Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes - Review

 

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.

 

    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.