LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is an ambitious and sprawling adventure game that brings together the entirety of the Skywalker story in a single, cohesive LEGO experience. Developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the game is available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. For longtime fans of both LEGO games and Star Wars, The Skywalker Saga represents a dream come true, combining beloved characters, memorable locations, and classic humor with modern gameplay mechanics.
One of the most striking features of The Skywalker Saga is its scope. The game covers all nine films of the Skywalker Saga, from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker. Each trilogy has its own distinctive open-world hub, a first for the LEGO Star Wars series. This design choice gives players freedom to explore iconic planets such as Tatooine, Endor, and Starkiller Base in more detail than ever before. The hubs also allow for non-linear progression, letting players tackle the movies in any order they prefer.
Gameplay in The Skywalker Saga has seen a major overhaul, particularly in its combat system. Unlike previous LEGO titles, the combat here feels more fluid and responsive. Characters have unique movesets that reflect their individual abilities, whether it’s Rey’s acrobatics, Darth Vader’s lightsaber mastery, or Boba Fett’s gadgetry. The new system encourages players to experiment with combos and abilities, making fights against waves of enemies satisfying and strategically engaging.
Exploration is another area where The Skywalker Saga shines. The hubs are packed with secrets, side quests, and Easter Eggs that will delight both casual players and hardcore Star Wars fans. For example, Simon Pegg makes a cameo as Unkar Plutt, and players can hear Daisy Ridley lend her voice to Rey, adding authenticity and charm. Hidden areas and collectibles are spread throughout the galaxy, rewarding curiosity and replayability.
Visually, The Skywalker Saga represents a significant step forward for LEGO games. The new graphics engine supports 4K resolution and HDR, giving the LEGO universe a polished, vibrant look. Planets feel alive, from the sandy dunes of Tatooine to the icy forests of Hoth, and cinematic moments are enhanced by dynamic lighting and detailed character models. While still retaining the playful LEGO aesthetic, the visuals manage to be immersive and visually impressive.
One of the most exciting additions is full voice acting across all dialogue. Previous LEGO Star Wars titles relied heavily on gestures and gibberish, but now players experience the stories with proper performances. This brings depth to cutscenes, enhancing emotional moments while maintaining the series’ trademark humor. Characters like Luke Skywalker, Leia, and Kylo Ren feel more alive and connected to their movie counterparts.
The character customization system is another highlight. Players can mix and match outfits, weapons, and gear to create unique characters. Want a Jedi Master with a cowboy hat wielding a lightsaber or a Sith dressed like a samurai? You can do that. This level of freedom encourages creativity and adds another layer of replay value, especially for players who enjoy crafting their own LEGO persona.
Storytelling in The Skywalker Saga takes some liberties, providing fresh perspectives on familiar events. While it follows the overarching plot of the films, the game introduces humorous twists and alternative scenarios that make familiar stories feel new. The writing balances comedy, adventure, and fan-service, making it enjoyable for longtime Star Wars enthusiasts while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Vehicles play a crucial role in the game, and fans won’t be disappointed. Iconic ships such as the Millennium Falcon, X-wing, and TIE fighters are all pilotable, and ground vehicles like speeder bikes add variety. Flying and driving controls are intuitive, allowing players to traverse planets and space with ease. Vehicle missions also add pacing variety, breaking up on-foot exploration with exciting sequences.
The roster of playable characters is expansive. From heroes like Rey, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo to villains like Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, players have access to hundreds of characters. Each character feels distinct, with unique abilities that are often essential for puzzle-solving and combat. Switching between characters adds depth to gameplay and encourages experimentation.
Co-op gameplay is a welcome feature, supporting both local and online multiplayer. Players can team up with friends to explore planets, solve puzzles, and battle enemies together. The cooperative design is seamless, and the humor and chaos of LEGO games are amplified when shared with others, making for memorable multiplayer sessions.
Choices in The Skywalker Saga influence how players experience the game. While the main story remains intact, the order of missions and side quests can alter the narrative flow. Players can approach objectives in different ways, making each playthrough feel unique. This non-linear approach gives the game replayability and encourages exploration beyond the main storyline.
The soundtrack is another standout element, featuring classic tracks by John Williams. Hearing iconic scores like the Imperial March or Duel of the Fates while smashing LEGO bricks or piloting ships adds authenticity and nostalgia. Music enhances the cinematic feel of the game, elevating both action and exploration sequences.
Minikits and collectibles return in full force, a staple of LEGO titles. These unlock new vehicles, characters, and customization options, providing ample incentives for completionists. Finding hidden minikits is satisfying and encourages players to revisit planets and hubs, adding longevity to the game.
Puzzle-solving remains integral to gameplay. Each hub is filled with environmental puzzles, secret areas, and challenges that require character-specific abilities to overcome. This encourages players to experiment with different characters and abilities, keeping gameplay engaging and varied throughout the experience.
The Skywalker Saga is accessible for players of all ages. While it offers complex systems and extensive content for seasoned gamers, the controls, humor, and gameplay loops are simple enough for younger players to enjoy. This balance ensures that families and solo players alike can have a rewarding experience.
Replayability is high due to the combination of collectibles, character customization, co-op play, and multiple story paths. Even after completing all nine movies, players can return to explore previously inaccessible areas or try out different character combinations. This keeps the game feeling fresh long after the initial playthrough.
The game’s humor is consistently charming, with LEGO’s classic slapstick and visual gags woven seamlessly into the Star Wars narrative. Even serious moments from the films are lightened with comedic twists, making the story approachable and fun without undermining the source material.
Overall, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a triumph for both the LEGO and Star Wars franchises. Its combination of vast open worlds, refined combat, character customization, and faithful yet playful storytelling makes it one of the best entries in the LEGO video game series. Fans of either franchise will find hours of entertainment and discovery.
With its attention to detail, robust features, and sheer scale, The Skywalker Saga is a must-play for any gamer interested in adventure, exploration, and intergalactic fun. It manages to honor the Star Wars legacy while reinventing LEGO gameplay in meaningful ways.
SCORE: 9 out of 10
Game Information
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Developer: TT Games
Official Release Date: April 5, 2022
Reviewed on: Xbox One
Score: 9/10
"LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga delivers a fun, immersive, and expansive journey through the galaxy, combining classic humor with modern gameplay innovations."