The only real redeeming facet of the game is the 3D cutscenes, which are amazing. Watching clone troopers run towards you as battle ships zoom overhead is a great feeling, and one that gives the game a truly cinematic feel, despite the system's small screen size. The cutscenes with the signature Star Wars floating letters also look amazing in 3D, and almost have me excited for the 3D-makes of the original movies in theaters. The in-game 3D is also rendered quite nicely, and gives levels a nice bit of depth. The best use of the 3D is definitely in the first level, where caverns and rock formations texture the environment. The 3D gives a very realistic sense to the environment, and though the environment itself is two-dimensional in scope, the visuals help bring it to life spectacularly.

Unfortunately, other than the 3D effects, Star Wars III: The Clone Wars doesn't use much of the 3DS' hardware. The game does feature a Play coins mode that allows you to exchange steps for characters, and there is a SpotPass mode that lets you exchange characters, but these modes are far from integral to the game, and don't add much to the experience. In fact, you probably won't notice them. The biggest disappointment though is the lack of multiplayer. The 3DS has shown that it is capable of doing local and online multiplayer extremely well, and the fact that a game that has a console version designed for multiplayer would omit it in this edition is more than a little annoying, especially when you have to pay $40 for it.

If all you have is a 3DS, and you want to play LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, then you'll find a proficient game here. It works well enough, and even though it's far too easy and features ridiculously simplistic gameplay, it still gets the job done. Still, paying $40 for a game that just gets the job done feels a little wrong, and if you are a real LEGO Star Wars fan, you would be better served picking up the console version. LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars isn't a bad game on the 3DS. It just suffers from being so much better on other consoles.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

Game Features:

New Story - For the first time, players will experience their favorite stories from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, retold in the amazing LEGO world that fans know and love.

All-New Mini-Games - Play wacky mini-games that turn the Star Wars universe on its head, like snowball fights and Droid volleyball!

Improved Space Flight - Take to the stratosphere in a number of iconic Starships like the Y-wing and Jedi Starfighter to engage in dazzling dogfights in improved, fully 3D space battles!

New Combat Abilities - Characters now have more dynamic moves, allowing players greater freedom to battle their opponents. Added to that are a number of new Lightsaber abilities including Lightsaber Cutting and Lightsaber Climbing. The game also features new grappling abilities allowing players to navigate their way through puzzles and defeat enemies.

Brand New Clone Weapons, Vehicles, and Characters - Battle Separatist forces while wielding new clone weapons such as rapid-fire guns and rocket launchers, and flying Clone Wars-era vehicles. Plus, unlock classic characters such as Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Luke Skywalker!

Puzzle Solving - All-new immersive and engaging puzzles that reward creative thinking by providing unique building scenarios only possible in a LEGO galaxy far, far away.

Unique 3DS Content - Use Street Pass and Play Coins to unlock new characters and get purchase bonus content.