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- When it comes to LEGO, it seems that the company has its hands in almost every property imaginable, both for building sets and for video games. In 2022, LEGO decided not to release a movie based on a single property, but instead put out a game based on several properties with LEGO Brawls. This game, hitting the Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, was unlike many previous releases as it is a platform fighting game. The game blends characters from several LEGO themes against each other and also has different play modes like Capture the Flag and free-for-all. One only hopes it reaches the level of the best LEGO games ranked and doesn't fall to the depths of the lesser releases.
The LEGO franchise is one that has gone on to span far more than just bricks to build things with. Whether it be theme parks, movies, or even video games, LEGO is out there for everyone. Even if someone don't care for the toys, the video games are often a blast, as the franchise brings popular movies and superheroes to life in brick format.
These games have always proven to be popular, as they can be enjoyed by the entire family. They're simple enough for younger gamers to play, while they also have trickier sections and humor that adults will appreciate too. But with so many out there, which are the worst and best LEGO games, ranked?
UPDATE: 2022/09/29 22:19 EST BY SHAWN S. LEALOS
When it comes to LEGO, it seems that the company has its hands in almost every property imaginable, both for building sets and for video games. In 2022, LEGO decided not to release a movie based on a single property, but instead put out a game based on several properties with LEGO Brawls. This game, hitting the Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, was unlike many previous releases as it is a platform fighting game. The game blends characters from several LEGO themes against each other and also has different play modes like Capture the Flag and free-for-all. One only hopes it reaches the level of the best LEGO games ranked and doesn't fall to the depths of the lesser releases.
Worst LEGO Games
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame (2019) - 65
While taking films and adapting them into the LEGO world has mostly worked out over the years, it didn't when LEGO did it with their own film. The LEGO Movie 2 was seen as a step down from the original, and the game version of it marked a huge swing and a miss in comparison to most of LEGO's titles.
One thing that caused it to struggle was that a lot of the mechanics from LEGO Worlds transferred over, which were already a mixed bag at best. There's a surprisingly limited number of things to do other than basic building, which feels like a huge missed opportunity given the expansive worlds of the films.
LEGO Worlds (2017) - 66
For the most part, the LEGO video game franchise has been focused on telling fun iterations of legendary stories like those from Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and more. However, they attempted something different in 2017 with the release of LEGO Worlds, which basically gave the gamer free rein to build their own LEGO universe.
On paper, this seemed like an idea that would work wonderfully, but it ultimately missed the mark. It was expansive in some places but also featured questionable calls with the menus, combat, and some of the controls.
The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game (2017) - 67
LEGO NINJAGO was a huge property for the company, taking the ideas from previous toy sets and creating an exclusive LEGO TV animated series to great success. This led to a theatrical movie release and the video game based on that movie. Sadly, while the movie was great fun, the video game was a critical disappointment.
The big difference with this game is that it is more interested in fighting action than the puzzle solving of previous LEGO games. However, critics pointed out that there really was nothing fresh here, and it was all done better in other titles like Star Wars and the Marvel games. However, the comedy is strong, and the game is addicting, it just doesn't offer anything gamers haven't seen before in the best LEGO titles.
LEGO: The Incredibles (2018) - 69
Perhaps taking an animated superhero movie and putting it into the LEGO world just didn't connect as well as the live-action movies did, but LEGO: The Incredibles was one of the weakest games in the franchise so far. Taking both of the movies into , things just didn't click in the same way that other games have done.
The superhero powers certainly worked well, as they have done with some of the more popular and higher-rated superhero games. However, with only a small amount of story to work with, this wasn't as free as some of the others, nor was it was fun.
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues (2009) - 70
The original LEGO Indiana Jones was about middle-of-the-road when it came to the best LEGO games, but the sequel dropped quite a bit, ranking as one of the lesser releases from the company. This game featured all four of the movies to date, and did it in a humorous tongue-in-cheek manner, which plays into how most of the games are written.
However, the biggest complaints are that gamers don't play through the original adventures from the movies, and instead play through levels based in the world. Despite that, the gameplay elements are what LEGO fans expect, but as more of a Cliff's Notes version of all but Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. If there is one plus, it is that the game allows people to make their own levels, which provides fun when the story ends.
LEGO Jurassic World (2015) - 70
LEGO dinosaurs sound like something that everyone should love, and they certainly were a fun and interesting element of this video game. However, that on its own simply wasn't enough to carry this, with none of the movies living up to the standards of the original, which meant that a lot of this game wasn't that interesting.
The best type of LEGO games often has a lot of action, whether that be with lightsabers, superpowers, or wands. However, this game didn't bring that in the same manner, which is why it wasn't anywhere near as exciting as other titles.
LEGO Rock Band (2009) - 71
The Rock Band series was popular, therefore it made sense to transition it into the LEGO world, pushing it to a younger audience. The game is perfect for the entire family, with the aim for this game being to build up the best band possible.
It's a lot of fun to play in of being interactive and bringing people together. But in of story, funny moments, and the action that LEGO games are typically known for, this one falls far too short of expectations and isn't as good as other Rock Band games.
LEGO: The Hobbit (2014) - 72
It's easy to see why this was a good idea on paper. This franchise is one that is beloved by a large audience, but with the trilogy of movies not going down as well as The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, it's not a big surprise that the games didn't click quite as well either.
The big problem here was that the game simply wasn't that exciting. Unlike The Lord Of The Rings, the personalities aren't as big, and there aren't quite as many large battles to really drive the excitement factor, which is why this one fell short of the mark.
LEGO Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Video Game (2011) - 73
There was so much that could have been done with this video game, with the ocean setting, the huge variety of characters, and the swashbuckling action, but ultimately its potential was unfulfilled. The game felt a little flat throughout, with the gameplay not being anywhere near exciting enough to match the best LEGO games.
Gamers felt like it was fun for fans of the franchise, but for those who simply like this gaming format, it wasn't anything fresh. More could've been accomplished with some of the film franchise's best characters.
Best LEGO Games
LEGO Batman: The Videogame (2008) - 76
While LEGO improved upon its Batman franchise with the second game in the series, that does not make LEGO Batman: The Videogame any less fun. The first game is missing some of the player functions that the sequel has, and it has a lot fewer characters, but it was still a fun ride from the start to the finish.
The story sees most of Batman's rogues bust out of Arkham Asylum, and it is up to Batman and Robin to catch them and put them back behind bars. The game also features a lot of the fun from the lighter-themed old-school Batman TV show and this is more of a casual LEGO game, but one that still delivers detailed levels and fun challenges.
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007) - 80
At the time of its release, this was one of the coolest things LEGO ever pulled off. They managed to bring in every aspect of the Skywalker Saga from Star Wars into one place, which hadn't been done before. There were so many iconic characters and locations for true fans to explore, making the title an immediate standout.
This was also a step up for the series in of gameplay, with fun aspects like the ability to build and ride vehicles being incorporated. Of course, with new movies being added by Disney, a fresh version of the game is set to arrive in 2022, titled LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (2011) - 80
While the first of these video games is a lot of fun, this sequel which focuses on the latter half of the story really steps up the action and emotional investment. The original game is still enjoyable, but because this section has more intensity and a clear villain to go up against, it made the game more compelling.
The magical elements help make the brick building part of this game the most fun out of any LEGO entry. There's plenty of adventure, strong character building, and an exciting world to explore, which all comes together in a really fun title.
LEGO The Lord Of The Rings (2012) - 80
As one of the most popular franchises of all time, it made perfect sense for this to be turned into a LEGO video game, with the characters having such huge personalities and abilities. The story is one massive adventure, so it is easy to see why it was one of the best LEGO games.
There are clear heroes and villains and a great mix of magic and fighting. With the journey building over each section of the game, it's easy to invest in, and the brick building excitement is a joy to play through, especially with each character bringing something unique to the table.
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (2012) - 81
This game really is the LEGO franchise at its best in of excitement, energy, and just good fun. With a variety of tremendous characters from the DC world all getting to show their personalities, it made for an enjoyable game that told a tremendous story.
With so many different characters and abilities, there was a lot going on that created a vibrant and enjoyable experience. Games with these characters often work well because they leap off the screen and have cool powers to separate them. Plus, with LEGO being able to focus on the fun side of the DC world, it is great for all the family.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (2022) - 82
The Star Wars LEGO games were what really launched the brand into the stratosphere with its success. Because of this, it's not a surprise when a new LEGO Star Wars release ends up a highly-rated and fun game. That happened in 2022 with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
What really helps this game stand out is the fact that there are hundreds of playable characters, the most ever for any LEGO Star Wars game. It also allows players to start anywhere on the journey, from The Phantom Menace to Rise of Skywalker, without having to fight their way through the movies in order.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 (2017) - 83
While the DC video game proved to be popular, Marvel's Super Heroes 2 just had the edge in of the Metacritic score. This allows gamers to have four players at a time, which is a fun addition, with the game taking place in different eras and spaces, which brings a time travel aspect to things along with the superhero action.
It is Kang the Conqueror who works as the main villain within this game, and with so many brilliant heroes to play with, there is a variety of powers and different things that can be done inside the game, making it a joy to play.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (2013) - 83
Honestly, this feels like the easiest home run for LEGO to hit. The superheroes of the Marvel universe are the most popular around, especially given the rise of the MCU in recent years. Putting them all into a game is ideal, especially when players can mix and match your teams to combine the Avengers with the X-Men.
The story was better than a lot of these games, with Galactus serving as a spirited choice for a villain. The powers of the characters also allowed for a fresh combination almost every time the game was played. Throw in a tremendous voice cast including Phil Lamarr, Adrian Pasdar, and even Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson, and the game was clearly a winner.
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy - 86 (2006)
It really was the Star Wars versions that got things going for the LEGO games, and it's no surprise that the original trilogy of movies created the best LEGO game. These are the strongest movies with the best stories, and they worked out best in the video game format as well.
This game is the ultimate LEGO version, and it is something that everyone can enjoy. There are so many brilliant characters, but the real treat is the ability to have adventures walking around and flying while using the Force to destroy objects. It worked perfectly.
