Somewhere along the line, LEGO games on portables got really small. Older LEGO adventures on DS and PSP at least tried to recreate the large-scale action and exploration of their console big brothers, but more recent installments (like LEGO Marvel Superheroes) have streamlined the gameplay to the point where the portables feel like they’re getting a plastic brick shaft. The LEGO Movie Videogame on PS Vita and 3DS is no exception: its stripped-down gameplay and focus on bite-sized levels and timed achievements make it feel like a rushed, lesser version of the console experience. Like the console version, The LEGO Movie Videogame for 3DS and Vita follows the storyline of the movie exactly, only this time the action is divvied up into 45 mini-levels. In theory, that makes a lot of sense on portable systems where you might not have 20 or 30 minutes to complete a single level and just want a quick burst of LEGO fun, but most levels go by so quickly that the desire to go back and replay them to explore further is ruined.
Some levels can be completed in a couple of minutes, such as those love-’em-or-hate-’em falling sequences in which you have to maneuver the lovable star, Emmet, to avoid obstacles while plummeting through as many bonus pick-ups as possible. Others, like driving and mine-cart railed sequences can be so infuriating to get through in the first place that only completionists will want to load them up again. The action on 3DS and Vita is also shown from an overhead isometric perspective as opposed to the console versions’ closer, over-the-shoulder viewpoint. So, yay - not only are you playing on a smaller screen, but everything looks smaller, too. Otherwise, the gameplay is the regular entertaining LEGO formula of exploration (though more limited), smashing your surroundings into collectible studs, punching bad guys, and solving puzzles using each character’s unique abilities. Emmet, for example, can fix machines with his wrench, and Wyldstyle is a Master Builder capable of assembling huge contraptions.
And then there are the timed objectives, like beating a number of bad guys in a set amount of time to earn bonuses. I get why they’re here - they add variety and give you an extra reason to go back and replay a mission - but they seem counterintuitive to the laid-back, toybox approach of LEGO games. Suddenly you’re being prodded to hurry up, or worse, race to an objective, when what you really want to do is explore and experiment with the colorful plastic world around you. What’s most irritating about this portable version, though, is that you can actually die. As in, the kind of death that forces you to restart the level and try, try, again. In the console version, like most LEGO games, you’ll lose some studs when your health is depleted, but you can always jump right back up and continue from where you fell to pieces (literally). But the Vita and 3DS editions greet you with a “restart level” screen that puts you back at the start. True, most of the levels aren’t terribly long to begin with, but the side effect is that the portable version is tougher.
Accidentally fall off a platform? Get whacked to bits by a tough boss? Since portable editions tend to skew towards younger players, the increased difficulty on 3DS and Vita seems strange. The LEGO Movie Videogame naturally looks best on Vita given its power and higher resolution, while the 3DS version is more pixilated and has a lower framerate. Otherwise, the two are virtually identical, including the annoying touch-screen controls that make you tap the screen repeatedly to make Emmet jackhammer something or swirl your finger around to assemble objects. Most of these are optional, though, and you can substitute button presses or the control stick/D-pad to do the same things. The LEGO Movie Videogame manages to ride the charm of its hilarious source material, yet still reeks of movie tie-in-itis. The 3DS and Vita versions’ bite-sized chunks of gameplay make the overall experience feel less like a grand LEGO adventure and more like a series of mini-games and puzzles crammed into where the story should be.
There’s still a lot of fun to be had in wanton destruction and problem-solving, but this trip into LEGO-land feels too rushed to be awesome.3DS, iPhone/iPad, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One Awaiting 4 more reviews Mixed or average reviews- based on 15 Ratings More Details and Credits » users found this helpful The LEGO Movie Videogame - Launch Trailer The LEGO Movie Videogame - Official TrailerWe have detected a history of abnormal traffic from your network so we ask that you please complete the following form to confirm that you are not a robot and are indeed a real person. Most of this time this happens if there has been a lot of malicious bot activity from your current internet provider's network or you are using a VPN. It likely has nothing to do with you. We're really sorry for the hassle.The Lego Movie Videogame for PS Vita relies on the successful formula for an enjoyable on-the-go experience. Even though it sticks to the basic approach we've come to know from previous Lego adventures, it's surprisingly fun and well-suited for people of all ages.
The Lego Movie Videogame initially plays similar to other Lego games for 3DS and Vita. However, there are a few changes, like the new menu system that streamlines everything into one screen. You'll also notice that unlike past games, the difficulty has been increased, in that when your character dies, he or she won't re-spawn right where they perished. You'll have restart the entire level, which changes the way you'll approach this Lego adventure. Combat and puzzle solving is what we've come to expect, but this time, you'll have areas where you'll be able to control giant mechanical robots. You'll feel like a giant mech, towering over the game's environment and tiny enemies. In addition, there are vehicle levels that are a blast to play and offer a much-needed change of pace. Most of the levels are short, and some can even be finished in under a few minutes, which is perfect for on-the-go gaming. On top of that, there are 10 challenges for every level. Many of these challenges are tied to specific abilities for locked heroes, so you'll have to unlock them by collecting studs or completing a specific challenge to get them.
Overall, the campaign lasts roughly five-to-six hours, but the replay value is high because of the challenges and unlocks available. The graphics are vibrant and completely suitable, but the sound is where this game stands out, thanks to actors from the film voicing their characters. The controls are mostly tight and responsive. However, there are times when you'll push the combat button and your character won't immediately perform the action, or you'll throw punches when not pressing a button, which seems to leave you open to attack. As we mentioned before, when you die, you'll have to restart the level, which can be stressful when you're taking on some of the longer stages and you suddenly fall off the side of a platform. Some may also find it disappointing that this is a port of the 3DS (not PS3) version. Despite the issues, The Lego Movie Videogame is a solid (albeit short) title that is a must-have for Lego fans. The extras will keep you coming back for more even after you finished the campaign.