LEGO: A Whole New Universe
By Jonathan (Ardua) Doyle OnRPG Journalist
I know I have had my calendar marked for a while. Perhaps some of you have as well. Today, October 12th, is one of two big dates this month for NetDevils Lego Universe. Today is, in fact, the start of the pre-order play period where anyone who had already ordered their copy of Lego Universe gets two weeks with the world to themselves. Some of the beta players, now called Founders, have been able to play since the 8th giving them a little something in return for their hard work testing the game. As today is the launch day for the pre-orders, today in the mail I received my copy of Lego Universe. Nowadays many games have Collectors Editions and Pre-order bonuses and other bits to show favour to the fans who come early or pay more. Lego Universe is no exception.
(Picture: mail contents)
Picture: Interior
Picture: Instruction book and game manual (It is a big one) along with Faction Guide.
There are pre-order bonuses in the package but compared to some games recently, there isn’t a vast amount. An Astronaut Minifig and a code card for in game items.
I admit that for an adult, I am so very much a child at heart. In the grand scheme of things is it important that I got a Lego Astronaut and a code so that I can look like him in the game? No not really. In fact as Pre-orders go it is hardly the most elaborate that I have ever seen. Does that make it somehow inferior? Not in the slightest!
Ready for lift-off
I think however that is entirely the point. The game isn’t necessarily for adults, it is aimed at a much younger audience. There is ideally enough to entertain them while the game installs along with a nice little coded perk for afterwards. If it proves enough for a child, it is enough for me.
This game has always been more about the joy of creation and of exploration than anything. It doesn’t matter who has what or who gets what. It is, in a very zen moment for a very young audience, all about the journey. Just over two weeks now to the actual launch and then that journey begins. Players will be able to pick their faction, collect their bricks for free-building on their lots and generally doing the one thing that Lego has forever been brilliant at. Exercising peoples imagination.
In the game it takes Imagination to build things you come across, just like in the real world. Is it any surprise at all that Lego Universe wants you to save imagination? The Maelstrom awaits, get building!
