Slizer
| Subject | Fighting robots |
|---|---|
| Availability | 1999–2000 |
Slizer, also known as ThrowBots in the US, was a line of Lego toys released in early 1999. The series was initially centered on eight characters, each with their own Lego set. Each of the sets released in 1999 were thematically designed according to their habitat. There were two loosely defined plots tying all the characters together, depending on localization. In both cases, the plot encouraged the eight characters to be combined into two big characters. Each set's instruction manual contained a quarter of the instructions for their corresponding combination model.
All the characters were built around a common Frisbee-throwing gimmick, and for each character there were six different disks available, each with unique designs printed on them. Two standard disks were included with each set - one for the character included, and one for another - while the rest of the disks were sold separately in randomized supplementary packs. This was the first time Lego attempted to make a product line on the hero-specific collector and trading mechanic, a mechanic that was later refined and reused in Lego RoboRiders in late 1999, and the much more popular and long-lived Bionicle line from 2001. The Bionicle sets are also notable for reusing and evolving the Lego-Technic ball-joints introduced with the Slizers.
Much like the later RoboRiders and Bionicle lines, the Slizer sets came in hard plastic containers as opposed to cardboard packaging. The Sizer/Throwbots packaging differed however in that it was a clamshell "pod" that could be threaded onto a belt, rather than the canisters used in Roboriders and Bionicle. This made it easier to transport the figure around for play away from home.
The product line was extended in early 2000, with four new "mutant" characters and one new disk-set, not long before the entire line was discontinued, proceeded by Lego RoboRiders. Three of these last four sets could be combined into a larger figure.
The American and European localization was significantly different. In North America, the line was released as ThrowBots, while in Europe and other countries it was dubbed Slizer. The name of the eight habitats and the plot surrounding them also differs between the two localizations.
In the American localization, the characters were spread across eight different planets. Seven of the planets had their own habitat and environment, while the eight planet served as a dome where fighters from all seven planets settled disputes or fought in duels.
In the European localization, all the characters were present on one single planet. The planet was divided into seven equally sized segments, one for each habitat and with the dome on the center pole. This setting opens for more interaction between the characters.
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