Last year, nerds everywhere rejoiced at the surprise hit, Lego Star Wars, which managed to combine two nerd loves: LEGOs and Star Wars. There were clones to defeat, force powers to use, lightsabers to wield, simple puzzles to solve, replayability in spades, and fantastic drop-in/drop-out multiplayer. So, how does one improve upon such greatness? By tweaking the original, adding features, and letting us play through the original Star Wars trilogy as acted by tiny, blocky, plastic people. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy has a lot going for it: it's simple, it's entertaining, and it's a better game than its predecessor.

Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, like its prequel, offers two play modes: story and free play. Control is wonderful in both modes and is only marginally different between the two. One button attacks, another jumps, a third performs context-sensitive actions (force powers, assemble LEGO pieces, toggle switches, etc.), and a fourth button toggles between available characters. The only difference in controls in free play mode is that shoulder buttons are used to toggle characters because only one or two characters are on screen (one in single player, two in multiplayer).
Controls are responsive, and never get in the way of the action and the humor, each or which are major selling points of the game. Action is fast-paced and frantic, but fair. It's completely possible to complete every level of the game without ever taking a hit. It's not probable (especially in two-player), but it can be done.

The development team clearly had a lot of fun creating LEGO Star Wars II, as scenes popularized by the classic films are lovingly recreated in LEGO form. Some liberties are taken along the way, but they're all entertaining and none are liable to make fans as angry as Lucas' did with his own edits (yes, Han shoots first here, calm down).
The mechanics and puzzles make the game a blast to play through, but LEGO Star Wars really shines when there's a friend in the room to play with. Accidental slaps that turn into deathmatches just aren't the same with an AI teammate, especially since AI shots are just for show: their blasters and sabers are set to "don't do a damn thing." Other improvements over the original include longer levels, vehicle levels that are actually playable in co-op, vehicles and mounts scattered about standard levels, and the ability to import your unlocked characters from the first game to use in the sequel.

However, no game is perfect, and LEGO Star Wars is no exception. It's shortcomings are few, but noticeable. First, where is the online support, especially on the Xbox 360, a console built around online gaming? Second, why do my companions deal no damage to the enemy units? I know I'm the one playing the game here, but when a lousy marksman accidentally shoots a Stormtrooper, I'd like it to mean something. Third, why can't the Xbox 360 version read an Xbox LEGO Star Wars save? It's great that the prequel trilogy characters are downloadable for a mere 200 points, but some of us have already played and unlocked those characters legitimately.

LEGO Star Wars is a wonderful game with only a small number of minor issues (one of which only applies to the Xbox 360 version). Drop-in multiplayer, replay in spades, and optional objectives give players a reason to continue playing and get their money's worth out of this title. If you like fun, this is a great addition your gaming library, regardless of age or skill level.

Score: 90%

Sep 30, 2006 | 0 comments
Justin Last