LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

http://www.lucasarts.com/games/legostarwarssaga/

In 2005, developer Traveller's Tales took the gaming world by storm through the innovative combination of 2 ridiculously awesome brands, LEGO and Star Wars, by the release of LEGO Star Wars. In 2006, Traveller's Tales joined the dark side with LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy. Finally, in November 2007, Traveller's Tales brought the Complete Saga to your friendly neighborhood next-gen console market. When LEGOshop.com had the PS3 version for half-off in March 2008, I jumped all over it. LEGO's! Star Wars! In 1080P hi-def!



If you're already familiar with LEGO Star Wars, the Complete Saga is essentially a compilation of the prior releases - albeit in glorious high definition. Throwing in a pile of bonus missions, some new levels, online multi-play, and new characters gives the game a sexy glow that will appeal to owners of the original releases.

If LEGO Star Wars sounds like a pipe dream that George Lucas might've had when he was a kid, all you need to know is that the Complete Saga is an action/platformer-type game with minor puzzle elements that follows the storyline of Episodes I-VI. Obviously everything has been LEGO-ized. All of the major events are highlighted in the game, including the unfortunate rescue of Jar Jar Binks from certain death in the Phantom Menace. Granted, you can put a lightsaber through his head right afterwards.

One of the more interesting features in the Complete Saga is the ability to mix and match LEGO character parts to make new characters. Remember when you were a kid and you liked to dismember your LEGO figurines and play around with the body parts? ......for example, if you take Darth Vader's headpiece and put it on top of Princess Leia's body, you end up with Darth Leia. LEGO Star Wars allows you customize virtually every body part: headgear, head, cape, torso, arms, hands, weapon, hips, and legs.



I really only have one complaint - the game's Stud currency system. As you run amok through the game with your LEGO jedi, princess, stormtrooper, or what-have-you and deconstruct your enemies into their LEGO components, you'll be rewarded with a torrent of bouncing silver, gold, or blue Studs. While the currency system is conceptually a great a idea (who doesn't like to hoard money and buy things?), the actual act of Stud collection can be quite annoying. Unfortunately, the Studs do not automatically gravitate to your character - you are forced to run around to pick them up before they disappear (and avoiding LEGO death at the same time). While Studs aren't necessary to complete the game, they are vital to unlocking all the really nifty stuff.

If you're still not convinced to go out and try the game, this should do the trick:

That's right! Indiana Jones!

All in all, the Complete Saga is a lot of fun. It's friendly for the kids if you don't mind a bit of LEGO-cide and you won't have to be too embarassed if your friends find out what you're playing.