrors that of the Kopaka & Melum Unity Set in terms of size and keeps the vibrant green hue seen across 2016’s villains. The artwork shows Umarak in a dramatic stance, backdropped by an energized volcano that gives off serious Lion King vibes. Hunched in the background is Ekimu, the legendary mask maker—who we’ll be taking a closer look at next week.
The back of the box uses the standard G2 layout, featuring promotions for the wave’s other villain sets, a few play feature highlights, and a mini comic strip depicting a showdown with Ekimu.
Build Time & First Impressions
The build took about 21 minutes to complete. It felt like a satisfying blend of a classic Titan-style set with more refined limb construction. The design carries that unmistakable "final boss" energy, instantly elevating the figure's presence on the shelf.
Umarak the Destroyer: Set Review
The first thing you'll notice is the sheer beastly presence this set delivers. With bulk centered around the upper body and massive clawed hands, the figure immediately feels more brute than hunter. The color scheme pops with vibrant neon transparent elements that pair surprisingly well with the darker tones of black and bluish-gray.
Design Continuity:
Despite his transformation, there are strong callbacks to the original Umarak the Hunter:
- Shoulder pads reuse Shadow Trap elements.
- The leg construction is stylistically similar to the original set.
- A chain strand still hangs from his chest, maintaining that visual lineage
That said, the Destroyer and Hunter give off very different vibes. The Hunter is more stealthy and sleek—almost assassin-like—while the Destroyer is all about raw intimidation.
Play Features & Articulation:
The articulation in the arms and legs is solid. Each finger is on a ball joint, and the claws are connected to a system that lets you open and close the fist using a Bohrok eyepiece mechanism. A waist gear system also allows for torso twisting, adding dynamic posing options.
However, the neck is a weak point. It’s attached via Technic pins and doesn’t allow for real tilting or rotation—just a wiggle if you're actively playing with it. For posing, this is a definite letdown.
Detailing & Aesthetics:
This set includes two stickers on the chest piece (a rarity for G2, which usually features printed parts). Interestingly, this is the same chest piece used in the 2015 Onua Master of Earth set.
On the back, there’s at least some effort to cover things up with a single armor plate at the lower portion. While I would’ve liked to see another piece to clean up the upper back, I’ll take what I can get.
The Corrupted Mask of Control
One of the standout pieces in this set is the Corrupted Mask of Control. While it bears similarities to the original version, this beastly variant features:
- Exposed teeth
- Engraved defects
- Radiating glowing energy
It’s menacing, though I’ve heard others joke that the transparent bits look like clown hair—and now I can’t unsee it. Due to the bottom jaw of the set, you unfortunately can’t attach the original Mask of Control, which would’ve been a cool feature for comparison.
Current Market Pricing
Looking to pick up Umarak the Destroyer for your own collection? Here’s what you can expect to spend:
- Used condition: Around $90
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New/sealed condition: Typically $140+
Final Score & Verdict
Score: 8.2/10
As the largest G2 set, Umarak the Destroyer makes good on delivering a premium experience. While it may not top Umarak the Hunter in terms of character design or poseability, this set delivers on being an imposing, final-form villain. It pairs well with the Elemental Beasts and serves as a worthy opponent to the Toa and Elemental Creatures alike.
If you're collecting G2 sets or looking for a centerpiece villain, Umarak the Destroyer is absolutely worth considering.
Want to see this build in action? Check out the full video below on the All-Out Brick YouTube Channel, and don't forget to subscribe for more Bionicle content, set reviews, and building guides every Mata Nui Monday.
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