10 Video Game References in Lego Games You Totally Missed
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VOICE OVER: Ty Richardson
WRITTEN BY: Ty Richardson
Lego games make tons of movie references, but some also pay homage to great video games. For this list, we'll be looking at our favorite Easter Eggs and nods to other games within the Lego series. Our list of video game references in Lego games includes the "Assassin's Creed" leap in “Lego The Lord of the Rings” (2012), "Mario Kart" vehicles in “Lego Marvel Super Heroes” (2013), a nod to "Arkham City" in “Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes” (2012), and more!
Script written by Ty Richardson
Welcome to MojoPlays, and today, we’re taking a look at 10 Video Game References in Lego Games! While we have extensively covered movie references in Lego games, there are also a surprising handful of video game references. Expected because, you know, game respect game. Did you spot any of these for yourself? Was there one we missed? Let us know down in the comments.
Surprisingly, the superhero-themed Lego games hold a lot of Easter eggs to other video games. "Lego Batman" was the first to start doing this, and this Easter egg can be found in the Villain mission, Power Crazed Penguin. At one point in the level, Penguin and Killer Croc will need to utilize a set of multi-colored pipes to solve a puzzle. That's an awfully similar function to the same multi-colored pipes featured in the "Super Mario" games. If only they made that classic sound effect we've grown accustomed to.
Yes, this is another Mario-themed Easter egg, and the first "Lego Marvel" game hits us with a double whammy of "Mario Kart" love. Before you head to the Bifrosty Reception level, Human Torch will remark about how the Bifrost's aesthetic makes him want to race down its paths. The most glaring one can be found as a part of two side missions in the open world. Maria Hill will challenge you to a race using two karts that look way too similar to the standard karts seen in "Mario Kart DS". And yes, the kart is an unlockable vehicle. Also, yes, we used it for every one of the races.
Deep in the depths of Cirith-Ungol, you'll come across a set of watch towers guarding a chest at the end of a pathway. The Easter egg lies not within the guarded chest, but when you get caught. Once you're spotted by a searchlight, you'll hear the same alert made for when you're spotted in the "Metal Gear" games. Adding to the love for Hideo Kojima's acclaimed series, the watchtowers can be bypassed by disguising yourself with a wooden box.
For ages, we have been told by a legendary RPG franchise that "war never changes". It's a line that has always served as the opener to each and every "Fallout" game. But "Lego DC Super Villains" is looking to change that stigma with stunning innovation. …Okay, maybe not. Ares, the villainous God of War, will sometimes say “War always changes”, perhaps in reference to his shapeshifting abilities or the ways war has evolved throughout history. Either way, this is very obviously a reference to “Fallout” and the way it opens just about every game in the franchise.
“Lego Batman 2” references the Batman movies more than anything else, but the one gaming reference we spotted was honestly the best of them all! At some point in the game, Vicki Vale will mention something about Gotham’s mayor postponing plans to wall off a section of the city for Arkham’s inmates to run around in. This is obviously a reference to “Batman: Arkham City”, which was released just a year before “Lego Batman 2” and featured Batman investigating a walled-off section of Gotham made just for criminals. Honestly, that plan was never a great idea to begin with. Why did they do this again?
If you’re going for a 100% completion, you’re bound to stumble across this one eventually. One of the side quests featured in Edoras is given by a guard. Upon speaking to him, he will mention his days as a Citadel Guard and what exactly caused him to retire. Anyone even remotely familiar with the game will immediately recognize this as “Skyrim’s” famous “arrow to the knee” quote.
The coolest aspect of the first “Lego Marvel” game was how it pulled heroes and villains from different corners of the Marvel universe. What we weren’t expecting was a plot point pulled from a significantly older game! The “Rapturous Rise” level ends with a boss fight against Magneto, but upon defeating him, you learn it wasn’t Magneto - it was Mystique you were fighting! This bait-and-switch tactic was also used in the 1992 “X-Men” arcade game where Mystique fights the X-Men disguised as Magneto before the true final fight.
Of all the games to reference, we never thought a Lego game would dare step close to “Grand Theft Auto” under any circumstance! Yes, “Lego DC Super Villains” contains a GTA Easter egg, and to find it yourself, you’ll have to head over to Smallville. You’ll spot a gas station on fire, and the NPC nearby will tell you they had to close the station’s garage since criminals were using it to repaint their cars. How many times have we done this same thing in GTA? …Too many.
“Fallout”, “Elder Scrolls”, “GTA”...what’s next? “Assassin’s Creed”? Yes, actually. Another franchise we would have never expected a Lego game to go anywhere near, but there is one in “Lego Lord of the Rings”. Head on over to Weathertop and look towards the ruins for a plank perched somewhere. You will need rope to reach the top of it. Jump off the plank, and you will hear an eagle’s cry as you plummet towards the water below. We have to wonder how many kids got this reference when playing.
Of course, we can’t talk about video game references in Lego games without mentioning the Wii U and Switch ports of “Lego City Undercover”. What makes these so special? Well, it’s the fact that both of these versions house various Easter eggs featuring “Super Mario” characters. You can spot a Wiggler on top of a train tunnel, use a Bob-omb to get a Gold Brick, assemble a few Super Stars, and even climb up to the top of a flagpole! There’s more we didn’t mention, but we’ll let you find the rest for yourself if you haven’t played the game yet. Happy hunting!
Welcome to MojoPlays, and today, we’re taking a look at 10 Video Game References in Lego Games! While we have extensively covered movie references in Lego games, there are also a surprising handful of video game references. Expected because, you know, game respect game. Did you spot any of these for yourself? Was there one we missed? Let us know down in the comments.
Pipe Dreams
“Lego Batman: The Video Game” (2008)Surprisingly, the superhero-themed Lego games hold a lot of Easter eggs to other video games. "Lego Batman" was the first to start doing this, and this Easter egg can be found in the Villain mission, Power Crazed Penguin. At one point in the level, Penguin and Killer Croc will need to utilize a set of multi-colored pipes to solve a puzzle. That's an awfully similar function to the same multi-colored pipes featured in the "Super Mario" games. If only they made that classic sound effect we've grown accustomed to.
Odes to Karting
“Lego Marvel Super Heroes” (2013)Yes, this is another Mario-themed Easter egg, and the first "Lego Marvel" game hits us with a double whammy of "Mario Kart" love. Before you head to the Bifrosty Reception level, Human Torch will remark about how the Bifrost's aesthetic makes him want to race down its paths. The most glaring one can be found as a part of two side missions in the open world. Maria Hill will challenge you to a race using two karts that look way too similar to the standard karts seen in "Mario Kart DS". And yes, the kart is an unlockable vehicle. Also, yes, we used it for every one of the races.
Shoulda Grabbed a Box
“Lego The Lord of the Rings” (2012)Deep in the depths of Cirith-Ungol, you'll come across a set of watch towers guarding a chest at the end of a pathway. The Easter egg lies not within the guarded chest, but when you get caught. Once you're spotted by a searchlight, you'll hear the same alert made for when you're spotted in the "Metal Gear" games. Adding to the love for Hideo Kojima's acclaimed series, the watchtowers can be bypassed by disguising yourself with a wooden box.
Apokolips Knows
“Lego DC Super Villains” (2018)For ages, we have been told by a legendary RPG franchise that "war never changes". It's a line that has always served as the opener to each and every "Fallout" game. But "Lego DC Super Villains" is looking to change that stigma with stunning innovation. …Okay, maybe not. Ares, the villainous God of War, will sometimes say “War always changes”, perhaps in reference to his shapeshifting abilities or the ways war has evolved throughout history. Either way, this is very obviously a reference to “Fallout” and the way it opens just about every game in the franchise.
Hindsight is 20/20
“Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes” (2012)“Lego Batman 2” references the Batman movies more than anything else, but the one gaming reference we spotted was honestly the best of them all! At some point in the game, Vicki Vale will mention something about Gotham’s mayor postponing plans to wall off a section of the city for Arkham’s inmates to run around in. This is obviously a reference to “Batman: Arkham City”, which was released just a year before “Lego Batman 2” and featured Batman investigating a walled-off section of Gotham made just for criminals. Honestly, that plan was never a great idea to begin with. Why did they do this again?
The Elder Clicks V: Skybrick
“Lego The Lord of the Rings” (2012)If you’re going for a 100% completion, you’re bound to stumble across this one eventually. One of the side quests featured in Edoras is given by a guard. Upon speaking to him, he will mention his days as a Citadel Guard and what exactly caused him to retire. Anyone even remotely familiar with the game will immediately recognize this as “Skyrim’s” famous “arrow to the knee” quote.
Cues From the Past
“Lego Marvel Super Heroes” (2013)The coolest aspect of the first “Lego Marvel” game was how it pulled heroes and villains from different corners of the Marvel universe. What we weren’t expecting was a plot point pulled from a significantly older game! The “Rapturous Rise” level ends with a boss fight against Magneto, but upon defeating him, you learn it wasn’t Magneto - it was Mystique you were fighting! This bait-and-switch tactic was also used in the 1992 “X-Men” arcade game where Mystique fights the X-Men disguised as Magneto before the true final fight.
Keep Your Garage Safe
“Lego DC Super Villains” (2018)Of all the games to reference, we never thought a Lego game would dare step close to “Grand Theft Auto” under any circumstance! Yes, “Lego DC Super Villains” contains a GTA Easter egg, and to find it yourself, you’ll have to head over to Smallville. You’ll spot a gas station on fire, and the NPC nearby will tell you they had to close the station’s garage since criminals were using it to repaint their cars. How many times have we done this same thing in GTA? …Too many.
The Leap of Brick
“Lego The Lord of the Rings” (2012)“Fallout”, “Elder Scrolls”, “GTA”...what’s next? “Assassin’s Creed”? Yes, actually. Another franchise we would have never expected a Lego game to go anywhere near, but there is one in “Lego Lord of the Rings”. Head on over to Weathertop and look towards the ruins for a plank perched somewhere. You will need rope to reach the top of it. Jump off the plank, and you will hear an eagle’s cry as you plummet towards the water below. We have to wonder how many kids got this reference when playing.
Kingdoms Collide
“Lego City Undercover” (2013)Of course, we can’t talk about video game references in Lego games without mentioning the Wii U and Switch ports of “Lego City Undercover”. What makes these so special? Well, it’s the fact that both of these versions house various Easter eggs featuring “Super Mario” characters. You can spot a Wiggler on top of a train tunnel, use a Bob-omb to get a Gold Brick, assemble a few Super Stars, and even climb up to the top of a flagpole! There’s more we didn’t mention, but we’ll let you find the rest for yourself if you haven’t played the game yet. Happy hunting!
