Here’s the review of Lego Star Wars 2 I posted on TFN. What a great game. The kids and I already have 10 hours logged into it together, we had so much fun. Beat it last night, so now we’re on to the replay quests for secrets and True Jedi status!

The Xbox 360 version is absolutely stunning.

I’m sure the others are good, but when you see the 360 version in HD, well, it’s definitely next generation. The best visual trick has to be the in-focus/out of focus technique to help create a stunning depth of field that helps you stay focused on the action. But that’s just the beginning …

If you played the original game there’s plenty that’s familiar – collecting studs, using the Force to build bridges and zapping plants to discover secrets. And there’s plenty of those great cut scenes that made the prequel trilogy so fun, too – so none of this is a bad thing. But rather than be complacent, the team behind the best family video game of 2006 takes it to the next level and breaks new ground. Now there are vehicles and animals you can ride, turrets you can man and all sorts of new characters with fresh gameplay techniques. The graphics are stunning, the storytelling is masterful, and then there’s that whole flashback-to-my-childhood-thing. Here I am now sitting with my kids, completely engaged and laughing out loud right along with them. Three of my very favorite things: Legos, video games and Star Wars.

It delivers. There’s no need for a long review – what you need to know is that it is nearly perfect, a blast to play, makes you laugh and is a must-own title. The only possible detraction from this game is the terrible vehicle control scheme. Fortunately it is almost forgivable by the time you get used to it, but you’ve still got to wonder why that wasn’t resolved in testing or focus groups. It’s simply that bad. But if that’s the worst you can say about the game, you’ve got to know the rest is amazing.

I’ve practically played every Star Wars game ever, and this is right up there with the best – and by far the best platformer. And that’s saying plenty, especially when you consider the masterpiece Super Star Wars (SNES) that has come before.

Highlights include the skiff battles, escaping the exploding Death Star and … well, every single cut scene. And with Marketplace downloads coming in the future, this is an amazing title now with no telling of what is to come. This title will not dissapoint – if you’ve got a family you’ve probably already got the game. If you avoided it because you’re roommates will make fun of you don’t wait another second and pick this game up. Who cares if they make fun of you? You’ll be having way to much fun to care, even if it is cute.

Seriously, this is as close to a 10 as we could give. This title deserves our highest recommendation. A+

JG

Interesting idea I read about today in the Des Moines Register, talking about a fun and safe place for students to hang out under a Christian influence. Here’s a clip of the article, if you want you can post reaction in the comments section below:

Kids looking for cool, Christian fun can find it at JC’s Cafe, a newly remodeled youth center at Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 206 S.W. Walnut St.

Complete with a coffee/smoothie bar, the contemporary hangout has become a popular place for local teenagers to relax and unwind with their friends.

Thomas Frank, 15, of Ankeny said he comes to the center as often as he can to have fun and play the video games.

“I go to a different church than this,” Thomas said, “but my brother told me about this place and it’s really fun.”

As a flashy music video by a contemporary Christian rock group played on a giant projection screen, Frank divided his time between the video game area and the pool table. “I know people here,” he said. “When I’m not working I like to come here to hang out with friends and play pool.”

Obviously this doesn’t replace church by any means, but it sure looks like a safe, fun place to hang out after school. What a great place for conversations about Christ to unfold, discussion about life and an opportunity for people to hear about Jesus from a caring adult and their peers.

Dude, I want to hang out there!

JG

Oh man … how bad to I want this!? The new Xbox 360 wireless headset. I’m pretty sure this coupled with my wireless controller could be the downfall of any semblance of family time I had left to give. Yes, I just used the word ‘semblance’ in a post about video games. Rugged.

JG