LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation video game): Difference between revisions

From Research Realm
(gary did NOT like this game. he thought animorphs: shattered reality was decent tho)
(im starting these pages over sorry, hiding this temporarily because I wanna clean up these sources but also I'm doing something else right now)
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| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Rob Dorney|Dave Garbett}}
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Rob Dorney|Dave Garbett}}
}}
}}
'''''LEGO Rock Raiders''''' is a 1999 [[Wikipedia:Action game|action]] and [[Wikipedia:Strategy video game|strategy game]] developed by [[Data Design Interactive]] and published by [[LEGO Media International]] for [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The game is based on and was developed alongside the LEGO theme [[LEGO Rock Raiders|of the same name]]. Like the Windows version of [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']], it features a team of space explorers mining for energy crystals on a hostile alien planet. Rather than managing a team of Rock Raiders, the player controls one character, travelling through levels using their chosen character's skills and any vehicles they find.
'''''LEGO Rock Raiders''''' is a 1999 [[Wikipedia:Action game|action]] and [[Wikipedia:Strategy video game|strategy game]] developed by [[Data Design Interactive]] and published by [[LEGO Media International]] for [[Wikipedia:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The game is based on and was developed alongside the LEGO theme [[LEGO Rock Raiders|of the same name]]. Like the Windows version of [[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|''LEGO Rock Raiders'']], it features a team of space explorers mining for energy crystals on a hostile alien planet. Rather than managing a team of Rock Raiders, however, the player directly controls one character in each level, traversing challenges using their chosen character's skills and any vehicles they find.


Initially conceived as a strategy game akin to its Windows counterpart, the PlayStation version of ''Rock Raiders'' eventually became more ''[[Wikipedia:Blast Corps|Blast Corps]]''-esque after a period of troubled development, releasing in Europe in late 1999 alongside the Windows version. The North American release of the game went through a further period of development, receiving many adjustments and a new set of levels by GameWorld 7, before eventually releasing in mid-2000.
Initially conceived as a strategy game akin to its Windows counterpart, development on the PlayStation version of ''Rock Raiders'' started over in early 1999 at the behest of LEGO Media International. Developers were given only six months to complete the new version of the game, which eventually became an action game similar to ''[[Wikipedia:Blast Corps|Blast Corps]]''. It releasing in Europe in late 1999 alongside the Windows version; however, the game was initially rejected by Sony's North American branch. The North American version went through a further period of development, receiving many adjustments and a new set of levels by GameWorld 7, before eventually releasing in mid-2000. Though the game was reworked due to concerns that strategy games would not be successful on PlayStation, it ended up receiving mixed reviews.


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
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* [[Rock Monster]]
* [[Rock Monster]]
* [[Rock Whale]]
* [[Rock Whale]]
Other stuff like geysers and webs.


=== Missions ===
=== Missions ===
Missions are divided into different screens (or "levels"), with each screen having five open missions and one locked "boss" mission. Completing missions will give the player a bronze, silver, or gold medal, depending on how many objectives they completed. When the player has earned enough points (a minimum of five bronze, four silver, or three gold medals) the boss mission opens, which will unlock the next screen when completed.
One-player mode has eighteen missions divided between three screens. The missions are completely different between the European and North American versions. The European version also has three bonus missions, each one unlocked by getting gold medals in all missions in one of the three previous screens. The European missions were designed by Data Design Interactive<ref name="credits EU levels"/> and David Upchurch,<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/> while the North American missions were designed by [[Gameworld 7]].<ref name="credits US levels"/>
Two-player mode in the European version also has eighteen missions, five original ones and thirteen modified one-player missions. The North American version only has one level of six original missions. Boss missions start off unlocked in two-player mode.
In total, the two versions of the game have fifty unique missions between them, and sixty-three total missions, listed below:
In total, the two versions of the game have fifty unique missions between them, and sixty-three total missions, listed below:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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== Development ==
== Development ==
Development on the PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' began in July 1998. Like the Windows version, it was developed by the [[Wikipedia:Halesowen|Halesowen]]-based video game company [[Data Design Interactive]].{{R|WC memo|p=2}}
<!--Development on the PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' began in July 1998. Like the Windows version, it was developed by the [[Wikipedia:Halesowen|Halesowen]]-based video game company [[Data Design Interactive]].{{R|WC memo|p=2}}


In early 1999, six months before the PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' was supposed to be submitted to Sony, the head of LEGO Media International decided that a real-time strategy game would not sell on the PlayStation. Data Design was ordered to change the game to be an [[Wikipedia:Action game|action game]]. As senior producer Tomas Gillo{{R|credits EU producer}} did not have time to rework the PlayStation game while finishing the Windows version, David Upchurch was made the producer for the PlayStation version in March 1999.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/> Upchurch had previously worked for LEGO Media as a producer for ''[[LEGO Chess]]'' and early versions of what would later become ''[[LEGO Island 2]]'',<ref name="Upchurch LC"/><ref name="Upchurch LI2"/> and had visited Data Design to playtest ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' several times.{{r|BNB28|p=10}} He later described his assignment as being handed "the poison chalice," and hypothesised that LEGO Media's desire to drastically change the game was due to poor sales of [[Wikipedia:Command & Conquer (1995 video game)|''Command & Conquer'']] on PlayStation.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/>
In early 1999, six months before the PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' was supposed to be submitted to Sony, the head of LEGO Media International decided that a real-time strategy game would not sell on the PlayStation. Data Design was ordered to change the game to be an [[Wikipedia:Action game|action game]]. As senior producer Tomas Gillo{{R|credits EU producer}} did not have time to rework the PlayStation game while finishing the Windows version, David Upchurch was made the producer for the PlayStation version in March 1999.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/> Upchurch had previously worked for LEGO Media as a producer for ''[[LEGO Chess]]'' and early versions of what would later become ''[[LEGO Island 2]]'',<ref name="Upchurch LC"/><ref name="Upchurch LI2"/> and had visited Data Design to playtest ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' several times.{{r|BNB28|p=10}} He later described his assignment as being handed "the poison chalice," and hypothesised that LEGO Media's desire to drastically change the game was due to poor sales of [[Wikipedia:Command & Conquer (1995 video game)|''Command & Conquer'']] on PlayStation.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/>
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As the game's submission date approached, Upchurch spent nearly two months living in Birmingham while he worked on it with Data Design Interactive, playtesting and designing levels for it. After finishing work on ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' in August 1999, Upchurch left LEGO Media, going on to launch [[Wikipedia:PlayStation World|''PlayStation World'']] magazine for Computec Media in 2000. He later cited his negative experience producing this game as a major reason for leaving.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/><ref name="Upchurch PSW"/>
As the game's submission date approached, Upchurch spent nearly two months living in Birmingham while he worked on it with Data Design Interactive, playtesting and designing levels for it. After finishing work on ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' in August 1999, Upchurch left LEGO Media, going on to launch [[Wikipedia:PlayStation World|''PlayStation World'']] magazine for Computec Media in 2000. He later cited his negative experience producing this game as a major reason for leaving.<ref name="Upchurch LRR"/><ref name="Upchurch PSW"/>
 
-->
== Release ==
== Release ==
The PlayStation version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' released in Europe in late 1999.{{citation needed}}
LEGO Media announced that ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' for PlayStation had shipped in North America on 15 August 2000. Its suggested retail price was initially US$19.95. LEGO Media's global director [[Mark Livingstone]] stated enthusiasm for the game's success, citing the reception that ''LEGO Racers'' received on PlayStation.<ref>{{cite web | author = Gamespot Staff | date = 15 August 2000 | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/news_2616046.html | title = Lego Rock Riders Ship | website = [[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]] | publisher = [[Wikipedia:CNET|CNET Networks, Inc]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20031004010547/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/news_2616046.html | archive-date = 4 October 2003 | access-date = 30 May 2024}}</ref> According to ''[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]]'', the North American version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' was officially available two days later on 17 August 2000.<ref name="Cleveland"/>
 
LEGO Media announced that ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' for PlayStation had shipped in North America on 15 August 2000. Its suggested retail price was US$19.95. LEGO Media's global director [[Mark Livingstone]] stated enthusiasm for the game's success, citing the reception that ''LEGO Racers'' received on PlayStation.<ref>Gamespot Staff (15 August 2000). [https://web.archive.org/web/20031004010547/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/news_2616046.html "Lego Rock Riders Ship"]. ''IGN''. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 4 October 2003.</ref>
 
According to ''[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]]'', the North American version of ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' released on 17 August 2000.<ref name="Cleveland"/> ''[[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]]'' listed an earlier release date of 30 July.<ref name="Satterfield"/>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 59%<ref name="GRPS"/>
| GR = 59%<ref name="GRPS"/>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Green"/>
| EPD = 3.5/10<ref name="Ashe"/>
| GSpot =3.2/10<ref name="Satterfield"/>
| GSpot =3.2/10<ref name="Satterfield"/>
| IGN = 6/10<ref name="Cleveland"/>
| IGN = 6/10<ref name="Cleveland"/>
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''LEGO Rock Raiders'' received mixed reviews on PlayStation according to the [[Wikipedia:Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Wikipedia:GameRankings|GameRankings]].<ref name="GRPS"/>
''LEGO Rock Raiders'' received mixed reviews on PlayStation according to the [[Wikipedia:Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Wikipedia:GameRankings|GameRankings]].<ref name="GRPS"/>
<!--
Adam Cleveland of ''IGN'' reviewed the North American version of the game positively, concluding "Who knew playing with Lego's{{sic}} on your PlayStation could be fun?" Cleveland praised its presentation, particularly its FMV sequences, vehicle graphics, and music. He also stated that its level design made each mission feel unique despite the repetitive environmental textures. Cleveland criticised the game's two-player mode for not being [[Wikipedia:Split screen (computing)|split screen]], and wished that it allowed the two players to shoot at each other. <s>He also made sure to mention a childhood friend of his defecating on his LEGO collection.</s><ref name="IGN PS"/>
Shane Satterfield of ''GameSpot'' was far more negative, concluding that "the small things that are done right are far outweighed by the multitude of those done wrong." Satterfield found the game's visuals to be poor and the gameplay far too easy and tedious, stating that playing ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' was almost "akin to reconstructive knee surgery."<ref name="gamespot PS"/>


The game's loading times were particularly criticised as being far too long;<ref name="gamespot PS"/> the slider puzzle in the North American version was stated to help "make the wait more bearable" by ''IGN''.<ref name="IGN PS"/>
-->
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
<!-- reviews -->
<!-- reviews -->
<ref name="GRPS">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197778-lego-rock-raiders/index.html |title=LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation |website=[[Wikipedia:GameRankings|GameRankings]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501070507/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197778-lego-rock-raiders/index.html |archive-date=1 May 2019 |access-date=1 September 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="GRPS">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197778-lego-rock-raiders/index.html | title = LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation | website = [[Wikipedia:GameRankings|GameRankings]] | publisher = [[Wikipedia:CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190501070507/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197778-lego-rock-raiders/index.html | archive-date = 1 May 2019 | access-date = 1 September 2023}}</ref>
<ref name="Cleveland">{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com/reviews/11740.html |title=Who knew playing with Lego's on your PlayStation could be fun? We sure were surprised |last=Cleveland |first=Adam |date=16 August 2000 |website=[[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN PSX]] |publisher=Snowball.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001215041100/http://psx.ign.com/reviews/11740.html |archive-date=15 December 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Ashe">{{cite web | last = Ashe | first = Suzanne | date = 30 August 2000 | url = http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=3037&full=1 | title = LEGO Rock Raiders (PS) | website = [[Wikipedia:EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] | publisher = Elecplay.com Productions, Inc | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20031114022132/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=3037&full=1 | archivedate = 14 November 2003 | access-date = 30 May 2024}}</ref>
<ref name="Satterfield">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/review.html |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=24 August 2000 |title=Lego Rock Raiders Review for PlayStation |website=[[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:CNET|CNET Networks, Inc]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030626124024/http://www.gamespot.com:80/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/review.html |archive-date=26 June 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Cleveland">{{cite web | url = http://psx.ign.com/reviews/11740.html | title = Who knew playing with Lego's on your PlayStation could be fun? We sure were surprised | last = Cleveland | first = Adam | date = 16 August 2000 | website = [[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN PSX]] | publisher = Snowball.com | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20001215041100/http://psx.ign.com/reviews/11740.html | archive-date = 15 December 2000 | access-date = 30 May 2024}}</ref>
<ref name="Steinman">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Wikipedia:Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine|Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |title=Reviews: Lego Rock Raiders |first=Gary |last=Steinman |page=133 |date=October 2000 |issue=37 |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Ziff Davis Media|Ziff Davis Media]]}}</ref>
<ref name="Green">{{cite web | last = Green | first = Earl | website = [[Wikipedia:AllGame|All Game Guide]] | publisher = AEC One Stop Group, Inc | url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20387&tab=review | title = LEGO Rock Raiders (PS) - Review | date = August 2000 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141117065632/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20387&tab=review | archivedate = 17 November 2014 | access-date = 30 May 2024}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Satterfield">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/review.html | last = Satterfield | first = Shane | date = 24 August 2000 | title = Lego Rock Raiders Review for PlayStation | website = [[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]] | publisher = [[Wikipedia:CNET|CNET Networks, Inc]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030626124024/http://www.gamespot.com:80/ps/adventure/legorockraiders/review.html | archive-date = 26 June 2003 | access-date = 30 May 2024}}</ref>
<ref name="BNB28">Crecente, Brian; Vincent, Ethan (14 July 2021). [https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/set/assets/blt91b7459c7d4a7c4f/bits_n_bricks_s02e28_feature_and_transcript.pdf "The Fans, Devs, and Remake of Real-Time Strategy Classic LEGO® Rock Raiders"]. ''[[Bits N' Bricks]]''. The LEGO Group. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230119070931/https://www.lego.com/cdn/cs/set/assets/blt91b7459c7d4a7c4f/bits_n_bricks_s02e28_feature_and_transcript.pdf Archived] from the original on 19 January 2023.</ref>
<ref name="Steinman">{{cite magazine | magazine = [[Wikipedia:Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine|Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] | title = Reviews: Lego Rock Raiders | first = Gary | last = Steinman | page = 133 | date = October 2000 | issue = 37 | publisher = [[Wikipedia:Ziff Davis Media|Ziff Davis Media]]}}</ref>
<ref name="credits EU levels">[[Data Design Interactive]] (November 1999). ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (PlayStation, PAL). [[LEGO Media International]]. Credits. "LEVEL DESIGNERS — David Allen – Scott Campbell – Scott Newby – Aron Phelan".</ref>
<ref name="credits EU producer">[[Data Design Interactive]] (November 1999). ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (PlayStation, PAL). [[LEGO Media International]]. Credits. "Senior Producer: Tomas Gillo — Producer: David Upchurch".</ref>
<ref name="credits US levels">[[Data Design Interactive]] (17 August 2000). ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (PlayStation, NTSC-U/C). [[LEGO Media International]]. Credits. "LEVEL DESIGN — Gameworld Seven Ltd".</ref>
 
<ref name="Upchurch LC">Upchurch, David (2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20180821013515/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-chess-pc "LEGO Chess (PC)"]. ''dupchurch.com''. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018.</ref>
<ref name="Upchurch LI2">Upchurch, David (2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20180821005113/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-island-2-various "LEGO Island 2 (Various)"]. ''dupchurch.com''. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018.</ref>
<ref name="Upchurch LRR">Upchurch, David (2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20190118171620/dupchurch.com/?portfolio=lego-rock-raiders-ps1 "LEGO Rock Raiders (PS1)"]. ''dupchurch.com''. Archived from the original on 18 January 2019.</ref>
<ref name="Upchurch PSW">Upchurch, David (2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20180821015608/http://dupchurch.com/?portfolio=psw-playstation-world "PSW: Playstation World"]. ''dupchurch.com''. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018.</ref>
<ref name="WC memo">Schwelling, Amy (17 May 1999). [https://archive.org/details/DDI-RockRaiders-RaidersWorldClub/mode/2up?view=theater "LEGO Rock Raiders "Behind the Scenes..." for the LEGO World Club Magazine"]. LEGO Media internal memo. Retrieved 1 September 2023</ref>
}}
}}


== External Links ==
== External Links ==
* [[Wikipedia:Lego Rock Raiders (video game)|''Lego Rock Raiders'']] at [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia]]
* [[Wikipedia:Lego Rock Raiders (video game)|''Lego Rock Raiders'']] at [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia]]
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/2993/lego-rock-raiders ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' for Windows] at [[Wikipedia:MobyGames|MobyGames]]
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/191389/lego-rock-raiders/ ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (1999 on PlayStation)] at [[Wikipedia:MobyGames|MobyGames]]
** [https://www.mobygames.com/game/195892/lego-rock-raiders/ ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' (2000 on PlayStation)] at MobyGames


{{LEGO Media International}}
{{LEGO video games}}
{{LEGO video games}}



Revision as of 08:15, 30 May 2024

LEGO Rock Raiders
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)LEGO Media International
Producer(s)
  • Tomas Gillo
  • David Upchurch
  • Stewart Green
Programmer(s)
  • Tony Stoddart
  • Steve Deacon
Artist(s)
  • Rob Dorney
  • Dave Garbett
Platform(s)PlayStation
Release
  • November 1999 (EU)
  • August 17th, 2000 (NA)
Genre(s)Action
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

LEGO Rock Raiders is a 1999 action and strategy game developed by Data Design Interactive and published by LEGO Media International for PlayStation. The game is based on and was developed alongside the LEGO theme of the same name. Like the Windows version of LEGO Rock Raiders, it features a team of space explorers mining for energy crystals on a hostile alien planet. Rather than managing a team of Rock Raiders, however, the player directly controls one character in each level, traversing challenges using their chosen character's skills and any vehicles they find.

Initially conceived as a strategy game akin to its Windows counterpart, development on the PlayStation version of Rock Raiders started over in early 1999 at the behest of LEGO Media International. Developers were given only six months to complete the new version of the game, which eventually became an action game similar to Blast Corps. It releasing in Europe in late 1999 alongside the Windows version; however, the game was initially rejected by Sony's North American branch. The North American version went through a further period of development, receiving many adjustments and a new set of levels by GameWorld 7, before eventually releasing in mid-2000. Though the game was reworked due to concerns that strategy games would not be successful on PlayStation, it ended up receiving mixed reviews.

Gameplay

Characters

Vehicles

Alien lifeforms

Other stuff like geysers and webs.

Missions

In total, the two versions of the game have fifty unique missions between them, and sixty-three total missions, listed below:

Europe (PAL) North America (NTSC-U/C)
Level One-player Two-player One-player Two-player
1
2
3
4

Development

Release

LEGO Media announced that LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation had shipped in North America on 15 August 2000. Its suggested retail price was initially US$19.95. LEGO Media's global director Mark Livingstone stated enthusiasm for the game's success, citing the reception that LEGO Racers received on PlayStation.[1] According to IGN, the North American version of LEGO Rock Raiders was officially available two days later on 17 August 2000.[2]

Reception

LEGO Rock Raiders received mixed reviews on PlayStation according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[3]

References

  1. Gamespot Staff (15 August 2000). "Lego Rock Riders Ship". GameSpot. CNET Networks, Inc. Archived from the original on 4 October 2003. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Cleveland, Adam (16 August 2000). "Who knew playing with Lego's on your PlayStation could be fun? We sure were surprised". IGN PSX. Snowball.com. Archived from the original on 15 December 2000. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "LEGO Rock Raiders for PlayStation". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 1 May 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  4. Green, Earl (August 2000). "LEGO Rock Raiders (PS) - Review". All Game Guide. AEC One Stop Group, Inc. Archived from the original on 17 November 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  5. Ashe, Suzanne (30 August 2000). "LEGO Rock Raiders (PS)". The Electric Playground. Elecplay.com Productions, Inc. Archived from the original on 14 November 2003. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  6. Satterfield, Shane (24 August 2000). "Lego Rock Raiders Review for PlayStation". GameSpot. CNET Networks, Inc. Archived from the original on 26 June 2003. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  7. Steinman, Gary (October 2000). "Reviews: Lego Rock Raiders". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 37. Ziff Davis Media. p. 133.

External Links