Summary
LEGO Fortniteis another example of LEGO deviating from Traveller’s Tales, coming right off the heels ofLEGO 2K Drive. Its success and concepts could easily inspire a return to LEGO’s gaming roots, andLEGO Fortnitemay already be heading in the direction of a blueprint.
Since the originalLEGO Star Warsgame in 2005, LEGO pivoted hard toward the 3D puzzle-platformerstyle of Traveller’s Tales. The formula seen in that 2005 title has remained more-or-less unchanged for about 17 years, with dozens of IPs represented by this type of game up to 2022’sSkywalker Saga. After mass reports of crunch at the studio in 2022, LEGO has ended its track record of exclusivity with Traveller’s Tales—taking its game development plans to other places. Now, 2K and Epic have gotten a chance to take those beloved bricks for a spin, and there are many other parties fans would love to see get a turn.
LEGO Fortnite Has Paved The Way For A Lego Island Reboot
In addition to potential new developers, there are many concepts and genres that fans want to see in LEGO form. Now thatLEGO 2K Drivehas opened up non-licensedgames andLEGO Fortnitehas made LEGO’s new approach massively popular, many fans would love to see the return ofLEGO Island—the very first LEGO videogame. Its choppy graphics, crushed-up sounds, and retro whimsy is a source of fond memories for many who grew up with LEGO. Its 1997 release came at a time when the toy was much simpler, but the charm it established lives on in LEGO media to this day. A modern interpretation of this classic would easily be a hit with kids and adults alike.
LEGO Island Would Mesh Great With LEGO’s Modern Direction
LEGO is catering more and more toward older fans, with recent years seeing it roll out many adult-focused sets—including the hugely desired UCS series of LEGOStar Warssets. In addition, callbacks to classic themes and remakes of old sets can be found in abundance. What LEGO has yet to do, however, isbring back classic LEGO games—specifically those from before the days of Traveller’s Tales. Whether it’s the tycoon stylings ofLegolandor the sandbox ofLego Island, these pre-2005 titles laid the groundwork for what LEGO releases today, and are a source of nostalgia for many.
LEGO Islanddeserves special mentionwhen considering older LEGO gamesnot only because it was the first, but because of its status to old fans and collectors. Toy incarnations of characters like the Infomaniac sell for huge sums on the second-hand market, and there’s a sprawling collective of fans dedicated to the title’s preservation. There are many grassroots efforts to modifyLego Islandand keep it playable on modern hardware, so an official remaster or remake from LEGO would likely be warmly received.
LEGO Fortnite Is Really Setting The Stage For A New LEGO Island
LEGO Fortnite’s sandbox is a stark changein direction from most of Traveller’s Tales' LEGO games. Even the open world offerings of prior games don’t come close to the survival-drafting gameplay ofLEGO Fortnite. A game without linear story stages is exactly what fans would want from a newLEGO Island, with the classic title embracing the inherent creativity of the iconic plastic bricks.
Moreover,LEGO Fortnite’s new Creative Islandssteps even closer to what a newLEGO Islandcould look like. That being said, LEGO should ensure that any reboot ofLEGO Islandis its own product. Fans may be interested in callbacks made throughLEGO Fortnite, but a separate project not wrapped up in the ecosystem of that title would really hook older and younger players alike.
LEGO Fortnite Odyssey
WHERE TO PLAY
Explore vast, open worlds where the magic of LEGO® building and Fortnite collide.Collect food and resources, craft items, build shelter and battle enemies solo or team up with up to seven friends.Get creative in building and customizing your ultimate home base using LEGO® elements collected from the world around you, then recruit villagers to gather materials and help survive the night. Gear up and drop into deep caves in search of rare resources and hidden areas.
