Unless you have been living under a rock for the past 30 years then you have probably heard of Star Wars, you know those little films created by George Lucas? Since 1983 over 120 games have been released using the Star Wars creative license. Many have been good, many more have been terrible, but recently a small little game called LEGO Star Wars, which was based on the newer movies, has taken over the gaming universe on the Xbox 1. Now LucasArts and developer Traveler’s Tales has given many fans their dream and released LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy on the Xbox 360, as well as all other systems available to humans.
This game is not for the hardcore gamers out there, however for Star Wars fans and children alike this game is a must own on the 360. I have never been a huge fan of Star Wars videogames but LEGO Star Wars II grabbed me by the neck and did a “force” choke on me real fast. This game is addicting and fun, especially for you and your buddy doing co-op mode. Although it is not the best game I have ever played read on to find out what makes this game a sleeper hit that I and many other gamers never saw coming.
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy includes plenty of gaming greatness to keep Star Wars fans busy for hours beating levels, unlocking goodies, and earning those always addicting gamer points. First off the storyline is nothing new; it follows through all three of the original Star Wars movies (IV, V, and VI) with no new plotlines or characters. Each movie (6 chapters each) took me about 2-3 hours to complete so you are looking at around 9 hours total for the storyline mode. You begin the game in the Mos Eisley Cantina which stands in for the main menu of the game; here you can select which movie/chapter you want to play, buy new characters, and use your secret LEGO blocks to build special statues. It is a free roaming level which adds a cool little effect to the otherwise boring normal menu screen.
Along with each chapter in the movie there are bonus levels that go alongside the normal storyline. These consist of timed coin pickups and other unlockable features. You must complete every storyline, every bonus level, and collect every secret item to complete the game at 100%. There is also a co-op mode which to me is worth the price of admission on this game alone. LEGO Star Wars II is the first game in a long time that really has that fun co-op mode that hasn’t been around since the Contras and Double Dragons of the early years. Basically you can play through any level or storyline in the game with a buddy; he or she can join in as well as exit the game at any time during your play. This brings back the coin-op feel of the arcade. Although there is no online co-op mode (maybe next year?) this mode is still what takes this game over average and into the 8/10 category. At the end of the day this is no 80 hour game but its only $49.95 and you definitely get your money’s worth.
