LEGO® STAR WARS™: The Force Awakens, developed by TT Games and released on Steam in 2016, continues the long-standing tradition of adapting major cinematic blockbusters into the humorous and accessible LEGO video game format. As with previous entries in the LEGO Star Wars franchise, this installment combines action, puzzles, light platforming, and a heavy dose of slapstick comedy to retell the events of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. However, this title doesn’t simply rehash the film’s plot scene by scene—it expands upon it with additional missions and character moments that aim to flesh out the new trilogy's lore, offering a more comprehensive Star Wars experience that fans of all ages can appreciate.
The game follows the plot of The Force Awakens with a surprising level of detail, allowing players to take control of major characters like Rey, Finn, Han Solo, BB-8, and Poe Dameron as they traverse iconic locations from Jakku to Starkiller Base. As is tradition with LEGO games, the narrative is lightened with tongue-in-cheek humor, visual gags, and playful reinterpretations of scenes that may otherwise be intense or dramatic in the source material. Even Kylo Ren, who is a menacing and emotionally conflicted figure in the film, is given moments of comic absurdity that fit the LEGO brand perfectly. This approach, while not for those seeking a serious retelling of the movie, makes the game universally approachable and enjoyable for both younger players and long-time Star Wars fans.
Gameplay in LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is largely in line with previous LEGO titles but introduces a few notable enhancements. The most significant is the implementation of new mechanics such as cover-based shooting sections, multi-build systems, and enhanced aerial combat. Cover mechanics bring a light third-person shooter feel to some combat encounters, allowing players to strategically peek out and fire at enemies. Multi-builds offer greater puzzle variety, allowing players to construct different objects from the same pile of LEGO bricks to solve environmental challenges in multiple ways. Aerial dogfighting sequences, especially those involving the Millennium Falcon or X-Wings, are impressively cinematic and add an exciting change of pace to the usual ground-based gameplay.
Beyond the main story missions, the game includes several side missions and bonus levels that expand on events not shown in the film. These “New Adventures” levels explore moments such as how Han and Chewie captured the Rathtars, or what C-3PO did to get his red arm—scenarios that were only alluded to in the movie. These levels add welcome variety and depth to the overall experience and demonstrate TT Games' effort to go beyond a simple movie adaptation. For Star Wars fans eager to learn more about the universe, these bonus chapters are a valuable inclusion that set the game apart from many other licensed adaptations.
Visually, the game looks excellent within the bounds of LEGO-style graphics. Character models, environments, and visual effects are polished and vibrant, making full use of modern hardware to deliver smooth animations and detailed LEGO worlds. The game’s cinematics are especially well-produced, often blending real voice lines from the film’s cast with original content to create seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. The integration of actual audio from the movie adds a sense of authenticity and connection to the source material, though at times it contrasts awkwardly with the exaggerated comedic tone of the visuals.
The cooperative experience remains a major highlight. Local split-screen multiplayer allows two players to progress through the story together, solving puzzles, engaging in combat, and collecting LEGO studs for unlockables. This drop-in, drop-out system has always been one of the LEGO games’ greatest strengths, especially for families or casual gamers who want a low-stress cooperative experience. While online co-op is noticeably absent, the game’s design still encourages replayability through hidden collectibles, unlockable characters, and the opportunity to revisit levels in free-play mode with new abilities.
That said, the game is not without flaws. As with most LEGO games, the gameplay loop can become repetitive over extended sessions. Puzzles and combat encounters, though polished, tend to follow familiar patterns. Some of the new mechanics, like the cover-based shooting, feel a bit clunky or underdeveloped compared to genre standards, and the AI companions can sometimes hinder progress rather than help. There are also occasional bugs and glitches, though nothing game-breaking, and the PC version on Steam generally runs well across a range of hardware.
Despite its formulaic structure, LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens succeeds in delivering a playful, content-rich, and surprisingly expansive take on the film. It honors its source material while also finding ways to inject new ideas and charm into the LEGO game formula. The additional narrative content, variety of gameplay mechanics, and polished presentation make it one of the stronger entries in the LEGO Star Wars series. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the franchise, a parent looking for a co-op game to play with a child, or simply someone who enjoys light-hearted puzzle-action games with a big dose of charm, this title is well worth the time. It may not redefine the genre, but it refines it with confidence and creativity, making it a standout in the crowded world of licensed games.
Rating: 8/10
