Reviews – Lego Batman (DS)

Lego Batman may be a new Nintendo DS release that put players in the boots of the Caped Crusader, but its core gameplay is a familiar one. Players that experienced Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy would probably get a sense of déjà vu with Lego Batman, but that doesn’t make the game less enjoyable.

For the benefit of those living under a rock for the past 70 years, Lego Batman stars superheroes/crime fighters Batman and his sidekick Robin. The game also features many of the duo’s enemies, which could eventually be used as playable characters. Lego Batman’s main activities involve puzzle solving and combat. There is a stronger emphasis on puzzle solving, but since Lego Batman is aimed at a younger audience, the puzzles are a bit easy. However, the game isn’t exactly a cakewalk because not knowing where to go next is quite a common occurrence.

Aside from the ability to control a multitude of characters (and villains) in the Batman universe, Lego Batman also lets players don multiple suits of the Dynamic Duo. The suits are not mere skins because each provides a special ability that can be used to negotiate the game’s many obstacles. The villains also have unique talents that can set off character-specific items, giving players an incentive to play Lego Batman several times.

Since the game features Batman and Robin, there would always be a character that would be controlled by the AI. Of course, the playable villains also come in pairs. Players can swap control between duos at any given time, though there is a reasonable range that limits the switching.

The Nintendo DS version may not be as pretty as its console counterparts, but it’s apparent that a good deal of effort has been invested on the game. The visuals are smooth, while the comic-book style panels are somewhat detailed. Based on the 1989 Batman film (and subsequent animated series), the background music is a cause for nostalgia that never gets old.

For a handheld game, Lego Batman offers a hefty bit of replay value. There’s a “free play” mode that lets players repeat any completed level with any unlocked character. What’s more, there the DS version also comes with wireless internet for two. Like any Lego-themed video game, Lego Batman never fails to charm adult gamers even if it was originally intended for the younger crowd. Lego Batman may not feel as fresh as the earlier Lego games, but it certainly offers a substantial bang for one’s buck.

7.5/10

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