Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy refines the light jump-and-slash formula introduced in the first LEGO Star Wars game by splitting each level between two controllable characters. You can switch between them on the fly, leveraging their unique skills—be it using a droid’s hacking prowess or a Jedi’s Force powers—to progress through puzzles and combat encounters. The shared four-heart life bar adds a layer of strategy: you must protect your active character to avoid penalties on your stud count and a slower Super Kit gauge progression.

This sequel also rebalances weapon classes to suit the later episodes of the trilogy. Blaster users now fire rapidly without a charge mode, reflecting the shootouts in Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. New flight missions—dogfighting above the Death Star, speeding through Hoth’s canyons, and the Millennium Falcon’s daring asteroid-field escape—inject variety and capture the cinematic scope of Star Wars aerial battles in LEGO form.

The hub of replayability lies in Free Play mode. No matter how meticulously you complete Story Mode, you’ll unlock only about half the secrets in a single run. Doors, switches, and hidden studs require characters from three major classes—droid, Jedi, and blaster user—to open or interact with specialized objects. Collecting studs, unlocking mini-kits, and recruiting all 36 characters demands repeated trips through levels with different teams and abilities.

Graphics

Visually, LEGO Star Wars II embraces the charm of plastic bricks while elevating environmental detail. From the sandy hues of Tatooine to the icy plains of Hoth, each planet features distinct color palettes that pop against the game’s clean, uncluttered backgrounds. Character models capture the essence of Stormtroopers, Tusken Raiders, and Jedi Masters alike, all rendered in crisp, cartoon-style shading.

Lighting effects are particularly noteworthy during the introduction of each Episode’s iconic moments. Watch blaster bolts streak across a twilight sky, or feel the churning glow of the forest moon of Endor when the second Death Star looms overhead. Animations remain playful and expressive: lightsabers hum and clash with satisfying sparks, and even the simplest brick breaks apart in a satisfying shower of studs.

Cutscenes blend classic LEGO humor with recognizable Star Wars set pieces. No fancy motion capture is needed—each character’s exaggerated expressions and slapstick routines keep the tone light. Transitions between gameplay and story sequences are seamless, ensuring you never lose the playful momentum that LEGO titles are known for.

Story

LEGO Star Wars II retells the beloved Original Trilogy—A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi—with a generous dash of brick-built humor. Iconic scenes like “Use the Force, Luke” and the speeder-bike chase on Endor are faithfully recreated, only to be interrupted by a Minifigure slipping on a banana peel or a droid’s comic malfunction. These moments keep long-time fans chuckling while newcomers appreciate the lighthearted take on the saga.

The narrative unfolds through animated vignettes rather than spoken dialogue, using simple text bubbles and playful facial animations to convey character motivations. This approach streamlines storytelling and avoids language barriers, making the game accessible to a broad audience. Familiar musical cues from John Williams’ score punctuate key events, reinforcing the epic atmosphere even in the tiniest LEGO corridor.

While the core plot follows Luke’s hero’s journey from moisture farm to Death Star escapee, additional side objectives give depth to each Episode. Collect all mini-kits to unlock surprise levels, or gather enough studs to purchase alternate lightsaber colors and character skins. Every chapter feels both nostalgically faithful and refreshingly inventive in its LEGO interpretation.

Overall Experience

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is a masterclass in accessible co-op fun. Two players can tackle the story together, swapping characters in real time and combining skills to solve puzzles. Single-player sessions remain smooth with easy character switching, though you may occasionally miss that helping hand.

Collectibility drives the game’s longevity. With thousands of studs to gather, mini-kits to find, and purchasable extras—from palette swaps to bonus game modes—there’s always another hidden secret waiting. The Super Kit gauge and unlockable characters reward exploration, making each level a fresh experience when revisited in Free Play.

Minor frustrations—such as losing studs upon character defeat or repetitive level objectives—never outweigh the charm of blasting Stormtroopers as C-3PO or leaping through the Death Star vents as Han Solo. Whether you’re a LEGO enthusiast, a Star Wars devotee, or simply looking for family-friendly couch co-op, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy delivers engaging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and a story retold with irrepressible humor.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10