A New MMOG: Lego Universe

Here’s an MMOG that your parents would approve of, especially if you’re a ‘tween. Two words: Lego Universe—it’s about time. The Lego universe is already expansive and popular, ranging from mini-figures to vehicles, buildings to video games, and now is expanding into the MMO-verse. Lego is working on this game with developer NetDevil, as well as both kids and adults to make it a great experience for people of all ages.

Lego is all about top-notch quality products as well as the safety of children and concerns of the parents. That said, Lego wants this game to envelope all ages, not only kids. Kids and adults alike are play-testing the Lego Universe to aid in the development of the gameplay and safety. There is also a forum up to hear out the voices of fans and parents. Since the demographic of MMOGs contains mostly older folk, Lego has to watch out for what kids see and hear. Thus, a parental control is available for filtering inappropriate content and also allowing parents to create a time limit and spatial boundaries to deem some places as off-limits.

Think of Lego Universe as a virtual realm in which you can build anything from Lego bricks and in that world, you can work with or against others. Upon creating and customizing your mini-figure, you can build and interact, go on quests, or be the lone wolf. This game lets your creativity shine, and with the help of others, who knows what awesomeness can be built? And if you’re worried about people destroying your buildings, don’t worry—you have the choice to let others destroy your property (or kindly leave it alone).

The bricks used to build are not free. This game’s currency is plastic with which you can purchase bricks. There are other ways to obtain bricks, such as “finding them, completing challenges, defeating enemies, gathering wood, discovering treasures and unlocking secrets.” A real selling point (for both the players and Lego) is that you can purchase a live-action kit of what you make in the Lego Universe.

The Lego Universe will consist of past, present, and new themes and characters. The themes span “from Space to City to Pirates to Ninjas to Underwater, everything will be there.” I hope Bionicle and all the video game Lego characters will be there, too.

Lego Universe will be released for PC in 2009 as a hard copy or download. Like a lot of other MMORPGs, there will be a monthly subscription. But, I may overlook the monthly fee because this game has even non-MMORPG players like me eagerly awaiting its arrival.