LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

The Good
Possibly one of the most successful franchise crossovers ever, LEGO Star Wars was always going to have steady sales figures when converted into a game. This particular game is an amalgamation of two previous titles; LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Star Wars 2. Clearly aimed at maximum sales I don't think there was a platform not included at the time of release.

The DS version follows the same basic principles as the other platforms but simplifying some of the arcade-style levels and adding a few mini-games based around the touch pad. You can also control the force by scribbling on the touch screen, though I found the button pressing alternative to be faster and easier. The first LEGO Star Wars game was released only on the Gameboy Advance, so I think the levels ported here have actually been completely rebuilt.

The result is a nice and tidy game that is very simple to play. You run, jump, shoot and slash your way through the levels, collecting coins and power-ups in the classic platform tradition. Occasionally levels change to a top down flying mode. It all feels very smooth as you play levels based on sections of the films, retold with comedic LEGO cut-scenes. Each level must first be played in story mode, where the player characters are set to match the level, but once completed any unlocked character can attempt them. Different characters have different abilities; Obi-Wan has the Force, and Boba Fett has a jet pack, which allows previously inaccessible parts of levels to be reached. This is the secret of the game to fully finish; each level must be explored multiple times with different characters.

The graphics and controls are very clear and crisp and totally robust, and of course the music score is based upon the famous themes so the developers have made best use of the source material.

The Bad
This is really a game for kids and it can be quite repetitive, especially if you want to complete every activity and unlock everything. You end up scouring every level with every type of character, which becomes tiresome. After all this scouring I had hoped for a reward once I'd finished, but no – nothing, not even an acknowledgement!

Another issue I have is the integration of the DS features. Being a port does mean the main game was never designed for touch screen and you can play the main game without it. Instead there are special bonus mini-games which try to compensate by being touch screen only which results in the usual dragging and rubbing.

The Bottom Line
This is a fun game for kids and those who yearn to collect things. It's light hearted and funny, though it gets quite repetitive after a while.