Sep 2022
LEGO Brawls is here, folks! It’s about as fam-friendly as a brawler can be—think of it as the sugar-high cousin of Super Smash Bros. Grab your controller, because this is one ride you won't want to brick on!
Get ready for chaotic 4v4 battles across various LEGO-themed maps where the goal is, surprisingly, not to build things but to break them (sorry, Master Builders!). Each match can unfold in different modes, such as point control, collect mode, and good ol' last-player-standing free-for-brawl styles. Naturally, players can customize their heroes using different minifigures, weapons, and accessories. Think of it as a LEGO action figure mash-up party, but with less awkward conversation. The game promises cross-platform madness, so whether your buddies are on Switch or not, they'll be able to join in on the brick-slapping fun! But here’s the kicker: as exciting as it sounds, gameplay can quickly feel like a monotonous grind. The hope of unlocking a new cosmetic piece feels a tad hollow as you slam the same old minifigure heads repeatedly for the 10th time. Mystery bags are meant to reward players with fresh content, but in reality, you’re more likely to receive a plastic piece aimed at the collector's junk pile. Want to unlock new characters? Better get used to battling the AI in solo mode—who seem to play like they’ve eaten one too many LEGO bricks themselves! Before you pack up your joy-cons in disgust, let's talk about the collection: there’s a treasure trove of playable minifigures drawn from beloved sets since the dawn of LEGO time. Ever wanted to pit a Ninjago against a Classic Pirate? Well, dream no more! Do note, however, that some characters are probably better suited to this digital binge. I’m looking at you, Alien Conquest. Aliens are cool and all, but they seem to fumble a lot during fights. Overall, while the gameplay has potential, it often feels more like a LEGO build rather than a polished result. The base functionality is sound, but a sprinkle more depth would go a long way!
Graphically, LEGO Brawls embraces the blocky charm that makes LEGO legendary. It's colorful and vibrant enough to capture the spirit of the little plastic bricks we grew up with. However, the visuals don't really push the PS5's known processing power. It feels like a game that would be great on the Switch, and indeed, runs pretty well in portable format, but it could use a pixel buff on the console’s native hardware. Some cutscenes look crisp and entertaining, while action in densely populated areas could leave you squinting in confusion unless you've got your glasses on. The camera angles could also use some refinement, as you’ll often find yourself wishing the game would just focus on the brawl instead of giving you a front-row seat to whatever minifigure’s hijinks happen to be farthest away from the action!
In conclusion, LEGO Brawls is a family-friendly brawler with undeniable charm and potential. The customization is a blast, the action is light-hearted, and nostalgic characters keep you grinning. Yet, beneath the surface, it’s a brick wall of grindy systems and narrow pulls, bringing down the fun like a poorly placed block tower. If you’re in for a fun, quick brawl with some friends, grab a party pack and this game, but temper your expectations—it’s not going to give you the fighting experience you would have with current classic fighting titles. Instead, think of it as LEGO’s awkward first date at the arcade—cute, but maybe not relationship material. So, if gameplay starts feeling like a never-ending chore, remember, you can always put the minifigs back on your shelf and call it a day!
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