Lego Rock Raiders (video game)

Lego Rock Raiders
Developer(s)	Data Design Interactive
Publisher(s)	Lego Media
Platform(s)	PlayStation, Microsoft Windows
Release date(s)	Microsoft Windows NA: 15 November 1999 EU: 30 November 1999 PlayStation NA: 17 August 2000 EU: 2000
Genre(s)	Real-time strategy (PC), action (PS)
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer (PS)

Lego Rock Raiders is a video game developed by Data Design Interactive and published by Lego Media for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation. It is based on the Lego theme of the same name. The Microsoft Windows version was released on 15 November 1999^[1] with the PlayStation version following just under a year later.^[2]

Gameplay

Windows version

The PC version is a RTS similar to Dungeon Keeper, and was the first video game for the Rock Raiders theme. The game opens with optional training missions and one actual mission unlocked. Most missions require the player to collect a certain amount of Energy Crystals, the required amount starts low but gradually gets higher in later missions. Some missions require the player to locate Rock Raiders that have been trapped in landslides, or to find certain pieces of equipment and bring it back to their base. One of the game's features is the Priority Menu. With this menu, the player can set what order Rock Raiders carry out their tasks. For example, the player can set whether Rock Raiders should collect Energy Crystals or Lego Ore first.

At the end of each mission Chief would evaluate the player's work, examining various aspects of the mission. With all these taken into consideration, Chief would give a mission rating percentage.

There are twenty-five missions total, each of them is in either a rock, lava/volcanic or ice cavern environment. It is not necessary to complete every mission with 100%, or even complete all the missions, to complete the campaign, however the player will unlock a "better" ending cutscene by completing the campaign in full.

PlayStation version

Unlike the PC version, the PlayStation version is an action and strategy game, in which the player controls a character instead of just commanding a squad. Also unlike the PC game, which was centered on constructing a base and mining, the PlayStation game centers on exploring.

Most missions require the player to collect a certain amount of Energy Crystals, while some missions require the player to rescue Rock Raiders that have been trapped by landslides.

There are eighteen campaign missions, and six multiplayer missions. The PAL version includes three bonus missions that are accessible after the campaign is completely finished.

Rather than a percentage, at the end of each mission you receive either a bronze medal (minimum required objectives complete), a silver medal (most objectives complete), or a gold medal (all objectives complete in the required time).

The PlayStation disc includes the soundtrack on the disc.

Reception

The Windows edition of the game received average reviews from both IGN and GameSpot, with both sites scoring the game around 6 out of 10.^[3][4] The PlayStation edition on the other hand received a less positive score from GameSpot, only receiving a score of 3.2.^[5] The game was praised for its graphical appearance and sound effects but was criticised for being frustrating and boring.^[4] The game won Software of the Year round-up from Family Fun Magazine.

References