The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part hit theaters in 2019 with big shoes to fill. Its video game counterpart, developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, arrived alongside the film with equal ambition. But does it deliver a genuinely fun experience, or does it coast on the franchise’s name?
Whether you’re a longtime fan of TT Games’ LEGO series, a parent looking for something to play with the kids, or a casual gamer curious about the latest LEGO title, this LEGO Movie 2 video game review covers everything you need to know—gameplay mechanics, camera performance, story, replay value, and where it falls short.
What Is The LEGO Movie 2 Video Game?
Released in February 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame follows the events of the film. Players explore LEGO worlds, collect Master Pieces (the game’s collectible currency), and build their way through a colorful, comedic adventure.
Unlike previous LEGO titles that followed a more linear level-by-level format, this installment leans into open-world exploration. It’s a noticeable shift in design philosophy—one that brings both fresh energy and a few growing pains.
How Does the Story Hold Up?
The game picks up where The LEGO Movie left off. Emmet, Wyldstyle, Batman, and the rest of the Bricksburg crew face an alien invasion from the SYSTAR System. The narrative mirrors the film’s plot, blending humor, heart, and the kind of self-aware wit that made the original movie so beloved.
For fans of the film, the story feels familiar and comforting. For newcomers, the game does a decent job of getting you up to speed without feeling like a lecture. The writing is sharp enough to get genuine laughs from both kids and adults—a balance that TT Games has always handled well across its LEGO catalog.
That said, the story mode runs relatively short. Players who push through the main campaign without stopping to explore can finish it in around six to eight hours. Compared to older entries in the LEGO franchise, which padded their runtimes with longer level sequences, this feels noticeably brief.
Gameplay: What’s Changed From Previous LEGO Games?
How Does the Open-World Format Work in LEGO Movie 2?
This is where the game takes its biggest swing. Rather than locking players into discrete levels, The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame builds its experience around open-world “worlds” that players can explore freely. You travel between planets, discover hidden areas, collect resources, and complete quests for NPCs scattered throughout each environment. The idea is clever. The execution is mixed.
On the positive side, exploration feels genuinely rewarding. Stumbling across a hidden cache of Master Pieces or discovering a new build station scratches a satisfying itch. The worlds are visually distinct—from the post-apocalyptic ruins of Apocalypseburg to the glittering terrain of the SYSTAR System—and exploring them has real charm.
On the negative side, the open-world structure occasionally makes the game feel directionless. Without the tight, puzzle-focused corridors of earlier LEGO titles, some players (especially younger ones) may find themselves unsure of where to go next. The game could have used more robust waypoint guidance to smooth out these moments.
How Does Building Work in This Game?
Building has always been a core part of LEGO games, and The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame puts it front and center. Players collect Master Pieces throughout the game and use them to construct new objects, vehicles, and structures. Some builds unlock new paths or abilities; others are purely cosmetic rewards.
It’s a smart integration of the franchise’s core identity into the gameplay loop. Rather than watching a build sequence and moving on, you’re actively participating in the construction process. This mechanic alone makes it feel distinct from other LEGO games and gives kids a tactile sense of ownership over their progress.
What Are the Visuals and Camera Like?
One of the most discussed elements in any third-person action-adventure game is the camera—and this game is no exception. The game camera in The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame performs adequately for the most part, but can become a frustration in enclosed spaces or during moments of fast action.
In open areas, the game camera tracks well, offering a clear view of the environment and your character. But when navigating tighter spaces or buildings, the camera occasionally clips through walls or angles awkwardly, obscuring platforming challenges. This is a recurring issue across TT Games’ catalog, and while it doesn’t ruin the experience, it’s noticeable enough to mention in any honest game camera review.
The visual style itself is stunning. TT Games has captured the aesthetic of the films brilliantly, rendering everything to look like real LEGO plastic. Animations are smooth, environments are packed with detail, and the color palette is vibrant without being overwhelming. On modern hardware, the game holds up well visually.
Characters, Unlockables, and Replay Value
How Many Characters Can You Unlock in LEGO Movie 2?
One of the longtime appeals of TT Games’ LEGO titles is their roster of playable characters—and The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame doesn’t disappoint on this front. The game features over 100 unlockable characters, ranging from main cast members like Emmet and Lucy to deep-cut film references that will delight dedicated fans.
Unlocking characters requires collecting Master Pieces and completing specific in-game challenges. The variety is impressive, and the motivation to keep playing is tied directly to seeing who you can add to your roster next. This is a mechanic that works just as well here as it does in any classic board game review context—the reward loop is simple, clear, and effective.
Is There Replay Value After Completing the Story?
Yes, but it depends on your appetite for collection-based gameplay. Once the story is done, the bulk of remaining content involves revisiting worlds to find missed collectibles, completing secondary quests, and unlocking the full character roster. Players who love completionist goals will find plenty to do.
Casual players, however, may not feel the pull to return once the credits roll. The game lacks the competitive multiplayer modes or challenge-based content that could broaden its appeal post-campaign.
Co-op: How Does It Play With Others?
Like most LEGO games, The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame supports two-player split-screen co-op—and this remains one of its strongest selling points. Playing alongside a friend or family member adds a layer of fun that’s hard to replicate in single-player mode.
Co-op runs smoothly on console, though the split-screen view can make navigating tight areas more challenging. The dynamic split-screen mechanic (which adjusts based on player proximity) is a smart quality-of-life feature that many cooperative games still haven’t implemented. When both players are on the same screen, it feels seamless. When you split up to explore different areas, the divide is clear and well-handled.
For parents and younger players, co-op mode is arguably the best way to experience the game. Think of it less as a Roblox game review scenario where you’re grinding solo and more as a shared couch experience built around laughter and discovery.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
What LEGO Movie 2 Videogame Does Well:
- Visually faithful to the films with excellent art direction
- Open-world exploration adds freshness to the formula
- Building mechanic is satisfying and unique
- Large roster of unlockable characters
- Excellent co-op experience for families
Where LEGO Movie 2 Videogame Falls Short:
- Story mode is shorter than previous LEGO titles
- Open-world structure can feel directionless at times
- Game camera struggles in enclosed spaces
- Limited post-campaign content for solo players
How Does It Compare to Other LEGO Games?
The LEGO franchise has a long history of quality titles, from LEGO Star Wars to LEGO Batman to LEGO Dimensions. Among its peers, The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame sits comfortably in the middle tier.
It’s more ambitious than earlier entries thanks to its open-world format, and the building mechanic is one of the most original gameplay additions the series has seen in years. But it doesn’t quite reach the highs of fan favorites like LEGO Marvel Super Heroes or the original LEGO Movie game, primarily due to its shorter campaign and occasional pacing issues.
Think of it like comparing board game reviews: this is a solid, enjoyable experience that won’t dominate your game nights, but it’s absolutely worth pulling off the shelf.
Sound Design and Music: Does the Audio Enhance the Experience?
Audio plays a major role in bringing The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame to life. The soundtrack captures the playful and energetic tone of the film, helping each environment feel distinct and memorable. Voice acting from key characters adds personality to the adventure, while sound effects faithfully recreate the familiar click and clatter of LEGO bricks. Whether you’re exploring a new world, completing quests, or building structures, the audio design keeps the experience engaging. While the soundtrack may not be as iconic as some larger blockbuster games, it complements the colorful visuals perfectly and helps maintain the lighthearted atmosphere that LEGO fans expect.
Who Should Buy The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame?
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is best suited for families, younger players, and fans of the LEGO franchise. Its accessible controls, humorous storytelling, and cooperative gameplay make it an excellent choice for parents looking for a game they can enjoy with their children. Casual gamers who appreciate exploration and collection-based progression will also find plenty to enjoy. However, players seeking deep combat systems, challenging gameplay, or lengthy campaigns may find the experience somewhat limited. Overall, the game succeeds as a family-friendly adventure that prioritizes creativity, exploration, and fun over complexity, making it a solid addition to any LEGO fan’s game library.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame worth playing?
Yes, The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame offers enjoyable exploration, creative building mechanics, and family-friendly co-op gameplay. It’s especially appealing to LEGO fans, younger players, and families looking for a casual adventure.
2. How long does it take to beat The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame?
Most players can complete the main story in about six to eight hours. Completionists who want every collectible and unlockable character can spend significantly more time exploring.
3. Does The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame have multiplayer?
Yes, the game supports two-player local split-screen co-op. Playing with friends or family enhances the experience and makes exploration, puzzle-solving, and building more enjoyable.
4. How many characters are available in The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame?
The game features over 100 unlockable characters. Players can collect Master Pieces, complete quests, and progress through the story to expand their character roster.
5. Is The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame open world?
Yes, unlike many previous LEGO games, this title focuses on open-world exploration. Players can travel between different worlds, complete side quests, and discover hidden collectibles.
6. What platforms is The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame available on?
The game is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, allowing players to enjoy the adventure across multiple gaming platforms.
7. Is The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame suitable for children?
Absolutely. The game features family-friendly humor, simple controls, colorful visuals, and non-violent gameplay, making it a great choice for younger audiences.
8. What are the biggest strengths of the game?
Its strongest features include creative building mechanics, charming visuals, open-world exploration, a large character roster, and enjoyable cooperative gameplay for families.
9. Does the game have any major drawbacks?
Some players may find the story too short, the camera occasionally frustrating, and the open-world structure somewhat confusing compared to traditional LEGO games.
10. How does The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame compare to other LEGO games?
It introduces fresh ideas like open-world exploration and advanced building mechanics. While enjoyable, many fans still rank titles like LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and LEGO Star Wars higher overall.
Final Verdict: Should You Play The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame?
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is a fun, visually impressive title that’s best enjoyed with a co-op partner. Its open-world format is a bold step forward for the franchise, the humor lands consistently, and the building mechanics bring genuine creativity to the gameplay loop.
It’s not without flaws—the camera hiccups, the short campaign, and the occasionally aimless exploration will frustrate some players. But for families, younger gamers, and LEGO fans eager to revisit the world of Emmet and Wyldstyle, it delivers exactly what it promises: a colorful, playful, brick-built adventure.
