Review: Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (2006, Lucasarts. PS2, PSP, X-Box, X-Box 360, PC, GameCube, DS, GBA)

A short time ago in a galaxy very, very near… the debacle that was the new Star Wars movies (Revenge of the Sith excepted...just) shattered the faith of a generation of fans and made George Lucas an unpopular (if ludicrously rich) man. But don’t even get us started on the lacklustre licensed games that accompanied said movies. In short, they all stank worse than Jabba’s slimy thong. All except for one: Lego Star Wars (ok, two including the Star Wars: Battlefront games).
Based on the original Star Wars trilogy -otherwise known as THE HOLY TRILOGY- the Lego Star Wars sequel is a real coup for gamers and Star Wars fans alike, a great Star Wars game based on the best loved movies of the saga. As with the previous Lego Star Wars, you play through the key sequences from the movies taking control of virtually any character from the trilogy. Obviously this involves unlocking them all first, but you’ll want to since all the classic characters are here: Luke Skywalker, Boba Fett, Han Solo, Chewbacca and the baddest Sith of all Lord Darth Vader.
Developer Traveller’s Tales have meticulously rebuilt the entire Star Wars universe using millions of lovingly rendered little colourful Lego bricks and those iconic smiley-faced Lego people and for this we should be immensely grateful. Never has something so apparently removed from the all-enveloping darkness of the Star Wars films been so faithful to the look and feel of the saga.
Key to Lego Star Wars II’s appeal is it’s innate sensibility of undiluted fun and simplicity. The controls are so simple that a child can master them, yet the game is challenging enough to test even seasoned gamers. Be warned, this is still a bigger, tougher, game than the previous instalment and there’s a lot more stuff to collect and unlock in this one too. It’s still a bit undemanding for the hardened gamer who’s finished all of Devil May Cry’s difficulty modes, but then to make a game like this an insurmountable challenge is like making a Disney game harder than R-Type.
Casual back seat gamers can still drop in and out for bite size bursts of co-operative play or join in and play through the whole game if they so wish. It’s the perfect game to brighten up a dull day too, packed to the gills with funny little sight gags and slapstick jokes.
If you’ve ever wanted to roll in Luke’s landspeeder or stomp Ewoks in an AT-ST walker then you can .New features include the ability to assume control of vehicles and customise your own bizarre Frankenstein’s monster type freaks from a variety of Lego body parts. Ever fancied playing as Yoda in Princess Leia’s gold bikini with Chewie’s furry limbs? Then you’re a deeply disturbed individual.
More enjoyable than bullseyeing Wamp rats in your T-14, if you don’t end up loving Lego Star Wars II's quirky take on a galaxy far, far away…then you’re probably dead inside. Or you’re a droid, or something. The force is strong in this one etc. Just buy it if you haven't already.
Verdict: 9/10