Speaking of Xbox 360 exclusive goodies, the game will also support achievements. Unfortunately, there are currently no specific details about what those achievements will be. On kind of a down note, although the game retains the multiplayer aspects of the original, you can't play with a friend over Xbox Live.
The game begins in a hub world, specifically the Mos Eisley cantina on Tatooine. Any characters you have unlocked roam around the wretched hive, going about their own business. Parked outside, you'll find LEGO models of ships that you build by collecting hidden items throughout each chapter. In the first game, these models were just for show, but now you can pilot each of them in special bonus stages. When you're done goofing around in the cantina, it's time to jump into a stage.
A New Hope
Chapter 1: Secret Plans
Playable Characters: Princess Leia, Captain Antilles
Just like in the movie, the action begins aboard the Rebel blockade runner, the Tantive IV. Darth Vader and a platoon of stormtroopers have boarded the ship, and you must guide Leia and Captain Antilles through the ship to find R2-D2, who will carry the stolen plans for the Death Star off ship.
For the first stage in the game, this one is fairly long. The Tantive IV is not a tiny ship, and the level design reflects that. As you work your way through the corridors, you'll frequently have to assist Rebel troopers, who are fighting back the stormtroopers. At one point, we passed by a window where we could see Vader performing his own brand of interrogation on some Rebels with his Force choke.
Leia and Antilles are both armed with a blaster, and sticking to the series' tradition, "blaster" characters are also armed with a grappling hook for launching themselves up to high ledges. Naturally, you'll have to take advantage of this ability a few times before you find the little droid.
Chapter 2: Through the Jundland Wastes
Playable Characters: Luke Skywalker (Tatooine), Ben Kenobi
After fleeing the Tantive IV, it isn't long before R2-D2 and C-3PO are captured by Jawas and then purchased by Luke's uncle Owen. When R2 runs off to deliver Leia's message to one Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke goes after him and is rescued from a Tusken Raider attack by that crazy old hermit, Ben Kenobi.
At this point in the game, Luke doesn't have his father's lightsaber or any mastery of the Force, so it's up to old Ben if you need any Jedi business taken care of. A new Jedi ability that we saw was the Jedi Mind Trick, which confuses your enemy, rendering them harmless for a few seconds. Luke will have to be content with being a blaster character for now. As you travel through the Jundland Wastes, you must fend off the aforementioned Raiders as well as Jawas. Running loose all over the level are dozens of Womp Rats, which are great for a little target practice.
Another new addition to this sequel that pops up in this level is the ability for non-droid characters to ride animals. If you see a Bantha hanging out, you can climb aboard and go to town. In another humorous touch, each character has separate riding animations. Ben is used to riding wild animals (remember his ride on Boga in Episode III?), so he handles the Bantha quite gracefully. Luke, on the other hand, is hanging on for dear life, and he looks like he'll fall off the beast at any moment. The only time your character will fall off, however, is if the creature takes too much damage. Then, they're rear up and knock you to the ground. LucasArts was able to confirm that you'll also be able to ride dewbacks and tauntauns in the game. There's no word yet if you'll be able to take control of the most exotic and fearsome creature in the Star Wars universe.
