Summary
LEGO Fortnitehas been a runaway success, combining the mass appeal ofFortnitewith the nostalgic charm of LEGO games. With how beloved this mode is by fans, it’ll be a shock if more games don’t get a gameplay option similar toLEGO Fortnite.
Historically, LEGO games have existed to promote established LEGO toylines, such as with theLEGO BatmanandLEGO Star Warsgames. Thischanged somewhat withLEGO Dimensions, where one-off sets for dozens of IPs (fromDoctor WhotoGhostbusters) were made specifically for the game.LEGO Fortniteis another evolution; there are noFortniteLEGO sets to promote. The game is more likeLEGO Worlds, an open sandbox constructed from LEGO bricks that can be torn apart and rebuilt by the player — just one that usesFortniteas a platform.
Other Games Could Do With A ‘Lego’ Mode
There are many reasons as to why a ‘LEGO’ game mode is appealing. InLEGO Fortnite’s case, the gameplay itself is the pull, but the aesthetic and logic of LEGO bricks have a lot going for them on their own. LEGO has fostered a charming identity for itself; not only is it a fun toy that’s fostered the imagination of children the world over, its ability to translate the serious and straight-forward into a goofy and cartoonish shape is notable. Trailers, movie scenes, and other iconographyare often translated by fans into LEGOand often with comical results. LEGO games have fostered this with some very solid slapstick comedy, even afterLEGO Batman 2brought voice-acting.
Now withLEGO expanding beyond game developer Traveller’s Tales(as well as not limiting itself to just franchises it produces toys of), there’s an opportunity for any series interested to have a go with that iconic charm.LEGO Fortnitehas been too successful to simply be a one-time event — and there are a great many games that would work well with a LEGO mode.
LEGO Minecraft
It only makes sense forLego andMinecraftto mix. With an ongoing line ofMinecraftLEGO sets and a consistent effort by Mojang to makeMinecraftspinoffs, a LEGO effort here could be as big as a whole game or just a texture pack. Either way, LEGO andMinecraftshare the kindred spirit of creativity; creations built with them are both composed of small components that can be remodeled in endless configurations. Both embrace the philosophy that the only limit ought to be the imagination.
LEGO Spider-Man
LEGO and Spider-Man are a well-worn duo. Not only is the web-slinger featured in multiple LEGO games already, LEGO sets featuring him were the first to contain a licensed superhero — predating Batman’s LEGO incarnation. After the fan-animated LEGO world inAcross The Spider-Versereceived audience adoration, it only makes sense for a mode with that style to be worked into something like Insomniac’sSpider-Man 2.LEGO Marvel Superheroesalready included the ability to swing around Manhattan, so there’s precedent for a mode that turns the city into a tear-apart attraction. LEGO’s Marvel games have been on the bench since 2017, and they could easilyexit retirement with some help from Spider-Man.
LEGO Baldur’s Gate 3
LEGO has never releasedD&Dproducts, butLEGO Fortniteand a handful of other licensed titles opened up the possibility for that to not matter at all. However, it’s surprising thatD&Dand LEGO haven’t collaborated before. Many Dungeon Masters hosting a session for the TTRPG use LEGO terrain and LEGO minifigures to bring a battlefield to life. It’s more accessible than high-end terrain kits and infinitely customizable, not to mention minifigures allow players to interact with the terrain. This perfect match would work well forGame Awards darlingBaldur’s Gate 3. A LEGOBG3could also easily allow for features such as a level editor.
