10 Best Lego Games

That's right, we're kicking off the 10 Best Lego Games list with one of the most bizarre team-ups ever conceived. Harmonix's Rock Band was a big hit at family get-togethers. TT's Lego games were huge hits with the family that gamed together. It made perfect sense when the two developers announced a collaboration combining the multi-million selling franchises. Sure, it played just like regular Rock Band with some slightly more PG-rated song selections, but Rock Band fans didn't mind because you could import the tracks to their main collections, and Lego fans were all too happy to have another game to bring the family together.

The original gangsta itself, Lego Star Wars: The Video Game, kicked off TT Games' successful series, making it a shoe-in for the best Lego games. At the time, the only real knock against the first entry was that it was based on the prequel trilogy. Then again, that didn't stop kids and parents with dreams of being a Jedi from logging plenty of hours as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, while they tried to stop the likes of Darth Maul and the droid army. It wasn't perfect, but every game bearing the Lego name has elements that can be traced back to this freshman effort.

The most recent of TT's Lego Star Wars entries, the Clone Wars is based on the animated series that ended not too long ago. While it's not based on the most memorable Star Wars storylines, it does feature more than enough characters and action to keep you interested and engaged. There's no such thing as too much Star Wars, but with little more ground to cover, it looks like the Clone Wars might be the end of TT's adventures (for now).

The second of two Lego Indiana Jones games, The Adventure Continues features revamped versions of the original movies plus a series of chapters based on 'Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.' Whatever your feelings are on that film, the Lego version included in this game is still pretty fun to play. Coupled with the classic trilogy, Lego Indiana Jones 2 has enough content and adventure to keep you busy for days,

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean has everything a devout Jack Sparrow fan could want: sea-faring action, mystery, intrigue and a cast of characters immediately recognizable, even in block form. The Pirates film franchise has been a blockbuster for years, and it's actually surprising it took so long for TT to adapt the series into Lego game form. Still, the variety presented here with tropical locales served to set this Lego game apart from the rest, giving it a personality sorely missing from others in the line.

One ring to rule them all, and one Lego brick to build them all. A film franchise deserving a competent game for the longest time, Lego Lord of the Rings finally gave Peter Jackson's adaptation of the JRR Tolkien tales their fair due. Reliving the massive battles, exploring the vast world and taking Frodo's journey have never been as memorable... at least in video game form. Now we'll just have to cross our fingers TT has something in store for the Hobbit as well. Time for that second breakfast now that we're halfway into our list of the 10 Best Lego Games.

Like Lego Indiana Jones 2, this second Lego Harry Potter title improves on the original. Though this sequel doesn't include a revamped version of the first four movies, it does feature the action-packed awesomeness of the final four. The closing portion of the Harry Potter stories were a non-stop thrill ride, and the games bring those same beats to life gloriously, and with a bit of trademark Lego humor, too.

It didn't take long for the success of Lego Star Wars: the Video Game to spawn a sequel, but we're thankful it did. Getting a chance to relive the original three movies, this time with us in the starring roles, was a treat. Even though the Lego franchise has evolved into a more complete package in recent years, Lego Star Wars 2 remains a fond fan-favorite.

Exclusive to the Wii U, Lego City Undercover took all the hallmarks of sandbox-style games like Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row and twisted them into a fun, family-friendly game. One of only a handful of fully voiced Lego video games, LCU had hours upon hours of playtime, and there was plenty of exploring to do if you were willing to let yourself get distracted hunting down every last hidden block. Whether TT Games will return to this world with another adventure remains to be seen, but we're glad to have had the opportunity to meet Chase McCain.

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is the ultimate Lego game released so far, and a prime example of how to do open-world super hero action right. Each hero had unique abilities, making each playthrough slightly different than the last. Add in being the first fully-voiced Lego game, a plethora of DC heroes and villains to unlock, and you've got the recipe for one fine family title. Plus, you know, it's got Batman, which is reason enough to put this game as #1 on our list of the 10 Best Lego Games.