LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens Hands On Preview

We have seen and posted numerous trailers and game play videos for LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and while we could see the changes to the game would add some new mechanics to an old, sometimes tired series, we never actually got the opportunity to try out the changes. Until Monday night that is.

Telltale understands that their formula for LEGO titles cannot remain constant, and innovation is required to maintain a strong, core audience. The biggest change in The Force Awakens is the ability to use one pile of LEGO blocks to perform numerous functions. By aiming the build in a specific direction – something that took a bit of getting use too after only holding ‘A’ for so many years – one pile of bricks can be used to perform multiple tasks. Whether we were building a lift to move a platform up for C3PO (who has no jump mechanic) or using the same blocks to create a radio tower that would lower a bridge to help traverse a gap, the ability to use one single pile of blocks for multiple purposes adds a little, uncomplicated level of depth not yet scene in a LEGO game to date.

The remainder of the demo focused on maneuvering air craft through a tunnel which ultimately ended in a fierce fight above the planets surface. My only issue with the flying mechanics was how unsatisfying my attacks looked and felt, and often in the thick of a fight, I wondered if I was actually shooting at all. Overall, however, the flying mechanics – which I expected to hate – where much better than I could have ever imagined.

Overall, it was an excellent evening organized by Warner Bros. and their PR company in Toronto. Special thanks to Alistair and his team for putting together one of the best events I have ever attended. Make sure to grab your copy of LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens when it hits retail on June 28th. Purchase at ToysRUs and receive and exclusive LEGO mini build, but only until July 4th. I have the mini build, and it’s pretty cool!

Stay tuned to GamesReviews for a complete review of LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens which should be live sometime later next week.