Review: LEGO Batman: The Videogame (Wii)

The storyline is very simplistic, as Gotham City’s Arkham Asylum has been the victim of a mass exodus. Several of Gotham’s most infamous criminals are now out on the town and its up to Batman and Robin to capture each and every one. Well, at least that’s the good aspect, as the majority of players will want to experience the dynamic duo. The game also offers the option of playing as one of several opponents including The Joker, Two-Face or Freeze.

The huge possibilities of the Batman universe are never going to be fully realised by what is a videogame aimed at children. The dark edge and sinister underworld of Gotham is left undisturbed, although some fans will enjoy driving the Batmobile and Batwing.  LEGO Batman was never going to be the adaptation many have hoped for, following a poor run of comic licensed titles. Yet Traveller’s Tales have merely taken the famous characters and with such assets, performed a pedestrian, workmanlike job to deliver this game.

In reality despite our criticisms, the storyline is almost meaningless as it serves to instigate only a few chapters that must be cleared constantly to unlock all the goodies that fans of the LEGO series saviour. As you build up your bank balance you can then spend spend spend in the Batcave, unlocking costumes, characters, vehicles and much more besides. The age demographic playing this title will care very little for the Gotham world, and only on having fun. Traveller’s Tales have overloaded this release with spending options, extending the lifespan of the title dramatically. It is a simple, yet effective tool, prompting repetitive returns to the same areas again and again.

The gameplay is cut from the same cloth as before, with players battering their way through levels, unlocking bonus items, attempting simple puzzles and not taxing your character to any degree. What worked before has been repeated, the ability to co-operate with Robin (or another character) to overcome obstacles is refreshing but one of the few positives for Gamestyle. For us it would be so easy to slate the bland level design, generic experience, limited AI, aimless jumping and safe gameplay for the majority of this review. However after witnessing a young relative happily playing through this title for hours on end, it has provided some food for thought.

In many aspects the same criteria we use for releases will not concern the target market for LEGO Batman and our experience confirms this. They are quite happy playing through the game, enjoying its limited vision more so than Gamestyle would have ever predicted. Some mixture is attempted with the appearance of driving and boating sections that provide a much-needed dose of velocity. The use of special powered suits is well implemented and often the key to progressing through levels or reaching new areas. These suits along with the option to play alongside a friend are the two highlights of a title that rarely pushes the Nintendo Wii to any degree. It is very much the victim of the multi-format approach, failing to take advantage of the possibilities offered by the Wii Remote.

Visually LEGO Batman is distinctly average at best, displaying a poor resolution throughout and noticeable slow down when the action heats up onscreen. The characters are well implemented but apart from this the detail is sadly lacking, the use of the Batman soundtrack is a nice touch but in this release it feels out of context.

Ultimately you cannot blame Traveller’s Tales too much for playing it safe with LEGO Batman and following their successful blueprint for retail success once again. Clearly Batman will be popular and another year will go by and fans of the LEGO series will have another title to enjoy. For any adult it represents a safe option that keeps your child amused for hours on end, and to some that will be a miraculous invention.

Rating: 5 / 10

Words by Jason Julier