LEGO The Incredibles for Switch: A Family-Friendly Game Review

The LEGO video game formula is a proven one: take a beloved franchise, add charming brick-based humor, and wrap it in accessible, family-friendly gameplay. LEGO The Incredibles for the Nintendo Switch follows that formula to the letter, delivering a superhero adventure that's perfect for players of all ages. In this review, we'll dive into the game's story, gameplay, co-op features, and how it performs on Nintendo's hybrid console.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the Incredibles films or new to the series, this LEGO adaptation offers a wealth of content. From the bustling city of Municiberg to the villainous schemes of the Underminer, there's plenty to see and do. But does it stand out among the many LEGO games available on the Switch? Let's find out.

Story and Presentation

LEGO The Incredibles loosely adapts the plots of both 'The Incredibles' (2004) and 'Incredibles 2' (2018), weaving them together into one cohesive brick-filled narrative. The game opens with the classic bank robbery scene, but quickly expands into a larger story that sees the Parr family take on a variety of villains, including the Screen Slaver and Syndrome. The writing is sharp and witty, staying true to the films' tone while adding plenty of LEGO-style slapstick.

Visually, the game looks great on the Switch, with vibrant colors and detailed character models. The cutscenes are charming, and the voice acting, while not the original cast, does a solid job of capturing the characters' personalities. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, with only minor frame rate dips during chaotic scenes with multiple explosions and enemies on screen.

• The game includes a hub world, Municiberg, which is packed with collectibles and side quests.
• Character abilities are tied to the film's powers, such as Violet's invisibility and shields, Dash's super speed, and Mr. Incredible's strength.

Gameplay and Controls

At its core, LEGO The Incredibles is a classic action-adventure game. You'll explore levels, solve puzzles, and beat up enemies using a variety of character-specific abilities. The controls are straightforward and responsive, making it easy for younger players to pick up and play. One of the standout features is the ability to switch between characters on the fly, allowing you to use the right hero for the right situation.

The game also introduces 'Crime Waves' in the open world, where you can stop random crimes to earn studs and unlock new characters. This adds a nice layer of replayability. However, the combat can feel repetitive after a while, and the puzzles are rarely challenging, which might be a downside for older players seeking more depth. But for its target audience—families and younger gamers—the gameplay is engaging and fun.

• Co-op mode is drop-in, drop-out, so a second player can join at any time.
• There are over 100 characters to unlock, including various versions of the Parr family and other heroes from the films.

Co-op and Family Fun

One of the biggest selling points of LEGO games is the local co-op, and LEGO The Incredibles delivers on that front. Two players can team up to tackle the story together, solving puzzles and fighting crime as a dynamic duo. The split-screen works well, and the game never forces players to stay together, allowing each person to explore at their own pace. This makes it an excellent choice for siblings or parents and kids to play together.

The game's difficulty is well-tuned for a younger audience, with checkpoints that are forgiving and health that regenerates. There's also a 'Super Builds' mechanic where you combine LEGO pieces into vehicles and gadgets, which adds a creative element that kids will love. While the game might not offer the depth that hardcore gamers crave, it excels at providing a wholesome, entertaining experience for the whole family.

• The game supports up to two players locally, but there is no online co-op.
• The open world is filled with races and other side activities that are perfect for short play sessions.

Comparison to Other Switch LEGO Games

The Nintendo Switch has a wealth of LEGO games, from LEGO City Undercover to LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. LEGO The Incredibles stands out with its unique setting and characters, but how does it compare? In terms of polish and content, it's on par with the best of them. The open world is dense with things to do, and the story is engaging, even if it doesn't break new ground.

One area where LEGO The Incredibles lags slightly is in technical performance. While it runs well overall, there are occasional frame rate stutters and longer load times, especially when transitioning from the open world to levels. That said, these issues are minor and don't detract significantly from the experience. If you're a fan of the Incredibles or just looking for a solid family-friendly LEGO game, this is a strong contender.

• The game includes a free-play mode that lets you revisit levels with any unlocked character.
• There are numerous collectibles, such as minikits and red bricks, that unlock cheats and bonuses.

Final Thoughts

LEGO The Incredibles for Switch is a delightful, family-friendly game that captures the spirit of the films while delivering the classic LEGO gameplay fans expect. It's not the most challenging or innovative game in the genre, but it doesn't need to be. For parents looking for a game to play with their kids, or for fans of the Incredibles who want a lighthearted adventure, this is a great choice.

If you're planning to play with a friend or family member, consider picking up an extra controller like the 8Bitdo Lite BT Gamepad Turquoise, which is an excellent, affordable option for the Switch. Its compact design and responsive buttons make it ideal for younger players. And if you're a collector of LEGO games, this one is a worthy addition to your library.

• The game is available both physically and digitally on the Nintendo eShop.
• It offers around 10-15 hours of gameplay to complete the main story, with more for 100% completion.

LEGO The Incredibles for Switch is a charming, accessible game that delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, family-friendly superhero adventure. While it may not push the boundaries of the LEGO formula, it's a polished and enjoyable experience that will keep players of all ages entertained. If you're in the market for a new Switch game, this is definitely worth considering. And if you need a reliable controller for co-op play, check out the 8Bitdo Lite BT Gamepad Turquoise for a great gaming experience.