Its success lied in its simplicity: auto-aiming, infinite lives, simple puzzles. It was in a galaxy far, far away from most traditional gaming fodder. It was also sweetly addictive, to the point where prolonged play could feel over-indulgent like scoffing too much candy floss when the fair comes to town. The simple play mechanics couldn’t satisfy for long periods in the same way as a three-course meal of a game, but it was still a treat.

If there’s a problem with the sequel, it’s this: it’s like returning to the funfair with those feelings of over-indulgence still gurgling in the stomach. The time between games has been short and Traveller’s Tales have made no effort to update the ingredients, save for a few additions that amount to little more than a handful of sprinkles on top.

You can appreciate why. The first game was a critical and commercial success, despite using the oft-derided prequel films for source material. This sequel is based on the (let’s be honest) far superior original trilogy. In theory it should be the better game, but the proof is in the pudding. Lego Stars Wars 2 underlines the point that these titles are not Star Wars games modelled in Lego. This are Lego games having fun with the Star Wars universe. If the concept of Pixar's Toy Story were real, it’s how you’d imagine Lego Toys would entertain themselves when no-one was watching. Because of this, the change in storylines and characters feel only like of a change of presentation than anything fundamental. The game is still built of the same blocks.

Of course, a large part of the appeal of the first game was the connection with the films and the humour and sly references are still present. However because these films are so well known and have already been so well parodied (including within other LucasArts’ games), the effect is lessened. Fans will be pleased that the game is predominantly based on the original releases rather than the special editions and there are some well observed sound effects sampled from the films (even down to the roar where Luke ploughs his X-wing into the swamps of Dagobah).

The gameplay is principally the same. The biggest overhaul is to the vehicle sections which are now freeroaming. The changed character line up has also brought with it a few new abilities, but ultimately this game offers the same experience as before: a simple mix of combat and puzzles best enjoyed in co-op mode. Unfortunately co-op cannot be played online, presumably because Travellers Tales see the game played between families. Such an omission is forgiveable, but less so is the failure to address the issues of the first game. Collision detection is still teeth-grindingly annoying in places, as are characters being pulled by the edge of the screen in co-op. And sadly crash bugs again rear their ugly heads in specific sections. Although the exact reason why these occur is unknown, disabling rumble seems to help.

Despite these black marks, there is still a lot to be cherished. The game revels in both source materials and the lovingly presented, easy-to-pick-up gameplay offers something that’s still different from most. Players who scoff at the series’ infinite lives should be prepared for the challenges of finding every hidden object or completing each level without dying (which unlocks special achievements). The sequel expands this element even further than the first game, requiring a huge input from the player to 100% the game. At times it reaches near Rare levels of item collection and box ticking. Bonus levels are again included, but they are disappointing compared to those from the first title.

LSW2 is a quality title, but it suffers the same problem as the films it parodies. Younger fans who love the prequel films argue that older generations only prefer the original trilogy because they saw those films first. Complete nonsense, of course, but here if you’ve never played the first Lego Star Wars game, then you will probably love this sequel. Whereas for those of us who have already and played and enjoyed the first game, we will likely always view that as the original, and superior, experience.