Lego is quite the miraculous toy. Not only brilliant in its
simplicity and fuel to the desires of children to both construct and destruct.
What is equally impressive is how it has adapted to changes presented by their
competition. Whether it’s opening theme parks or releasing new sets in the
likeness of other famous childhood brands, they’ve managed to remain more than
relevant as the years have gone by. Even with video games stealing away more
and more of youngster’s free time, Lego has managed to adapt. And they’ve done
so, quite wisely, by following a policy of, ‘if you can’t beat them, join
them.’
Thus they
recruited developer Travellers’ Tales to produce a series of adventure games
based on properties that Lego have acquired the rights, including this most
recent release, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes. These titles have a solid
reputation in being decent, well-crafted and light hearted jaunts. They treat
the property with the utmost respect, often in as humorous and jovial manner as
possible. Nothing, from the story tropes to the way the scenery is always made
out of destructible Lego bricks, is above lampooning.
It’s no different
here. In a summer where we’ve seen the more serious side to Batman in cinema’s,
we now see the more cartoony side to the Great Detectives adventures here, in a
video game that’s very reminiscent of the old and very much loved animated
series. The story is definitively aimed at families and younger audiences, but
there is plenty here to amuse the comic enthusiast too, with sly nods and
references to tales of old. Even another recent notable Batman game can’t
escape a mention with a knowing wink. The plot trots along pleasantly, aided by
how it is the first Lego tales game to feature full voice acting. And there’s
some wonderful characterisation of old favourites. The representation of
Superman as an overtly happy, bold goody two shoes is a joy to witness.
.jpg)
The game is a mix
of an open world setting split by story episodes. You can travel around Gotham
in the worlds least manoeuvrable Batmobile, (so terrible at handling no citizen
or lamppost is safe when you’re patrolling the streets), scouring out the wild
assortment of villains on the loose from Arkham Asylum, before seeking out the
next story episode and putting paid to Lex Luthor and the Joker’s nefarious
scheme.
These story
episodes play out just like in every other Lego tales game. You blast from A to
B solving puzzles, vaulting obstacles and beating back an assortment of goons
to get to the end. Yet it always slightly deceptive to call it a straight
action adventure title. Rather it’s more of a puzzle adventure game, requiring
you to solve a variety of obstacles and riddles to progress. Often these
revolve around making use of each character’s unique abilities, or a differing
array of costumes with their own attributes. Yet more often than not these
puzzles centre about the construction or indeed deconstruction of those famous
Lego bricks, as you use them to create new paths and ways of progressing. These
puzzles are hardly brain taxing, and despite a couple of head scratching
moments you’re unlikely to be truly stumped.
It is not just
the puzzles that are easy to get past. The combat itself is incredibly simplistic;
often a push of a button is all that’s required to beat back a pantomime goon. Death
rarely occurs, and in the case of Superman it’s nigh on impossible, and even if
your Lego character does dissemble there’s barely a punishment for doing so.
It’s hardly a game for those seeking a challenge. But it is ideal for younger
gamers, or indeed family playing sessions. The game is designed very much with
co-op play in mind, with collaboration between characters essential in places.
Fortunately a seamless character swap option means this happens quickly and
without irritation when in single player.
But what is there
for the seasoned gamer then, if you aren’t interested in puzzle solving or
button bash gameplay? Well how about at least four kitchen sink’s worth of
additional content, which revels in the history of Batman and DC comics. This
title, much like all other Lego tales before it, is a collectaholics paradise.
In addition to 150 golden bricks to find, Lego stud targets to reach and
citizens to save, there are a huge number of characters which can be unlocked
and then played as, both around Gotham and during free plays of the story
episode. It’s a huge cast call of DC heroes and villains, from Wonder Woman
down to Killer Moth. Again each character has their own sets of skills, and
some of these will be needed to uncover yet more secrets tucked away inside
each stage. There are extra vehicles to construct, villains to find and battle
about Gotham, and hidden objectives to attain. It’s perhaps a shame that all
these iconic characters do not make appearances until late in the game, or
until they are unlocked.
When it comes down
to the nitty gritty, it’s business as usual for a Lego tales game. The same
gameplay, the same formula, the same style and the same routine. This is not
necessarily a bad thing; it’s served the series well in the past. It’s the
latest instalment in a franchise that thrives on familiarity. Despite the
different properties being used in each title you know that the gameplay will
remain largely the same. And ultimately, this is what customers expect from
this series.
That isn’t to say
there’s nothing for the seasoned gamer. It’s a fun romp while it lasts,
particularly if you’re a Batman nerd or are having ‘Dark Knight Rises’
withdrawal symptoms, and the amount of content will bring smiles to these fans
faces. It, just like every other Lego game before it, will hardly revolutionise
the gaming world. It’s simple in its execution and gameplay yes, but it revels
in this, focusing instead on simply being enjoyable and in doing justice to the
world of the Dark Knight.
