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The LEGO universe continues to expand and improve and just when it seemed as if the momentum couldn't get any stronger, it does!
For starters, I would like to let the record be known, that I am in no way or shape a Star Wars fan. I never could get invested in the lore behind the movies, and therefore was a little uneducated as far as the vast galaxy of Star Wars expands. I was familiar with the mechanics of LEGO games and a fan respectively, and I must say, LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the best LEGO title yet to be released. Filled to the brim with content, characters (of all different races and species), locations, fighter jets, and more, the universe just keeps getting bigger as more and more DLC keeps releasing. I found it almost too easy to become accustomed to the galaxy unknown and even as clueless as I thought I was, Force Awakens does an incredible job of keeping one up to speed with events going on.
So, the question remains..... Does LEGO: Star Wars: The Force Awakens introduce anything new and fresh to the stale and aging LEGO franchise? Yes, it does, in multiple ways. Sure the backbone of break it and build it back is still here, but there are several new features that are brought to the table. Sure, they may be rather minor features, but they are welcome nonetheless and offer a little more in the long run than what has previously been done. Now, players can choose (in certain scenarios) what they want to build. During certain parts of the story mode, you will encounter certain blocks that can be used for different products. The game does an excellent job of illustrating your options to you and different objects of course produce different results. While it may not completely block out the repetition that LEGO games eventually bring out, this is still a step in the right direction and shows that they are attempting to come up with as many creative ways to play as possible. Should you build a base for BB-8 or should you say screw it and build a basketball goal? The game throws many decisions, simple as they may be, your way and the results can be hilarious and fun to watch in many cases. LEGO: Star Wars does a fantastic job of being cool enough for adults to enjoy whilst still being a relevant force pertaining to children. The humor is aimed at both and I found myself giggling on more than one occasion. The voice acting is by far the best as far as ANY LEGO game goes from the past. CB40, or the famous Gold robot/android sounds identical as he does on the films. I don't watch Star Wars but I remember that voice and as far as I can tell, is being spoke by the same voice actor. This goes for all the characters dialogue. It is very clear and loud which is miles and leagues ahead of the series dreadful voice acting of the past. Also, the graphics are colorful and pretty and when all the textures and colors explode on the screen (like it does when you blow LEGO objects up), its truly a beautiful spectacle. You can visualize how far the series has come just by admiring the environments of the worlds and explore all the activities that are potentially waiting to be had. A visual and audio masterpiece!
One of the biggest features of this crafty experience is the jet flying/fighting sequences. The gameplay speeds up almost double the normal pace and the galaxy is yours to behold in many Story missions. These sequences are fun, thrilling and fast and sure to please any Star Wars fan or aviation fan alike. It doesn't just throw a quick sequence of a little button mashing at you and then cease to exist, no! These are full on battles and activities that seemingly come from every direction, forcing players at times to make hasty decisions and hard jerking of the wheel!! Intense, fun and full of hidden items and content, these fighter scenes are a blast and really make a great game that much better. The items of interest that LEGO games have instructed players to get for years and years, (you know when you complete a story mission and the level complete page pops up and that item that is specific to each game respectively, that adds to your level progression or similar functions), well this time If you find all 10 on a given level, you unlock a superior airship/jet fighter. This is a fresh and nice break from tradition.
The Story Mode is basically identical to those of the past, your first playthrough, you are forced to play with characters who are supposed to be there and earning coins & Special Item will grant you Gold Bricks and more. There is also a Red Brick on each level. On your 2nd play-through, you will be able to swap characters on the go and uncover some of the hidden stuff you previously were not allowed access to. The puzzles are simple and can at times be quite redundant, but there is enough fresh content here that it should please any LEGO game fans. So, even if you HATE Star Wars and have never watched the first film in the series, don't worry. There are still plenty of reasons to purchase The Force Awakens and give it a shot. The biggest roster of colorful characters & the memorable and eventful missions in Story Mode should be enough to suffice fan of either franchise!! LEGO's best achievement yet!!!!!
Pros:
- Huge world that keeps getting bigger!
- Awesome, intense flight simulation Jet Fighter scenes
- Diverse cast of characters that include numerous species and entities.
- Amazing voice acting that delivers precise and audible dialogue.
- Build it options offer a fresh and new way to play and build.
Cons:
- Puzzles can be redundant and are many times identical to the one you previously solved.
- Not quite enough was introduced to change the ever aging LEGO formula.
- Story Mode could have been a tad lengthier.