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• LEGO Batman: The Videogame

LEGO Batman: The Video Game

• By Flynn De Marco
• September 12, 2008 15:51 PM PST
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Play as Batman, Joker, Catwoman, Two Face, Mr. Freeze, and The Riddler in LEGO Batman.

Although LEGO Batman sticks pretty closely to the gameplay established by its predecessors, LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Indiana Jones, it incorporates a better camera and slicker graphics as well as a few new moves for the characters. The storyline is all-original too, penned by developer Traveller's Tales with approval from DC and Warner Bros. This gave the developer the opportunity to expand the Batman universe a bit and include a wide variety of characters.

Holy Familiarity, Batman!

Anyone who has played the former LEGO games will feel instantly at home with LEGO Batman. The basic gameplay remains the same with players exploring levels while collecting LEGO Pieces. The construction system is back, allowing players to build vehicles, switches and other items to help them through the level. Also back for a return visit is the drop-in cooperative play that made the first games so much fun.

Being a superhero with no actual super powers, Batman must rely on his suit and gadgetry to get by. In LEGO Batman, Batman and Robin start out in their classic costumes (Batman's grey and black and Robin's red and green) but both can take on extra powers by donning various tech suits that can be found around the world. Batman's suits will allow him to do things like glide across rooftops and plant bombs while Robin's let him climb up walls via a pair of magnetic shoes and hack electronics.

Robin slides down the icy slopes of Freeze's lair.

Villainous Villains

The roster of super villains in LEGO Batman are well represented with a cast list that includes The Joker, Penguin, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Two Face, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler, Man-Bat, Killer Croc, Killer Moth, Clayface, Harley Quinn, and Mad Hatter. Each villain is playable and comes with his or her own set of super powers like The Jokers's electric joy buzzer, Catwoman's whip, Mr. Freeze's freeze ray and The Riddler's mind control.

Villains are not stuck to specific levels either. Each level of the game can be played as either the Dynamic Duo or their villainous counterparts. For example in one level you can play as Batman and Robin trying to foil a jewel theft by the Catwoman. This same level can also be played as Catwoman as she tries to escape capture by our heroes.

While LEGO Batman certainly takes many cues from its predecessors, there is enough new material here to make it "not just another LEGO game." The addition of multiple villains and their attendant powers also adds to the fun. The easy gameplay and slick graphics make this a great choice for families, core gamers and Batman fans alike. Get ready to accompany the Dynamic Duo in their fight against evil doers (or vice versa!).

You don't want to be in the way of Batman's running jumpkick.

Mr. Freeze and Scarecrow are quite the dynamic duo.

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