Jurassic World arrived in theaters in 2015, and so did LEGO Jurassic World, a game that turns the movie’s dinosaurs and human characters into small plastic bricks. The game lands on PS3, PS4, 3DS and PC, and it asks players to solve puzzles, avoid enemies and build models across several levels tied to the film’s story. It is a family-friendly adventure built on familiar LEGO systems, and it holds up mostly well, though it shows some rough edges that keep it from greatness.
Trailer, via IGDBcom.
The Story of the Film
The game follows the plot of Jurassic World, which centers on a new dinosaur park built on Isla Nublar. A hybrid creature escapes, and chaos unfolds as the park’s staff tries to contain the situation. The story is told through brief cutscenes between levels, and it stays close enough to the film that fans of the movie will recognize key scenes and dialogue. It is not a deep narrative, but it gives the missions a reason to exist beyond simple brick-breaking.
Players guide human characters and dinosaurs through a series of themed areas, each tied to a specific scene from the film. The pacing moves quickly, and the game rarely lets a mission drag. The story is told with a light touch, leaning on humor and spectacle over character development, which suits the LEGO format. That light touch keeps the pace quick and the focus on spectacle rather than detail, a deliberate choice given the genre.
Building Models and Solving Puzzles
The core gameplay involves solving environmental puzzles, avoiding enemy attacks and building small models from scattered pieces. Players move a main character through each level, collecting studs and parts along the way. The puzzles are simple but effective, often requiring the player to find a hidden switch or break open a wall to proceed.
Building models is the game’s strongest feature. Each level contains several model builds, and completing them rewards the player with extra content and a sense of achievement. The models range from simple figures to larger vehicles, and they are satisfying to construct once all the pieces are gathered. Completing these builds feels like a real reward, giving players a clear reason to push through each level.
The difficulty curve is gentle, especially compared to other LEGO games in the series. New players can pick up the controls within minutes, and the game rarely demands perfect execution. That accessibility comes at a cost, though, as the challenge rarely rises to test skilled players. The gentle curve makes the game easy to jump into, but it also means there is little room to grow once a player has mastered the basics.
Combat and Its Limits
Combat is present throughout the game, but it is not the focus. Players can fight back against enemies using weapons and special dinosaur abilities, but the encounters are mostly simple affairs. The combat system is serviceable, but it does not offer much depth. Players will spend far more time solving puzzles and building models than fighting.
The enemy variety is limited, and the game relies heavily on the same few types of foes across multiple levels. This repetition can become noticeable over time, especially during longer play sessions. The game also lacks a true difficulty setting, which means players who want a greater challenge will have to look elsewhere. Without adjustable difficulty, there is no way for skilled players to ramp up the challenge once the base difficulty is overcome.
Multiplayer Modes
LEGO Jurassic World includes a multiplayer mode that allows up to four players to work together online. Players join forces to solve puzzles and complete levels, sharing studs and parts along the way. The mode is a nice addition, even if it is not the star of the package.
Co-op play is simple to set up, and it adds a social layer that solo play lacks. Playing with friends online can make the puzzles feel more rewarding, especially when a shared goal brings out teamwork. The mode does not add any new content, but it gives returning players a reason to return. It is a modest bonus rather than a major draw, but it still adds value for those who enjoy playing with others.
Sound and Presentation
The presentation is bright and colorful, with a soundtrack that matches the tone of the film. The voice acting is energetic, and the animations are smooth. The game runs well on PS3, PS4, 3DS and PC, with few technical issues reported.
The 3DS version is worth noting separately. It plays at a lower resolution than the other platforms, but the handheld format works well for short sessions. The game is designed with younger players in mind, and the visual style is accessible even on smaller screens. For players who prefer shorter sessions, the handheld version offers a convenient option without sacrificing too much in terms of presentation.
Where It Falls Short
The game’s biggest weakness is its lack of replay value. Once a level is completed, there is little reason to return, since the game does not offer achievements or unlockables beyond the main story. Players who finish the campaign will likely put the game down and move on.
The level design is also somewhat repetitive. Many levels share similar structures, and the game rarely breaks the formula to try something new. This consistency can feel comfortable, but it can also feel monotonous after dozens of hours. The repetition is a persistent issue that weighs on the overall experience, even if the individual missions are well made.
The game’s length is modest. Players can expect to finish the main story in a handful of sessions, and the additional content found in model builds and collectibles extends the life of the game only slightly. The game does not offer a large amount of content for its price. Given the gentle difficulty curve and the limited enemy variety, the game is best enjoyed in short bursts rather than long stretches.
Key Facts
- Platforms: PS3, PS4, 3DS, PC
- Genre: Action-adventure, puzzle, building
- Setting: Based on the film Jurassic World
- Score: 7.3/10
Final Word
LEGO Jurassic World is a solid, if unambitious, entry in the LEGO series. It delivers a faithful adaptation of the film with enjoyable puzzles and satisfying model builds. The combat and multiplayer modes add value, but the lack of replayability and the repetitive level design hold it back.
Fans of the LEGO formula will find plenty to enjoy, but players looking for a deeper experience may find themselves wanting more. The game is a good way to spend an afternoon, but it is not a game that demands repeated visits.
