Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Nintendo DS masterfully combines the re-worked levels from LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy with a from-scratch adaptation of the prequel trilogy. Each of the six films is divided into five distinct chapters, faithfully recreating iconic scenes such as the trench run over the Death Star or Anakin’s duel on Mustafar. Players control two characters per level, either taking turns or collaborating in local co-op, which smoothly transitions from one character to another via the touch-enabled lower screen.

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The game’s structure offers a satisfying progression loop: complete levels to unlock characters, vehicles, and secret bonus stages. The inclusion of 2D cutscenes between missions adds narrative charm and light humor without interrupting the flow of action. Unlike the original DS release, this Complete Saga edition has had its bugs and glitches addressed, making traversal over ledges, puzzle-solving, and combat far less frustrating than before.

Puzzle design strikes a balance between simplicity for younger players and enough challenge to keep experienced builders engaged. You’ll spend as much time swapping lightsabers and blasters as you will stacking bricks to solve environmental puzzles. The enhanced difficulty in certain re-designed stages pushes veteran players to experiment with new character abilities, whether it’s using Force powers to manipulate objects or engaging in high-speed podracing sequences.

Overall, the control scheme is intuitive: the D-pad and face buttons steer your characters, while the touchscreen menu on the lower screen houses your available roster and inventory. Occasional camera angle shifts can feel cramped, but these instances are rare thanks to level layouts modeled closely after their PC and console counterparts. The result is a portable LEGO Star Wars experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

Graphics

Graphically, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga retains the chunky, colorful aesthetic that defines the franchise. On the DS’s modest hardware, environments—from the sandy dunes of Tatooine to the lush swamps of Dagobah—display surprising detail. Character models are crisp and instantly recognizable, with smooth animations that capture each hero’s and villain’s signature moves.

While the resolution and draw distance can’t match home consoles, the developers smartly reworked textures and level geometry to reduce pop-in and clipping. The re-designed DS levels now more closely resemble their PC and console siblings, without sacrificing performance. Even in more action-packed scenes—like the Battle of Geonosis—the frame rate remains stable, ensuring that combat and platforming feel responsive.

The 2D cutscenes add a charming visual break, using simple yet expressive artwork to illustrate key story beats. These interludes serve as a clever workaround to the DS’s limited video capabilities, offering succinct storytelling with LEGO flair. Transitions between 3D gameplay and these illustrations are seamless, preserving immersion in the galaxy far, far away.

Lighting effects, such as lightsaber glows and blaster fire, stand out boldly against darker backgrounds, helping players track fast-moving action. Although certain textures may appear repetitive after extended play, the rich color palette and playful brick-based designs ensure that each world retains its own distinct look and feel, making exploration continually engaging.

Story

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga invites players to relive all six movies in a playful, family-friendly format. From The Phantom Menace’s podrace to Return of the Jedi’s final confrontation, each chapter condenses complex plots into bite-sized vignettes. This streamlined storytelling is perfect for newcomers seeking an introduction to the Star Wars narrative and longtime fans looking for a lighthearted retelling.

Interspersed between high-octane missions are witty 2D cutscenes that capture the humor and heart of the LEGO franchise. Whether it’s C-3PO getting stuck in a trap or Jar Jar Binks inadvertently causing chaos, these moments add levity without undermining the original drama. Dialogue is sparse, relying instead on visual gags and expressive character animations to convey emotion.

The Complete Saga also excels at weaving prequel and original trilogy arcs into a unified experience. By navigating the contrasting tones—from political intrigue on Coruscant to the rebellion’s desperate struggle against the Empire—players gain a holistic view of the Skywalker saga. Unlocking bonus characters and side modes further expands the game’s narrative scope, rewarding exploration with playful Easter eggs.

While purists might miss the movies’ nuanced themes, the LEGO adaptation succeeds in delivering a coherent, entertaining storyline that appeals to all ages. The game’s pacing is brisk: each five-chapter film segment can be completed in under an hour, making it easy to sample individual episodes or binge the entire saga over multiple play sessions.

Overall Experience

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga on DS stands as a shining example of how to adapt a beloved console title for handheld play. It preserves the core gameplay mechanics—co-op puzzles, character switching, and brick-building—while fixing the pitfalls of the original LEGO Star Wars II DS release. The result is a tighter, more polished portable adventure that captures the spirit of both Star Wars and LEGO.

Replayability is one of the game’s greatest strengths. With over 90 playable characters, dozens of secret levels, and collectible studs to amass, completionists will find plenty of reasons to revisit each chapter. The inclusion of split-screen multiplayer on a single DS system makes cooperative play accessible and fun, though it can feel cramped when both players crowd the same small screens.

Few handheld titles offer such a comprehensive journey through all six Star Wars films, blending action, exploration, and humor into one cohesive package. The balance of challenge and approachability ensures that both younger players and veteran gamers can tailor their experience by selecting easier or more difficult modes, collecting studs, and unlocking extras.

In sum, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga on DS delivers an engaging, content-rich adventure that will satisfy fans of the block-building series and Star Wars enthusiasts alike. Its thoughtful design upgrades and faithful recreation of memorable movie moments make it a must-have for anyone seeking a portable intergalactic thrill ride.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10