Lego is integral to the DNA of this game and its minigames. More than one game relied on players’ knowledge of Lego and their ability to identify specific pieces. Naturally, building is also a big part of gameplay. Players are given their choice of what to construct along the game route.
These constructions can hold special opportunities to earn more Gold Bricks or set players back a few spaces. In one playthrough, I built a haunted castle for a chance to grab a Gold Brick, but triggering the wrong block booted me out and onto the main game route. Longtime fans of the Lego franchise will be rewarded with countless Easter eggs and funny antics in the background. (I could have watched a Lego Yeti chasing chickens for hours.)
What I suspect will attract most gamers burned by Mario Party sessions gone wrong is the omission of, pardon, bullpucky late-game shenanigans like score swapping that just take the fun out of the competition. Yes, there are still mechanisms to mess with your opponents and steal Gold Bricks, but it’s less chaotic, and the options are telegraphed well in advance. Lego Party is more about exploring the boards and goofing off in the minigames rather than letting Toad decide the podium spots by star roulette.
The minigames themselves are a refreshing mix of strategy, wit, hand-eye coordination and pure chaos. There’s even one quizzing your art history knowledge! No more relying on just brute button-mashing or rhythm-matching to have a chance in this fight.
Who should play Lego Party?
Overall, if you’re looking for an option for date night, family game night or even post-reality show watch party chit chat, Lego Party is a great choice for all that will keep you on your toes but not at each other’s throats.
Lego Party comes out for PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on Sept. 30.
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