Lego has tackled every child-friendly IP ever created, but the transfer is at its best when there are hundreds of characters and dozens of locations to play with. TT Games’ last effort in video game form, The Skywalker Saga, was the biggest undertaking yet as it spanned nine films and an entire universe of scum and villainy. On an even playing field in terms of interest is the Batman universe, which has had many Lego iterations navigating all manner of the caped crusader’s stories. The latest entry, Legacy of the Dark Knight, attempts to bring it all together with a level of originality in story while setting the player free in Gotham. TT demonstrated focus on improving moment-to-moment action, voice immersion and theatrics with The Skywalker Saga, and doubles down here as it moves from 300+ playable characters to 7. This may sound like a downgrade, but it allows the 7 characters to feel distinct. After 20+ hours and countless collectibles, I am confident in saying that only Batman could work in the style set here. Is it the best Lego game ever? Is the open world deep enough? Do the villains keep us on our toes? Read on.
I start here with story, as I was pleasantly surprised by the way they weaved everyone’s original story into a narrative that felt rather fresh and exciting. Most previous games tell the tale brick by brick to the IPs general script, but Legacy weaves knowns with unknowns to enhance gameplay while spreading Easter eggs everywhere. Sure, Joker falls in a vat of chemicals and Bruce’s parents are killed to set him on the path of vengeance. But the Lego style of storytelling allows the light and dark to combine. The game has its expected humour everywhere, yet I found the serious moments to be the most engaging (maybe that’s my age and respect for the IP coming through, but I think youths will see this similarly). I won’t delve deeper than this on story, as it should be experienced from Bruce’s first days. My only note is that what I suspected may be ‘run-of-the-mill’ to showcase world and characters became a highlight – I always wanted to press on to the next story mission despite Gotham opening up before me.
Lego gameplay sits on a foundation of attack, build and discover. On the surface, that is the same here. There is simply more depth to the mechanics, even though the depth has its limits in combat once fighting the 100th horde. Skill trees are present to develop moves and their capabilities, with all 7 playable characters having distinct gadgets. Catwoman, for example, can call on a cat friend to navigate tunnels or use her long whip to flick switches. Batman can’t do this, which means every aspect of the game has Batman paired with a second character (you can swap these at will outside of story missions). I would have preferred being able to not have a companion when gliding through the open world to truly feel the loneliness of Batman in the dark, but the ‘friend’ (which obviously ties into co-op play) allows for all scenarios to be covered. When brawling, you’ll bash with one button and use a special move (such as a batarang or grapple) with another. There are various enemy types (normal, swords, guns, big boys, etc.) and their attire will match whatever is happening in the story. Once you build up a meter, you can press R1 to unleash an instant kill. There is enough happening here, but it can be tiresome when so many enemies pile into a screen. Thankfully, there are three difficulty options to switch between if it becomes too easy (though the hardest is not Dark Souls). Stealth also presents as a viable option, though story will often mean hordes are part of the journey. And then there’s the driving, which felt surprisingly strong and responsive. Blasting your way through Gotham in all manner of vehicles is visually pleasing, also adding yet another navigation option into the open world. With Riddler trophies, random crimes and other secrets to find, this feels like the best combination of gameplay elements in a Lego game.
In progression, it is worth advising that the game starts slow. I don’t believe I suited up until near hour two, spending the first few hours navigating snow-capped mountains while being trained by R’as Al Ghul. The open world of Gotham took longer to appear, and the customisation options in the Batcave even longer again. Unlike most Lego games, many of the core gameplay functions appear once story and the basics are established. It may be more of a challenge/slog for kids, as the mountain section can drag despite the great visuals and set pieces. There are six chapters and you’ll move between story mission and open world navigation, though even the open world is not fully accessible until all sections are unlocked. I understand the approach and like that new mechanics kept popping up. Though something such as gliding could have been accessed earlier, for example. The game ensures that all its tricks aren’t revealed early. Perhaps this is a sign of maturity and promoting longevity?
All Lego games need customisation, and that is no different here. Instead of character sets, this comes from suits, cars and Batcave decorations. Your hard-earned currency, which comes in droves across all parts of the game, is used to unlock most of the options (others are unlocked via story). Once you reach this section of the game, you’ll have upwards of 200,000 bits to use in shops. A room with all your unlocked suits is like a display cabinet, and many of these suits are deep cuts into the Batman universe. All other characters also have outfits (I don’t know why there is a zombie Jim Gordon, for example) and vehicles, really opening up how you look when exploring the game world. I spent most time in the 1989 Batman outfit, though the game presets you mostly in the 2022 Batman appearances. It’s a joy to collect and try out all the different options, providing more to do when the story is complete. Decorating sections of the Batcave with all manner of statues, tech and more is only for aesthetic, but allows for the personalisation needed to make this feel like YOUR Batman.
So, how about Batman’s rogues gallery, you ask? They’re all here. Joker, Penguin, Poison Ivy, Two-Face, Bane, Freeze…the list goes on. For many of these characters, we get to see their transformation into their super villain form. Many levels are themed off the villain’s style (such as an aquatic section of a zoo for Penguin) and henchmen represent their leaders. There were no glaring omissions in character and their drip feed across the chapters works very well. The voice acting is excellent (of course, Joker shines with influences from both Nicholson and Ledger) and each cut-scene is a joy.
Performance? I played on base PS5 and there were the two options (fidelity 30fps or performance 60fps). To me, this is a performance game and it ran well in my time. No crashes, no major bugs, no issues to report.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a love letter to the character, the fans and the Batman universe. Every layer of the game is saturated in lore and nostalgia while still crafting out its own piece of memorabilia. This is a game that tries to balance the appeal to both older and younger gamers alike, though seems best suited to adults that have grown up with a Batman poster on their bedroom wall. The tutorial is slow and many of the best aspects of the game come through after blocks of hours pass by, meaning there is always a fun surprise at the end of a well-told tale. With collectibles, currency and replayability at its core, completing the story is far from completing the game. Where do TT Games go next? It simply seems hard to top the brooding nature and setting of the famous Dark Knight.
Pros
- Interesting take on the IP’s lore
- Plenty to do and see across Gotham
Cons
- With such well-designed villains, it does seem a shame that they aren’t playable
- Slow start
4.5/5
