LEGO Party gives Mario Party a run for its money. In fact, I’d say it is better than its market-leading peer in many aspects. However, there were a few elements that disappointed me, and that was a shame. Despite the minor shortcomings, I enjoyed every fun-filled moment and the 60 mini-games on offer.
This party game experience was developed by SMG Studio and published by Fictions. It is a single-player, couch, and online competitive title. Furthermore, it captures the LEGO world perfectly. There are LEGO-themed stages, plenty of custom options, and loads of tongue-in-cheek moments. As such, if you’ve played any LEGO video game, you will appreciate, admire, and adore every second.
LEGO Party has no story, but who cares?
No story = a shallow experience, right? Not when it comes to LEGO Party! At its core, there is a basic mission and some key characters to follow. Yet, other than these ingredients, you are left to your own devices. This was great as you can play casually across each of the 4 game modes.
The aim of the game is simple. Choose one of the 4 boards to explore. As you compete, you earn studs to spend on special spaces and golden bricks. The golden bricks are the equivalent of golden stars in Mario Party. Accordingly, whoever has the most bricks wins the game.
Beware, gripe number 1. Unlike Mario Party, LEGO Party doesn’t offer bonus bricks. Consequently, when a game finishes, there are no surprises. Furthermore, there are no rewards for the best mini-game player, the most unlucky player, or the player who has traversed the most spaces. Instead, you rely on in-game luck, skill, and little else.
Fun maps.
Each of the 4 core maps focuses on a unique theme. Ninjago, Pirates, Space, and a Theme park offer different challenges and rewards. As you explore each world, you must build special areas. Each of these zones has an event square to shock and surprise you. Whether it is special tokens, free golden bricks, a theft space, or studs, they give you an edge. This ever-changing idea was great when I first experienced it. However, the magical edge will fade the more you play.
This isn’t a complaint, and something I thoroughly expected. Thankfully, there are some variants to each world to keep things fresh. The mini-games are where this genre lives or dies. LEGO Party delivers some incredibly fun, challenging, and amusing moments. There are all-out battles and some team games to test your skills. Each is silly and is guaranteed to start a fight. Frustration will build as you lose for the nth time. Yet, fans of this genre will know this feeling and will be prepared for the sense of angst and annoyance.
Customisation.
The developer has treated us to some amazing customisation. As you complete each map, you earn player XP and world XP. The latter unlocks carrots and some special items. The carrots can be spent on new minifigures. The player XP delivers an array of special characters that prove your determination and love of the game. Alongside the unlockable characters, you may create your own special design. This was a firm favourite amongst my children as they pieced together some weird and wonderful creations.
Finally, the 4 unique game modes deliver an array of casual and longer gaming experiences. You may practice any mini-game you wish or tackle leaderboard scores to push yourself to the limit. Alternatively, there are mini-game sets that can be completed with friends and family. These options ignore the lengthy board game element and offer a fun and relaxing way to play.
LEGO Party captures your attention and imagination.
My 2nd gripe is the occasional stuttering cinematic. Now, this doesn’t impact the core action and won’t reflect in the final score. However, when everything else is so well polished, it was disappointing to say the least. As expected, LEGO Party delivers colourful, fun, and vibrant action across the board. Each world looks great, and the silly action, expansive maps, and secrets were great to witness.
The audio is as loud, insane, and barmy as you’d expect. Each main game is narrated by 2 American-style commentators. Their dialogue, demeanour, and personality are infectious. However, the one-liners are occasionally repetitive, and this could be problematic if you keep playing.
Excellent controls.
I played this with my 2 oldest daughters. The youngest is 9, and she was able to cope with many of the games. I wouldn’t suggest any younger than this age unless your child is particularly gifted at gaming. There are tutorials for every element of this title, and you can practice every mini-game to your heart’s content. Subsequently, every moment is extremely user-friendly.
This genre is renowned for its replay value and longevity. LEGO Party is no different, as there are loads of minifigures to unlock, plenty of games to play, and so many secrets to find. Moreover, the online action and couch competitive approach work perfectly.
LEGO Party is an incredible game.
I’m sticking with my guns while declaring that LEGO Party is better than Mario Party. I love the choice of games, and I think the maps are interesting, large, and easy to navigate. The action is fun, and though the commentators could become tiresome, they have that amusing and cheeky LEGO edge. Despite the stuttering cinematography, this is one fun-filled jaunt that is going to brighten up everyone’s Christmas. Accordingly, I recommend getting your copy here! Can you grab enough Golden bricks to be the champion? Create your figure, jump into the action, and hope that luck and the studs are on your side.
