SUMMARY/STORY:
Coming out in 2011, this game would serve as a follow up-game to the first two released in the mid-2000’s. Specifically, this LEGO game focuses on the TV series The Clone Wars. This title was developed by TT Games and produced by LucasArts. It’s rated: everyone 10+. The game adapts both The Clone Wars movie and The Clone Wars TV series’ first and second seasons, as well as some later elements in the prequel trilogy.
For instance, the first level is based on the Geonosis arena scene from Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The main storyline splits up to three parts starring Ajaji Ventress, Count Dooku, and General Grievous. Each antagonist gets a few levels with an individual mini-story pieced together from movie scenes and TV episodes.
ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:
This game is just like the show — too complicated and overwhelming. It’s not a necessarily bad experience because Clone Wars at least challenges players. When was the last time that a LEGO game had 50+ battle droids on screen shooting at you? That aura that had been on the original games has been lost in the shuffle of a newer engine and new abilities. There are some good things, too, such as lightsaber throwing and new Force mechanics, but again, it just tends to over-complicate the gameplay. In that sense, the excessive tinkering takes the magic the original games had. Mini-kits, gold bricks, red bricks, and other staples of the franchise are present and still play a serviceable role.
The game’s new features would come as a culture shock to many fans, making it a scapegoat. It shows in many fans’ assessments. Gameplay features, such as splitting up players working alone vs. together, seems the complete opposite of the LEGO game ideology that fans came to know and love. Another mentionable is that, due to the TV program’s dark undertones, the original humor and aesthetics are stripped back in this game. Advanced puzzles, tougher AI, and in some levels, if you mess up, one has to actually restart the level.
GRAPHICS:
This game, with a new engine, gives a makeover to the graphics. The shiny, glossier look of LEGO games started here, which proved another shock to fans who adored the original LEGO Star Wars games. Even though now modernized, the present look of LEGO games doesn’t mean there wasn’t any backlash, either.
GAME MODE(S):
After beating the initial story, there are two bonus levels. First, one is based off the movie and is centered around Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta. The other level lets you play as the treacherous Cad Bane, which unlocks the Bounty Hunter Missions. While it’s a nice add-on to the initial story by adding other mini-levels, it feels more like a DLC product rather than a part of the game itself. ‘Battlegrounds’ provide another new mode that is almost like playing Risk in a LEGO format. After a few minutes, like a lot of games, Clone Wars can get dull and tiresome.
REVIEW:
This incarnation of Clone Wars is somewhat infamous for its repetitive and often dull experience; and it’s for good reason. Though considered the worst among the LEGO Star Wars games, LEGO Star Wars III still serves as a nice yet complicated game for single player or co-op. The main difference is that players need a certain degree of background knowledge on the plot before playing.
Prior to Clone Wars, knowing the storyline really wasn’t an issue in prior iterations of LEGO gaming. This really comes down to personal preference. Despite the game feeling outdated, it will likely appeal fare more to Clone Wars buffs than any casual fans.
BONUS FEATURES:
None.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
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