SUMMARY/STORY:
Released in 2008 by Warner Bros. and produced by TT Games, this adaptation of the Dark Knight would be one of the first games from TT Games and its first to star Batman. The game would drop at various points throughout 2008 depending on the territory. The story itself is pretty simple. Taking inspiration from many sources, the kid-friendly storyline, therefore, is unique when matched up against almost any other LEGO game.
There are three mini-stories for not only the Dynamic Duo, but there’s another three for the villains. The good thing about not having an ongoing plot is that it’s easier to couch co-op with friends. The downside, however, is a lack of urgency to play this classic for hours on end, like most other addictive video games.
Note: Popularity of this game’s original release has led to two (and counting) sequel games, as well as the direct-to-DVD/big-screen film franchise.
ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:
All things considered, the LEGO engine has remained the same since TT games’ masterpiece in LEGO Star Wars I to newer installments of LEGO gaming. There are still four hearts of health; the ability to be a single-person or dual-player game at all times; there’s no online capabilities. But why should it change? LEGO Batman’s success is one of the reasons why the simplistic formula has stayed the same for so long — because it works!
Quirky Bat-humor, puzzles, combat, music cues, and story twists all make the gameplay, though sometimes tedious, a fun experience for kids and adults alike. Collectibles such as gold bricks, red bricks, mini-kits, civilians in peril, and the true hero/villain bar still remain an intricate part in LEGO gaming today. An upside is that this PS3 saves games-in-progress, etc. much better than its PS2 counterpart having to rely on possibly glitchy memory cards.
Disappointingly, players can only use Batman & Robin in the story mode for every single hero mission. Hence, all fifteen times that you suit up – it’s with the Dynamic Duo. However, there’s something fun about the villain levels, though, as a new character introduced in every level. That same character then becomes unlocked for future use. All of this aside, there are unique aspects to this game that other franchises don’t have. Tons of new puzzles were introduced into this game — thanks to Batman & Robin both getting around in eight different alternate outfits (players can choose which to use, each with specific abilities).
Need to blow something up? Batman and his array of Bat-bombs have you covered. Want to go swimming in the deep end with Killer Croc? Robin has the necessary diving suit. As cool as it would be to get more Bat-Family members involved, never before had we seen the same two characters get this many alternate outfits. Overall, this game is off the charts, when gauging the fun factor.
GRAPHICS:
Though upgraded from PS2, the graphics are still nothing special. The cartoony style resembles its predecessors, like Indiana Jones, at least on the surface. However, this game’s detailing just feels more immersive. The backgrounds and locations do feel straight out of Gotham City, with torn-up buildings and plenty of goons littering the streets. One difference between this game and newer LEGO games is that LEGO Batman isn’t nearly as glossy. It retains more of a nostalgic feel, which is always nice.
GAME MODE(S):
Outside of the main story, there are two bonus levels, where players have to reach 1,000,000 studs to complete. The only prize to earn is the ability to purchase the last six ‘fun facts’ and Ra’s al-Ghul in the game’s store. Frankly, though, the facts can just be googled. The parts to make Ra’s can be found in the create-a-mini-figure section of Arkham Asylum. It’s an feature consistent with from slightly older titles, such as Indiana Jones or Star Wars. The levels aren’t as fun as one might expect – at times, the intended obstacles really feel like an afterthought after playing. The levels themselves can become far more a chore than a challenge.
REVIEW:
Unlike its sequels, this game keeps its focus on Batman’s Gotham City, not the entire DC Universe. With a total of thirty levels, it remained the most levels of any LEGO game alongside Star Wars: The Complete Saga until 2016. For fifteen levels, players suit up as the Dynamic Duo in three mini-stories headlined by The Riddler, The Penguin, and The Joker, all with five levels each, before becoming the bad guys for another fifteen levels. In addition to the Dynamic Duo’s extra suits, the game includes 46 different characters, giving any player great background info on Batman’s rogues gallery.
Is this one of the best LEGO games out there? To most fans, it really isn’t. Is it even the best LEGO Batman game? Well, probably not that, either. Still, there’s a storyline that’s easy to follow, allowing players to casually jump in at any moment without losing track of what’s going on. In that sense, for anyone who wants to kill an hour to kill in Gotham with their buddy, this undemanding 2008 classic rocks.
BONUS FEATURES:
This particular release of LEGO Batman comes with a Blu-Ray of the 1989 Batman film. Borrowing some of the same Danny Elfman music cues, this version of the iconic video game is worth checking out, if only for some cool continuity.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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