What makes LEGO Star Wars truly unique is that players will be in control of at least two characters at a time, and sometimes as many as six. But that's where it's similarities to other titles ends. Using basic strikes and defensive skills, players will regularly chop or blast their way through an unending army of Stormtroopers, Sand People, and Bounty Hunters while fighting the occasional boss or mid-boss every couple of levels. The main gameplay mechanics are essentially the same one-dimensional bits that make up most actioners out there (with an attack, jump, and special button available).
Explaining how LEGO Star Wars works is actually quite simple. In other words, The Original Trilogy is almost the perfect sequel. There are even a number of additions that are new for the series altogether and extra mini-games thrown in just for the heck of it. Its stage design, source material, musical score, visual presentation, and jokes are all of a higher quality than they were before. Like The Empire Strikes Back which inspired it, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy improves on its predecessor in just about every way. With a resume like that and three movies that could still be "LEGOfied" remaining, a sequel was inevitable.Įighteen months later we have it (and for the first time, on PSP).
With its unique art style, "pick up and play" mechanics, and the best use of a popular license that we'd seen in a long, long time, it literally came out of nowhere to win critics and consumers over with its charming mix of action and humor. One of last year's more pleasant surprises was undoubtedly LEGO Star Wars, the TT Games-developed ode to George Lucas' incredibly popular sci-fi universe.