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Have you ever played a LEGO video game? They’re a blast! Not only are they incredibly fun to play, but they’re really easy to get into, which I think is why they’re so successful. Pretty much anyone can pick up a LEGO game and get lost in it. It doesn’t matter what age, gender, or walk of life you come from. LEGOs are fun and endearing, and it makes people want to play LEGO video games.
One thing that stinks about LEGO video games though, is that some people, particularly those that haven’t given them a chance, assume they’re all the same. They watch you running around, picking up studs or building something, and they think oh, another LEGO game. Been there, seen that. It’s a shame, because that couldn’t be further from the case.
Sure, there are some LEGO titles out there that just rehash things we’ve seen in the franchise a hundred times (what major series doesn’t?), but there are standouts. That’s what this list is for. Sit back and read on to not only find out what LEGO games are best, but why they stand out from the pack.
5: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
The Complete Saga is a game that collects all of the content from both LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game and LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy. That means the game spans all six main movies in the Star Wars franchise, which gives you a wealth of gameplay content.
What makes it stand out though, is that it takes that already buffered level of content, and kicks it up to the next level. The Complete Saga throws in two extra story levels, and 10 new bounty hunter levels where you perform secret missions for Jabba the Hutt. On top of that, the game gives you 10 new characters to play as, and it adds in new power-ups and Force attacks.
Simply put, you get an incredible amount of bang for your buck, which means more time gaming.
4: LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
LEGO Batman 2 was really where LEGO games, to me, became synonymous with fun platforming. Batman 2 not only vastly improved on everything its predecessor did, it improved on pretty much everything (mechanics-wise) we had seen in the LEGO video game franchise to date.
That is exactly what makes this title stand out. It fine tuned the wonky platforming that made the games that came before it hard to play at times, usually because of misjudging jumps. It also streamlined the various puzzle elements in the game, which made the experience that much more enjoyable.
This game was also the first in LEGO history to have actual voice acting, which was incredibly well done.
3: LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4
If there was ever a world that Traveller’s Tales got perfect with their LEGO games, it’s the world of Harry Potter. The developers absolutely nailed the feeling of Harry Potter, which is why this game is on this list. From the halls of Hogwarts, to the shops of Diagon Alley, there is literally nothing in this game that doesn’t perfectly evoke the magical feeling of the books the game is based on.
Furthermore, while LEGO games are always funny, Harry Potter cranks the hilarity level up to 11 in the cutscenes. You will laugh pretty much the entire time you play this game.
2: LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
First off, LEGO Marvel is not only one of the best LEGO games to have ever been released, it’s hands down, the best Marvel video game that’s ever been made. Furthermore, it’s one of the best superhero games that’s ever been made. If you consider yourself a fan of comics and superheroes, you really owe it to yourself to play this game, especially if you love Marvel. This game is literally packed to the brim with anything and everything Marvel fans could ever want.
Additionally, this game really stands out from a visual standpoint. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I remember when I played through this game, I frequently found myself just running through the world, staring at the backgrounds and switching between characters to see how awesome they looked against the backdrop of the city.
1: LEGO City: Undercover
Undercover is the perfect example of where LEGO games can and should go. It has its flaws, but for the most part, it is what I have been wanting LEGO games to be since I first started playing them.
So, where does Undercover stand out? For one, the world is huge, open, and completely explorable. Did you play Grand Theft Auto V? Think about everything that made that world awesome and fun to run around in, and then put it in LEGO form. That’s what you get with Undercover.
The story of the game shows how LEGO games are evolving as well. The plot is very well defined and features escalating conflict that increases with every mission you complete. This also includes cool abilities and costumes that again, grow as the game progresses.
The humor is very pronounced in this title as well, much more so than in games that came before it, and it gives me hope for the future of the franchise.
What LEGO games do you think are best? Sound off in the comments section, or on Twitter @ArtistryInGames, with your thoughts.
