Slizer / Throwbots

In 1999 and 2000 the Technic line included a totally new theme called Throwbots in North America and Slizer elsewhere.  These were not made from traditional Technic parts, did not have traditional Technic functions, and were not vehicular scale models.  Rather, these were anthropomorphic robotic dolls.  The common function was a printed disc projectile.  Each model featured a hand or claw made of a flexible material which could grip a disc and then, after being bent back, throw the disc.  The system didn't work very well at all which may explain why this theme didn't last very long, but the basic idea of such models was continued with Roboriders and eventually Bionicle.
Each model was a different color and the color matched a themed name and personality.  Many models also had a unique printed robotic "face".  Articulation of the limbs was accomplished with large ball joints held in position with friction.  The single mechanical function in each set tended to be a geared articulation point in the middle of the body.

This marked the first foray in collectible models.  Not only were buyers encouraged to "collect them all" in the catalogs, but some parts were random.  Each set came with two of the printed throwable discs, but many more variations existed.  Discs could be purchased separately as a Supplemental Set, but there was no way to know what was inside.  To get them all, you were ensured many duplicates as well.  The theme was intended to have a story of sorts, and that story is partly told by looking at the pictures on the discs in a certain order.

An assortment of Slizer discs

Special parts for the Slizer theme

In general, the models only had 30-45 parts, but there were also two larger models: 8520 and 8523.  Each model came with a color coded plastic case instead of a generic cardboard box.  Each case included slots for 6 additional discs, had a flip open lid, and featured a belt loop on the back for easy carrying.  These sets are a source of Technic gears in odd colors which were not available anywhere else.  The parts palette in general is highly specialized and does not use traditional Technic parts.