LEGO Star Wars

A little while back in a galaxy that isn’t that far, far away a Star Wars-themed game was released on the PS2, Xbox and PC while managing to skip the GameCube altogether. Fortunately for us owners of the Cube we finally get our taste of LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game. Don’t worry, though, nothing was sacrificed bringing this game to Nintendo’s console so prepare to be pleasantly surprised by a game that just happens to be one of the most satisfying Star Wars action games of the year.

Like the title implies this is a Star Wars game with a LEGO twist meaning all the characters, crafts and even most objects are made of the building blocks we loved as tykes. The funny thing is that the game uses these same LEGO bricks and blocky characters to retell the recent Star Wars prequels beginning with Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace then moving on to Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and finally on to the epic conclusion that is Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The game pretty much outlines the three movies’ main theme of following Anakin Skywalker’s eventual fall to the Dark Side and his transformation from noble Jedi to the dark Sith Lord that is Darth Vader … only it’s told through LEGO characters.

Creatively skipping a main menu, you start off in Dexter’s Diner where you can freely move around and select from a number of options that will allow you to unlock extras, receive playing tips or hear to any of the four doors that contain the game’s three Episodes plus other notable extras. To unlock the other Episodes, though, you will have to go through Episode I where you’ll a number of levels that replay key moments of The Phantom Menace.  Starting with the failed negotiations aboard the Trade Federation ship, you’ll start the game as Master Qui-Gon Jin and a young Obi-Wan Kenobi and from there you will play through the events that lead up to the climactic battle for Naboo (and the cool lightsaber showdown between Qui-Gon, Obi-wan and Darth Maul). From there, of course, you open up the other Episodes.

There are lightsaber fights aplenty in this game and the charming part is that it’s pretty darn fun smashing the enemies into LEGO pieces. As the Jedi you will even get to use Force powers that will allow you to pull switches, push back enemies or lift objects to form jumping platforms or even bridges. Then again you will get to play as non-Jedi characters like Jar Jar Binks, Padme, Captain Panaka, C-3PO and even R2-D2. The best part is that each character brings his or her own unique skills that will not only prove useful during the game’s level but also for levels they were a part of in the first place (more on that a bit later). There are collectible items scattered throughout the game, the most important being LEGO studs you can trade in for extras you can unlock whenever you want to go back to Dexter’s Diner.

The level variety is also handled nicely enough. Sure there are plenty of lightsaber and blaster action segments but the game also wisely includes the pod race from Episode I and even space battles. Of course, the best parts of the movies were always the various Jedi confrontations from Obi-Wan’s battle with Jango Fett to Anakin’s first encounter with Count Dooku. Sure it’s done in LEGO but there’s still something exciting about going up against Darth Maul … LEGO or not. The other great part is that you can always go back to Dexter’s, unlock a character like R2-D2 and go back to any level you already played in Free Play mode and open an area that required R2’s personal touch. You’ll find that there are dozens of characters to unlock and use in this game and each character adds something different.

Control-wise the game isn’t very hard to figure out and that’s perfect for the younger gamer but older kids shouldn’t be turned off by its simplicity.  Never does the game talk down to players nor are many of the game’s various puzzles insultingly easy to solve. Its playing style leaves enough room to explore and there’s never a dull moment when enemies are around. The game can be played on your own but you can always invite a friend over to take control of the secondary character. Each level features at least another character you can assume control of if you’re alone (switching is done with the Y button when you’re near the playable character) but as a co-op game the second player can assume the role of either of the two controllable characters whether it’s Queen Amidala or Captain Panaka.

On the graphics front, LEGO Star Wars is a great-looking GameCube game with characters that aren’t cutesy but rather charming.  The cutscenes are silent but you’ll easily know the mood of the characters by their expressions or body language. Even blocky, characters like Darth Maul and General Grievous look menacing. The light saber effects look great as do the other effects Star Wars fans will be familiar with. It’s also fun to see the ships and most of the environments designed with the LEGO blocks. The rest of the environments are rendered nicely, particularly when it comes to water.

The game’s sound is composed mainly of its rich John Williams’ score that still very much sounds just as good as when you first heard it on the big screen as well as other Star Wars-themed games. The Star Wars sound effects can be found in this game as well but if you’re looking for sound clips or voice acting you are out of luck. No matter, though, the beautiful score and sound effects more than make up for it.

One of the most enjoyable Star Wars games released this year, LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game is a game with a lot to offer Star Wars fans young and old. The variety of levels are plentiful and the game’s puzzles will assure a great time for the gamer that’s looking for a solid action game true to the Star Wars movies even if the characters are made of LEGO. This one is a real treat for any GameCube owner or Star Wars fan.

Gameplay: 8.0
The pick-up-and-play controls and simplistic control scheme make it easier for the young and older gamers, but the use of Force powers as well as a few puzzles might turn off gamers six and under. The game covers some of the best moments from all three Episodes of the saga and will also allow you to play as everyone from Queen Amidala to Jar Jar Binks.

Graphics: 8.2
The game’s graphics look great on the GameCube and since this game tells the story through visual means that’s a very good thing. The characters don’t have to say much because the characters are great at conveying emotion. Sure the game’s look is very blockish, everything is LEGO after all, but the game is still gorgeous to look at.

Sound: 8.5
Despite the lack of dialogue or voice acting that goes beyond a few grunts or groans, the game makes up for it with its great John Williams’ soundtrack and wonderful sound effects. So pretty much everything from blasters to lightsabers sound the way it should and that’s a great thing.

Difficulty: Medium
While the game is built around a simplistic control scheme with even more simplistic actions, there are battles that will offer a nice challenge without getting too hard for the younger crowd. The puzzles are surprisingly creative.

Concept: 9.0
You’ll be playing through the memorable key moments of the three Star Wars prequels from the pod races from Episode I to the opening space battle from Episode III. There are secrets aplenty to unlock in Dexter’s Diner and a various characters you can pick and play as whenever you want to revisit a favorite level. Don’t let the LEGO brand fool you. This is a fun retelling of the three Star Wars films.

Multiplayer: 8.5
While its fun to play through the game on your own its even more fun grabbing a friend and playing through the levels cooperatively. That’s right, two players can take up the role of the likes of Qui-Gon while a friend plays as Obi-Wan or any other the other playable secondary characters you’ll meet throughout the game.

Overall: 8.3
LEGO Star Wars is one of the most genuinely enjoyable games that gamers of all ages can really enjoy. For the young crowd the game is wonderfully accessible and for the older crowd it will not fail to pull you into its charming interpretation of the Star Wars saga’s prequels. This is a Must Have for any Star Wars fan.