Party games and LEGO seem like such a natural fit that it’s almost surprising it’s taken this long for a full-fledged LEGO-branded title to dive into the genre. Developed by SMG Studio and published by Fictions, LEGO Party! takes the iconic building blocks and channels them into chaotic multiplayer fun. We had the chance to check it out at Gamescom, where the game made a strong case for itself as a new couch and online staple for fans of both party games and LEGO alike.
What we know
At its core, LEGO Party! is a four-player party game that blends a digital board game format with a wide array of fast-paced minigames. It supports both local play and online multiplayer with cross-platform functionality, letting friends join in regardless of system. The minigames draw inspiration from classic LEGO themes such as Pirates, Space, and Ninjago, with a total of 60 different challenges on offer. These range from racing aliens their dinner to navigating collapsing tombs or surviving a kraken attack, all while collecting Golden Bricks – the ultimate measure of success.
Customization also plays a major role. With over a billion possible minifigure combinations available, players can either recreate their favorite LEGO characters or design something completely outlandish. Beyond looks, strategy comes into play through the use of power-ups and traps, which can turn the tide in the board game portion of a session. The combination of distinct Challenge Zones, varied game modes, and a clear win condition gives LEGO Party! a structure that encourages both casual drop-in fun and longer sessions with friends.
What we saw
During Gamescom, we went hands-on with LEGO Party! for about 45 minutes, guided by members of SMG Studio including studio founder Ashley Ringrose. They walked us through the core mechanics, customization tools, and several of the minigames while showing how everything ties together into a smooth and polished party game experience.
What we thought
What immediately stood out is how polished and authentic LEGO Party! feels. SMG Studio has clearly gone to great lengths to capture the playful, toy-like look of LEGO sets in digital form, from the lighting on the plastic bricks to the animated quirks of each minifigure. This extends to the presentation as well – even the in-game commentary reacts dynamically to your play session, recalling earlier moments and helping make the whole thing feel like a living game show. It’s a small but welcome detail that adds personality and keeps the action from feeling static.
The minigames themselves embrace simplicity, which works in the game’s favor. Each one can be quickly picked up, thanks in part to a clever feature that lets you play a shorter version of the minigame before the real round begins. This gives everyone a chance to learn the controls and mechanics on the fly, reducing frustration and keeping the pace lighthearted. In practice, this makes LEGO Party! much more approachable for players of all ages and skill levels, which is exactly what you’d want from a family-friendly party title.
That said, the balance between the board game framework and the actual minigames could become a point of contention depending on player preference. From what we played, the transitions felt smooth, but it’s easy to imagine some groups wanting to dive straight into the minigames while others might enjoy the longer, more strategic pacing of the board game. It would be great to see adjustable settings here to tailor sessions to the crowd, as that flexibility could extend the game’s appeal even further.
Overall, LEGO Party! impressed us with its polish, accessibility, and wealth of customization options. The mix of recognizable LEGO themes, chaotic mini challenges, and flexible multiplayer support makes it look like a strong addition to the party game genre. If SMG Studio can keep things balanced and ensure long-term variety, this could easily become a go-to choice for LEGO fans and party gamers alike.
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