Lego Batman returns with reinforcements from the DC Universe.
Hoping to build upon the huge popularity and success of Lego Batman: The Video Game, as well as the other games in their Lego series, developers Traveller's Tales have pulled out all the stops, adding an expanded cast of characters from across the DC Comics universe.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is the first game in the series to make use of voice acting and, in another first, includes an open world environment for players to explore. These new features, combined with an optional multi-player cooperative mode, ensure there is plenty to keep newcomers and experienced gamers entertained.
- The best-selling LEGO Batman franchise returns in an out-of-this-world, action-packed adventure! Play as Batman and join forces with characters from the DC Comics universe as you blast off to outer space to stop the evil Brainiac from destroying Earth. 100+ PLAYABLE CHARACTERS Play and unlock more than 100 characters with amazing powers and abilities, including members of the Justice League.
- The LEGO Batman story unfolds with Batman's greatest foes escaping from Arkham Asylum and creating mayhem throughout Gotham City. Tracking criminals, including The Joker and The Penguin, players will utilize Batman's gadgets as well as build and operate fantastic vehicles in one.
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But how does it really stack up in comparison to its predecessor?
Gameplay
Many of the gameplay elements will be familiar to those who have played previous Lego video games, with a combination of action-adventure and puzzle elements keeping gamers on their toes. However, the open world environment offers a new level of freedom and breathes new life into the series.
New gadgets are included, with examples including a power suit for Batman and heat vision for Superman. Two-player cooperative mode returns and the second player is able to drop in and out of the game as they wish, providing superb flexibility.
Furthermore, the game has plenty of replay value, with the quest for collectables and in-game currency providing a strong incentive to return to previous levels and continue to play beyond the end of the main plot.
DC Super Heroes
By featuring super heroes from the wider DC universe, Traveller's Tales have been able to include a total of 70 playable characters in the game, with Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and The Flash among the most notable. Favourites from the Batman world, such as Robin and Batgirl, also return to the all-star lineup.
The game's storyline spans from Gotham City to Metropolis and begins with Lex Luthor breaking The Joker out of Arkham Asylum. Combining excellent storytelling with classic Lego humour, it goes on to involve The Justice League and an array of recognisable villains, like Two-Face, Penguin, The Riddler and Harley Quinn.
Although the central storyline can be completed fairly quickly, taking around eight hours, there are plenty of distractions along the way to extend this.
Growing Pains
The inclusion of an open world for exploration and various other new features are extremely successful in rejuvenating the Lego video game franchise and are certainly welcome overall. However, their inclusion does mean that the game suffers from occasional growing pains.
For instance, the map does not allow players to zoom in and accurately locate unlockables, which can be a frustrating experience at times. Meanwhile, the auto save function is not the best and may take a little bit of time for the player to familiarise themselves with.
Yet, it is important to stress that none of these issues crop up too frequently and they do little to detract from what is an otherwise excellent gaming experience and a great addition to the Lego collection.
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Pros
- Expanded DC Universe provides a huge cast of playable characters
- Great fun for both adults and children alike
- Open world and voice acting are great additions
- Gameplay balances action and puzzle elements very well
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Cons
- Auto save system is not the best
- There are occasional issues with the map