If you like fun gaming; if you like 'Star Wars' and if you like the Lego titles you will love 'Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens'.

Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens

It was George Lucas' galaxy far, far away that was the first major film license in the Lego games series with 'Lego Star Wars: The Video Game' hitting consoles in 2005. From that success the company took that ball and ran with it creating multiple titles inspired by several franchises and culminating in the ambitious toys-to-life title 'Lego Dimensions'.

It seems only fitting that one of Lego's best ever games is this return to the 'Star Wars' universe - brought back to the big screen by J.J. Abrams last year.

Anyone who thinks they might skip this game because it's a children's title and it isn't serious or imaginative enough, that's fine - but you'll be missing out on one of the best games of 2016.

The game may not different markedly from some of the earlier incarnations, but that is no bad thing; the Lego staple of themed levels, enemies to fight (in this instance lots of Stormtroopers), endless scenery to smash, vehicles and items to build and studs and bricks to collect for bonuses.

The gameplay is always addictive whether it is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ('Lego Marvel's Avengers') or the grounds of Hogwarts ('Lego Harry Potter') and when it is set on the new planets of 'Star Wars' it seems to be even more so.

These levels are jam-packed with fearsome enemies for you to confront, while the array of characters available on the game mean you'll never be short of a challenge. Harness their different abilities, and you can successfully solve the game's puzzles and work your way through the plot of the film.

The gold bricks you can collect are even more sought after in this game as they unlock a series of missions that add to the extended universe of 'Force Awakens' and fill in stories referenced in the movie. You want to know how C-3PO got his red arm? Collect those gold bricks and you can find out what happened to the protocol droid between 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi' and 'Episode VII' in Trouble Over Taul.

Other bonus levels include Han Solo and Chewbacca going Rathtar Hunting, a mission which was referenced in the movie when the space smugglers' ship gets boarded by gangsters.

Other levels include Lor San Tekka's Return, which allows players to uncover the secrets behind Lor San Tekka's journey to the Jakku Village, and Poe to the Rescue, which shows the X-wing pilot's mission to save Admiral Ackbar. And there are more.

So by playing the game you are not just having fun but are adding to your 'Star Wars' knowledge. It's educational!

The gaming universe Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games have created is brought to life by the theatrical cast from the movie, so Harrison Ford speaks as Han Solo, Daisy Ridley is present as Rey, John Boyega gives miniature Finn a voice and Adam Driver speaks as Kylo Ren and so on. This gives the game much-needed authenticity.

The unique Lego comedy is also present and tempestuous villain Kylo is spoofed brilliantly as a moody teenager, while many of the Stormtroopers under his command are portrayed as lazy and work-shy. It is these touches that make the Lego recreation of 'Star Wars' something that cannot fail to make you smile.

Playing through the main campaign shouldn't take committed gamers much more than a few days to complete - longer for younger players, who are playing through without the help of an older partner - but it will take months to collect all the mini figure characters, vehicles, gold bricks, red bricks and to get the much sought-after True Jedi rating on every chapter.

But really, the greatest thing about this game is that it is one of the best (if not the best) representations of the now classic Lego formula - puzzles, fighting, humour, in-jokes, collecting and building.

For fans of the two iconic brands, this is a must-buy game ... until the next Lego title.

'LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens' is available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One (tested), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PS Vita, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Windows PC.

By Philip Hamilton.

Tagged in