The LEGO Ninjago Movie Videogame – Review

We got LEGO Ninjago the videogame after we watched the movie. We love LEGO Worlds and LEGO Incredibles so we decided to try out this one that claimed to be 4-player. It’s mostly only 2-player though other than a mode you can unlock to do 4-player. It’s loads of fun and in my review you can learn more!

Why LEGO Ninjago?

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game is an action-adventure game based on the LEGO Ninjago Movie. Like many other LEGO games, it combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and light combat with a humorous tone and colorful LEGO-style visuals. Players take control of a team of ninja heroes as they defend their city from villains and learn to master their ninja abilities.

The story follows the events of the LEGO Ninjago Movie. The peaceful city of Ninjago is constantly threatened by the villainous Lord Garmadon and his army of sharks. A group of young ninjas, including Lloyd, Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane, and Nya, must work together to stop his attacks and protect their home. Along the way, the characters grow stronger, learn teamwork, and develop their skills as ninja warriors.

Each ninja character has unique abilities that help solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Lloyd, the Green Ninja, plays a central role in the story and uses powerful combat moves. Kai specializes in fire attacks, while Jay uses lightning abilities. Cole has strong earth-based powers, Zane uses ice techniques, and Nya controls water. These abilities are used throughout the game to overcome obstacles and unlock new areas.

One of the biggest changes from many earlier LEGO games is the combat system. Instead of simply pressing one button repeatedly, players can perform combos, dodge enemy attacks, and use different moves during battles. Enemies can block attacks or fight back, which encourages players to move around and use strategy during combat. While the system is still simple enough for younger players, it adds more excitement to fights.

Another interesting feature is the Ninjagility movement system. This system allows characters to run along walls, leap across poles, and climb through special obstacle courses. These sections add a sense of speed and action to the platforming gameplay, making movement through levels feel more dynamic than in some previous LEGO games.

The levels are based on different parts of Ninjago City and the surrounding areas. Players travel through busy city streets, rooftops, secret ninja bases, and enemy strongholds. Each location is filled with enemies, puzzles, and collectibles. As in most LEGO games, smashing objects and collecting studs remains a major part of the experience.

In addition to the main story, the game includes large open hub areas where players can explore freely. These areas contain side missions, hidden collectibles, and extra challenges. Players can also unlock many different characters from the Ninjago universe, giving them more options for exploring the game world.

One of the most unique modes in the game is the battle arena mode. This multiplayer feature allows players to compete against each other in various arenas. Different modes include team battles, capture-style challenges, and free-for-all fights. This adds extra replay value and gives players a fun way to compete with friends or family.

Visually, the game stays true to the LEGO style while capturing the colorful energy of the Ninjago world. Buildings, vehicles, and characters are built from LEGO bricks, and the environments are bright and lively. The animation is smooth and the action scenes feel energetic, especially during combat sequences.

The game also features voice acting and cutscenes that recreate moments from the movie. The dialogue often includes playful humor, which is a trademark of LEGO games.

Despite these strengths, the game does have some drawbacks.

One issue is that the gameplay can still become repetitive over time. Even though the combat system is more advanced than older LEGO games, players still spend a lot of time fighting enemies and breaking objects.

The story mode is also relatively short compared to some other LEGO titles. While the open areas and collectibles add extra content, the main storyline can be completed fairly quickly.

Another potential downside is that players who are not familiar with the Ninjago characters may not connect with the story as strongly as fans of the series.

Even with these minor issues, the game remains an exciting and accessible action adventure.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 2-players on one Nintendo Switch and 4-players in competition mode.

Pros

Fast-paced ninja combat system with combos and dodging.

Unique Ninjagility movement system for climbing and wall-running.

Colorful LEGO environments inspired by Ninjago City.

Large open hub areas with collectibles and side missions.

Multiplayer battle arena modes for extra fun.

Cooperative gameplay that works well for families.

Cons

Combat and gameplay can become repetitive over long play sessions.

The main story mode is somewhat short.

Players unfamiliar with the Ninjago series may feel less connected to the characters.

Summary

Overall, the LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game is a fun action-packed LEGO adventure that focuses on teamwork, ninja skills, and fast-paced combat. The improved fighting mechanics and movement system make it feel more energetic than some earlier LEGO titles. While the story may be short and the gameplay somewhat repetitive, the colorful world, cooperative play, and exciting battles make it an enjoyable experience for fans of LEGO games and ninja adventures alike.