Despite everything being in Lego form, Traveller’s Tales has managed to capture the essence of the timeless awesomeness
Graphically, the XBOX 360 version of Lego Star Wars II is a visual Lego treat. As was the case with the first Lego Star Wars title, the game design company has done an excellent job of making the whole Star Wars universe out of Legos. Expect to see all of the major (and numerous minor) characters, along with settings and scenes that remind you of their film counterparts. Don’t let the Lego-ness of Lego Star Wars concern you in the graphics department, the visuals are all-around sharp and pleasing. My only main issue with the game is the lack of discretion when using all of the various eye candy, including fog effects. The effects look great but have the unfortunate ability to make the frame rate stutter and crawl, which can make the game feel distinctly unpolished at times. The gameplay featured in Lego Star Wars II is absolutely top-notch. Traveller’s Tales has managed to imbue most of the levels with an excellent mixture of puzzle solving and action. Furthermore, Lego Star Wars II allows two people to play cooperatively in any game level or mode, which adds a great deal of entertainment to an already slick package. The addition of in-game cut scenes is also a great asset to the title, giving familiar Star Wars fans memorable scenes with a Lego twist. In terms of actual levels, the game features approximately 20 levels that go along with the three films, additional bounty hunter levels, and a bonus Lego level that can be unlocked. In short, each stage is filled to the brim with various types of puzzles, enemies, and often times vehicles to build and ride in. One of the great strengths of both this Lego sequel and the original is the re-playability of each level in the game. Beyond the main objective of collecting as many Lego studs as possible, each level features 10 hidden mini-kit pieces and numerous red blocks (which allow you to purchase new cheats and hidden features). In other words, expect to run through these levels quite a bit to find and collect everything each level has to offer. The only real negative gameplay aspect in Lego Star Wars II is the absolute lack of XBOX Live connectivity. Given Traveller’s Tales relative inexperience with the XBOX 360 and XBOX live, it comes as little surprise that the game lacks any type of online play, competitive or cooperative. The flying levels of the game are also a tad weak in regards to controls. Despite the free roaming nature of the flying levels, the vehicles are confined to relatively small areas so you spend a great deal of time turning around or better yet, bouncing off of walls or barriers. One of the greatest strengths of the Lego Star Wars line is the authentic audio experience. The music is crisp, convincing, and generally matches the mood of a particular level. The memorable scenes of the movies are also punctuated by specific audio cues, providing a fun experience that sounds like Star Wars, there is no confusing this game with any other franchise. Traveller’s Tales took particular care in using extended and remixed versions of your favorite tunes, so despite the long length of some levels, you aren’t all that likely to get sick of the music. The sound effects are also excellent, every major and minor sound effect that you know and love from the films is present. Expect to hear the slice of lightsabers, the whine of blasters pretty often, and the clattering of Lego pieces quite frequently. In terms of value, Lego Star Wars II packs a fair amount into the $50 sticker price, especially if you have local friends who are Star Wars nuts. The main story line levels can finished in as little as 3 or 4 hours, but completing additional tasks like finding mini-kits and unlocking all of the characters can demand a lot of additional time. The additional $10 for the XBOX 360 version is a tough call though, since the 360 version features slightly better graphics, achievement points, and the possibility of new downloadable content. At either the $50 or $40 (every platform besides XBOX 360), this game is an excellent gaming investment.
After looking at the entire package that is Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy contains, the game is ideal for both Star Wars fans and action-fans alike. Near-perfect graphics, gameplay, and sound effects along with a ton of activities makes for a hellishly enticing game. Self-professed Star Wars geeks will love the game, since all of the major events in the story arc are present, along with a smattering of little touches and extra characters. Even those who have little interest in Star Wars will find a lot to enjoy in this game, given the solid gameplay and superb presentation. Despite everything being in Lego form, Traveller’s Tales has managed to capture the essence of the timeless awesomeness of Star Wars and Legos.