LEGO Star Wars

 “Sometimes, we have to step back from the hardcore, down and dirty world of serious video gaming and sample something more gentle and innocent”. Yes, that’s what I tell people when I see their reaction to finding out I have been playing Lego Star Wars: The Video Game. You see, it’s a kid’s game. I am an adult and not supposed to be entertained by such. I can buy and play any rated “M” game I want, so why bother playing a Lego game?!!  Because it’s darn fun.

What would happen if you took the fairly serious (excluding Jar Jar) world of Star Wars and mixed it with a childhood staple like Legos? You get a hilarious, engaging adventure game that should be played by anyone that likes Star Wars OR wants to experience something different for a change of pace. OK, it may lean a bit on the “easy” side for some of us, but it’s definitely not for kids, only.

The game focuses on Episodes 1-3, though characters from all of the films are scattered throughout the adventure. Plus, they have about 40 playable characters, not just cameos. You have to unlock a great deal of them, but they are there. Some of the characters are crucial to gameplay. For example, some doors need a Droid’s touch to open them and some heights can only be reached with Jar Jar’s leaping ability. Aside from such distractions, it’s hard to not want a more glamorous character on the screen.

The Force is with you, literally. As a Jedi, you can use your mystical powers to move and break apart (Lego violence!) objects to reveal goodies all over the game. Collect coins and power-ups to enhance the game’s depth. Not only are the objects easily destroyed, but they are visibly constructed of Legos—and follow the physics of Lego blocks down to every seam and bevel. Destroy something and watch it disassemble into fragments that can sometimes be reassembled into something else. Just like Legos! Amazing!!

The sound is excellent, with a delightfully perfect score from the actual films. The characters are rather mute, though the droids chirp and whistle at the right times. The sabers buzz and the blocks rattle when blown apart. There’s a lot of audio detail for a game created around plastic toys.

The graphics are top notch, and faithfully mix the look of the tiny toys with movement that’s not too awkward. They have stubby, plastic legs, but move pretty well. There are fun animations to watch and cut scenes to brag to your friends about seeing. There’s a cute glimpse into Episode 3 throughout.

It’s a fun game to play, and more fun to re-play without the “pressure” of unlocking and gaining ground. In Free Play, just go out and have fun exploring the Land of Lucas. The addition of pod-racing and other vehicle escapes just add to the fun already had by playing the actual characters. Though a minor part of the whole puzzle, driving around gives you a break from exploring and busting-up bad droids all over the galaxy.

Gameplay: 8.8
The game plays a lot better than you might think. The controls and learning curve are great—but not boring. There are still some things to learn before you master your moves, but once you get rolling, it’s easily addictive. Some of it borders on too easy-- for well-seasoned gamers, but it still remains fun and engaging. 

Graphics: 9.0
It looks as good as it plays. Every detail of a Lego set are there and faithful in their physics. The players have the Lego-look, and are fun to move around. The vehicles are no different, and offer a neat alternative to looking at stubby characters parading about for hours. The sets look like they’ve been dropped in from of actual dioramas, and its fun to witness that. 

Sound: 7.5
The audio is superb and faithful to the films. John William’s score is heavy throughout, and the sound of exploding Legos abound. Blasters and sabers sound great, which can be expected with the Skywalker Sound touch. 

Difficulty: Easy
The game is fairly easy for any age group. Though more simple for experienced gamers, it is still challenging enough to keep you interested. In some games, “easy” is a warning and a turn-off. In the world of Lego, easy just means you get to do more without having to battle complex controls or study a 80 page manual just to get through a starter level. 

Concept: 7.0
It’s one of the most original adaptations of a movie into a game that I have seen. I thought cel-shading was unique, but this is even more interesting. The shame is, many people will snub their noses at this “kid’s game” and pass it up. It’s a lot of original fun for all kinds of demographics. Look for a landslide of similar games to come out in the future. Will we see Sam the Hobbit as a Weeble?? 

Multiplayer: 
You can play alone with the AI, or a friend can drop in/drop out easily. There are no complicated restarts to add/remove a player. It’s very seamless and easy to come and go, which is great for younger players.

Overall: 8
It’s an amazing game with a lot of fun for any age. I think Star Wars fans will buy this, anyway—but just in case someone thinks they’re too “hard core” to play with animated Lego people—don’t miss out. It’s made for kids, but you’d have to be pretty jaded and close-minded to ignore the fun that’s to be had by playing this game. There are plenty of secrets, characters and action to unlock. It’s really a keeper of a game, and one that is a refreshing addition to my otherwise standard array of “tougher” games. When it comes to exploring and expanding, the Force is with this title—and more.