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LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Publisher: LucasArts TT Games Platform: PS2
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Game Type: Third-Person Action

Review by: Lando da Pimp

Rating: 8 out of 10

The concept is great. Rehashing another Star Wars game based on the Original Trilogy, using LEGO Star Wars mini-figures, to create a humorous, lighthearted game. The sequel is a far superior game that succeds because of its connection to A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.

The gameplay begins with an interactive gameplay menu in the Mos Eisle Cantina. Access to the three episodes with their corresponding chapters, the bar where you can purchase cheats and hints, and a character creation area are accessed through this hub of scum and villainy.

To begin you must pass the first chapter of A New Hope, unlocking the other movies allowing you to explore the episodes in story free mode for exploration. I recommend sticking with the story mode as the animations before each chapter depict the story of the three films cleverly with no dialog spoken. At times the game breaks away from the films story to allow for additional chapters of play. It does however hit the more memorable sequences so fans shouldnít get their panties in a bunch. Han shoots first, no bad Jabba CGI, and no awful special edition music moment in Jedi. Solving a chapter in story mode, allows you to play it again in free play mode. You will find that each chapter is packed with secrets and unreachable areas that require different characters. Expect to return to chapters multiple times.

Star Wars II is an action adventure game that requires a great deal of thinking and puzzle solving. At times you will have to switch to specific characters to move forward through the level. Characters that you are not controlling are useless. You will be constantly saving them from enemies keeping you from solving the task. Keep in mind as you play that you will have to return to this level keep this in mind if you find an area or an item that you canít reach. Controlling vehicles is a welcome addition to this version of the game. Flying the X-Wing down the trench, piloting the falcon through the asteroid field, and tripping AT-ATís with tow cables is a lot of fun and a good break from the single player action.

Overall
I found this game to be a lot of fun yet extremely trying and difficult. The game is targeted to a younger audience so a 30-year old man, like myself, may be just too old. I am glad to see the Original Trilogy being presented to younger Star Wars fans. The humor and fun of the game is consistent and very challenging for repetitive play. The game? Impressive. Most Impressive.

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