Editor-in-Chief Darryl Gangloff shares his thoughts on LEGO Universe just in time for the game's early access launch on Oct. 8.

Aside from combat, LEGO Universe also focuses on creativity and exploration. Creativity is where the game truly shines. This is a LEGO game, so players are expected to build things. There are two ways to do this: quick builds and custom builds. Quick builds are piles of bricks in each zone that require a set amount of Imagination Points to complete. These items are generally useful, such as trampolines and stairs. Some are hidden and require a little work to find, while others are out in the open and must be built to move forward in the zone.

The custom build option, on the other hand, may as well be an entirely separate game. Players can collect and purchase every type of LEGO brick imaginable and build items with them on their personal properties. If you'd prefer not to build everything on your property piece by piece, you can also find pre-made parts such as walls and trees. I spent a couple hours just visiting other players' properties to see their creations, and some of them were ridiculously impressive. One player had built an entire water park, while another made a huge castle. Players can vote on the properties they visit, so it's easy for a great creation to gain some praise within the community. Honestly, this feature is enough reason for LEGO fans to check out the game.

As far as exploration is concerned, the zones are entertaining. The quests are what you'd expect (collect items, smash enemies, etc.), but the LEGO atmosphere sets them apart from other MMOs. The Avant Gardens starting zone features a race to the top of a giant mini-figure statue, while Pet Cove is a small area that teaches you how to tame companion pets. For a more in-depth look at how these areas are set up, check out our recent foray into the ninja-filled Forbidden Valley zone. While these areas are fun, they have a certain linear quality to them that detracts a little from the MMO feel. They basically have a set path from beginning to end, although it's always possible to return to these areas to discover things you may have missed.

In addition to building on your property and exploring zones, LEGO Universe offers a few mini-games and instances to keep players occupied. There's a racing game in Nimbus Station and a shooting game in the Gnarled Forest pirate zone. Avant Gardens hosts an instance where up to four players can attempt to fight off a horde of enemies for as long as possible, and another instance in the Forbidden Valley lets a group test its skills against a bunch of dragons. The mini-games and instances are a fun diversion, and LEGO Universe could use a few more of them to spice things up.

Actually, LEGO Universe could use more content in general. Again, it's important to note that I played the game during closed beta, so all of the content wasn't accessible to players. However, the game could benefit from more zones, mini-games and instances. As far as the content in the closed beta is concerned, many players could probably burn through it in a couple months. LEGO Universe is a well-crafted game with limitless potential if it's allowed to grow. It captures the essence of LEGOs in its design, and the ability to create anything on your property is worth the price of admission. LEGO fans of any age should give this game a try, but the addition of more content would certainly help players stick with it for the foreseeable future.

Darryl Gangloff, Editor-in-Chief

LEGO Universe will be accessible to players who pre-ordered the game on Oct. 8 at 10:08 a.m. EDT. The game officially launches on Oct. 26.