Reviews

Jonny finds out what happens when the world's biggest toy collides with the galaxy's most epic story.

It's difficult not to delight in the details at first.

"Oooh, look at his wikkle Lego lightsaber!" you'll squeal, "And his wikkle Lego legs!".

This novelty, of seeing everything from the prequel-era Star Wars Universe, painstakingly re-created with Lego bricks, is almost enough to keep you going through the whole game. Lego Droidekas, Lego Gungans, Lego racing pods - Lego everything!

Taking a crew (from over 30 playable characters - most of whom need to be unlocked), you'll play through memorable moments from Episodes I, II and the-as-yet-unreleased Episode III. This means you'll witness the surprisingly cute death of Qui-Gon at the hands of Darth Maul (but like, a sweet, Lego Darth Maul), you'll race in the Boonta Eve Classic pod race as a little Lego "Anni" Skywalker, and you'll battle Count Dooku with the combined forces of Obi Wan, Anakin and of course, Yoda. I was not a fan of Yoda with a lightsaber in the film - it was lame - but in the game, it rocks. Even the scene where a teary-eyed Fett Jr is holding the severed head of his own father is somehow cute and funny.

finally, a use for the Gungan fool

All of the characters have different abilities, which is necessary for progressing through most levels, but mostly just offers a selection of different gameplay styles. I mean, ancient weapons and hokey religions are no match for a decent blaster at your side sometimes, right? Some characters carry blasters and grappling hooks, droids can open doors and access terminals - hell, even the terminally useless Jar Jar has some worth - he can jump higher than other characters.

The gameplay is mostly solid if unspectacular and always good simple fun. Returning laser fire to sender with a slash of your lightsaber, or using The Force to send enemies flying or rearrange the scenery, is great. A couple of vehicular sections, such as the pod race, break up the 3D platforming action nicely, and there are plenty of secrets to keep you coming back for more.

One wonderful feature of the game is its "drop in, drop out" multiplayer mode. If someone fancies joining in, all they have to do is whack a second joypad in and they can take control of one of the other characters. If they then want to drop out again at any time they can - it's simplicity itself.

There are some glaring flaws which can on occasion make gameplay more niggly than it should be. The intelligence of any secondary character you are not controlling is laughable - not only will they fail to be of any use in some of the game's bigger battles, but in certain areas they'll also randomly commit suicide because of a basic inability to traverse the environments, while the puzzles are rudimentary at best.

Lego Star Wars brings nothing new to the toybox and does not offer the hardened gamer much of a challenge. However, it's extremely entertaining, rarely annoying, and always, always stylish. It renders an often dark and violent universe in primary-coloured saccharine sweetness, making it a perfect game for the kids, or for the adult male of that age range who has not grown out of doing Chewie impressions and lightsaber noises at work. Here's to a sequel based on Episodes IV, V and VI!

GAME's Verdict

• Little Lego Lightsabers!
• You just wanna hug Darth Maul.
• Loads and loads of fun!

• Hideous AI.
• Puzzles a little rudimentary even for kids.
• Prequels < Original Trilogy.

Review by: Jonny Austin
Version Tested: PS2
Review Published: 12.04.05