LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game (GBA)
© 2005 Eidos Inc.
Sure to make your thumbs sore, this one player exploration game is too complex for younger children; which is unfortunate given the Star Wars theme and GBA platform. That's not to say this is a bad investment in your software library. Your goal is to explore 3D Star Wars environments as one of four Jedi characters, killing robots, picking up coins, and trying to stay alive. If you are shot too many times, you start back at the beginning of the level. Progress is automatically saved for three games. There are some bottlenecks that will frustrate children under age six, so be on hand to help out if you have a younger player. For example, in the first level, the characters sometimes walk behind things, and it isn't always clear when a platform is in range of a jump-- a small but frustrating detail. Children must also learn some tricky key combinations that are not obvious. The L1 key is needed to activate a force, required to levitate LEGOs onto a platform, needed to get to the next level. This took us fifteen minutes to figure out, and this was the first level. Older children will like the move combinations, clever puzzles and fun Star Wars themes. Another nice feature is an evaluation screen that reviews each level, and then previews the next challenge, telling you how many items you've collected, and visually illustrating the next challenge. Reading is limited. The program is available in seven languages. Produced by Giant Entertainment Entertainment, developed by Griptonite Studios. LEGO Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy.
$29.99, Game Boy Advance
Teaches: logic, spatial relations (no formal educational value)
CTR Rating: 90%