Lego City Undercover: The Lego Game That Channels Grand Theft Auto Vibes

The Lego game most frequently compared to Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is undoubtedly Lego City Undercover. This action-adventure game, developed by TT Games, presents an open-world environment where players take on the role of Chase McCain, an undercover police officer, to track down the notorious criminal Rex Fury. While it’s designed for a younger audience, the gameplay mechanics, open-world exploration, car chases, and mission structure bear a striking resemblance to the GTA formula, albeit with Lego’s signature humor and charm. It’s a fantastic, albeit less violent, experience that many consider “GTA for kids.”

Lego City Undercover: More Than Just a Lego GTA Clone

Despite the prevalent comparisons to GTA, Lego City Undercover carves out its own unique identity. The game utilizes the open-world setting to deliver a captivating storyline, engaging missions, and humorous situations. Chase McCain can adopt various disguises, each granting him unique abilities and allowing him to tackle different challenges within the expansive Lego City.

The core appeal lies in the game’s lighthearted approach to the genre. It replaces GTA’s gritty realism and mature themes with slapstick comedy, clever writing, and Lego’s inherent playfulness. The game’s focus on family-friendly fun makes it an excellent choice for gamers of all ages, and particularly for younger players interested in the open-world genre.

A Nod to Classic Cop Movies and TV Shows

Beyond its GTA-esque features, Lego City Undercover is a loving homage to classic cop movies and TV shows. From the over-the-top characters to the absurd situations, the game playfully pokes fun at the genre tropes, creating a unique and enjoyable experience. This blend of open-world gameplay with humor and nostalgia is what sets Lego City Undercover apart from its more serious counterparts.

Exploring the Open-World Fun: What Makes Lego City Undercover Stand Out?

Disguises and Unique Abilities

Chase McCain’s ability to don various disguises is a core mechanic of Lego City Undercover. Each disguise, such as a robber, farmer, or astronaut, grants Chase specific abilities and tools that he can use to solve puzzles, complete missions, and explore the city.

Hilarious Storyline and Characters

The game’s narrative is filled with humor and wit, featuring memorable characters and absurd situations. The story keeps players engaged and entertained from beginning to end, making it more than just a simple action game. The humor is also child friendly, so you can be at ease with your child playing it.

Open-World Exploration

Lego City is a vast and detailed open-world environment inspired by San Francisco, Miami and Manhattan offering players the freedom to explore at their own pace. The city is filled with secrets, collectibles, and side missions, providing hours of gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Lego City Undercover and its connection to the GTA series:

1. Was Lego City Undercover inspired by GTA?

   According to the game’s developers, the Grand Theft Auto series did not serve as direct inspiration. The open-world elements and gameplay mechanics were born from exploring new ideas for a Lego video game and ways of utilizing the Wii U GamePad.

2. Is Lego City Undercover GTA for kids?

   Yes, that is what it is mainly known for. Lego City Undercover shares similarities with GTA in terms of open-world exploration and mission structure, but it’s designed with a younger audience in mind, featuring slapstick humor, non-violent gameplay, and a family-friendly storyline.

3. Is Lego City Undercover violent?

   The game features cartoonish and fantasy violence. There are no guns or extreme violence, and it involves throwing or kung fu action, making it suitable for children.

4. What age is Lego City Undercover appropriate for?

   Lego City Undercover is generally recommended for players aged 6 and up due to its simple gameplay, humorous storyline, and non-violent content.

5. Which came first: Lego City Undercover or Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins?

   Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins, released on the Nintendo 3DS, is a prequel to Lego City Undercover, taking place two years prior and detailing Chase McCain’s early days as a rookie cop.

6. What platform did Lego City Undercover originally release on?

   Lego City Undercover was originally released on the Nintendo Wii U in 2013. It has since been re-released on other platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

7. Is Lego City Undercover available on Nintendo Switch?

   Yes, Lego City Undercover is available on the Nintendo Switch.

8. Is Lego City Undercover discontinued?

   The digital versions of Lego City: Undercover for the Wii U and Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins for the Nintendo 3DS were removed from the Nintendo eShop in 2020, but Lego City Undercover for the Nintendo Switch remains available for purchase.

9. What city is Lego City Undercover based on?

   The setting of Lego City Undercover is inspired by various cities, including San Francisco, Miami and Manhattan.

10. Who is the main villain in Lego City Undercover?

    The main antagonist in Lego City Undercover is Rex Fury, a notorious criminal whom Chase McCain is tasked with bringing to justice.

11. Can you play Lego City Undercover in co-op?

    Yes, Lego City Undercover features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing two players to explore the city and complete missions together on the same console.

12. Are there vehicles in Lego City Undercover?

    Yes, vehicles are a significant part of Lego City Undercover. Players can drive a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats, and helicopters, to navigate the open-world environment.

13. Are there cheat codes for Lego City Undercover?

    Like many Lego games, Lego City Undercover features cheat codes that can unlock additional characters, vehicles, and other bonuses.

14. What are some similar games to Lego City Undercover?

    If you enjoy Lego City Undercover, you might also enjoy other Lego open-world games like Lego Marvel Super Heroes, Lego Batman, and Lego Worlds. Other kid-friendly open-world games include Minecraft and Lego Worlds.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games?

    You can explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and resources on the educational potential of video games. At GamesLearningSociety.org, you will find articles and studies that highlight how games can foster learning, problem-solving, and creativity in players of all ages.

Lego City Undercover is a delightful blend of open-world gameplay, Lego humor, and family-friendly fun. While it may draw comparisons to GTA, it offers a unique and accessible experience that appeals to a wide range of players.