‘LEGO Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight’ Review — Improved Gameplay And A Fun Tribute To The Caped Crusader
by Gary Catig
TT Games and Warner Bros. Games are known for their LEGO titles, especially those that blend the iconic building blocks with popular franchises. Their latest release involves superhero action with LEGO Batman: The Legacy of the Dark Knight.
One of the first noticeable aspects of the game is the graphics. To date, it is the best-looking LEGO game released, with a great blend of the signature toy aesthetic along with detailed, regular backgrounds. The lighting is as impressive, from the way the sun hits Wayne Manor to capturing the darkness and broodiness of Gotham City. For an all ages title, the visuals create an edginess not found in previous titles, and that is worthy of Batman.
The story is compelling, living up to the “Legacy” in the title. You can tell the creators are fans of the Dark Knight, drawing upon his appearances in all forms of media. It approaches narratives from the films, television, and comics with deference while still creating a unique experience. It hits the sweet spot of familiar and new. In addition, there are fun and humorous Easter eggs littered throughout.
An overhaul of gameplay mechanics for Lego Batman: The Legacy of the Dark Knight is another improvement. It maintains the normal beat ‘em up action with puzzle-solving fans are accustomed to, but other features can cater to more experienced gamers. First, there is an option of difficulty levels, adding an extra challenge, though still pretty tame. Fighting is more involved with the ability to dodge and counter with correct timing as well as a variety of different enemies that involve their own approach to defeat.
The most enjoyable new addition is the focus on stealth mode. Like Batman, you can lurk in the shadows and pounce on unsuspecting bad guys. It adds another dimension to combat since it involves a degree of strategy and guile. There are role-playing game elements as well, providing the opportunity to upgrade and learn new skills making the play more comprehensive.
The only real disappointment to the game is the limited selection of characters to choose from. The standard edition only has seven. Other Lego superhero games had a vast roster of villains and heroes to use, and part of the joy was collecting each one. However, many did have overlap in abilities, and they seemed to only differ in appearance and maybe animation. The smaller list of playable characters makes each one feel unique with their skill sets and usable devices, and serves as another way the game differs from what came before. Also, to compensate for the lack of character selection, there is the ability to unlock a variety of costumes drawn from their looks in different media.
Lego Batman: The Legacy of the Dark Knight separates itself from all other video games featuring the popular toy. It has gorgeous graphics, improved and challenging changes to the gameplay, and an overall appreciation of the caped crusader that makes for an exciting experience.
