On PlayStation 5, LEGO Party! captures the playful chaos of the brick-building universe and translates it into an energetic, family-friendly party experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Developed by SMG Studio – known for their creative multiplayer hits like Moving Out – this colorful collection of over 60 minigames takes cues from Mario Party but injects it with the unmistakable LEGO charm. It’s a game built for laughter and light-hearted competition, even if not every brick snaps perfectly into place.
At its core, LEGO Party! thrives on variety. From racing through collapsing tombs to cooking for aliens or dodging traps in pirate arenas, every Challenge Zone feels distinct, backed by a clear sense of imagination and humor. The developers cleverly tie these minigames to iconic LEGO themes such as Ninjago, Pirates, and Space, which not only gives the environments visual personality but also adds nostalgic appeal for longtime fans. Even when a few of the minigames feel repetitive or overly simplistic, there’s always another around the corner that surprises with a clever twist or a chaotic multiplayer moment.
Gameplay-wise, SMG Studio sticks to a tried-and-true formula that’s easy to pick up for players of all ages. The controls are intuitive, and most games rely on just a few buttons, ensuring that accessibility never gets in the way of fun. However, this simplicity occasionally backfires, as some minigames lack the mechanical depth needed to stay engaging over long sessions and/or repeat plays. Where LEGO Party! truly shines is in its sense of spontaneity – the unpredictable interactions, silly physics, and power-up antics often lead to hilarious results, which is a constant even in some of the less inspired minigames.
A big part of the fun lies in the game’s customization. With a staggering range of minifigure combinations – reportedly over a billion – LEGO Party! lets players express their creativity in ways few party games can match. Whether you’re building a mustachioed pirate astronaut or a space ninja, the character creation tools encourage experimentation and fun self-expression. Unlocking new parts and themes through play gives the game a light progression loop that keeps players coming back, especially in couch co-op where bragging rights become part of the experience.
Online and local multiplayer are both well-implemented, and the cross-platform support is a major plus. Local matches maintain smooth performance and quick load times, while online play benefits from stable connectivity – though we noticed occasional lag during four-player sessions across multiple platforms. The option to party up with friends regardless of their platform makes LEGO Party! a welcoming and versatile experience though, one that can easily fit into family game nights or online hangouts – and you’re not restricted to all being on “that platform with that other party game”.
Visually, the game nails the LEGO aesthetic. Every environment is bursting with color, lighting effects are sharp on PS5, and the playful animations bring digital minifigures to life with a tactile, toy-like feel. The soundtrack complements the action perfectly – upbeat, cheerful, and occasionally cheeky, matching the mood of each Challenge Zone. While the presentation isn’t groundbreaking, it’s consistently polished and unmistakably LEGO, and having commentators talk about events happening in the game is a great touch.
In the end, LEGO Party! doesn’t reinvent the party-game formula, but it doesn’t need to. Its accessible controls, charming presentation, and creative use of LEGO themes make it a great entry in the genre – especially for families and fans looking for lighthearted fun. Not every minigame is a winner, but many are, and when it clicks, it delivers the kind of pure, silly joy that defines the best LEGO experiences. This season’s party game to pick up and enjoy, we say.
Score: 8.5/10
Press Play Media 