Lego Pirates of the Caribbean (Xbox 360) > Reviews (5)

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean

Tested and reviewed based on the Xbox360 version.

Review by Ben Nacca

(Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BenNacca )

XBL GT: Darkeyes2k7 PSN ID: Darkeyes2k11

Naturally, just like film series, games that are relatively successful tend to get a sequel. There is the potential that there will be another sequel after that and so on. There are plenty of franchises that have started as new IP’s and spawned a trilogy or library of games. Think Halo, Call of Duty, Burnout, Need for Speed, FIFA and so on. However, with the Lego games boasting over ten titles under their belt now since they started with Lego Star Wars back in 2005, we are now looking at Lego Pirates of the Caribbean.

Traveller’s Tales haven’t milked the franchise. I wouldn’tsay that at all. Technically, the Lego “fill this part in with blockbuster movie title” games are always recreated with impeccable charm and tongue in cheek humour and presents challenging but involving gameplay and enough collectables to leave a kleptomaniac swamped.

It is only natural then that Traveller’s Tales move onto Pirates of the Caribbean, with the film being released around the same time as the game, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean features 20 levels across all four films as you follow Captain Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and William Turner through the adventures of the films, replicated in perfect Lego harmony.

The Lego games are not stunningly graphical nor is that their selling point. I think they do well with what they have though and the plastic blocks and the numerous studs are always colourful and enticing. The obvious graphical overhaul with water being present in Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is noticeable and it does look very nice. The entire game has a vibrant feel to it and the use of colour and physics helps to bring the game to life.

Teaming up with Disney Interactive Studios, the publishers, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean has rights to the soundtrack so all the licensed music is here and sounds wonderful while playing through the game. Anyone whois a fan of Lego and the films will naturally love this game but I think it can appeal to those who have maybe not tried their hand at the Lego magic that Traveller’s Tales creates. Obviously, the quirky grunts and squeals of the characters are present since there are no voices as such in the game.Everything is mime in a way, using expressions and humour to push the story forward.

These games take forever to complete and no doubts you will have more than enough to do with completing the story first of all then returning afterwards to clear up all the hidden collectables you couldn’t get the first time. The game features drop in drop out co-operative feature and the dynamic splitscreen feature returns once more so you do not have to fight over the screen. The characters having abilities makes a return and a new feature for this game is the presence of water that you can swim in and even stay underwater if you are certain characters like Davy Jones for instance.

There is plenty to keep you busy and being able to complete it with a friend is also a bonus. The issues with bugs and glitches here and there are stuff that patches can solve but it is never nice to have your character become stuff on objects or items not purchasing properly. I think this is a much better effort that Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars presented,which seemed like a rushed cash in so that is always a good sign.

Visuals

7/10

Visually generic in terms of graphics and while the scope of the game is not all about the visuals, it does still look slightly dated. Water effects are nice though and the animation is superb as usual.

Audio

8/10

Licensed music from the films make sure you stay on track to find all your treasure but the lack of voices and repetitive tracks can begin to grind on you a little.

Gameplay

8/10

20 levels, 5 for each movie, and a tonne of collecting to do. If you are a fan then this will be right down your street. Apart from that,this game is very narrow in its audience scope. The splitscreen works well for the most part and the hub system keeps things simple.

Delivery

7/10

With glitches and bugs from day 1, it is a wonder why I didn’t put it down but with so much charm and the story being recreated in Lego so well, you can get past the small flaws and focus on the best bits.

Summary

7.5/10

Well Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is certainly a return to good form but it isn’t perfect yet. Sadly I do not see where else they can really take this saturated series but with Harry Potter Years 5-7 coming out imminently and with that franchise, Harry Potter, in my opinion, being their best offering of Lego games so far, maybe that is the one to break into the high 8’s to 9’s score?


This guide is the property of Ben Nacca and is for the sole use of www.lanraiders.co.uk, www.dooyoo.co.uk and www.ciao.co.uk. No copying to other websites or other mediums without written permission first.