The greatest thing about movie-based LEGO games is that they’re easy to start, play and finish. Even if you’ve never played one before, it would take mere 5 minutes to get the hang of it. And if you did play one before, then you’ll feel like a fish in water. This is very important for this type of games – those that aren’t meant for the hardcore gamers, but rather for younger audiences and their parents who just want to relax and have some fun with their favorite movie franchise.
This time that’s Marvel Avengers. After a crazy action sequence in which the Avengers showcase all of their power, we return to a more peaceful tone in which we’re introduced to the characters and their abilities. Traveler’s Tales Games was responsible for all LEGO video games over the years, and has once again delivered a game which isn’t repetitive and is not like the others. There are many reasons why, but one of them is certainly the abundance of humor in every scene. Not only will those who prefer “cheap” jokes enjoy every mission, but so will those who love the franchise and those who prefer “advanced” humor will find something for them as well. This very segment is what will hold you glued to the screen until the end.
Although this game is LEGO-themed, and everything is expected to be a bit “brick-like”, you’ll be surprised how good the Avengers look. Realistic locations and backdrops, well modeled figures… it’s all there. Moreover, some might find the realism daunting, especially if they expected a closer representation of a LEGO environment. The game has over a hundred characters available to play with, so even the most persistent players will need a lot of time to complete all missions, unlock all characters, and explore everything. However, already after the first dozen or so characters, you’ll realize that most of them aren’t too different from one another – that they are merely new skins on already existing characters with similar abilities.
The combat system has its pros and cons. For the first time, we get to try the “buddy” system in which two characters combine their super powers in order to perform an especially powerful attack. The bad side of combat in general is that it’s happening at a very slow pace and with a solid lag – so much so, that it leads us to believe it’s an error which will get patched by the developers at some point.
Of course, even though the game is excellent and fun in single player, while maintaining the best elements from the movies, it’s the cooperative mode with your friends that is truly the most enjoyable way to play it. Even though the game is called Marvel’s Avengers, it uses themes and segments from Captain America: The First Avenger, both Avengers movies, and from the Marvel cinematic universe in general. When you get tired of combat, there are logic puzzles to activate your brain (not by much), and besides that, you can also explore the game’s open world which probably the most expansive we’ve seen in a LEGO game. It’s especially interesting to take a walk in the city and encounter many famous Marvel superheroes doing their thing without even noticing you.
In the end, it all depends how you approach this franchise. If you like humor and some action by yourself, with your friends, or with your kids, then you’re going to like it. But if you’re looking for something new, you won’t find that here. And there are a few bugs that directly obstruct the gameplay. With all that in mind, we would recommend LEGO Marvel Avengers only to those who are not bothered that they’re playing practically the same game as LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and want more of Marvel universe.
Author: Stefan Starović
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers
Pros:
- Humor, story
- Numerous characters, big open world
Cons:
- ’’The same game’’ as the previous ones
- Slow combat
