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Is LEGO City Undercover discontinued?

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Is LEGO City Undercover Discontinued? A Deep Dive into the Game’s Availability and Legacy

The short answer is no, LEGO City Undercover is not entirely discontinued. While specific versions have been removed from certain digital storefronts, the game remains available on multiple platforms. Let’s delve into the nuances of its availability and its enduring appeal.

The Ever-Shifting Landscape of Game Availability

In the digital age, a game’s availability can be a complex issue. While physical copies offer a degree of permanence, digital distribution is subject to publisher decisions and platform policies. With LEGO City Undercover, the situation is multifaceted. As the provided article states, the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions have been delisted from the Nintendo eShop as of December 22, 2020. This means you can no longer purchase these versions digitally.

However, the game remains available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Physical copies can still be found at retailers, and digital versions are available on the respective online stores for these platforms (PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, Steam). This partial “discontinuation” reflects the lifecycle of game platforms and the evolution of digital distribution strategies. Older consoles are often phased out, and publishers may choose to focus on current-generation hardware.

The removal from specific platforms doesn’t diminish the game’s overall legacy or its accessibility on other systems. If you are interested in game design and learning, check out the Games Learning Society website for resources and research: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

LEGO City Undercover: Why It Still Matters

Beyond its availability, LEGO City Undercover remains a significant title for several reasons. Its open-world gameplay, engaging storyline, and characteristic LEGO humor create a memorable experience. Comparing it to Grand Theft Auto (GTA) for kids, as some reviewers have done, highlights its accessible take on the open-world genre. While both share a similar gameplay structure, LEGO City Undercover provides a family-friendly alternative without sacrificing the core elements that make the genre appealing.

The game’s success is evident in its sales figures. The Wii U version alone sold over one million copies worldwide by 2019, proving its popularity and market appeal. The fact that it’s available on multiple platforms underscores its continued relevance in the gaming landscape.

The enduring appeal also lies in its unique blend of action, adventure, and humor. Players control Chase McCain, an undercover police officer who uses disguises and various skills to solve crimes and apprehend the notorious Rex Fury. The witty dialogue, cleverly designed missions, and the sheer joy of exploring a LEGO-fied version of San Francisco make it a game that appeals to players of all ages.

Legacy and Influence

LEGO City Undercover’s legacy extends beyond sales figures. It established a benchmark for LEGO open-world games, showcasing the potential of combining the LEGO brand with complex, engaging gameplay. The game’s success also led to the development of LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins for the Nintendo 3DS, a prequel that further explores Chase McCain’s early adventures.

While the gaming landscape constantly evolves, LEGO City Undercover stands as a testament to the power of creative game design and enduring gameplay mechanics. Even if it’s not available on every platform, it remains a cherished title in the LEGO gaming universe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about LEGO City Undercover, addressing various aspects of the game:

  1. Is LEGO City Undercover 2 going to be released?

    • While there are rumors and fan speculation about LEGO City Undercover 2, there has been no official announcement of a sequel from TT Games or Nintendo. The information you found about a sequel developed by TT Games and Super Leaf Studios is likely fan-generated content or speculation.

  2. Is LEGO City Undercover offline?

    • Yes, LEGO City Undercover can be played offline. The physical versions of the game do not require an internet connection to play.

  3. Do I need to download additional content for the physical version of LEGO City Undercover on Nintendo Switch?

    • No, the physical copy of LEGO City Undercover for the Nintendo Switch contains the complete game. No additional downloads are required to enjoy the full experience.

  4. How many copies of LEGO City Undercover were sold?

    • The original Wii U version had sold over 1.9 million copies worldwide by December 2019.

  5. On what platforms can I play LEGO City Undercover?

    • LEGO City Undercover is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Note that availability can vary by region and digital store policies.

  6. Is LEGO City Undercover similar to GTA?

    • Both LEGO City Undercover and GTA are open-world games that feature action-packed missions and a wide range of vehicles. However, LEGO City Undercover is tailored for a younger audience, featuring humor and content suitable for all ages, making it like a GTA for kids.

  7. Was LEGO City Undercover a commercial success?

    • Yes, LEGO City Undercover was a commercial success, selling over one million copies on the Wii U alone.

  8. What do you get for achieving 100% completion in LEGO City Undercover?

    • Upon reaching 100% completion, you unlock a “Super Minifigure” extra, which makes your character very large.

  9. How long does it take to beat LEGO City Undercover and achieve 100% completion?

    • Completing the main objectives takes about 15½ hours. Achieving 100% completion, including all side missions and collectibles, can take around 49 hours.

  10. Can you steal cars in LEGO City Undercover?

    • Yes, you can “steal” cars in LEGO City Undercover. You can find garages all over the city containing vehicles that can be acquired and driven to safe houses.

  11. Is there a prequel to LEGO City Undercover?

    • Yes, LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins is a prequel to LEGO City Undercover, developed for the Nintendo 3DS. It explores Chase McCain’s early days as a police officer.

  12. Are there any Easter eggs related to other Nintendo franchises in LEGO City Undercover?

    • Yes, you can find references to Mario, such as Mario blocks, in various locations throughout LEGO City.

  13. Who is Chase McCain’s girlfriend in LEGO City Undercover?

    • Natalia Kowalski, later known as Natalia Smith, is Chase McCain’s girlfriend.

  14. Who is the main villain in LEGO City Undercover?

    • Rex Fury is the main antagonist, serving as Chase McCain’s archenemy.

  15. Are there cheat codes available for LEGO City Undercover?

    • Yes, you can use cheat codes in LEGO City Undercover. Pause the game, go to the Extras menu, and enter the codes.

In conclusion, while specific versions of LEGO City Undercover may have been removed from certain digital marketplaces, the game remains widely available and highly regarded. Its engaging gameplay, humorous storyline, and family-friendly content continue to make it a popular choice for gamers of all ages.

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