Comparing the text of Edge and Eurogamer directly, highlights why we have got to get over seeking "word of god" judgements in game reviews.
To be fair to Edge, they linger on most of the same flaws Eurogamer does:
- There's some popin and framerate stutter
- Load times
- Slightly wacky vehicle behavior
- Slightly slippery camera and platforming
Those are objective criticisms.
On the other hand, what comes down to pure opinion:
Edge: this Lego stuff is too bland and laid back for me, kids will love it, but no thanks.
Eurogamer: how delightful, so many things to see, do, and play with, and even collecting bricks is addictive due to a new kind of reward for Lego games.
I think Edge's numerical score is too low; it's spun that way because the writer is so utterly disinterested in getting into the game or the theme. But the difference between the reviews is simple: one person found the game charming, the other did not.
Eurogamer's review does make me optimistic: I do like the Lego games, and find them relaxing fun to sit down with and spend time. I had hoped TT had taken advantage of the budget, dev time, and freedom of no license to come up with some new ideas. The stuff like super bricks sounds like they did. Also, Eurogamer rightly points out Lego games tend to be packed with little things to see and fiddle with everywhere. This one sounds like they packed a lot in, with items, secrets, and mini-games all about the place.
So I'm good to go, personally.
