Embark on an epic adventure with LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey, a dynamic action-platformer designed for fans of the beloved LEGO franchise. Released on June 21, 2013, this title invites players to step into the animated world of Chima on the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, and PS Vita. As Laval the Lion, you will lead a coalition of animal tribes against the power-hungry Crocodile Prince Cragger in a quest to restore balance to the land.

LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey: A World of Tribes

The game transports players to a unique floating island inhabited by eight distinct anthropomorphic tribes: Lions, Eagles, Ravens, Wolves, Crocodiles, Rhinos, Bears, and Gorillas. These factions are locked in a historical civil war driven by the control of CHI, a vital natural resource that serves as the source of life for all creatures in this realm. CHI can be easily abused if amassed in large quantities, making it the focal point of the conflict.

The narrative follows Laval as he strives to prevent Cragger from discovering the legendary Triple CHI Armour. The story unfolds across a richly imagined setting that blends quasi-East Asian aesthetics with far-future fantasy sci-fi elements, creating a vibrant backdrop for the unfolding drama. While the plot provides the motivation for the action, the journey is defined by exploration and the bond between Laval and his diverse group of friends.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

Players navigate through 15 levels of intense action, utilizing a mix of open-world hub exploration and linear stage progression. The gameplay emphasizes traversal and teamwork, allowing Laval and his companions to harness the power of CHI to leap, swing, fly, and fight their way through obstacles. The movement system has been expanded to include scaling walls, sidling across narrow ledges, swinging from vines, and wall running, adding variety to the platforming experience.

Progression is tied to acquiring new buddies, each possessing unique abilities that unlock previously inaccessible areas of the world. This mechanic encourages exploration and rewards players with the satisfaction of mastering the environment. The game also features a collection of puzzles scattered throughout the adventure, ranging from straightforward challenges to those that require genuine ingenuity to solve.

Notable Features

  • Tribe-Based Abilities: Utilize the distinct traits of Lion, Eagle, Gorilla, and other tribes to overcome environmental hazards and solve puzzles.
  • CHI Orbs: Collect CHI orbs that grant special powers, enhancing Laval's combat and traversal capabilities.
  • Humor and Charm: The game delivers the signature charm of LEGO titles, featuring witty dialogue and humorous moments, including playful pop-culture references.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Experience the adventure on multiple handheld systems, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players.
  • Visual Polish: The game boasts impressive visual fidelity, particularly on the PS Vita, bringing the colorful world of Chima to life.

Who Should Play?

This game is ideally suited for younger audiences, families, and dedicated fans of the LEGO video game series. The intuitive controls, colorful aesthetic, and accessible design make it an engaging experience for children. Long-time followers of the LEGO formula will appreciate the familiar structure of collecting items and completing levels, while those new to the series will find the fresh world of Chima and its animal tribes to be a welcoming entry point. The inclusion of humor and platforming challenges ensures that players of various skill levels can enjoy the journey to defeat Cragger and save the balance of CHI.