Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens for the PS3, released in 2016 by TT Games, is another delightful entry in the Lego game series. It blends the humor and charm of the Lego franchise with the epic story of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, offering a fun and family-friendly gaming experience. Heres a detailed review:
Story and Setting
The game retells the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Legos signature lighthearted style, with some additional scenes and missions that explore events between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens.
Pros:
- Faithful to the Film: The main storyline closely follows the movie, with iconic moments reimagined in comedic Lego fashion.
- Expanded Universe Content: The game includes side missions that provide backstories for characters like Poe Dameron and Lor San Tekka, adding depth to the story.
- Family-Friendly Humor: The quirky humor appeals to all ages, with slapstick comedy and creative spins on serious moments.
Cons:
- Predictable Plot: If youve seen the movie, there are no surprises, though the added humor and side missions keep it engaging.
Gameplay
The game sticks to the classic Lego formula of platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat while introducing some new mechanics.
Pros:
- New Gameplay Mechanics:
- Blaster Battles: Cover-based shooting segments add variety to the gameplay.
- Multi-Builds: Players can now build different objects from the same pile of Lego bricks, adding a layer of strategy to puzzles.
- Flight Sequences: Fun starfighter missions let you pilot the Millennium Falcon and other ships in thrilling space battles.
- Co-op Play: Local co-op allows two players to team up, making it perfect for families or friends.
- Character Variety: Over 200 playable characters, each with unique abilities, ensure replayability.
Cons:
- Repetitive Gameplay: The core gameplay loop of smashing objects, collecting studs, and solving puzzles can feel repetitive over time.
- Limited Challenge: The game is designed to be accessible, which may leave experienced players wanting more depth.
Graphics and Sound
Graphics:
- The PS3 version holds up well visually, with colorful and detailed environments. However, it lacks the polish and sharpness of the PS4 version.
- Some minor frame rate drops and longer load times are noticeable on the PS3 hardware.
Sound:
- The game features music and voice clips from the film, adding authenticity to the experience.
- The voice acting is excellent, with some original cast members reprising their roles.
Content and Replayability
Pros:
- Side Missions: Additional content, like exploring Starkiller Base or Jakku, adds hours of gameplay.
- Collectibles: The game is packed with hidden collectibles, such as Minikits and Red Bricks, encouraging exploration.
- Free Play Mode: Returning to levels with unlocked characters to access new areas keeps the game fresh.
Cons:
- Lack of Online Co-op: Multiplayer is limited to local play, which may disappoint some players.
Verdict
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens for the PS3 is a charming, fun-filled adventure that faithfully adapts the movie while adding Legos unique humor and creativity. While it doesnt offer significant innovation for the Lego series, the new mechanics and expanded content make it a must-play for Star Wars fans and Lego enthusiasts.
Overall Rating:
- Story: 8/10
- Gameplay: 8/10
- Graphics and Sound: 7/10
- Replayability: 8.5/10
- Overall: 8/10
If youre a fan of Lego games or Star Wars, this title is a delightful way to experience The Force Awakens in a playful and engaging format.
