You can usually make an educated guess as to what's next for the Lego games by taking a cursory glance at the playsets on shop shelves - and 2013's Legends of Chima sets are no exception. Based on several different tribes of warrior animals, LEGO are planning on releasing several Chima sets this year, which will be backed up by a trio of kid-friendly games - a web-based/iPhone racing game, a free-to-play online world and perhaps the most interesting for us, a new portable Lego game for the 3DS, PS Vita and DS. And much like the Lego Ninjago series, the Legends of Chima series is getting it's own TV show too.
Laval kind of looks a bit like a garden gnome from a distance...
Lego Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey, the 3DS/Vita/DS game is set in the land of Chima, a world inhabited by eight different animal tribes, all fighting for control of the mystical Chi orbs - a powerful element of unimaginable power that's also the source of all life. The first tribe to drink from the sacred Chi reserves, the lion tribe became the sworn protector of all things Chi, but the crocodiles soon got rowdy, demanding a greater share of the orbs, before things quickly escalated to full scale battles, led by the crocodile prince Cragger. As war ravages the land, the fate of the Chi, and all who depend on it, hangs in the balance, and it's up to you as the prince of the lion tribe, Laval, to help put things right.
As we can see from the new trailer, the game looks set to follow much of the same tried and tested Lego platforming formula that we've come to know and love - smash everything in sight, solve a few simple puzzles and scour each level for hidden collectibles. During your adventure you'll journey through the Lion Temple, Gorilla Forest, Croc Swamp and more, to unlock new allies for the titular character Laval - each of which have their own unique abilities to help you out.
Lego Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey hits the Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Vita over the summer, whilst a DS version follows in the autumn (for some reason). Until then, we have a trailer to tide you over:
