7 /10 16

The LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game adapts the theatrical film into an action-focused LEGO title that prioritizes combat mechanics over traditional puzzle-solving. Developed by TT Fusion and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, this game launches alongside the film in September 2017, serving as the first simultaneous LEGO release on Nintendo Switch. The title differentiates itself from predecessor LEGO games through skill trees and enhanced martial arts systems, though technical limitations on certain platforms and level design inconsistencies prevent it from achieving the polish expected of franchise entries. For fans of Ninjago seeking to extend the film’s narrative, the game provides genuine value despite its shortcomings.

How to Play LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game

LEGO Ninjago diverges from traditional LEGO formulas by emphasizing combat across its eight main story locations. Players progress through action-heavy sequences punctuated by exploration and collection mechanics. The game features 102 playable characters, each unlockable through story progression and free-play modes. Character-specific attacks combine into multipliers that increase stud currency rewards, encouraging aggressive playstyles. Progression carries over through character leveling and ability tree upgrades that persist throughout the campaign.

1. Controls – Third-person combat controls with accessible button mapping; martial arts learning curve remains manageable even for series newcomers
2. Progression – Complete story mode across eight zones to unlock free-play exploration; level-up system grants permanent stat increases and special moves
3. Combat/Mechanics – Build attack combos using six different martial arts techniques; upgrade skills via skill trees to unlock devastating ultimate attacks and special abilities
4. Tips – Mix attack types to defeat red-outlined blocking enemies; gold brick collection in free-play requires character-specific abilities; Challenge Dojos teach advanced combat patterns

Who Should Play LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game

LEGO Ninjago targets multiple audience segments with particular appeal to action-oriented players and film fans. The approachable difficulty scaling and character-driven narrative provide entry points for younger players, while skill-based combat systems reward experienced action-game veterans. The four-player Battle Maps mode transforms the experience into social entertainment.

• LEGO Game Enthusiasts – Series fans appreciating the combat-focused evolution; different enough from Batman and Movie titles to feel fresh despite recognizable mechanics
• Ninjago Franchise Fans – Film watchers seeking story continuation; includes cinematics from the movie alongside original narrative material
• Action Game Players – Combat-first design with skill trees and combo systems appeals to players prioritizing gameplay feel over puzzle-solving
• Skip if – You prefer exploration-heavy LEGO games, expect graphical polish rivaling AAA action titles, or seek online multiplayer (local-only co-op)

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game Platform Performance

Technical performance varies significantly across platforms, with PC and Xbox One delivering superior stability compared to PlayStation and Switch versions. Screen tearing appears frequently on PlayStation 4, particularly in split-screen co-op. Load times extend uncomfortably long across all platforms, with Switch experiencing the most noticeable delays. These technical shortcomings detract from the otherwise straightforward action gameplay.

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game System Requirements

PC requirements reflect a 2017-era engine implementation requiring relatively modest hardware. The game scales from very low-end CPUs to modern processors without optimization improvements, suggesting minimal engine work post-launch. Storage requirements match contemporary action games, and DirectX 11 support ensures compatibility across GPU generations from that era forward.

Similar Games to LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game

Several LEGO adaptations and action games share Ninjago’s design philosophy or competitive positioning. These alternatives provide context for Ninjago’s unique approach to combat-focused gameplay within the LEGO franchise framework and broader action-adventure market.

• LEGO Movie Videogame – Predecessor emphasizing exploration and humor over combat; more traditional LEGO experience with broader appeal
• LEGO Batman Movie Videogame – Similar licensed film adaptation; more refined combat mechanics and better production values overall
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Independent beat-em-up offering arcade-style combat with superior mechanical depth and visual consistency
• Jump Force – Combat-focused action game with character progression systems; larger roster but less approachable for casual players

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game vs Competitors

LEGO Ninjago occupies a mid-tier position in action-adventure gaming, priced below premium titles but above budget releases. Its competitive advantages rest on licensed character variety and Ninjago franchise integration rather than mechanical innovation or technical polish. The comparison reveals where Ninjago succeeds in entertainment value despite technical compromises.

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game Story and World

The narrative follows the film’s plot structure across Ninjago’s island environments while introducing original material unavailable in the theatrical release. The game positions Lloyd at the emotional center, exploring his complex relationship with father-figure Garmadon while developing friendships with fellow ninjas Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane, and Nya. Master Wu provides mystical guidance throughout the journey. Environmental storytelling complements character arcs through level design that evolves with narrative stakes. Voice acting prioritizes character accuracy over film casting, allowing more flexible comedic timing and additional dialogue. The dual-campaign structure (story mode plus free-play exploration) encourages discovering environmental details and character-specific puzzle solutions across multiple playthroughs.

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game Multiplayer and Online

Multiplayer features distinguish Ninjago from traditional LEGO games through dedicated competitive modes. However, implementation limitations and camera compromises restrict the feature’s potential impact. Online connectivity is unavailable, restricting multiplayer to local couch play exclusively.

• Story Mode Co-op – Four-player simultaneous campaign play locally; camera angles prioritize visibility at cost of spatial awareness; AI partners provide minimal assistance
• Battle Maps – Dedicated competitive arenas supporting up to four players; modes include combat challenges against increasingly difficult enemy waves and timed objectives
• Dojo Challenge – Single-player skill-based progression system; mirrors Battle Maps difficulty but rewards gold bricks and character unlocks rather than competitive victory
• Online Features – No online multiplayer; no leaderboards; no connectivity options available

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game DLC and Expansions

Post-launch support has been minimal, with only cosmetic additions released. No substantial mechanical expansions or narrative additions have been introduced since launch. The game ships with substantial character roster and level variety, reducing immediate incentive for paid content. Free updates have addressed technical issues without adding new features.

• Character Packs – None released; base roster of 102 characters remains complete since launch
• Story Expansions – No narrative DLC; original story remains the complete experience
• Cosmetic Items – Minimal cosmetic DLC offerings; most character variety integrated into base game progression
• Free Updates – Quarterly patches address reported bugs; no roadmap published for future content

LEGO Ninjago Movie Video Game Community and Support

The community maintains modest engagement centered around speedrunning and skill-based Battle Maps challenges. Developer communication remains indirect through publisher channels. Modding remains unavailable on all platforms, limiting creative community expression to gameplay optimization strategies.

• Official Forums – Warner Bros. Interactive maintains community forums; responses address technical issues and account-related problems
• Reddit/Discord – r/legogaming and Ninjago fan communities discuss challenge solutions and speedrunning strategies; community size remains smaller than major LEGO titles
• Mod Support – No native modding tools; PC version lacks community mod ecosystem despite technical feasibility
• Updates – Patch frequency decreased significantly after first year post-launch; final patch released in 2019