Video Game Review - LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Rob reviews LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga on Xbox Series X|S...

LEGO and Star Wars are two names synonymous with everyone's childhood. The two heavyweights have been wowing kids (and adults) imaginations for decades. So when LEGO teamed up with Lucasfilm back in 1998 to bring out a range of Star Wars-themed sets, that galaxy far far away was brought closer to home. 

Over their long association, LEGO has produced numerous Star Wars sets and other LEGO Star Wars-themed merchandise. One big part of this has been Traveller's Tales and their highly successful range of video games set within George Lucas' world. Since 2005, Traveller's Tales have ventured into every side of the Star Wars universe. From taking us through the Original Trilogy, the Prequel Trilogy, The Force Awakens, and even a trip to The Clone Wars, it's safe to say that LEGO Star Wars is Traveller's Tale's bread and butter. 

Now six years after we last ventured through the LEGO Star Wars universe, TT are back with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. A game that adapts all nine-film entries of The Skywalker Saga into one massive adventure. 

Upon first loading the game, you know that this title is aiming to be the definitive Star Wars experience. We're treated to an opening cinematic that highlights the major players and situations that encompass the whole Saga. Everything from Anakin's fall to the Darkside, to Kylo Renn's infamous tantrum is on show as TT pull out all the stops to draw its audience in. This cinematic then ends with Rey's famous quote "I need someone to show me my place in all of this", as the main Star Wars movers and shakers assemble around her. Now we're ready to start playing! 

One thing that's worth mentioning straight away is that this isn't just a remaster of the games that have come before. Instead, The Skywalker Saga gives you a whole new gameplay experience. One that's complete with a wealth of new mechanics and storytelling. With every film within the Skywalker Saga playable, there's plenty to see and do as Traveller's Tales have reimagined all of the main narrative points within their signature comedy and lightheartedness style. It all comes together to make these familiar locations feel fresh, whilst retaining that cinematic stature that Star Wars is known for. 

Each of the nine films that make up The Skywalker Saga is playable with each featuring five story missions and a wealth of large, explorable hub locations. Each open world section is themed around classic Star Wars locations, with each filled to the brim with nostalgia and easter eggs. There's a lot to see and do within these worlds which offers plenty to distract from just running through the story. During the Clone Wars story, I must have spent a good hour exploring Kamino rather than chasing Jango Fett. It's something that's easily done, and the game never penalises you for doing so. 

While levels and storytelling have seen a major upgrade the whole game does remain familiar to those who've been through the original LEGO titles. Each stage is littered with collectables to find, and numerous enemies to beat up. There are also plenty of simple puzzles to solve too, with each requiring various characters to complete. Replayability is a big factor within the LEGO series of video games, and The Skywalker Saga is no different. As you traverse the game's sprawling worlds you'll often come across certain puzzles or panels that need a certain character class - or character - to complete. This means that once you've unlocked a chunk of the game's impressive 400+ characters, you can head back to collect missing bricks or unlock extra ships. While it's a foundation that's built upon that classic formula, its execution has seen a well-needed refresh. 

Another new mechanic is how the game's combat plays out. Melee attacks now have added combos which makes the game feel a lot like Devil May Cry. Jedi (and Sith) characters can now string together both their lightsabers and the force to create some devastating - and stylish - moves. For those characters who prefer less elegant weapons, shooting has also had a much-needed overhaul. When controlling a blaster user, the camera now gives you an over shoulder view (complete with reticule) that allows for more precision when aiming and shooting. While these improvements are hardly "groundbreaking", they do give The Skywalker Saga a more refined and fluid feeling.

No Star Wars game would be complete without those cinematic space battles, and thankfully The Skywalker Saga is full of them. Much like combat, these scenes also benefit from an overhaul in their mechanics. Combat now plays out much like that seen within the Rogue Squadron series, with craft now feeling very responsive. Space combat shines when your battle around the game with many giant capital ships, and the Death Star. These scenes are littered with plenty of friendly and enemy ships which builds the atmosphere that you're taking part in a large scale battle. And yes! Those classic Star Wars moments are also here too. From gunning it down the Death Star trench to soaring through the Endor forest, everything cinematic moment has been catered for - albeit with a LEGO twist! 

When it comes to presentation, The Skywalker Saga is spot on. Scenes are filled with everything synonymous with what makes Star Wars great. From the scream of a TIE Fighter, to Darth Vader's breathing, and even the hum of a lightsaber - every sound is faithfully recreated. The game's soundtrack is also made up of John Williams' classic score, which is used to great effect in highlighting tense scenes and triumphant moments. 

When it comes to graphics, The Skywalker Saga certainly looks the part on the Xbox Series X. The world is highly detailed with each location feeling as if it's made from hundreds of LEGO bricks. The detail is so great that in some scenes you can make out the tiny LEGO branding on each stud. No stone has been left unturned in crafting a world that does not only have to be distinctly Star Wars but LEGO too. Characters are also similarly portrayed, with each having their unique style and identity. One interesting detail is that Obi-Wan Kenobi also features his "classic" design which is great to compare how far LEGO has developed these Minifigures from their original release. 

While the game is largely a success, there are the odd moments where everything doesn't quite click together. During my playthrough, I did encounter a couple of bugs, one of which featured a cut scene without the video, and another where I couldn't interact with a door. They're nothing game-breaking, but it does take the shine away from a game that's otherwise pretty flawless. 

All in all, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a worthy addition to the family of LEGO video games. It's a well-crafted title that offers a fantastic journey through plenty of iconic moments within the Star Wars universe. Each of the nine episodes is full to the brim of things to do and worlds to explore, and the new gameplay mechanics give everything a fresh feeling. For the completionists amongst us, the game offers a vast amount of hidden extras to be found such as characters, starships, and upgrades. For those who want more these are also the True Jedi challenge, as well as various mission-specific challenges too. 

Whether you blasting away TIE Fighters within the Millennium Falcon, crushing the Separatists on Geonosis or leading the Resistance at Exegol, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga offers the definitive Star Wars video game experience! 

Rating 9.5/10 

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is out now and can be purchased via the Microsoft Store. 

A code was kindly provided free by Warner Bros. for this review

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