Lego Star Wars - The Game

Take a minute to look at the picture to your right. Isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen? That's the appeal of Lego Star Wars (LSW). It takes everything you know and cuteifies it. More importantly, it doesn't take away the fun, and definitely adds to the appeal.

LSW takes your throughout the entire prequel trilogy, from the Trade Federation cruiser to the Geonosis Arena to the rise of Darth Vader (in cute Lego form). There are two major aspects to the game - Story Mode and Free Play. Story Mode is what it says on the tin - a game taking you through the entire prequel trilogy. Everything isn't included but you get the main parts of every film.

Episode 1
The Trade Federation Ship
Pod Racing
The Duel With Darth Maul

Episode 2
Kamino
Geonosis Arena
Duel With Dooku

Episode 3
*cut due to spoilers*
Duel with Anakin Skywalker

These are just some levels from the game. But believe it or not, the story mode isn't the best part, fun though it is. The best part is Free Play. That's where LSW does what Episode 3 - The Game should have done: You can play any level with any character. There are close to 50 characters to choose from ranging from Obi-Wan to Obi-Wan (Episode 2) to C3P0 to General Grievious to Captain Panaka to Princess Leia to Rebel Trooper to Gonk Droid. The list literally goes on for ages. Every character has a specifc ability that you'll need to get every single part and lego stud to unlock that evasive secret level. For example, Jedi (and Sith) can use the Force. Jar Jar can just pretty high, as can Grievious. Padme, Panaka et al have blasters and grappling hooks. R2 can float and his camp assistant can open certain doors. What this pretty much means is that it's impossible to finish a level 100% the first time around. There will always be a door you can't open, a part you can't reach or a chasm just an inch too wide. During free play, there are two things you have to collect - Lego Studs and Parts. There are 17 bars on the top of your scree (and incidently enough, 17 levels), and when you fill every one with enough Lego Studs, you create a ship, wherein lies a secret level. I won't spoil it for you but it leads beautifully onto Lego Star Wars 2 - The Original Trilogy. The other things are Lego Parts. 8 in each level. You just create a gallery of Star Wars ships. Nothing too amazing other than the Lego Stud bonus it gives you for unlocking the many cheat codes and bonus'. You want to fight evil with a Lego Tea Cup? You got it.

The multiplayer is also a great laugh. Since there are always two or more characters with each other in a level, players can just drop in or out, with the computer getting or relinquishing control from players.

Graphically, it's perfect. Everything is Lego. From Jedi to Droids to Locales. It's all beautifully modelled. You can even use the Force to remodel the landscape to reach areas not previously accessable. The planets and ships, though made from Lego, are still instantly recognisable.

Sound wise, like most Star Wars games, it's perfect. No real need to elaborate here. John Williams. Lightsabers. Blasters. Enough said really.

Gameplay wise, it's a load of fun. From the excellent multiplayer support to the huge replayability factor, it has a lot of what would have made Episode 3 a much better game. There's also a twisted fun factor in replaying the whole game as Sideous, or the challenge of replaying it with a hyperactive ancient Jedi Master. There's so much to do, and even more to bring you back again and again.

This game deserves a purchase. Nay, the games needs a purchase. If Star Wars makes you relive your childhood, this game literally brings you back to it. And on top of all that, it's about $10 cheaper than normal games. What are you waiting for? Pick it up. Highly recommended.

Overall Score: (Out of a possible 5)