There are few franchises or TV series that span generations and platforms. However, Star Wars is one such franchise. Accordingly, it is critically acclaimed and much-loved. Even so, it still suffers the odd faux par. Here’s looking at you Jar Jar Binks. LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga is the latest in a long list of LEGO games and another take on the Star Wars franchise. Yet, unlike its predecessors, this is pretty much the perfect accompaniment to the franchise.
Developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, this is an action-adventure platformer. Alongside these elements, you have puzzling moments, lashings of lightsaber combat, and oodles of collectables to find. Furthermore, there are characters from every faction, unique vehicles, racing, and mind-boggling open-world sections. In short, it blows every other Star Wars game out of the water.
LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga is hilarious.
Now, I admit I’m no Star Wars aficionado. But, luckily, you don’t have to be to enjoy the game. Yes, I may have missed some of the more subtle jokes, but on the whole, I was able to keep up. Consequently, TT Games has done a phenomenal job of appealing to the hardcore fans without alienating the rest of us.
The gameplay spans each of the 9 films, but sadly makes no room for Rogue One, Solo, or the Mandalorian. However, there is a nod to the latter spin-off thanks to a playable character. Other than this, the action focuses on each of the 9 key films.
The story opens with Episode 1, The Phantom Menace and plays out from there. Each chapter comprises 5 levels and in total there are a whopping 45 stages to explore. Alongside this, there are massive open-world sections that must be searched. These are expanded further thanks to the side quests, characters, Kyber blocks, and studs. Subsequently, you’ll lose hours to each episode of this spectacular franchise.
Familiar LEGO concepts.
If you’ve ever played a LEGO game, you’ll know exactly what to expect. There are millions of studs to collect, upgradable characters, new costumes, theme-related shenanigans, and masses of tongue-in-cheek humour. It was obvious that TT Games loves working on this franchise. Their infectious passion for Star Wars can be seen in every element. Yet, it was most apparent in the cinematic. The cutscenes will make you chuckle even when you struggle to keep up with the plot. I adored the wicked sense of humour and the immaturity of much of the action.
Though many of the core mechanics are unchanged, LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga is much improved from its predecessors. Thanks to its shift from the tiny Mos Eisley Cantina central hub, gamers now experience a larger and more fluid world. Consequently, these gargantuan areas offer over 700 puzzles to solve and a whopping 140 side missions to complete. Therefore, once you’ve finished every episode, you’ve still got plenty to do.
It’s not perfect!
Becoming a Jedi is the dream of many, and according to the UK census, it’s their religion as well. Being a Jedi isn’t for the weak-willed or faint of heart. Yet, LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga never felt like that! The combat rarely captured the magic and awe-inspiring power and this was disappointing.
On top of the slightly uninspiring combat were a plethora of loading issues. My time with the game was haunted by crashes, hanging screens, and awful loading times. It may simply be teething issues, but I found it frustrating nonetheless. Accordingly, if these are known issues, I hope the developers patch these sooner rather than later.
LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga is impressive to look at.
My opening thoughts after numerous crashes were how impressive LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga looked. Consequently, I couldn’t believe how far this franchise has come in such a short period. This was helped in part by the incredible cinematic. However, the phenomenal level design, accurate characters, and vivid colours bring this to life.
Exploring each of the 20+ planets never became tiresome! The accuracy of the poignant moments in each episode was eerie. Furthermore, the developers did a great job of seamlessly connecting the plot. Yet, the best part of each world was the aforementioned open-world sections. Any fan will jump at the ability to explore each unique environment while interacting with each zany and unusual character.
The whimsical cutscenes would be nothing without the brilliance and almost accurate character acting. The delivery of lines and hilarious jokes will have you chuckling immediately. Moreover, it brilliantly drove the plot forward without being overbearing. What’s more, I loved that you didn’t have to be a Star Wars superfan to enjoy the jokes. With many slapstick moments, it’ll make you laugh throughout regardless of your fanboy/girl status.
As well as the great acting, there are some awesome familiar songs and wonderful sound effects. Both elements capture the Sci-Fi theme and add drama and energy to the action.
Clearly defined controls.
What I love about LEGO games are the phenomenal tutorials and user-friendly approach. Subsequently, they are easy to pick up, simple to master, are great to experience with younger players. On top of this, the buttons are responsive and the layout is well-defined. In short, you’ll be chortling and having fun almost immediately.
I’ve pretty much covered every aspect of replay value, but let’s look at it again. 9 episodes to visit, 20+ planets to explore, vast open-world sections, 45 levels in total, over 700 puzzles, 140 side missions, 135 level challenges, and finally 380 characters to collect. There are also vehicles to find, character upgrades, and Kyber bricks to locate. Moreover, there is a multiplayer option to enhance the fun. With so much to do, this oozes replay value and is worth every penny.
LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga is outstanding.
Though LEGO fans will enjoy a familiar core concept, many mechanics have been improved for this title. Consequently, LEGO Star Wars: The SkyWalker Saga is outstanding. Yes, I had my issues with it, but on the whole, I was blown away. TT Games have developed an incredible must-have game. Therefore, I recommend you to buy it here! Will you find every collectable while enjoying the full Star Wars experience? Pick your character, smash up the scenery, and discover the secrets.
