Welcome to Modojo, 
LEGO Star Wars II Preview
Written by Robert Falcon on Friday, August 11, 2006
Awesome preview of this game we have. Read it, you will.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far...nah, you know what? I'm not going to start this preview with a Star Wars quote. Everyone usually does that so I'll take a different route and just talk about the game legacy that is Lego Star Wars. Inspired by the toy line that came out a few years ago, Travellers Tales has since crafted it into a game formula that actually works better than typical Star Wars games. The first Lego game was a hit across consoles, courtesy of Eidos Interactive, and now LucasArts has stepped up for the sequel, Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy. And this time, the PSP gets some love, as a version is coming its way.
The game follows the storyline of the first three movies- A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. You'll take control of a number of different characters, including Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and others as you fight off the evil Empire and the insidious Darth Vader. Throughout the game, you'll find plenty of combat with Stormtroopers and other enemies, as well as vehicular stages and other bonus goodies to keep the gameplay pretty steady.
The PSP version looks to be shaping up pretty well thus far. The game moves at 60 frames per second and looks to have the same level of detail as the console effort, although the screen is slightly scrunched so all the action can fit on the wide PSP display. This is pretty forgivable, however, and the game still looks like a winner. Sound-wise, you'll encounter plenty of old-school Star Wars effects, like Chewbacca's maddening howl, the buzzing of the lightsabers, and the classic blaster noises. John Williams' music will also take center stage so that you really feel like you're in the middle of a Star Wars product.
There are a few cool things worth mentioning. As you go through the game, you can actually work on customization features, so you can build your own weird little characters for the game. Like giving a character Yoda's head and a Stormtrooper's body. Or having the gall to take Princess Leia's Jabba slave body and putting C-3PO's head on it. This sort of wild and wacky customization should add a little oomph to the game, as well as a bit more comic relief. If that's not enough, the game will also support co-op play over WiFi, so a second player can come in and take part in the action as they make their way through a stage. Bonus mini-games and other goodies can also be unlocked over the course of the game.
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy should also have the same great gameplay as the original. Part of what made the first game so special is the fact that its gameplay was relatively easy to get into, but very addictive in terms of platforming action. Different characters come into play to unlock doors, reach platforms, and having unique attack methods to get things done. Here, you'll be taking control of a number of characters, ranging from Obi Wan Kenobi to heroic pilots to Ewoks. Yup, Ewoks. They finally have a good use.
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is looking fantastic thus far, and should be a great title when it arrives next month alongside the DVD release of the original films. We'll be back with a full review upon its release. Until then, may the Force be...ah. Almost got away with it there. Nope, ain't gonna do it. Sorry.
