Since 2005 there has been a Lego Star Wars game released by Travellers Tales games each year. Then, in 2008, having run out of Star Wars material TT games released Lego Indiana Jones which I found to be distinctly underwhelming since it did not feel any different from the Lego Star Wars games. It was with diminished expectations then that I loaded Lego Batman for the first time. My first impression was that again nothing much had changed, with the core game mechanic in Lego Batman being the same as in the earlier titles as it is a 3D platform game in which you have 2 controllable Lego characters which have differing skills that you need to use to complete the simple puzzles in the level. You can then unlock a range of bonus features including extra characters, vehicles and bonus levels as you progress through the game. The game also has the same flaws as earlier titles, this includes the absence of any online multiplayer option, AI partners that, at times, do not go where you want them to go and the dual use of Y for switching between characters and entering vehicles, which can lead to switching characters when you want to drive a vehicle and vice versa.
As I progressed through the game though, I did not have the same sense of disappointment as I did with Lego Indiana Jones though and I think this was due to a number of small changes to the design and presentation of the game. The first difference is the way in which the source material is used. The Lego Star Wars and Indiana Jones games had levels which were loosely based on events in the films. In contrast Lego Batman has a completely original story and is inspired by the Tim Burton Batman films and Batman: The Animated Series from the 1990s. What this means is that the level designs are all set at night with an urban design giving them a different feel to the normally bright and clean levels found in Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones. The only issue I had with this was on a couple of occasions it took me a while to find the exit from an area as it was difficult to see. The way the story is presented is also different in that you first play through a chapter playing as Batman and Robin which then unlocks the same chapter from the villains perspective increasing your understanding of what the plot was actually about and provides a different experience to the earlier Lego games which were almost always from the heroes perspective.
Things that have not changed in addition to the style of game are the humour in the cut scenes and the use of music from the source material. In this case the music is taken from the soundtrack of the 1989 Batman film. As with the previous Lego instalments, Lego Batman is primarily aimed at younger players so the game is simple to play and easy to complete, especially when you use the unlockable extras a.k.a. cheats (or just enter the cheat codes). While older gamers are likely to enjoy the game, the game’s lifespan is likely to be limited to one playthrough for most players and two for achievement junkies. The achievements in the game are well designed and relatively easy to get but require playing the game to absolute completion, which I estimate will take up to 25 hours. After the disappointment of Lego Indiana Jones, Lego Batman was a return to form for the Lego games and demonstrated that the Lego formula can work outside of a Star Wars setting so long as the game is made to feel unique.
Playground Games Gives a Sneak Peek at Forzathon Events Though they didn’t say much, you can at least see the titles and rewards for those #Forzathon events coming up in the month of March in Forza Horizon 3. New Story Trailer for Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition Released Check out the new trailer for developer People Can Fly’s action packed game that has been remastered for current-gen Xbox One. Reminder: Riptide GP is Now on Xbox One and WIndows 10 This arcade racer was released a few days ago and we forgot to post that it was, so consider us late to the party. WB Interactive Confirms Middle-Earth: Shadow of War After a leak hinted at the sequel to Shadow of Mordor, WB comes clean and officially announces Shadow of War, the upcoming sequel. Trulon: The Shadow Engine Now on Xbox One RPG fans looking for a steampunk experience, you can look to Trulon to take up a spot in your gaming time. Serial Cleaner Coming to Xbox One Looking for a new stealth game and has a ’twisted’ premise, then this upcoming game from Curve Digital might just interest you.
Oceanhorn Demo Now Available for Xbox One For those who may not know what this game is about, feel free to check out the demo now on Xbox One. We have a trailer for your viewing pleasure inside. The award-winning LEGO® Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gives players the chance to step into the shoes of the Caped Crusader and fully explore a LEGO version of Gotham City. Once again under threat from the Joker, Batman must defend Gotham with the help of powerful friends like Superman and Robin, to put a stop to the diabolical plans of his nemesis and his entire team of super villains including Lex Luthor, The Penguin and Harley Quinn. Encounter all of the Dark Knight's iconic allies and enemies in a charming, hilarious, family-friendly adventure full of exciting gameplay. Don't miss out, join in Be the first to know about the hottest news, competitions and behind the scenes excitement. Follow @Warner Bros. UK Batman Returns in an all new LEGO adventure When The Joker seeks help from other nefarious villains, such as Lex Luthor, from the DC Universe to destroy Gotham City, Batman calls in reinforcements to help defend the city he protects.
You’ll be able to fight alongside other DC heroes such as Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and the Man of Steel, Superman!In LEGO Batman 2 DC Super Heroes you’ll get to grips with new gadgets and suits, such as Batmans Power Suit and Robins Hazard Cannon, which will help you explore new areas of Gotham City. On top of these suits you’ll also have access to the powers of the new Super Heroes such as Flight, Super-Breath and Heat Vision. On top of these gadgets you’ll also be able to get behind the wheel of the Batmobile and skim the clouds as the iconic Batwing.LEGO Batman 2 DC Super Heroes is packed full of LEGO humour and has the cooperative gameplay that LEGO games are known for.GAME FEATURES: Experience an original LEGO adventure that has Batman and Robin teaming up with Superman to defend Gotham City from The Joker and Lex Luthor. Discover a new storyline that introduces a massive Gotham City hub full of fun exploration, collection and vehicles. Traverse Gotham City’s open realm by walking, flying or unlocking and controlling a variety of cool vehicles including the Batmobile, Batwing and Batboat.
Experience for the first time in a LEGO videogame, talking LEGO minifigures. Master new suits and gadgets, such as Batman’s Power Suit and Robin’s Hazard Suit equipped with a Pressure Cannon that can absorb and dispense hazardous liquids. Collect 50 DC Comics characters, including The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and many others. Flex your new super abilities and soar through the air with free-roaming flight, freeze and push objects with Super-Breath, and heat up and cut holes through objects with Heat Vision. Create unique super heroes with customizable characters. Play with friends and family using easy drop-in/drop-out co-op play that features dynamic split screen. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes will take advantage of the innovative Wii U™ GamePad controller. Players will navigate through Gotham City using an enhanced interactive map and select their favorite DC Comics characters to assemble a powerful team of heroes, all with the use of the controller's touchscreen. They can even enjoy the entire game experience on the GamePad in off-TV mode, or have a second player join in on the TV, so they can fight crime together without having to share a single screen.