Gotham’s Kids Praise Lego Batman’s Heroics And You Should Too

Among the many expectations one might bring to a new Lego game, the inclusion of a nuanced stealth system is certainly not typical. Then comes Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, proving to be the exception and deservingly so, as it was a significant and welcome surprise. That said, does this title successfully integrate mechanics from more mature Batman adventures into the familiar Lego framework?

Solving Crimes by Building The Evidence

Following a preview session, players noted how quickly time was expiring because they were completely engrossed in methodically eliminating enemies from the shadows. Ultimately, this playthrough is a clear indicator of a game that defies its own genre conventions. Legacy of the Dark Knight‘s most immediate and obvious influence is the celebrated Arkham game series.

Specifically, the core DNA of those acclaimed titles is woven directly into this Lego homage’s combat system. For instance, the game’s surprisingly vertical level design allows players to execute stealth takedowns on a goon before swiftly retreating to the high vantage points. Not only that, but a hit counter allows for the chaining of extensive combos. Additionally, mechanics for dodging projectiles and countering incoming attacks manage the aggression of a crowd of enemies.

These features represent a more complex approach to brawling that introduces a depth far beyond the simple button-mashing of earlier Lego games. Unfortunately, Legacy of the Dark Knight doesn’t possess the visceral weight of a Rocksteady production. Yet, it makes up for it with its system that provides a satisfying and strategic layer to encounters.

The Batmobile: Now in Multiple LEGO Styles

According to developer TT Games, the entire history of Batman was the inspiration for Legacy of the Dark Knight, and not just the recent Arkham era. Throughout the game, players can see this expansive vision manifest in numerous ways. For instance, navigating the open streets of Gotham City offers a fun time for fans of the Nolan films as they can commandeer the iconic Tumbler Batmobile.

Meanwhile, blending the aesthetic of 2022’s The Batman and Danny DeVito’s incarnation of The Penguin from three decades prior clearly inspired a separate sequence. The demo even delved deeper into the character’s lore by highlighting the Red Hood Gang from Alan Moore’s seminal graphic novel, The Killing Joke. Furthermore, the strategic director at TT Games, Jonathan Smith, revealed that the development team focused on crafting an original narrative that pulled from every decade of Batman’s legacy. As a result, this new Lego game could potentially yield a wholly unique experience.

Lego Batman Proves Some Heroes Wear Plastic

Whether this intricate Batman simulation truly coexists with the traditional, lighthearted mechanics of a Lego title remains to be seen. At its foundation, Legacy of the Dark Knight remains a Lego game, retaining the core mechanics that have defined the franchise for two decades. Its gameplay will have players performing various tasks, including:

• smash objects into their component bricks to build new items
• collect studs as currency for unlocks
• switch between characters to utilize their unique abilities

Although the game remains a family-friendly, sanitized interpretation of the Dark Knight, TT Games will infuse its signature slapstick humor and witty dialogue. What’s more, players will notice a level of complexity previously unseen in the series. Specifically, Legacy of the Dark Knight‘s rendition of Gotham City isn’t just a backdrop, but a sprawling, dark, and vertically immense playground.

For players wanting high-stakes action, this environment is perfect for gliding between skyscrapers on air currents and dive-bombing on unsuspecting enemies. Additionally, others seeking challenging puzzles and collectibles will have fun playing, as they’ll devote countless hours searching for various content or exploring the world. If reports are true, even the infamous Riddler Challenges return may be okay, as they may actually become “beatable,” unlike in earlier Lego Batman iterations.