LEGO Universe recently went free-to-play... well, partially at least. Staff Writer Paul "LockeColeMA" Cleveland explores how much you can do for free and checks out the new leveling system.

The Leveling System

The leveling system is the other big change since last month. Previously players only advanced through gear stats; now a leveling system has been added that is based on Universe Points awarded from quests. Leveling has some decent perks, such as allowing more gear to be used or giving bonuses like a larger inventory or a permanent speed boost; however, the grinding aspect that turned off players before seems to have become enshrined in the new system. Instead of grinding quests for reputation, now players need both reputation with a faction as well as the proper level in order to use gear. Oh, and when it comes to the four main factions of the game, did I mention those are also only for members?

At the end of Avant Gardens, new players get to unlock their first building site. Using an Imagination Cap, players can use either models or free blocks to create all sorts of contraptions. With what I accumulated in the newbie zone, I managed to build a very small castle; however, visiting other players' sites showed me what someone with some imagination and time on their hands can do. Some sites spanned high into the sky with several layers and moving parts. Others allowed hostile enemies to appear and challenge visitors. Unfortunately, most of the building sites and bricks used for construction? You guessed it: members only.

It's An Unlimited Free Trial

My main gripe with LEGO Universe’s approach is not the game's simplistic MMO feel; in fact, not having to balance stats actually felt refreshing! Rather it was the false impression that the F2P aspect is a legitimate alternative to paying the subscription. It's not. LEGO Universe has an unlimited free trial for the game, and that's a pity in my eyes. If the LEGO Group changed to a true F2P format and made, say, 80% of the game available rather than 20%, I could see many players trying out LEGO Universe and constantly coming back for nostalgia or to create amazing creations in the free-building mode. Instead the free aspects are a tease, and not enough to convince me to stick around.

Complaints aside, I think LEGO Universe does a good job. It ran bug-free for me, and looks great; just the way computer-animated LEGO minifigures should move, in fact. The game is perfect for the young builder and pleasant for the nostalgic adult. However, adding an actual free-to-play mechanic with an item shop and cutting down on the grind for the new leveling system would help the game stand out among the myriad of MMO contenders today.  But for those who just want to build or battle the forces of the Maelstrom, you could do much worse than LEGO Universe.

Paul "LockeColeMA" Cleveland, Staff Writer

LEGO Universe is celebrating its first anniversary next month by hosting the 2011 Nexon Force Championships. During the 12-week event, players will compete in Battling, Racing and Building competitions to earn Championship Points. The player who earns the most points will win more than $5,000 in LEGO sets, a new computer and more.