It seems that barely a month goes by without a new Lego game being released. Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman – the list of Lego-ised franchises is endless. Star Wars has always been the pick of the bunch, though. The original Lego Star Wars nailed so much of what makes the games hugely popular today – humour, collectables and accessibly rewarding action.
The latest edition is based on the successful Clone Wars animated TV series, and while it lacks the cross-generational appeal of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and co – although some classic characters can be unlocked while playing – the game adds enough to the formula to be worth a look.
For a start, there is so much more going on. From the off you are flung into screen-filling battles that capture the epic nature of the series. Enemies swarm around your Jedi heroes while you leap and slash with a lightsaber. It's all relatively illusionary, of course. Most of the enemies remain cannon fodder, simply there to help you rack up your collection of Lego studs and points. But it's a welcome upgrade on the relatively small-scale combat seen previously.
The other big change is the introduction of strategy elements. Like a primary school version of Command & Conquer, the action occasionally switches you to a battlefield that sees you capturing bases and spending cash on upgrades. Hardcore RTS fans will barely look up from their mice but this is a welcome diversion from the standard jumping/cutesy combat formula.
A note of warning though – younger children, so easily pleased by older Lego games, may struggle with some these new elements. Older gamers too may find the occasional lack of signposting frustrating too.
Perhaps the most impressive improvement is in the visuals, especially on the Xbox and PS3. The lighting effects in particular really add to the atmosphere.
As in previous Lego games, the action really comes alive when in multiplayer. The two player co-operative action is more engaging than ever here, primarily because of the more epic nature of the action. Space battles in particular work well and capture the rollercoaster feel of the series and movies.
It may not banish Lego-fatigue from hardcore gamers, but Lego Star Wars III adds enough polish and variety to make it appealing to budding Jedi of all ages.
• Game reviewed on Xbox 360
