Video Game Review: Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes

     This review is not the one that it needs but the one that is deserves. Given the title, Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes is not just another Lego game and is certainly not just another Batman game. At first, I was skeptical, DC Superheroes? In June, I thought Traveller's Tales (Developer) was going to shoehorn every DC Superhero without the slightest context just to add more characters, cuteness and replay value. Fast-forward to August, how wrong I was.

Arkham City style posters

     Characters talk this time around. One might expect everything to go awry as we're so accustomed to the gibberish-speaking minifigures but the voice acting works wonders along with the witty dialogue. The least one would expect when the industry's best voice actors are lending their talent such as Troy Baker (The Last Of Us, Bioshock Infinite) and Nolan North (The Uncharted series, every other game you've played).

     The story is one of the highlights. Even at the beginning, Batman and Robin have their hands full with classic villains running amok and spreading fear throughout the brick-filled Gotham. The game does a good job at introducing established characters from other DC Comics as the narrative progresses and they fit perfectly in Batman's world. One of the best moments is when the Justice League show up in the wet streets of Gotham to rain down justice. There's still the tongue-in-cheek humour that we've come to expect from a Lego game and it is abundant. There's even a reference to the Dark Knight's outing last year, Batman: Arkham City. By the end of the story, I've only completed less than a third of the game.

Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman in Lego form

Green Lantern and The Flash in the Batcave

     The other two thirds of the game lies in Gotham itself. Gone are the signature hub worlds, you are then treated to an entirely open city where you have the freedom to explore. The city is full of puzzles to solve that nets you gold and red bricks to unlock various characters and cheats. Puzzles are simple enough to accomodate younger players. Famous villains are also found among the common rabble of street thugs wielding pies and giant mallets.

A whole city to explore at your will

     The game does have a few minor flaws, though. Flying around the city as Superman or in a vehicle can prove to be a bit of a struggle in tight corners. The dynamic split-screen can also be quite wacky but that can be easily remedied with a quick change of settings. As a whole, the overall package is superb and full of content that will keep you coming back for more. Rating: 9.5/10

Save Gotham as the Caped Crusader... and friends!