Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens review | Jedi stick to Lego formula

Available on almost every video game system in this galaxy, The Force Awakens is a return to the magic of the original Lego Star Wars games – just like the movie was a triumphant return for the film series at the end of last year.

With family friendly humour, simple gameplay and plenty of stuff to do beyond the 10-or-so-hour story mode, the Lego games are a great way way to keep the younger ones entertained, as well as the older ones; and even mum or dad if you like to get hands-on.

Fair warning for those yet to experience them: the Lego games are definitely for kids.

There is little-to-no challenge involved, but if you simply want to “play” through the Star Wars story, it’s a fun romp. And there’s currently no way to play the official Star Wars stories outside the Lego games. 

Perhaps that story exclusivity is one of the reasons the Lego games have always been far more popular than the sum of their parts would suggest.

Take one children’s toy that for all intents and purposes exists only in the physical world, a popular fictional universe, basic platforming, and an almost complete inability to ever “fail”, seem like odd ingredients for a recipe that has now been running hot for more than ten years.

While the majority of the game is the same jumping around and smashing Lego bits we’ve come to expect from the series, there are some nice additions to the mix this time around that give The Force Awakens a unique feel.

During the game’s prologue, you’ll play through the final act of Return of the Jedi; from the forest moon of Endor, to the Emperor’s throne room and the destruction of the second Death Star.

But this is for more than just nostalgia – the prologue introduces new ways to play such as the new “Blaster Battles”, which turn the game into a cover-based action/shooter hybrid. It’s no Gears of War, but it is significantly more complex than what makes up most of the game.

The downside of releasing on so many platforms is that it blatantly highlights the price discrepancies in the market. 

If you’re looking to pick up Force Awakens on the latest consoles, PS4 and Xbox One, expect to pay $90 for the privilege of running it on your superior hardware, while last gen consoles such as the PS3 and Xbox 360 can get it for $80.

Meanwhile the most powerful gaming platform, PC, can get their hands on it for $50, which is the same price the least powerful systems (3DS, WiiU, Vita) will pay.