LEGO Batman Review for Xbox 360 (X360)

System: X360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PC, PSP, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Traveller's Tales	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Warner Bros.	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Sep. 23, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Aside from the new suit system and character abilities, the overall level design suffers from the same problem as past LEGO games: every room is littered with LEGO pieces and the only way to get from one room to the next is to destroy as much stuff as possible, assemble some LEGO object, and then flip a series of switches. It's fun at first (as bashing stuff often is), but it gets old incredibly fast.

LEGO Batman screenshot

There's also the problem of partner A.I. In past LEGO games you're A.I. buddy might do silly things like jump into a bottomless pit. Thankfully, that kind of scenario no longer happens, but it's been replaced by level glitches. When playing for review, two were encountered. One involved Batman getting across a toxin pond via an air boat, but then Robin refused to get on-board. Another took place on a Riddler and Poison Ivy villain level. A lift took off with only one of the characters. The obvious solution would be to get off the lift, letting it fall back to the bottom of the screen, collect the other character, and then ride it to the next section of the level. The lift refused to lower. Both these level glitches forced a level restart - a compromise that could have been avoided by betting bug testing.

LEGO games have never been graphical showcases, and the trend continues here. Sure, the characters are cute and the environments have a look that accurately reflects their universe, but nothing really stands out. It doesn't help that there's a problem with screen tearing. It happens often and can get distracting. The options menu includes a V-Sync control that you can flip on to eliminate the problem, but then the framerate drastically drops. All is not lost in the audiovisual department - the game's score is fantastic. Don't worry, it's not the Prince-themed soundtrack that for some reason sold millions of copies. Fans of the 1989 film with recognize it as Danny Elfman's fitting score, and it does a tremendous job.

Even though LEGO Batman does a few new things to set it apart from past entries in the LEGO series, it feels like Traveller's Tales is giving us more of the same. It's an acceptable solution given the demographic of the game, but those waiting in the wings, waiting for that one LEGO game that will convert them to the whole LEGO gaming brand, are still best served sitting this series out.

By Jason Lauritzen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
On par with past LEGO games - there's a level of charm, but you won't be blown away. Screen tearing is a problem, and the V-Sync option only slows things down.

3.7

Control
Character control works well enough, but vehicles feel a little too slippery.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Aside from whimsical cartoon noises there's no voice acting and the rest of the in-game sound design is minimal. The inclusion of Danny Elfman's score is a nice touch.

3.5

Play Value
The ability to play the villain side is a welcome addition and, like previous LEGO games, there are tons of unlockables for players to discover.

3.4

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Play as Batman, Robin or more than 12 dastardly villains -- all in super-fun LEGO form.

Master special superhero power-suits and new moves, along with the weapons unique for each character.

Build and drive Lego versions of favorite vehicles like the Batmobile, Batboat, and the Batwing.

Customize characters, build and transform game environments, and challenge yourself with multi-layered collectibles and rewards.

Designed for standard two-player, drop-in/out cooperative play.

Screen Resolution: Up to 1080i (Standard HDTV, Widescreen).