Video game:Lego Stunt Rally (Beta 2)

Whether you follow a design and instructions, or make your own creation, LEGO blocks have stimulated imaginations in children and adults since their introduction in 1958. These simple bricks join together to form millions of combinations, and have left a significant impression in popular culture and the way we play. Thanks to television and video games, users are not limited in the ways they choose to interact with LEGO pieces; they can build, control characters, and take part in interactive stories without ever leaving the couch.

Electronic Arts released the first LEGO video game in 1997. Entitled "LEGO Island," this computer game allowed players to explore a world made entirely out of LEGO pieces and complete different missions. "LEGO Island" received excellent reviews and led to the creation of two sequels, as well as many more LEGO games. Along with original worlds and storylines, LEGO also released video games that tied into popular franchises, such as "Harry Potter," "Star Wars," and "Lord of the Rings."

After the success of the 1999 game "LEGO Racers," LEGO Media released another racing-themed game in 2000 entitled "LEGO Stunt Rally." While "LEGO Racers" gives players full control over their vehicles, "Stunt Rally" only allows gamers to control the acceleration and braking of their cars. "LEGO Racers" also focuses on racing and building up vehicles, while "Stunt Rally" revolves around building racetracks. In order to build more complex tracks, players must win a series of races hosted by Mr. X on Stunt Island.

Even though it received positive reviews, "Stunt Rally" did not fare as well as "LEGO Racers." Critics found the game entertaining, but at the same time repetitive and simple. In his review, Jon Thompson of AllGame wrote, "All in all, LEGO Stunt Rally' is a pleasant little diversion of a game," and noted that the game is better suited for younger players.

In 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame, calling the blocks "an ideal toy," inducted LEGO into its ranks. Two years later, "Fortune Magazine" named the LEGO brick "Toy of the Century." Thanks to computer animation, LEGO figurines appear in multiple television series, as well as a full-length movie. More than 50 years after its initial release, LEGO's interlocking plastic block remains popular and continues to evolve.