Title: LEGO Batman: The Videogame
Platform: Available for all major platforms.
Platform Reviewed: PS3
Developer: Traveler's Tales
Publisher: Warner Brothers
MSRP: $49.99, £39.99, €49.99
Writer: Martin '
lost' Perry
LEGO Batman: The Videogame Review
Gamers will now all be familiar with the LEGO series of games developed by Traveler's Tales. After “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” iterations of the series it was time to look elsewhere for inspiration and it's in DC Comics favourite, “Batman”, that they have found it.
I use the word inspiration lightly however as it appears the developer has had very little whilst developing this new title. Players of the other three games in the series will at once feel over-familiar with the games content. We are seeing the same engine at work, with the same sort of character distinctions all rounded up into the exact same sort of gameplay.
Quite clearly the series has it's fans, I myself thoroughly enjoyed “LEGO Indiana Jones”, however even hardened plastic brick veterans will find very little to excite in this new title. The obvious lure of these games is seeing familiar, beloved characters in brick form and the novelty of being able to play as all of them. As such “Batman” should have been a standout title. His rogue's gallery is recognised as the best in comics and he himself a legend of the medium.
Unfortunately every character is reduced to an overly simple representation even for LEGO. The game breaks itself into two distinct paths each, good and evil. The “good” campaign consists of gameplay restricted to Batman and Robin with no involvement from other plausible characters such as Batgirl, Batwoman and Nightwing. Although you can unlock new character skins to play with on a second attempt you still have to trudge through the game at least once to unlock them. And trudge you shall as the “good” campaign feels like a chore.
Within the fifteen levels you play as the dynamic duo you will find simple platforming, plenty of switch flicking, some vehicle based levels and several suit options. These suit options are used to solve the games puzzles by equipping Batman and Robin with things like magnetic feet or explosives. This decision is particularly annoying. Instead of well equipt utility belts you find heroes who must instead rely on suit changes to overcome obstacles. This turns Batman into the Iron Man we all know from 90's cartoons. No ingenuity, just a different costume.
Perhaps some might think I'm taking the characters a little too seriously, after all it is a LEGO game right? Well in a double-edged sword the game proves how poorly designed the “good” campaign is through the strength of the “evil” alternative. Although you play the same three stories in either branch the levels are entirely different for the bad guys. A wide range of Batman's foes are on show from mass market favorites such as Joker so some slightly more obscure characters like Killer Moth. Each has there own specific powers that feel better tuned to their comic counterparts by virtue of variety. Instead of trying to shoehorn an ability onto a singular character the developers have been able to provide the player with a change of pace for each.
Co-op makes it's return to the title which is a god-send, although the online support has been dumped. Friendly A.I hasn't improved at all and you will frequently find yourself shouting at your computer controlled partner to stay still. The gameplay revolves around co-operation and as such any joy you might find in working out a particular section is dashed once your cohort decides to follow you into the water once again. No doubt the lack of any command system is to avoid confusing the younger players of the game. However, if such a decision is made then you better make sure you have tight artificial intelligence. “LEGO Batman” does not.
Despite the games failure to create a Batman experience you can truly enjoy the city of Gotham is extremely well crafted. Although we are definitely in Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher territory each level has a pleasing aesthetic. Things feel suitably gothic with a strong emphasis on darkness, grime and danger. The varied locations have definitely been inspired far more by comic books and the “original” set of films than Chris Nolan's new series. Locations such as Mr. Freeze's ice-cream factory and the snow covered Gotham Zoo feel decidedly familiar and satisfying. Were you to put a realistic looking Batman into these levels he would not look out of place.
Audio is a sore point. Traveler's Tales have licensed the Danny Elfman soundtrack to the 1989 films for the games music and this decision falls flat. That particular score was praised for it's sense of urgency and danger, accompanying the shadowy character of Batman well. With it being looped in the background it loses all effect, the only strong point being that it calls forth memories of a better understanding of the Dark Knight.
Sound effects feel familiar with many recycled from previous games. Although there isn't any voice acting per-se each character makes emotive noises and grunts which all sound spot on. My particular favourite being Harley Quinn's giggle which is identical to the animated series.
These giggles and grunts help move the games story forward. Without a set of films to call upon the developers have had to create the three stories themselves. Things suffer because of this, each a typical tale of criminal intent but none of them can call up humour through association. Unlike “Star Wars” these stories aren't classics to parody and therefore the injected slapstick doesn't have the same effect.
The unfortunate truth is that “LEGO Batman” fails to provide a fun Batman experience. The gameplay will feel so familiar that the fact there is more of it this time doesn't make a difference. By the time your first playthrough is over you will already be bored to tears. Points can be given for the games presentation but things feel limp and lifeless elsewhere. Things might have been improved if the two distinct sections of the game were brought together to provide a better, if more slimline experience. Overall, if your curiosity really does get the better of you just make sure you rent. Yes it's a LEGO game but in the past they have managed to capture more of the characters they are using.
Score: 2 out of 5
The Good- Gotham City is brought to life.
- Joker and Harley Quinn's first level is a particular high point.
- May tide some over until “Batman: Arkham Asylum”.
The Bad- The gameplay feels ridiculously familiar.
- The whole experience is uninspired with very little in the way of fresh ideas.
- The friendly A.I is frustrating at best.
The Ugly- Paying more for the PS3 or 360 version is a slap in the face.
- Batman and Robin are reduced to dullards.
