As most of us will be aware the concept of combining our favourite construction toy Lego with game ideas picked randomly out of a hat is not a new one. We have even seen a multiplayer online Lego construction game (the free Blockland, if you're interested) which, odly enough, is the best Lego themed game I have seen so far.
That is, however, until some genius over at Traveller's Tales decided to mix the awesomeness of Lego with the equal-if-not-greater awesomeness of Star Wars. As if this wasn't enough they threw in co-operative making it, hands down, the best Lego themed game to hit the shelves to date.
Lego Star Wars doesn't just give you one episode to play with, but all three of George Lucas' latest episodes- The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. A host of different game types are available throughout these Episodes ranging from hack and slashing your way through levels with light sabres to blitzing across deserts in Pod Racers or commandeering a number of other vehicles which often bring a refreshing and fun change to the gameplay.
Lego Star Wars features a host of playable characters from the films, over 30 in fact, many of which have their own unique weapons and skills to help you through levels. If you need a hand a second player can drop into the action at any time, and both players can switch at will between any of the friendly characters on-screen- ever wanted to walk a mile in C3PO's shoes? You can!
Despite everything in the game being heavily Lego-themed and all the playable characters being, you guessed it, typical Lego men the game stays very true to the atmosphere of the film. With genuine sound effects supplied by Skywalker Studio, the ability to deflect shots with a lightsabre, levitate objects with "the force" and smash the living bejesus out of many pieces of scenery the game can be a fast-paced manic slash-fest. Expect to find yourselves hacking or blasting your way through waves of Droids whilst being showered with multi-coloured Lego coins from exploding pieces of scenery.
To keep the game as replayable as possible most of the 30-something available characters are unlockable, additionally collectables in the game unlock hidden levels and vehicles and keep the replay value up enough to satisfy you and a group of friends playing it solidly through the night (Soul Calibur 2 was good for that, as well). Once you have unlocked a character you can go into free-play mode and use them in any of the levels, letting you play characters in completely different scenarios than those they appear in in the films. With some characters unique abilities this means you can revisit levels and find new areas and collectables.
Lego Star Wars is one of those games you really should play with a friend or a group of friends. On your own it is still fairly playable but as every game lover knows - nothing beats good co-operative play. Lego Star Wars is a rare gem amongst the hordes of samey-platformers we have to put up with today, it's a game you can always go back to and a great title for quick gaming blasts with your mates, it's a definite must-have title.
Philip Howard
