Every once in a while video games are released that you just know are going to become classics. Like The Matrix of the movie world, sometimes a long video game arrives that brings a freshness that is totally satisfying. Not that they’re flawless (we’ll get to that), but they’re special enough that you don’t really notice them. Star Wars Legos sets fit this bill, and in particular, LEGO Star Wars II. From the quirky and comedic style of the game that establishes the entire theme of the game, to the complex character interaction and multiple game modes, the video game is gaining a growing fan base. Despite the great features, there are also some annoyances worth mentioning. This article will provide an overview of Lego Star Wars and some of the main features that are attracting fans from all over the world.
If I had to sum up its main selling point, it would have to be the comical sense of fun the game creates. The whole idea of a video game based on Lego characters based on a movie series has to be a great starting point for a parody game! From the way the classic scenes are done in a comedic style to the way Chewie rips the arms off of stormtroopers, it’s pretty hard not to smile when playing the game. The graphics are also perfect, somehow they have the perfect animation, they move like you would expect Lego characters to move. Not that I’ve ever seen a move, of course.
Star Wars Lego II is suitable for both adults and children, and because it has multiplayer and multicharacter functionality, adults can jump in and help out when needed. Dedicated Star Wars fans will be delighted to hear classical music by John Williams accompany the game as it progresses through the different chapters and episodes. It covers episodes 4-6 and follows the movies pretty closely in story mode.
The game has two main modes to play: the story mode, in which you can recreate the scenes from the movie, and the free play mode. It probably takes around 5 hours of playtime to complete all three episodes in story mode, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of fun in free play. In this mode, you can go off script so to speak and use different or new characters in different roles and explore alternate areas within the game. Some characters can access special areas that may not be available in story mode. Ewoks, for example, can enter through vents and hatches into areas that are inaccessible to others.
The characters are really the heart of the game. The way they interact and the way you can interact with them is what makes the Star Wars Legos game so great. As you progress through the episodes (or in free play mode), you must use different characters to solve different problems. Each character has a unique attribute; for example, Jedi can use The Force and droids can open certain doors. You play one character at a time and can switch between them to complete the various areas. More than one person can play at the same time. You can even create your own characters: Han Solo’s head with Princess Leia’s body with Darth’s legs, if that’s what turns you on. You can also name your characters.
Using a save game from the original Lego Star Wars will give you an additional 50 characters that you can unlock. You unlock characters and buy “cheats” by earning money, which is achieved by destroying the enemy or certain objects along the way.
There were some problems using the game. Probably the most annoying thing I found was the lack of camera control, a legacy of the original Star Wars Legos game. Ol’ Chewie can be a bit annoying when he goes into arm ripping mode just when you want him to be shooting in a firefight. In fact, that’s a general problem: characters go into melee automatically and this can be a bit frustrating at times. If you’re busy knocking down walls or whatever and your friend gets too close, you’ll find that you fry him too.
My final point is to remember that this game is all about fun and entertainment. Actually, there are not many challenges in Star Wars Legos games. If you are a hardcore, ultra-competitive gamer, this is not for you. If you want a little laugh and a bit of entertainment, here’s a winner.