Phantom Menaces
In the Xbox, PS2, and GameCube versions of LEGO Star Wars II, if you have a memory card with a saved file from the first game, any characters that you've unlocked in the original become available to play as in the sequel. To make up for the fact that the original wasn't on the 360, LucasArts is going to make all the old characters available for purchase over Xbox Live Marketplace. For 200 Microsoft Points, you'll gain access to all 50+ characters from the original game. With them, you'll be able to choose from over 100 citizens of the Star Wars universe. Not too shabby, eh?
So yeah, there's a lot to do here. It might not take you long to get through the story mode, but there's still a ton to do before you truly finish the game. Some of the secrets are deviously hidden away, too, so there's a bit of a challenge to be had for someone dedicated to getting everything.
Search Your Feelings
To fully explore the game, you'll end up playing through each of the stages several times, but it will rarely feel like a chore thanks to the fantastic level design. There are a lot more LEGO elements scattered throughout each stage than there was in the first game. By blowing up LEGO objects, you'll often be able to rebuild the scattered bricks into new items that can be used to reach otherwise hidden areas. It really gives the feeling that you're playing within a living LEGO world. The stages are also perfectly designed around the characters' different abilities, and it's a lot of fun checking every last nook and cranny for a wayward minikit piece or a few extra LEGO studs.
The studs act as the game's currency and can be used in between levels to purchase more characters and power-ups. These power-ups range from enhancements to your weapons to invincibility, so it's certainly worth it to track down as much LEGO cash as you can.
One of the main elements that set this title apart from every other Star Wars game is its sense of humor. Seeing the well-known stories of the films pantomimed by animated LEGO minifigures would be funny enough, but when they're allowed to goof on the story a little, there are some great comedy moments (Vader revealing the truth about Luke's parentage is particularly humorous). The ha-ha even extends to some of the level design, particularly in hidden areas. Can you, for instance, find the car wash in Mos Eisley or the go-kart track on Dagobah?
For a little do-it-yourself comedy, be sure to take advantage of the Character Customizer, which allows you to mix and match parts in order to create your own Star Wars heroes. For a surefire laugh getter, just place anyone's head on Princess Leia's metal bikini clad body from Return of the Jedi. Of course, you can also play it straight and create some pretty accurate Expanded Universe characters. Nerd that I am, I was able to create a darn good Roron Corobb, the Ithorian Jedi from the awesome Clone Wars animated series.
