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ESRB: 
Platform: XBox 360
Category: Action
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Graphics 8 |
Sound 8 |
Gameplay 8 |
Tilt 9 ||
Overall 8.2
Author:
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Publisher: Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Features
Players: 1 – 2 players
HDTV: 720p/1080i/1080p
In-game Dolby Digital
Co-op: Yes
Downloadable Content Support
I had the opportunity to check out Lego Batman at X‘08 in Toronto earlier this year. While there I also had a chance to speak with one of the developers of the game. During this conversation I had a sneak peek at Batman and Robin’s special ability suits, one of the new features available in this instalment of the Lego franchise. These suits not only provide an enjoyable gameplay element but it also adds to the complexity of the puzzles that are common in the Lego games. Another feature which I was excited about, and is a first to the Lego series of games, is the chance to play the game from the view of the villains. Not only are you able to play as the great caped crusader but you also get to play as such characters as Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and The Penguin to name a few. So how does this latest Lego game fair? Read on.
Graphics
When playing any Lego game one should never expect the high quality next generation graphics that are expected by most games released nowadays. The unique element of the Lego games is that just about everything in the game is made up from Lego pieces, and to be fair there is just so much definition one can give to a Lego block. However, the Traveller’s Tales have successfully used these blocks to wonderfully craft the dark and ominous Gotham City complete with city streets, zoo, Arkham Asylum and many other recognizable buildings and environments that you will explore within the game. Of course let’s not forget the Dark Knight’s lair, the Batcave, this is very well done too.
I found that even the smallest details one might pass over at first glance are extremely detailed. From the billboard of Catwoman off in the distance, the texture of the bricks, the graffiti on the building walls to the reflections cast off of the window panes, the work that went into the game is impressive as it adds richness to the game’s visuals. As many of the levels are played in dark environments or take place outside at night the use of lighting effects is very noticeable. The street lights cast shadows on almost all objects and the reflection of the light off of characters and objects really gives the impression that they are all moulded out of plastic.
The characters have been designed perfectly using the Lego formula. Every detail a fan of Batman could think of has been added onto each Hero or Villain in the game. From Batman’s yellow utility belt, Two-face’s coin to Commissioner Gordon’s horn rimmed glasses, everything is there. Adding to the wonderful sculpted images of the characters are the animated cut scenes that flow in and out of the gameplay, expanding on the personalities of the characters and adding to the rich environment already in place.
Suffice to say, I love the graphics of any of the Lego series and I especially welcome the improvements that have been introduced into Lego Batman. The graphics definitely enhance the gaming experience of this latest game in the franchise.
Sound
The sound and music of Lego Batman plays a huge role in setting the dark and gritty world of Gotham City. Danny Elfman’s theme music from the Batman movies is heard immediately during the opening credits and throughout the rest of the game. There is no voice acting in the game but this has been a staple of the Lego series as it adds a charm that the games have had in the past. The storyline and the communication between characters are portrayed by the use of expressive tones that depict the intentions of the characters and how they are feeling. This can include such things as grunting, groaning, laughter, the deep inhale of a breath from the state of shock or surprise, and even mumbled confusion. In a way having the story told this way adds a comedic edge and lets you fill in the blanks of the story, however it can also become frustrating to those players who prefer not to have to guess what is going on at times.
The combat sound effects were like a flashback to the old Batman shows starring Adam West. As Batman pummels his enemies with his fists you hear a pow, a thwap or a ka-pow followed by a yelp or scream of Batman’s foe and the sound of tumbling Lego pieces as their body collapses into individual blocks. Some of the characters also use guns as weapons and these reminded me of the old arcade games where the gun shots or artillery fire sounded like low pitched pops.
Apart from the combat sounds Traveller’s Tales has carefully added other sound effects that enhance each individual level and environment. I found the sounds, much like the gun fire mentioned above, reminded me of traditional arcade style games. Common to each level is the recognizable clinking as you collect Lego studs or the stacking sounds of construction as you build objects and tools out of uncovered Lego blocks. But not all sounds are common to each level you play in. An assortment of sounds also compliment different environments from the unique sounds of the animals at the zoo, the distinctive flapping of bats in the Batcave, and everyday city street sounds found on the streets. My absolute favorite sounds in the game had to be both the snapping and crunching of alligators as they tried to eat Batman and Robin who foolishly swam in their waters as well as the catchy little melody of the ice cream truck found at various points in the game. Both these sounds brought on a chuckle. Overall I felt all the audio in the game really brought something extra to the levels.
Gameplay
The story of Lego Batman is based on the premise that all of the criminals of Arkham Asylum have escaped and appear to be working together to fulfill a masterful plan. Batman and Robin rise to the occasion in an attempt to thwart the villains from succeeding. The story is split up into two story lines, one from the Hero’s perspective and one from the Villain’s perspective. As you play through the three episodes of the Hero campaign, each being composed of five levels, the opposing Villain campaign will unlock. The Villain’s stories also consist of three episodes, five chapters in each. So in total you get to play 30 levels of Lego mayhem along with two bonus levels to explore too.
Playing through the Hero campaign as Batman and Robin gives you access to a wide variety of tools such as batarangs, a grappling gun, quite a few acrobatic maneuvers, and the ability suits that I speak about in my introduction. Each of the ability suits are specific to certain situations that the dynamic duo will encounter. During the levels you find and construct suit stations that allow Batman or Robin to switch into the suit that is needed to complete their objective(s). Batman will be able to change into a Heat Protection Suit, Glide Suit, Demolition Suit, and a Sonic Suit while Robin on the other hand has a set of different suits to compliment Batman including a Water Suit, Technology Suit, Magnet Suit and an Attract Suit.
The levels have been crafted in a linear fashion allowing you to always know where you need to go in order to complete each level, but when you play in the free play mode you will find many hidden areas throughout each level. For those of you unfamiliar with previous instalments of the Lego games, free play allows you to access to other characters and their specific abilities that you can use to complete tasks or access items that you could not in Story Mode. Free play is unlocked as you complete each level and you can go back to it anytime you want as long as you are in the Batcave.
The main objective of the game has you navigating through the levels while battling enemies, solving puzzles, smashing up the environment, building various Lego items, and eventually facing a villain at the end. Veterans of the Lego games will notice a new addition to how combat and Lego stud collection works. When battling enemies you will notice that a multiplier appears as you attack each enemy, and as you link attacks a multiplier appears that can reach up to a multiple of ten. When you grab some Lego studs they are multiplied by the specific number that you racked up while fighting your enemies. This doesn’t last long but it is a nice incentive to rack up some combos while fighting.
One of my favorite portions of the game is the vehicle based levels. You get to have some fun with different vehicles like the Batmobile, police cars, Mr. Freeze’s freeze cart, and the Joker’s van. There are also water vehicles too such as the Batboat, Robin’s Sea Doo or Submarine, the Penguin’s Goon Submarine and Mad Hatter’s Steamboat. Finally, we have the aerial vehicles, which are personally my favorite, and these include the Batwing, Batcopter, Riddler’s Jet and if you’re feeling luxurious, Bruce Wayne’s personal jet. During the vehicle missions you are faced with the same objectives throughout the levels, but all the objectives are completed with whatever vehicle is suited to the task at hand.
For those who enjoy a great co-op game, you’re in luck. Every single level is playable with a friend, however it is only local co-op and not online. I know that while our Editor-in-Chief Kirby Y was in LA at E3 in July of this year he asked them why there was no online co-op, and he was surprised to find out that not a lot of people played the previous Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga online so Traveller’s Tales didn’t want to put the resources into an online component again. Regardless, sometimes two heads are better than one, and this case two heads is a lot more fun. More than likely you will have quite a few laughs and nothing beat gaming with a friend sitting beside you to share the experience.
There are quite a few extra objectives to complete while playing through Story Mode or Free Play. From attaining True Hero/Villain status by collecting Lego studs, searching for the 10 Batman Mini Kits hidden throughout to scouring each level for the one hidden Power Brick, there is a lot to do. As you find each Power Brick in the hero levels you will unlock suit upgrades that you can purchase from the computer in the Batcave or Arkham Asylum. The power bricks hidden in the villain levels unlock special extras that change how the game is played too.
If I had any complaints it would be that this game sticks to the tried and true formula and there are also some minor control issues. In terms of the first complaint, although there have been some additions there is nothing particularly ground breaking this time around. I guess at the end of the day the ‘if it ain’t broken why fix it’ approach works here. In terms of the second complaint you will find that the control is the same this time around and this means the same problematic issues are evident from previous games. You will find areas where you just can’t grab onto a ladder or your character gets miraculously hung up on something. These problems were apparent throughout both the Star Wars and Indiana Jones titles and now they are here in Lego Batman. It is my hope that whatever theme them choose for the next Lego game that they make some necessary changes in order to spruce up the gameplay and improve the control.
Regardless of my complaints though I still love this game. I enjoyed battling all of Batman’s enemies and then turning around and playing each level from the view of the Villains. The puzzles are engaging and the storyline is very humorous compared to the dark backdrop. I am really looking forward to continuing to play this game while completing every objective in the game and unlocking all of the hidden secrets that Lego Batman holds for me.
Conclusion
Fans of the Lego series are in for another treat with Lego Batman. Traveller’s Tales have created a new and enriched world for one to explore. However diehard Batman fans should be prepared for a more animated approach to the beloved caped crusader rather than the approach that is seen in the most recent blockbuster releases. At the end of the day this game has a little bit of everything such as solving puzzles, button mashing combat, exhilarating vehicle battles and two player co-op pleasure. With so much excitement I can almost guarantee that you will really enjoy this game.
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