Lego 'Legends of Chima' games announced

Lego has become synonymous with cute, kid-friendly video game versions of licensed properties in recent years, but the Lego company itself still creates original concepts for block-building sets on a regular basis. This year Lego is introducing "Legends of Chima" sets, and Warner Bros Interactive is giving it a push with not one but three video games.

The first to hit will be Lego Legends of Chima: Speedorz, a racing game that will be available on the official site today and on the iOS App Store tomorrow. It comes from TT Games and 4T2, letting you play as familiar characters and collect studs to unlock new vehicles and customize your characters.

Lego Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey from TT Games will follow this summer, for the 3DS and PlayStation Vita. Details are scant, but it sounds like a more traditional Lego platformer similar to other TT Games titles. A regular DS version will come in the fall.

Finally, the autumn months will also bring Lego Legends of Chima Online, developed by WB Games Montreal. The free-to-play game will let kids build their own kingdoms, help the Chima characters on their quests, and use Legos to build weapons and gadgets for themselves. Here's hoping this crack at an online Lego game will go better than the last one.

The publisher is attempting to tie all three games together with a rewards system. Playing Speedorz or Laval's Journey will earn you points that can be redeemed in the "Chima Vault," for content to use in Legends of Chima Online.