LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars Eyes On

Personally I can’t get enough of LEGO, but this is the 5th LEGO video game in recent memory and the 3rd in the LEGO Star Wars universe alone. At E3 a couple of weeks back I was shown through a couple of levels by the helpful lads at LucasArts.

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars revolves around both seasons of the popular animated television series of the same name, as well as borrowing fan-favourite scenes and characters from the original Star Wars Saga. Like previous games, all of the quirky plastic-molded fun and humour is still intact too. In one particular level shown to us, an unfortunate StormTrooper had one of his arms blown off by a Wookie. But instead of making a big deal out of his predicament, he picked up his arm and started bashing people over the head with it.

But the thing that struck me most about the game was the strange mix of visuals. LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars has background renders that rival some of the better next-gen games out there, including The Force Unleashed. Although they’re absolutely stunning, it makes for an odd juxtaposition to your colourful blocky LEGO MiniFigs leaping around in front. Overall, the graphics do look better. But a part of me misses the simple textured backdrops that seemed better suited for a LEGO environment.

One area that has definitely been improved for the better however, is the increase of freedom in the game. Although the game is still linear, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars allows a player to explore a greater area and includes a lot more hidden passages and secrets to discover. The levels set in space now allow players full control over their spaceships too, letting you fly and dogfight your way through asteroids and enemy ships in any direction. In previous games you were almost on rails with a preset path in which you had to fly.

Lastly, LucasArts mentioned that all of the drop-in / drop-out multiplayer goodness that fans love will make a return in this up-coming title. As well as the multiplayer split-screen mode that the LEGO Indy series delivered. Little improvements here and there might make this game a bigger seller than previous LEGO titles, but NZGamer.com will keep you posted with a full review when this game lands to let you know if it’s worth the moola.