Why aren't the old farts all over this one? I mean the whole background of the game advocates what they want. They get to fight the "Opposite of Imagination," which they claim plagues all new MMOs these days, and this SCREAMS sandbox.
Kids, adults... and sandbox vets.
As you command, Domnius Comnitus! Old Fart here (51) weighing in on this game. I've also been testing this since the beginning of closed beta. This game appeals to pretty much every age group. I saw it first hand at E3 at the LEGO Universe (LU) booth. Everyone enjoying what they saw and we are only 1/2 way through the closed beta. (There will be no open beta before release)
Originally posted by Ozmodan
"it's a sure fire hit destined to appeal to kids and adults. LEGO Universe seems to have it all!"
Right , the adults are going to dive into this game just like the kids. Excuse me if I scoff at that notion. Lego's are something that 8 year olds like, the teens tend to mostly out grow them, I don't see the adults doing much in this game unless playing along with the kids.
See the above ↑↑↑
My personal experience is that kids would much rather play lego games on the Wii rather than bother with any PC games. So I question the size of the market segment that will enjoy this game.
LEGO Harry Potter was also being demo-ed there at the show. People were enjoying themselves playing that game a lot. We'll have to wait until release so see if the sales numbers reflect your statement.
Might be a good game, but the consoles market to this segment far better than then the PC's do. Not sure they are going to get much income as the kids at that age rarely have any funds to invest in a game.
Well, I would have to agree with you on the fact that kids won't have the monetary resources to bail out the initial cost and monthly costs for the game. On the flip side of that, every adult that I saw were interested initially for this kids to play... but changed after 15 minutes into wanting to play the game themselves. There are adult testers that actually want LEGO/NetDevil to create a seperate LU with adult privilages just for them to play. This is how enamoured they are with the game so far! -)
Originally posted by thamighty213
I have been playing Lego Universe for some time now (beta)
I am 32 year old playing it alongside my 8 year old nephew and it really is a blast it has something for everyone in it and really does have broad appeal.
If like myself you have work a couple of kids and other activites outside of gaming and just want something fun to dive on everynow and again then its a exccellent little game.
And come on whats coller than a Lego Ninja, perhaps a lego ninja pirate but as yet I have not found that gear Nice to see another tester posting. A lot of the game's systems and content are still missing. Testers in Alpha saw more than is available at this time. They are getting content/systems stable before adding them back in. There was another nice big update to the client so we'll see what is new very soon!
TQQdles™,
Dolnor Numbwit
Eternal Testing Newbie
P.s. Sorry for the colours going wonky. These forums don't like me! -(
I am 45 with kids under 10. My older boy and me have played every LEGO X game that has come out. The only one we did not enjoy immensly was LEGO Indiana Jones 2. Lego Harry Potter is great. (Try it your self at Onlive, you won't even have to down load the game to play the demo)
We are also in the testing. Lego universe is engaging and addictive much like the other Lego games and will appeal to all ages. This is going to be a big hit and like some of the other "kid" friendly games like WIzard 101 it will grab the attention of the adults as well. As noted above, 3 Lego universe accounts in that house, there will be at least 2 in mine. It will add up quickly.
I have been testing this game for some time. It is really a fun game. It might look cheesy ( then gain look at WoW ) but, the game play is solid MMO flair with some fun mini games thrown in.
Yes it is G rated. Most definately hard to communicate do to the limited restrictions on chat ( damn child molesters ) but the game itself is solid. I can see a lot of families playing this together. I do not think it needs a high end PC to play, so Dad's can upgrade now to give thier older PC to the kids to play.
Some of the mini games are fun, for instance. One area I can think of that you go through. Without going into a lot of detail.
After you go through this area or small little themepark and do most of the quests if not all. You will get another quest that obviously takes you out of that area. On the way out you come across this pile of lego. If you build it ( meaning you do not have to or might not be able too ) you will then see a quest open up from another quest giver.
What you built was a finish line. You then get a quest to race through the area for a time qualifier. It is really fun!! And not easy by the way, due to the multiple-paths through the area.
This is the kind of thing you will see in game. There are the same fedex quests, the same kill X for Y, the same gather item B and then there are these unique items you can collect and use to build things in a small instanced area of your own. In some cases there are 3 different types of pieces you can collect to complete a quest.
Meanining you can build one of three items to complete the quest, wach with their own unique look from a specific genre. Or, you can combine pieces from the different genres to make your own more unique item to complete the quest. All that is needed is to build the item, the look and design can be specific or a chaotic mess of different styles. And this happens at the beginning. Just a hint of what will be to come down the line.
While this game does not have a very sandbox feel to it. It is definately a themepark game and with lego those themes are specific to their different sets. However, with the design and collections you get over time. I see the higher end of the game having a real social aspect to bringing people along and show and compare designs. Maybe even running around and through them.
Say hello, To the things you've left behind. They are more a part of your life now that you can't touch them.
Here is a game I'm going to keep my kids well away from. Why? Because I'd much rather have them play with their actual LEGO's than the computer version of it. Why go through a game collecting 'Imagination' when they already have it locked in their heads.
All of my boys have spent hours building and playing on the floor with their Lego's. If they can think it up, they can build it and the older they get the fancier they become and I'm not talking about kits either - I'm talking about taking a bunch of loose Lego's and building 3 Masted Sailing ships, Aircraft Carriers, Massive Space ships etc.... And after building them and the surrounding facilities, then they get their Lego people out and play!
And for the early post that talked about age's vs Lego's. My 20 year still buys and builds those 1000 pc $500.00 kits and my HS shopmore and 5th grader activily build / and play at home with them. Can we say createtivity?
Computers are fine, computers are great, but did we really need one for Lego's?
I still have a tub of legos and still remeber playing the first computer legos game. it was fun then and I hope it is fun now. My brother and I would spend hours just pick through the legos we though were cool! if they have all the lego they came out with... Like Jonny Thunder, the Ninja ones, to the old school cops and robbers. I think this game would be great...
I think the biggest challenge is going to be progression / endgame. Sandbox tends to only be meaningful if you can do something with your creations other than show them off in a private instance, and this is key for player retention. Given the simplicity of the game systems, I also wonder how the group content will play out.
I actually hope this game does very well, because I think it would be good for the industry to have a new model for success than WoW.
I have tried this game and as an Adult i can say it was fun as hell lol, not sure how long that fun will last but with what they say they will implement then it can be a sure hit pass time game for sure, How it will work as an MMO who knows but it sure was better than any of the other kiddie like MMO's out there and tbh probably better than some of the more serious one's.
Great article; I'll have to check it out now. On a side note, I believe the term you're looking for is "tongue-in-cheek", not "tongue and cheek". Common mistake
"it's a sure fire hit destined to appeal to kids and adults. LEGO Universe seems to have it all!"
Right , the adults are going to dive into this game just like the kids. Excuse me if I scoff at that notion. Lego's are something that 8 year olds like, the teens tend to mostly out grow them, I don't see the adults doing much in this game unless playing along with the kids.
My personal experience is that kids would much rather play lego games on the Wii rather than bother with any PC games. So I question the size of the market segment that will enjoy this game.
Might be a good game, but the consoles market to this segment far better than then the PC's do. Not sure they are going to get much income as the kids at that age rarely have any funds to invest in a game.
Very wrong, you are over generalizing. There are those of us who never grow up and if you have grown past the use of legos I feel very sorry for you. I am 28 and am looking forward to this game. A chance to build in a world is something most mmo's seem to get totally wrong. Hopefully this game will give developers a better idea of how to allow players to build and customize their worlds.
Fast approaching 50 and this game looks like hours of fun, the builder looks great. I was more of a Meccano fan than Lego, you could use small engines, pulleys, cogs etc with meccano, lego never had that so being able to animate it and make it interactive sounds very appealing now
I've had my eye on this game for some time it's probably going to alter how future MMORPGs play out. I'm shocked that MMORPGs have not branched out by now away from fighting and moved more towards tomb raider type scenarios. Adventure puzzles will be the next big thing to hit MMORPGs.
"The liberties and resulting economic prosperity that YOU take for granted were granted by those "dead guys"
if a Lego MMO wasnt the most retarded thing id ever heard of, id think this was a really great idea.
Hello Kitty Online is a real game. If that isn't bad enough, another game was recently announced, one so bad I honestly can't even remember the title -- I think I blocked it out, too traumatized by the announcement to recall. LEGO Universe, on the other hand, has some real potential, from what I've been following over the last several months (on and off).
Comments
I am 45 with kids under 10. My older boy and me have played every LEGO X game that has come out. The only one we did not enjoy immensly was LEGO Indiana Jones 2. Lego Harry Potter is great. (Try it your self at Onlive, you won't even have to down load the game to play the demo)
We are also in the testing. Lego universe is engaging and addictive much like the other Lego games and will appeal to all ages. This is going to be a big hit and like some of the other "kid" friendly games like WIzard 101 it will grab the attention of the adults as well. As noted above, 3 Lego universe accounts in that house, there will be at least 2 in mine. It will add up quickly.
I have been testing this game for some time. It is really a fun game. It might look cheesy ( then gain look at WoW ) but, the game play is solid MMO flair with some fun mini games thrown in.
Yes it is G rated. Most definately hard to communicate do to the limited restrictions on chat ( damn child molesters ) but the game itself is solid. I can see a lot of families playing this together. I do not think it needs a high end PC to play, so Dad's can upgrade now to give thier older PC to the kids to play.
Some of the mini games are fun, for instance. One area I can think of that you go through. Without going into a lot of detail.
After you go through this area or small little themepark and do most of the quests if not all. You will get another quest that obviously takes you out of that area. On the way out you come across this pile of lego. If you build it ( meaning you do not have to or might not be able too ) you will then see a quest open up from another quest giver.
What you built was a finish line. You then get a quest to race through the area for a time qualifier. It is really fun!! And not easy by the way, due to the multiple-paths through the area.
This is the kind of thing you will see in game. There are the same fedex quests, the same kill X for Y, the same gather item B and then there are these unique items you can collect and use to build things in a small instanced area of your own. In some cases there are 3 different types of pieces you can collect to complete a quest.
Meanining you can build one of three items to complete the quest, wach with their own unique look from a specific genre. Or, you can combine pieces from the different genres to make your own more unique item to complete the quest. All that is needed is to build the item, the look and design can be specific or a chaotic mess of different styles. And this happens at the beginning. Just a hint of what will be to come down the line.
While this game does not have a very sandbox feel to it. It is definately a themepark game and with lego those themes are specific to their different sets. However, with the design and collections you get over time. I see the higher end of the game having a real social aspect to bringing people along and show and compare designs. Maybe even running around and through them.
Say hello, To the things you've left behind. They are more a part of your life now that you can't touch them.
i could see myself playing this game.
I dont see many adults playing this game more than seeing them play Barby Online. Lego is for kids.
My gaming blog
Sounds really entertaining.
Here is a game I'm going to keep my kids well away from. Why? Because I'd much rather have them play with their actual LEGO's than the computer version of it. Why go through a game collecting 'Imagination' when they already have it locked in their heads.
All of my boys have spent hours building and playing on the floor with their Lego's. If they can think it up, they can build it and the older they get the fancier they become and I'm not talking about kits either - I'm talking about taking a bunch of loose Lego's and building 3 Masted Sailing ships, Aircraft Carriers, Massive Space ships etc.... And after building them and the surrounding facilities, then they get their Lego people out and play!
And for the early post that talked about age's vs Lego's. My 20 year still buys and builds those 1000 pc $500.00 kits and my HS shopmore and 5th grader activily build / and play at home with them. Can we say createtivity?
Computers are fine, computers are great, but did we really need one for Lego's?
SWG (pre-cu) - AoC (pre-f2p) - PotBS (pre-boarder) - DDO - LotRO (pre-f2p) - STO (pre-f2p) - GnH (beta tester) - SWTOR - Neverwinter
Need? Since when was capitalism about need, it is about profit.
My gaming blog
I still have a tub of legos and still remeber playing the first computer legos game. it was fun then and I hope it is fun now. My brother and I would spend hours just pick through the legos we though were cool! if they have all the lego they came out with... Like Jonny Thunder, the Ninja ones, to the old school cops and robbers. I think this game would be great...
P.S. you can maker your own house... really... http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2010/07/visiting_those_dallas_landmark.php
and http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/07/02/futurama-returns-in-lego-form/
I think the biggest challenge is going to be progression / endgame. Sandbox tends to only be meaningful if you can do something with your creations other than show them off in a private instance, and this is key for player retention. Given the simplicity of the game systems, I also wonder how the group content will play out.
I actually hope this game does very well, because I think it would be good for the industry to have a new model for success than WoW.
if a Lego MMO wasnt the most retarded thing id ever heard of, id think this was a really great idea.
I have tried this game and as an Adult i can say it was fun as hell lol, not sure how long that fun will last but with what they say they will implement then it can be a sure hit pass time game for sure, How it will work as an MMO who knows but it sure was better than any of the other kiddie like MMO's out there and tbh probably better than some of the more serious one's.
Great article; I'll have to check it out now. On a side note, I believe the term you're looking for is "tongue-in-cheek", not "tongue and cheek". Common mistake
Very wrong, you are over generalizing. There are those of us who never grow up and if you have grown past the use of legos I feel very sorry for you. I am 28 and am looking forward to this game. A chance to build in a world is something most mmo's seem to get totally wrong. Hopefully this game will give developers a better idea of how to allow players to build and customize their worlds.
"Legos are for 8 year olds," said the guy who plays video games.
Fast approaching 50 and this game looks like hours of fun, the builder looks great. I was more of a Meccano fan than Lego, you could use small engines, pulleys, cogs etc with meccano, lego never had that so being able to animate it and make it interactive sounds very appealing now
Wish I had gotten in to the beta
I've had my eye on this game for some time it's probably going to alter how future MMORPGs play out. I'm shocked that MMORPGs have not branched out by now away from fighting and moved more towards tomb raider type scenarios. Adventure puzzles will be the next big thing to hit MMORPGs.
"The liberties and resulting economic prosperity that YOU take for granted were granted by those "dead guys"
This game is really clever ... I'm an adult gamer and have played for hours/days. I would say the game far exceeded my expectations.
Hello Kitty Online is a real game. If that isn't bad enough, another game was recently announced, one so bad I honestly can't even remember the title -- I think I blocked it out, too traumatized by the announcement to recall. LEGO Universe, on the other hand, has some real potential, from what I've been following over the last several months (on and off).