What's this? A new LEGO video game based on the Lord of the Rings series? Unfortunately, no; at least, not to our knowledge, though it sounds like a good idea to us. We here at Co-Optimus have long been fans of the LEGO series, which has included co-op from the very beginning. From Star Wars to Harry Potter, and everywhere in between, the LEGO games have provided hours of fun for gamers of all ages through the years.
As we look back over the first eight LEGO video games, one question needs to be answered: which LEGO game is the greatest one of all? As it turns out, eight is an interesting number, perfect for a tournament of sorts. Think March Madness, but instead of college basketball teams, LEGO games would square off against each other, and fans will vote for their favorites to advance. After three rounds, one LEGO will remain, crowned the greatest LEGO video game of all time (at least, so far).
Of course, this is Co-Optimus, and we love to give stuff away, so there will be prizes each week! Any person who votes in the polls is eligible for a drawing at the end of each round. Round 1's prize is the winner's choice of any of the first seven LEGO games. Round 2 we are giving away a copy of LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4. For Round 3, we're keeping the prize under wraps for now. Suffice it to say, the final winner will have a very unique piece of loot that any Co-Optimus fan would love!
Without further delay, we present the official "One LEGO To Rule Them All" tournament bracket. Note that the matchings are totally random.
Wonderful Toys Division
This pairing is one of the most interesting. LEGO Batman was the third property to be represented in the series, while LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy was the first for current-gen systems. LEGO Batman's changing suits and hilarious villain campaign were a joy to play. LEGO Star Wars II tweaked the gameplay of its predecessor and set it in the arguably superior first trilogy of movies. As a devoted Star Wars nerd and comic book geek, it pains me to see Batman going up against Luke Skywalker in the first round. Vote for your choice in the forums here.
Timesink Division
This pairing is absolutely loaded with replay value. LEGO Rock Band took the Rock Band experience and converted it into plastic bits of slapstick fun. LEGO Star Wars The Complete Saga is more intergalactic merriment than you can shake a stick at, all on one disc. While LEGO Rock Band is perhaps the "least LEGO" game in the series to date, it is the premiere kid-friendly music game platform. But can it top the incredible value and sheer hours of gameplay in LEGO Star Wars Complete? Vote for your favorite here.
Bullwhip Division
Of all the pairings in Round 1, this one has perhaps the most obvious winner. Lego Indiana Jones The Original Adventures is a fine game, and had all of the humor, cameos, and ease of access that we've come to expect from LEGO games. But LEGO Indy 2 The Adventure Continues does everything its predecessor does, and then some. Whether you loved or hated the fourth Indy film, it's hard to argue that the second LEGO Indy isn't the clear favorite here, especially when you factor in the innovation of split screen for the first time in the series. Then again, perhaps I have chosen poorly. Share your opinion by voting in the poll here.
(R)evolution Division
VS.
The Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. LEGO Star Wars was the one that started it all, released more than five years ago as a tie in to Revenge of the Sith. LEGO Harry Potter is the latest LEGO game, and brings the wildly popular series of books and movies to life (if you consider plastic toys alive, that is). LEGO Star Wars had Darth Maul (Yes!) and Jar Jar Binks (no...), while LEGO Harry Potter brought us the spell casting and potion making mechanics. Which will win out, nostalgia or innovation? Vote on it here in the forums.
There you are, LEGO fans. It's gonna be a titanic tussle, a timeless thriller, and all around pretty fun. Be sure to get those votes in by noon CST this Saturday, September 11. We'll pick a winner for the Round 1 prize (choice of the first seven games) at that time, and the next round will begin. Be sure to tell your friends so they have a chance to choose...