Apple Arcade: The First Addictive Game, Lego Star Wars Battles

Apple Arcade has been around for just over two years and there hasn’t been a game that feels like it’s worth the subscription price. While most games feel no better than the app alternatives, Lego Star Wars Battles has been a fun time passer.

Apple Arcade touts free updates without the ads. Similar to Xbox’s GamePass but their games are developed specifically for Apple Arcade and will never be removed. The difference is GamePass is $14.99/month and the games rotate in and out, while Apple’s subscription is $4.99/ month and you need an Apple device.

From Apple App Store:

Real-time, strategic, one-versus-one multiplayer battles in the Lego Star Wars Universe.

Lego Star Wars Battles should feel familiar if gamers have played Clash of Clans spin-off Clash Royale. A simple tower defense with 5 potential towers to advance your troops and overtake. With multiple unlockable troops and planets, there is a sense of achievement as you progress.

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The Strengths:

If you’re really into Lego and Star Wars this game has what you’re looking for. It’s not overly complicated and it doesn’t have the unfair sense of the pay-to-win models. It’s a true strategy game with random unlocks you can win more gems and studs to speed up leveling of your unlocks. That’s where the line is drawn. You can’t spend money to purchase the studs or gems, you have to earn them winning your matchups.

The Weakness:

One of the most frustrating parts of the Lego Star Wars Battles is the “randomness”. They say that the matchups are random and fair, but more often than not you will end up grossly overmatched. Even with their timed events, there are multiple missions to earn unlockables, most of which are tied to light or dark side matchups. However, you’ll find the “random” matchups will be multiple opposing your goals.

The frustration will set in as there will be multiple lopsided matchups as you unlock a new planet which will kick you back out.

Despite the frustrations, Lego Star Wars Battles is fun enough to be worth the Apple Arcade subscription. Even with the currently playable heroes, the game is exciting but still has the potential to grow. With classic Star Wars heroes, there’s still plenty that isn’t currently in the game allowing it to expand. If you’re looking for a reason to start an Apple Arcade subscription, start with Lego Star Wars Battles.