In the past, LEGO games have been known for being quality, kid-friendly games that anyone can enjoy. There are few modern LEGO games you can call downright bad, from classics like LEGO Star Wars to LEGO Builder’s Journey. A console version of LEGO Brawls, however, left an embarrassment on a otherwise consistent catalogue.
In the loosest sense, LEGO Bawls is a fighting game released for Apple Arcade in 2019. You can pick up temporary power-ups from the item boxes around the stage, and you only have one attack button. King of the Hill matches are mostly 4v4. Despite being the main mode, it becomes a mindless, button-mashing slog even kids won’t enjoy. Despite the lack of feedback when hits connect, matches last far too long, and characters can sometimes go flying from random hits. Additionally, the AI is so poor that there is a good chance you can win by just standing still.
There are also eight-player battle royales and first-to-15 kills modes, but they’re too hectic for enjoyment. You won’t know where your character is until the very end of the match because of the lack of sound effects and no voices.
There are 77 billion weapon and outfit combinations to build in LEGO Brawls, but it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see them all. Because customization parts are unlocked one by one by winning matches or grinding for experience in a Battle Pass-style system, you won’t be able to build all the minifigures you want.
After LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, LEGO Brawls feels like a disappointment. Despite its poor core gameplay and grindy unlock system, this package has very few redeeming qualities. The majority of LEGO games already have character creators, so your money and time should go elsewhere.
Pros:
Options for character creators.
Jurassic Park licensed content.
Cons:
There is no end to gameplay.
Unlock parts with grind.
Matches can be confusing.
Generic sounds without voices.
Sad to say but this game is 3 over 10 for me.
