Score
Gameplay:	7
Graphics:	8
Sound:	8
FunFactor:	8
PlasmaFactor:	8
Overall:	7.8

LEGO Batman: The Video Game Review
October 11, 2008 by Jereme Puik

Lego Batman: The Video Game is the 5th game in a line of LEGO games from Traveller's. We've had a jump from the exciting Star Wars universe, to Indiana Jones (which flapped a bit) to the recent release of LEGO Batman. Many have hyped this title, while others have shrugged it off claiming it as just another LEGO game with different universes. While both sides have valid reasons for loving at hating the game, the truth of the matter is that it's a bold change for TT Games and a bit of a fresh renewal as well. Yes, it's still the same LEGO formula we've seen for the past couple of years, but it's different then we might expect.

Holy LEGO's Batman!

When first playing LEGO Batman: The Video Game, I had some abysmal thoughts about the game. However, after playing through a few sessions I came to realize that no matter how you slice it, if you're light hearted about the game, you can have fun whether you’re playing by yourself or with a friend. There are glaring problems, of course, but that doesn't seem to have changed since this LEGO line was formed. Things such as a clueless and annoying partner AI and sticking to the same routine are two of the biggest problems with this title.

I almost thought we were rid of that by now, but it looks like we are not. LEGO Batman: The Video Game continues the tradition of destroying LEGOs to build items and vehicles to get you through the level. Your enemy AI doesn't pose much of a challenge, especially when you encounter the bosses. I'd say the only challenge I really had was figuring out how I'm going to solve the mini-puzzle that keeps Clayface, Poison Ivy or Mad Hatter continually jumping all over the level. These bosses weren't much of a threat once you got them down to your level and you could easily down them in less then 5 minutes.

The humor is what always made me love the LEGO games. LEGO Batman is surely not without its humor. The fact that it’s the famous pairing of Batman and Robin (doesn't matter which Robin, use your imagination here) makes it much more entertaining. Robin's antics throughout each cut-scene make it worth it to complete each level alone, despite how mundane it might be. Don't forget to pay Alfred a visit in the Batcave. Here is where you'll be spending you're time between "Episodes" choosing which Batvehicle to take on to the next chapter in the story. There's no order here to speak of so don't worry about choosing the Batplane or Batmobile first.

There is another side to this nest though. After playing through the Hero side, you jump into the Batcave and make the switch to the Villain side. This is probably the one original element that brings LEGO Batman just an inch over its predecessors. Playing as villains like the Joker, The Riddler and others have their own advantages over playing as just Batman and Robin.

Each villain has their own special ability to help you defeat all the cops that may come after you. This is where the "original" storyline comes from. The villains breaking out of Arkham Asylum is really nothing new here, playing as your favorite villain is though. You have an entirely new storyline to keep you busy. The cut-scenes are just as humorous and provide good times all around. Playing as the Joker is a real treat and just hearing his laugh could give you a grin on your face as it did me.

LEGO Batman: The Video Gamecontinues its drop in/drop-out co-op play and it continues to work. There is no online mode in Lego Batman, but Lego games like this don't really need to be online. I might be in the minority here, but it really wouldn't make much sense to have Lego co-op online. Its fun to work together and talk out face-to-face to help each other out during those complicated levels that may haunt you later in the game. That's about the only real draw to keep you in this mix of this LEGO adventure.

Graphics

Don't seem too discouraged that TT Games hasn't changed its overall visual style much. Once something is a success you know they aren't going to mess around with it and risk letting a good thing go. The visual art style of LEGO Batman is a bit different then in the past games. Gotham City is rendered almost perfectly in the LEGO world. You get a darker feeling and the ambiance is as if you're watching Batman: The Animated Series. The city is darkened and gives off the mood and shows Batman in his true light or darkness.

Sound

There is much to be said about the sound design and that is the fact that they use the original Batman theme created by Danny Elfman. The man was genius when he created this theme for Batman: The Animated Series. It's effective and works well. Yes, it's the only song in the game that really stands out and follows you throughout, but that's not the point. Casual fans may get tired of it eventually, but hardcore's like myself can't get enough of it. The compelling thing about the soundtrack is that it brings players back to the good old days during the 90s where cartoons were simple and tracks like Danny Elfman's Batman theme were so epic it would easily get stuck in our heads.

Plasma Factor

The drop-in/drop-out co-op play is what really keeps any LEGO title floating in the open sea. If you’re playing this game solo, you might start to get annoyed at your partner AI every once in a while if you’re trying to complete certain parts of the levels. Get a friend to play this with you, it’ll create much better times and take the ease out of feeling like you wasted your hard-earned cash. The villain side is also a bonus since I know that everyone has wanted to play as the Joker and it is quite worth the wait. All you need is to wait a little longer through the Hero story and you will be surprised at what you can do with the villains.

Conclusion

So, is LEGO Batman: The Video Game worth it? Yes and no. Yes, mostly because its Batman and Robins antics alone that makes up for some of the mundane levels you have to go through to get to those cut-scenes. Yes, because playing as the villains is more than likely what everyone has always wanted to do as far as these LEGO games are concerned, and TT Games finally got something right. No because the formula hasn't changed much and you're still looking at LEGO Batman and saying it's just a [insert popular LEGOs series here] game, nothing to see here. No online co-op might fret off a few people looking for some online action. LEGO Batman: The Video Game sees itself as a rental and something you should really think about before purchasing, so that you don’t feel like you’ve wasted that purchase.