Highlights
- LEGO games have been successful in adapting various media properties, and fans are eager for the franchise to explore other gaming properties.
- The idea of a LEGO God of War game may seem unlikely at first due to the franchise's violent nature, but the shared design principles and gameplay mechanics make it a suitable candidate for a LEGO adaptation.
- A LEGO God of War game could benefit both brands, bringing the original trilogy to modern audiences and opening doors for other video game IPs to be adapted into LEGO games.
Traveller's Tales’ LEGO games have been delighting fans of various media properties for nearly two decades now. Starting with LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game, the LEGO franchise transformed into a genuine action-platformer powerhouse that still commands respect today. Having just returned to LEGO Star Wars with The Skywalker Saga to tie all nine films together, it's clear that the formula these games are built around hasn't lost its magic yet, and many are hopeful that future games can give other franchises the luxurious LEGO treatment.
One idea fans have been floating for several years is for LEGO to turn its attention towards other gaming properties. After LEGO Dimensions proved it was possible with Portal and Sonic the Hedgehog packs, adapting a well-known video game IP into a full LEGO spin-off would be an exciting new direction. Nintendo's recent toy collaborations with LEGO have sparked plenty of excitement, but working with other big publishers shouldn't leave the table. In fact, PlayStation’s library has one franchise that could be the perfect complement to LEGO games' strengths.
LEGO and God of War Are Practically Made For Each Other
At first, the idea of a LEGO God of War game might seem laughable. God of War is known for its gratuitous violence, especially in its Greek era. Furthermore, a key tenant of the LEGO games is the affectionate parodies played out through cutscenes, which might get in the way of the emotionally charged Norse games. That much doubt sells LEGO short, however, and also ignores how similar LEGO games are to classic God of War. In terms of franchise synergy, few video games lend themselves so well to a LEGO conversion thanks to their shared design principles.
Both franchises use linear, level-based structures, with older God of War titles being entirely that while the Norse ones occasionally slip back into it. The presence of distinct levels and setpieces to build around makes defining a LEGO adaptation’s scope fairly easy and allows the combat, puzzles, and platforming both series share to smoothly merge.
Said combat has also become surprisingly involved in some recent LEGO titles, and could easily reach the original God of War’s depth if it allowed Kratos to have more attacks than other characters. LEGO's light-hearted approach could poke fun at Kratos' old angry persona, and the presence of voice acting in more recent LEGO titles means that moments of gravity and character development can still be present alongside the lighter tone.
Why A LEGO God of War Should Be Made
Not only would it be entertaining for Kratos to do his traditional executions by tearing parts off LEGO miniatures, but a theoretical LEGO God of War game would benefit both brands. In God of War's case, its original trilogy only exists on older consoles, with nothing more than a God of War 3 remaster available on PlayStation 4. Having Traveller's Tales remake all the games would bring them to modern audiences with any inconsistencies downplayed through humor, all without diverting typical developer Santa Monica Studio away from its next project.
Meanwhile, adapting an existing video game IP into full LEGO game form should open many doors for the franchise. It could conceivably tackle other Sony franchises like Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper, or even a dedicated Spider-Man game. Expanding outside Sony would be ideal, however, especially if LEGO gets access to Super Mario Bros. or another widely recognized gaming property.
At the very least, making a God of War spin-off would allow Traveller's Tales to tackle logistical issues like whether God of War’s spin-offs should be included or if it should stick to five mainline games while including spin-off characters like Deimos as unlockables. There's no telling if God of War and LEGO will ever merge, but there are ample reasons for them to try.
LEGO
LEGO is a type of toy that predominantly consists of small plastic bricks. LEGO is the world's largest toy company by revenue, likely due to how versatile the product is and how it appeals to both children and adults.
LEGO isn't just a toy company, however, as there are numerous LEGO video games, films, and even theme parks.