Developer: TT Games, Traveller's Tales
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Koch Media
Reviewed on: PS5
Also available on: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: 5th April 2022
Rating: PG
Price: …$59 - Mightyape
Star Wars has been synonymous with LEGO games for almost 20 years. In that time, we’ve seen numerous entries in the LEGO Star Wars franchise as well as the conclusion of the nine-part series of Star Wars films. With that in mind, it seems quite fitting for TT Games to go all out in celebrating the milestone with an ambitious title that retains the LEGO charm while massively improving upon previous games.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the first game in the LEGO Star Wars series to feature voiced cutscenes for every single film that is presented. In previous games, characters would simply mumble with emotion. A lot of the comedic touch seen in these games used to rely heavily on physical jokes, having the extra dimension of voice really elevates it as a whole.
The main aspect of improvement overall is absolutely in its gameplay. In the past, LEGO games have relied very heavily on pressing one button to punch and that same button to shoot. Here, we see a proper implementation of third-person shooting mechanics that breath new life into combat scenarios. L2 and R2 are used to aim and fire while being behind cover that can be found in each level. Enemies have weak points that can be exploited for additional damage, objects can be thrown using the force, and any cover barriers that get destroyed can be rebuilt on the fly. All of these new features are well fleshed out and are refreshing to see in a series that’s been stale in this are in the past.
Traversal has also changed, particularly with climbing. Rather than having to dangerously platform onto blocky geometry, you’ll now snap to whichever platform, ledge or bar you’re trying to reach. It’s a change that makes the experience much smoother even if it means removing some of the challenge.
With all these new changes however, you should still expect the staples of the LEGO series such as simple puzzle-solving, hidden collectables and, of course, a lot of building.
This game also features a range of upgrade trees that cover each of the possible types of abilities a character could have, from using Jedi mind tricks to ranged combat and more. These upgrades are obtained by spending Kyber Bricks, the main collectable you’ll find. These upgrades add great depth and create a nice incentive to collect as many as possible.
On the PS5, players will be able to feel every lightsaber slash, blaster shot and force push. The haptic feedback adds weight to the gameplay by allowing you to feel the world and really dive in. Games can sometimes get this wrong but thankfully, the Skywalker Saga uses it nicely.
Rather than having one big hub-world, featured in previous LEGO games, the Skywalker Saga has many different worlds that can be visited, each being filled to the brim with collectables and challenges. This change is very welcoming and allows for easier tracking of progression if you’re after that coveted 100% completion.
Players will have access to a vast selection of characters and ships that are unlocked mostly through story progression and collectables.
The game covers each of the nine films in the Star Wars franchise and are all chopped up into bite-sized levels. It’s brilliant at showcasing the little details of an entire galaxy of lore and life while still holding on to the playful simplicity that LEGO fans have always loved.
This is definitely the most ambitious and most polished LEGO game to date. Every addition is fleshed out, everything has a purpose and it cleanly disposes of many of the tired mechanics and formula that the previous entries held for so long. It’s certainly a must-have for any longtime or new Star Wars fans and it’s a fitting tribute to a galaxy far, far away.
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