Once again, once finishing a level in Story Mode, Free Play Mode is unlocked. In this mode, you can select any Character that you have Unlocked at the time, and play through the level with them.
The main draw of this mode though is actually completing the game. Each level contains 10 Minikit Canisters to collect, requiring many of the abilities that you just don't have access to in Story Mode. Collecting all 10 will complete a Minikit, being a type of Ship or something, as a reward.
New to LEGO Star Wars II is the Red Brick, a second collectible in each stage that unlocks an Extra when completed.
To start with, I suggest completing the Story Mode completely before starting on Free Play, as you unlock all the Characters you need by playing that. The two Characters you definitely need are a Sith and a Bounty Hunter, both of which are unlocked naturally through Story Mode. (Darth Vader and Princess Leia (Boushh) respectively) I also suggest collecting the at least the Red Brick for Invincibility (in IV-4), the Minikit Detector (in V-5) and at least one of the score multipliers (x2 is in IV-6). Score multipliers are important here as Free Play also has its own True Jedi counter, seperate from Story Modes. Thankfully, this is the only game to do this, but the Free Play totals will be displayed on their pages.
The different type of Characters are:
- Astromech: Astromech Droids are the more Useful type of Droid. They have a Stun Baton that can stun other Droids, and have the ability to activate Astromech Panels. Astromech Characters include: R2-D2, 4-LOM, IG-88.
- Blaster: The most abundant type of Character, these guys are excellent at long-range combat, being equipped with a Blaster of some sort. The biggest ability these guys have is the ability to Grapple from Grapple Points. Blaster Characters include: Princess Leia, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker (Episode IV Versions), Lando Calrissian etc.
- Bounty Hunter: Bounty Hunters are slightly better Blaster characters. Along with everything a Blaster Character can do, a Bounty Hunter also has access to Thermal Detonators, allowing the ability to blow up Silver Objects. They can also use Bounty Hunter Panels quite easily. Bounty Hunters include: Boba Fett, 4-LOM, Greedo, Dengar etc.
- Boxer: Boxers forgo the normal weapon, instead opting to use their Fists. It works, as they can take care of Enemies fine, however they don't have much else going for them. Boxer Characters include: Lobot, Bib Fortuna.
- Droid: Droids are downright useless. They simply are. That's it. Droid Characters include: Gonk Droid.
- Hover: Hover Characters have the ability to Hover as either a Second Jump, or as a replacement for a Jump. Useful for crossing larger gaps. Hover Characters include: R2-D2, Boba Fett.
- Imperial: The Imperial Army gets their own glass. While generally being Blaster characters, Imperials also have the Extra aspect of being able to use Imperial Panels. Imperial Characters include: Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Grand Moff Tarkin etc.
- Jedi: Jedi are the warriors of Peace and Justice in the galaxy, or were until they were effectively wiped out. Jedi use a Lightsaber as their primary weapon, and have more acrobatic ability to basically any other character. They can also use the Force, so a plus for them. Additionally, Jedi now have the ability to use a Jedi Mind Trick on Troopers, due to their weak mind. Jedi Characters include: Luke Skywalker (Episode V and VI Versions), Ben Kenobi, Yoda etc.
- Physical: Physical Characters are Characters that have weapons, and don't fit into any other category. They generally don't do much either. Physical Characters include: Gamorrean Guard.
- Protocol: Protocol Droids are rather useless, slow droids besides one thing. They have the ability to utilise Protocol Panels. That's about it. Protocol Characters include: C-3PO, 4-LOM, IG-88.
- Shortie: Shortie Characters are shorter than others, giving them the ability to access passages that others cannot. Shortie Characters include: Wicket, Ewok.
- Sith: Sith are the opposite of Jedi, and as such, share many similar Characteristics. In addition, Sith can use the Force on Dark and Red objects, while also being able to use things like Force Choke, or Force Lightning, depending on the Character. Sith Characters include: Darth Vader, The Emperor.
- Walker: Walkers are Characters who are either useless, or effectively useless! They can have Weapons, but not ones that really do anything. Walker Characters include: Jawa.
- Episode IV: A New Hope
- Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI: Return of the Jedi