It's been almost a year since last we saw an iOS port of the successful LEGO series. While we've yet to see the likes of LEGO Lord of the Rings or Pirates of the Caribbean grace Apple's platform, the folks at Warner Bros saw fit to show some DC universe love with LEGO Batman: DC Super Heroes [$4.99]. Hampered only by spotty controls, DC Super Heroes is an otherwise great port bringing a fresh coat of paint to the classic LEGO gameplay formula. Unlike the previous LEGO ports we've seen, DC Super Heroes actually features an original narrative within the DC comic universe. While the game focuses at the onset on the escapes of Batman and Robin (along with the usual villains) other heroes, such as the iconic Superman, get weaved into tale. Of course, being a LEGO game, players eventually have the option of playing as a wide variety of DC icons, with over 80 playable characters (along with create-a-character minifigs) available for the unlocking. Gameplay, meanwhile, is pretty familiar if you've played any other LEGO games.
Like others in the series, DC Super Heroes combines platforming, puzzles, and decent amount of brawling. In addition, there's also ample opportunity to collect studs, which are used to unlock the myriad of characters and extras available. While DC Super Heroes does offer a few new twists, such as some additional depth with the various Batman and Robin suits that expand powers, gameplay largely remains unchanged and fairly linear. That's not to say it's a bad thing, as LEGO games have typically been highly approachable while offering tons to do. DC Super Heroes certainly doesn't disappoint in this regard. Another new addition to the iOS LEGO ports is the inclusion of Golden Bricks, which can be purchased via IAPs. While the game's additional characters and extras can still be unlocked with enough studs, progression, and collectibles, golden bricks can be used to sidestep a lot of the stud grinding and unlock items a lot faster. In this regard, I didn't really mind the IAP as most LEGO games are a bit too grindy for my tastes and golden bricks could be used to speed up some actions of the game.
Maybe it's due to the freedom of an original story or because the universe history is so deep, but I really enjoyed DC Super Heroes from a thematic standpoint. From the onset, you're treated to the epic tunes of the Danny Elfman Batman theme and the game is full of little nods to various facets of the DC Universe. In addition, the large swatch of playable characters means fans should have plenty of options in playing their favorite characters (assuming said characters have the necessary super powers to pass the level). The fact that the game features full voice acting (a first for iOS) also goes a long way towards making the story more enjoyable. Spotty controls have been an issue with LEGO iOS ports in the past, and unfortunately they continue with DC Super Heroes. Previous LEGO games offered players either virtual buttons or touch-based movements. While DC Super Heroes is the first port to offer players both options, I still had some problems with both. The touch-based scheme is the more intuitive of the two options, but there's a tendency to tap errantly on enemies/environmental items on the smaller iPhone screen (although it works better on the iPad).
Virtual controls, meanwhile, work as mediocre as one would expect. That's not to say the game isn't playable, but it's definitely the weak link for the game. Control issues aside, DC Super Heroes is a welcome addition to the few LEGO games currently on iOS. In fact, I'd say it's the better LEGO game currently on the App Store considering the wider appeal of the story combined with the decent visuals, awesome music, and familiar LEGO gameplay. Suffice to say, LEGO fans have little reason not to check out DC Super Heroes, while anyone else interested in a light-hearted adventure should take the plunge.LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham / Aug. 6, 2014 GamesCom 2014: Evolve Leads GamesCom 2014 Awards With 5 Nominations But LEGO Batman: Beyond Gotham and The Evil Within aren't far behind. The nominees for the GamesCom 2014 Awards are out, and Evolve leads the pack with an impressive five nods. Turtle Rock Studios' shooter was delayed yesterday to February 2015, but that didn't stop it obtaining nominations in the best PlayStation game, Xbox game, Action game, PC game and Online Multiplayer game categories.
It's followed by LEGO Batman: Beyond Gotham, which is up for recognition as best Wii game, Family game and Social or Casual game categories, as well as The Evil Within, which is duking it out for the titles of best game on PlayStation, Xbox and PC. A heap of games managed to bring in two nominations, including Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Far Cry 4, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Ori and the Blind Forest, Skylanders Trap Team, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, LittleBigPlanet 3, Heroes of the Storm, FIFA 15, Forza Horizon 2 and more. If you're wondering why there's a number of prominent absences, The Witcher 3 being one of the more notable ones in the RPG category along with Dragon Age: Inquisition, it's because the GamesCom Awards only allow you to be nominated for each category once. As both were nominated last year, they were ineligible to get recognised again. The winners of the 13 categories will be revealed on August 15. As always, we'll be looking to crown our own winner of the GamesCom 2014 People's Choice Award.
Voting details will be coming soon, and you'll be able to pick your winner from 1am PT / 4am ET / 9am GMT on Wednesday, August 13. The full list of nominees is below. Best Console Game Sony Playstation: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Best Console Game Microsoft Xbox: Ori and the Blind Forest Best Console Game Nintendo Wii: LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham Best Role Playing Game: Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMIX Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call Heroes of the Storm Best Social / Casual / Online Game: Best Online Multiplayer Game: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Best Hardware (incl. Peripheral): Oculus Rift DK 2 SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Wireless Controller Luke Karmali is IGN UK News Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter.Sign in to follow this UndreyVITA, January 25, 2014 Page 1 of 4 Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment