Some video game properties are exclusively for mature audiences, and others are for younger fans, but there are a handful that strive to be fun for everyone.Nintendohas been straddling this line for years, but the emergence of some franchises means that families don’t necessarily have to invest in the Nintendo ecosystem to have access to unanimously amusing games.LEGOis one of the properties that can be found, in most incarnations, on a wide range of platforms. It’s colorful enough to attract children, but its challenging completionist nature makes it engaging for adults, too.
LEGOitself doesn’t have any real narrative potential, as it’s just a toy that provokes problem-solving through construction. However, it has branched out into catering to fans of different fictional franchises, withStar Wars,Harry Potter, and many others. In video games it’s no different.LEGO City: Undercoverwas proof that the franchise doesn’t need to lean on other series' to succeed, but it undoubtedly makes theLEGOproduct more appealing. Some fictional IPs have yet to receive their ownLEGOtitle, though, which is a shame as they have the potential to impress.
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James Bond
James Bond is surely one of the most well-known characters in film, as his unrelenting charm and fighting skills make him really fun to watch. The subject of 27 feature films and counting, 007 is synonymous with action set-pieces, evil baddies, and compelling storytelling. While theBondbrand doesn’t have huge scope and a crowded cast of recurring characters, this could be a benefit, asLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Sagauses a more story-focused, over-the-shoulder format.
The sheer popularity ofBondmakes it a surprise that it has yet to receive aLEGOadaptation, as the latter has taken on the likes ofIndiana Jones,The Lord of the Rings, andHarry Potterto much success. Traveller’s Tales has a brilliant way of parodying the events of the films/series it’s adapting, and the slightly outdated nature of Bond’s personality and the unrealistic events that occur in some films would play to its strengths, poking fun at a franchise that is getting more ripe for ridicule by the day.
Star Trek
WhileStar Warshas plenty ofLEGOgames, its rival franchise has yet to receive an adaptation, which is all the more puzzling as it is perhaps riper for the video game medium. WhereasStar Warsspans plenty of genres and character arcs,Star Trekis focused, and each new take is a slight revision on a winning formula. “To boldly go where no man has gone before” is an invitation for exploration, which is very important in collect-a-thon games likeLEGO.
Star Trekhas been neglected by the game industryin general, not justLEGO, and it could use the family-fun format of Traveller’s Tales' offerings to establish itself for more games in the IP to be developed. Levels could be varied, taking place in all corners of the galaxy, and the plethora of iconic characters would provide unique dialogue and gameplay quirks.Star Trekhas proven that it can work on the big screen as well as TV, but more has to be done to show it has the ingredients to make a great game, andLEGOcould be the first step into a world the franchise has yet to truly explore.
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The Simpsons
The Simpsonsis one of the most beloved fictional properties of all time, and the universally-appreciated humor makes it perfect for aLEGOgame that could be amusing for all audiences. It’s not short on video game outings, as titles likeThe Simpsons: Road RageandThe Simpsons: Hit and Runwere successful ventures into the gaming realm for the fictional family, but none have spawned a multi-game franchise fitting of the Matt Groening property.
The Simpsonspresents so many interesting, amusing, and inspired characters, all of which would provoke different approaches to gameplay that aLEGOgame could truly capture. Bart’s rebellious nature would make smashing up a level in pursuit of bricks and high scores feel in-keeping with his character, andLisa Simpson’s intellectwould do well to make hints and puzzles feel like they have a place in the story.
Naruto
Some of the best, most densely-developed and expertly-crafted side characters in anime can be found inNaruto, from thetragic story of Kakashi Hataketo the unassuming intellect of Shikamaru Nara. Though it has a healthy video game presence, almost allNarutoofferings in the space seem to be dedicated to the fighter genre, which can be uninviting. Combat is an important part of the anime, but it’s far from the most critical component, as character interactions and heartfelt moments are where the show truly shines.
WhileNarutocan get emotional at times, it is still undoubtedly goofy. This is whereTraveller’s Tales andLEGOcan have a field day adapting the characters and plot lines, as the comedy is often similar. Each character has unique abilities that not only adds to their personality, but could also provoke new gameplay elements that add to the typicalLEGOformat. There’s a wide berth of story arcs thatLEGOcould take advantage of, and the sheer popularity ofNarutoas an anime as well as a gaming franchise means it feels strange that it hasn’t already been the topic of its own adaptation.
LEGOis a series that has the potential to adapt a wide range of properties to make it accessible for audiences of all ages and persuasions. Its ventures into theMarvel,BatmanandStar Warslicenses was predictable, but it’s leaving money on the table by not capitalizing on the success of other franchises, and the more they are overlooked, the stranger it feels.
