LEGO Star Wars II (Game Boy Advance) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Last year Eidos released what would become a multi-million selling title, LEGO Star Wars, and the publisher who had all but ignored the handheld market also graced us with a GBA version. This went on to become one of DS-X2's games of the year and we were delighted when the second outing was announced with both a DS and GBA version included in the line-up. What made the game so successful was its unique blend of humor and engaging gameplay but this was a game for the younger gamers who had just lived through the 'new' Star Wars movies and what fans were crying out for was the original trilogy to receive the same treatment. Well, here it is, and we can only hope that developers Traveler's Tales haven't tinkered with this winning formula too much.

Gameplay

Each sitting of LEGO Star Wars starts out at the Mos Eisley Cantina where you can not only purchase a huge amount of goods (which we'll talk about later) but also select which of the original three episodes you wish to play first. Once you and your companion enter these you'll be presented with a further menu consisting of various key parts of that movie although each will remain locked until you have completed the one before. A nice touch here is that each section can be revisited to collect extra studs (which are currency) and to visit previously locked areas. The majority of levels have no real objectives and most of your gameplay consists of just blasting your opponents whilst attempting to find the exit. You may have to occasionally clear a room of storm troopers or take down a given number of Imperial Walkers but that's about it. There are also some puzzle elements but again these are kept as simple as possible such as moving blocks over pressure pads or finding keys for doors. You'll also encounter some locked doors which can only be opened by a certain character which forces you to change your party leader, but if you don't happen to have the particular character with you then you may have to resort to disguising yourself or even come back later. The same is true of some other seemingly impossible sections of the game so it's important to remember the various characters strengths and weaknesses.

One thing that will frustrate fans of the movie is that this is an abridged telling of the classic space opera so you may find your favorite scene missing all together. Fortunately the developers had the good sense to keep some of the flying missions in and not only do you get to destroy the Death Star, after battling in out in the trenches, but you'll also have the opportunity to get behind the controls of a Snow Speeder. It's simple stuff really but it's also great fun which brings us to the studs which you've been collecting throughout the game and this is where the fun element can become plain bizarre thanks to the 'extras' you can purchase from the Barman, which include Clown Mode, Washed Out Mode and Weapons such as an Egg Blaster and a Bubble Blaster. There's also the ability to purchase extra characters and hints but just when you're thinking how complete this game is, the developers leave out the multiplayer option. That's right, this is a single player exercise even though the style of gameplay is crying out for a two-player option. Never mind... maybe when the next trilogy come around... maybe.

Controls

The control is both simple and responsive with a huge amount of on-screen pop-ups informing you of every new move available. You also have the use of 'The Force' (providing your character is capable) which always comes in handy. You'll know when it's available, as objects close to you will start to pulsate in blue. It's then up to you to transform the pile of bricks into something more useful which never ceases to entertain and would no doubt be useful in everyday life, especially if you happen to be a builder.

Graphics

This second outing retains the crisp three quarter environments of the first and seems to look even better this time around. The real stars here though are the characters. Developers Amaze have produced some wonderful animations, which is essential in order to convey the humor of the game. The cut-screens work just as well it's just a shame that a lot of the key scenes are missing.

Sound

Fans of the movies will be delighted to hear the powerful score in all its glory and the GBA's sound chip does a fine job of coping with the original Soundtrack. Everything else is here including the blasters and lightsabers as well as some mutterings from the main characters.

Final comments

Even with all its shortcomings, the developers of this second outing for LEGO Star Wars, never lose sight of one thing: that gaming should be fun, so in addition to finding yourself smiling throughout this game there are even some laugh out loud moments which is a rarity in today's console world. It's still missing a multiplayer experience and there are some gaping holes in the storyline but as a single player experience it's both engaging and rewarding and, as with the last version, a must have for fans of the movie and indeed anyone who thinks that there's nothing remotely entertaining released for the GBA anymore. Buy it now!

Pro: Looks and Sounds Wonderful, Very Funny.
Con: No Multiplayer, Huge Gaps in Story.
Final score: 8

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