If you’ve been following me on Twitter (which you should all do, just saying @OurMindGames), then you’ll understand I’ve recently fallen back in love with Lego. Growing up, I was the opposite of my older sister – who preferred the more stereotypically feminine stuff. Nothing wrong with that, it just wasn’t me.
My love of video games and creating things, be it through Lego or carpentry, has had a major influence on the young adult I have become. I loved to create motorised vehicles out of Lego, so much so that I genuinely considered becoming a mechanical engineer for a good few years (before I realised that I didn’t like studying physics). So, to come back to it after all these years has a somewhat bittersweet feel to it.
Alongside my university studies, I work as an ambassador in local schools, delivering workshops, computing lessons and providing access to new technologies that the kids may not have had access to before. My Saturday mornings are spent helping younger kids build their own games, robots and applications from all sorts of bits of tech. Honestly, most of the kids are leaps and bounds ahead of where I was when I was their age, which is really heartening to see.
One of the most popular bits of kit, is the Lego Mindstorms – programmable robot units given movement, control and purpose by adding Lego blocks! More often that not, I end up on the floor, digging through boxes of bricks looking for the specific piece that will complete the kid’s magnum opus.
Thankfully, the love of Lego did not die with my generation.
Side note, typing that sentence genuinely made me shudder out of realisation that I’m technically part of a different generation. Age is just a number, come at me world. If I want to build Lego, dance in the rain and roll down grass hills, then I will. You cannot stop me! (Cue evil laughter)
Moving past the days of Lego stop motion movies, more often that not, we often see these building bits in game adaptations of our favourite franchises – such as Marvel, DC, Harry Potter and Lord of The Rings. Though that last one isn’t really an option anymore, unless you want a court case on your hands.
A lot of kids first experiences with these cinematic universes, is through Lego games. Obviously, not every parent is content with letting their primary school age child play games with heavy themes or to see films with adult ratings. For example, I used to only be able to play games that were rated 15 or 18, if my dad was with me. So, I have played a lot of Lego games.
A large amount of gatekeeping in the gaming community is based on the argument of what constitutes an actual “game”. Some claim that only console/PC games fit the criteria, others argue that there should be some degree of difficulty in the gameplay for it to be called a “proper game”. Lego games, with their simple but enjoyable gameplay, basic puzzles and focus on fun, tend to be in the eye of the storm. Let’s chat through a few of the common complaints:
“They’re too easy”
What’s wrong with a game being easy? Considering the complex issues that we deal with in everyday life, sometimes it is nice to play a game that doesn’t go out of its way to challenge you. It’s about enjoyment, losing yourself in something other than your problems for a while and getting a small sense of achievement when you beat a boss or solve a puzzle. Depending on your mental state at the time, it might be your only win in a day filled with losses.
“Nobody enjoys them or wants to play them.”
For those who struggle with reaction times or complex puzzles, having a game that is fully playable for them, is a welcome relief. Although the games industry is slowly improving, it is not the most accessible thing in the world. From providing subtitles, to having different colour schemes, to turning off quick time events entirely, there are lots of ways that games can broaden their audience and allow anyone and everyone to enjoy the experience. Plus, they’re good multiplayer games. Being able to play games with your loved ones, especially if you don’t normally get to, is a wonderful way to make memories. Just because you don’t enjoy something, doesn’t mean others won’t. Remember that.
“They’re boring.”
Considering the popularity of the Lego games, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it’s building the actual sets, punching every breakable thing in sight to collect studs, or swinging around as a Lego version of Spiderman, there is a childish delight in these experiences.
Personally, I find the process of building the Lego sets very therapeutic and relaxing. For someone whose mind is often filled with anxiety, fear, self-loathing and every possible catastrophic scenario that could befall me, Lego provides a peaceful respite. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Anyways, I’ve got sleep to catch up on and crops to harvest on my virtual farm. Till next time,
CaitlinRC.