The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | TT Fusion |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Video games |
| Parent | Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment |
The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game is an action-adventure video game with a Lego theme, created by TT Fusion and released under the Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment banner. Inspired by The Lego Ninjago Movie, the title became available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in North America starting 22 September 2017, followed by a global release by 20 October 2017. This installment represents the third game overall and the second spin-off within the The Lego Movie series.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, TT Games made the game accessible for free redemption from 15 to 21 May 2020 across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms, thereby broadening its audience during a time of heightened digital activity.
Gameplay
The gameplay of The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game closely aligns with other titles from TT Games, as well as previous entries like Nindroids and Shadow of Ronin. Echoing elements from The Lego Movie Videogame, the game features environments constructed entirely from Lego bricks. Players assume control of central characters through a third-person perspective, engaging in combat sequences, solving puzzles, and gathering Lego 'studs', which serve as the in-game currency. Executing attack combinations results in increased stud rewards. Departing from the standard two-player cooperative format typical of Lego games, this title introduces support for up to four participants in its "Battle Maps" mode. The roster includes 102 playable characters drawn from both the movie and the original Ninjago series.
Within the game are eight distinct locations featured in The Lego Ninjago Movie, each housing a unique Challenge Dojo. Here, players can hone their combat abilities by facing progressively tougher adversaries culminating in a final boss encounter.
Reception
Critical reception for the game was mixed overall, with only the Xbox One edition receiving "generally positive" reviews according to Metacritic.
German publication PS4 Source awarded it a score of 7.4 out of 10, commending its multiplayer features and audio design while pointing out issues such as screen tearing and limited graphical enhancements on PlayStation 4 Pro.
Steve Bowling from Nintendo Life rated the Nintendo Switch version at 5 out of 10, citing flawed level design, extended loading times, and bugs that hindered the game's full potential despite entertaining dialogue.
Andrew Reiner of Game Informer gave an 8.25 out of 10 for the Xbox One version, praising its effective utilization of the Ninjago license alongside engaging combat mechanics.
Brandon Marlow from Push Square scored the PlayStation 4 release at 7 out of 10, highlighting the combat system and distinct character traits despite technical shortcomings and an unsatisfying conclusion.
On PlayStation 4, Computer Games Magazine assigned a rating of 6 out of 10, describing it as consistent with previous Lego titles.
Adam Abou-Nasr at Nintendo World Report rated the Switch version 6.5 out of 10, noting its linear mission structure and challenging collectibles.
David Chapman from Common Sense Media gave it three stars out of five, recognizing its emphasis on combat and inclusion of new modes such as Battle Maps and Challenge Dojo but criticized its brief story mode and comparatively limited content relative to other Lego games.
See also
- Lego Ninjago video game series
- The Lego Movie Videogame
- The Lego Movie 2 Videogame
- Lego Battles: Ninjago
- Lego Ninjago: Nindroids
- Lego Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin
- Lego Dimensions
- Lego Brawls
- Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed