LEGO Universe--Massively Multiplayer Online Game

This week I had the opportunity to participate in LEGO Universe’s online launch party.  I have to admit I am not a big gamer.   I gave it a try and was very impressed by the graphics and colorful LEGO worlds.  However, I had a hard time navigating around but I blame that on my lack of patience and video gaming experience.

I knew that there was more to online gaming than just having good graphics, so I turned over the keyboard to my 3 sons (who are seasoned gamers) to get their review.    

All three of my sons (ages 9, 9, &13) couldn’t wait to try out the game.  They are big Club Penguin as well as World of War Craft fans.  Needless to say they know their way around multiplayer online games (we only have the free accounts). 

So it was with great excitement that they loaded LEGO Universe onto our home computer.  They were whisked away immediately into the amazing online adventure.  They enjoyed creating their own avatars, building their own territories and going to different LEGO worlds.  They thought the graphics were great and loved battling and fighting the Maelstrom spiders and ninjas.

All and all they gave it a big thumbs up.  As a parent, I like how this game fosters creativity and gives players the opportunity to use their imagination to create and customize the gaming experience. 

The big deterrent for me (much to my kids' dismay), is the pricing structure.  The game costs $39.99 and includes the first month.  A paid subscription is required to continue play with 1, 6 and 12 month subscription options available.    And each player needs their own account and subscription to play.   

In general, I think it is a great game and one that kids would really enjoy.  But the reason my kids won't be a regular part of this universe is due to the monthly subscription fees.  

*I received a free product for review purposes. I did not receive any form of compensation from the company. All opinions are my own and not influenced in anyway.