Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Review: Not the Batman game we need, but the one we deserve!

Batman’s history in the video game space has been as tumultuous and diverse as his extensive list of foes throughout the years. There have been many ups and downs, and while IGN has a very in-depth history of the Caped Crusader on the interactive entertainment platform, I have my own fond memories of donning the cape and cowl long before Rocksteady redefined the character. I enjoyed the side-scrolling adventures back during the NES days, and despite critical reviews, games like Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu and the video game adaptation of Batman Begins will always have a special place in my heart.

Needless to say, I am a massive fan of the Rocksteady Arkham Trilogy, and honestly, I really liked Arkham Origins as well. Since completing Arkham Knight, however, I’ve had a bit of a Bat-void in my life. Sure, games like Marvel’s Spider-Man and Shadow of Mordor have replicated the core action gameplay of the Arkham series quite well, but they still aren’t a tale of the Dark Knight.

Enter Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a faithful, playful retelling of the Caped Crusader’s many cinematic outings. This game covers everything from the recently released The Batman starring Robert Pattinson to Christian Bale’s iconic turn in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, and a whole lot more. Despite being a “Lego” game with content mostly targeted at younger audiences, I am shocked at how thoroughly it kept 40-year-old me engaged. All I kept thinking was, “I can’t wait to play this with my son when he is old enough.” Let’s dive into the Batcave and see what makes this game tick.

Table of Contents

Story: Holy Narrative Mashup, Batman!

We have all enjoyed the recent Batman movies, and Legacy of the Dark Knight wisely sticks to the tried-and-tested origin of the billionaire orphan donning the cape and cowl to save his city. However, the true brilliance lies in how expertly the story weaves together acts from different cinematic universes to give you a seamless experience.

For example, while you are following the breadcrumbs that recreate the introduction of Batman and Carmine Falcone from Batman Begins, the game’s narrative effortlessly transitions right into the thrilling Penguin highway chase from The Batman without breaking a sweat. It is this clever, seamless stitching of iconic situations from entirely different movie eras that kept me thoroughly entertained. I won’t spoil any more of the surprises here, but lore enthusiasts have a massive, holistic adventure to look forward to. The joke is certainly not on us this time!

Gameplay: Pow! Biff! Bam!

Developer Traveller’s Tales has done an excellent job marrying the aspects that made the Arkham games special with the standard Lego game formula. The result is a package that is accessible for young kids to pick up and play, while adding a nice spice of challenge for veteran gamers.

You have the standard attack, counter, and dodge mechanics lifted straight from the Arkham series, but you also have the ability to use your special gadgets mid-fight to distract and stun foes. Since the game is built around co-op, you are actively encouraged to switch to your AI partner when playing single-player to utilise their specific abilities for puzzle-solving. During the early hours, for instance, you are accompanied by Commissioner Gordon, who uses a “sticky gun” to immobilise enemies and trigger out-of-reach puzzle switches.

The pacing of the game is also fantastic. You spend a considerable amount of the opening act as Bruce Wayne, tracing his journey from the young boy who lost his parents to the young man undergoing linear, ninja-training sequences with Ra’s Al Ghul.

Once you return to Gotham, the open world is initially restricted, holding your hand just enough to help younger players learn the ropes. But once the mechanics, story, and world truly open up? You are soaring through the Gotham skyline just like you did in Arkham Knight. It is an exhilarating feeling! Driving the Batmobile is equally fluid and fun, recreating iconic film chase sequences to a T. The last time I was grinning ear-to-ear like this was while tackling the Sinister Six in Marvel’s Spider-Man on the PS4.

It is also worth noting a few key features that really elevate the experience: The game features seamless drop-in, drop-out local co-op, making it incredibly easy for a parent to jump in and help a child through a tough puzzle. Furthermore, there is an absolutely massive unlockable character roster and a Free Play mode, encouraging you to replay story missions with different villains and heroes to find hidden collectables. Finally, utilising the Xbox Series X, the game fully supports Quick Resume, letting you jump back into Gotham in mere seconds.

Graphics & Sound: Sights and Sounds of Gotham

I played the game on the Xbox Series X, and while we can rely on the wizards at Digital Foundry to pixel-peep on our behalf, I think the game looks absolutely stunning, especially popping off the screen on my LG B9 OLED TV. Unlike the Arkham games, which famously evacuated the streets, this Lego Gotham is bustling with pedestrians, making the city feel truly alive. The visually stunning world genuinely looks and feels like it was meticulously built using real plastic bricks, adding a layer of undeniable, cute charm to the gritty streets. The environmental effects are a massive standout; the rain splashing against the pavement and the neon reflections shining across the slick Gotham roads look incredible, all enhanced by very decent HDR mastering.

Gameplay remains buttery smooth even during chaotic brawls, and the intentionally clumsy, fun character animations are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Top it all off with cutscenes that are directed so beautifully they look like they were pulled straight from a high-budget Lego theatrical movie, and you have a visual treat.

The auditory experience is equally impressive and packs quite a punch. The sound design ensures that the thuds, smacks, and punches of combat sound incredibly weighty, making every encounter satisfying. Whether you are firing up the roaring afterburner of the Batmobile or listening to the heavy snap of Batman’s cape as he glides across the skyline, the audio work is stellar. Amidst the heavy action, the classic, high-pitched chime of collecting Lego studs brings back a wave of nostalgic memories from classic TT Games. Tying the whole presentation together is the top-notch voice acting. While it might not quite eclipse the comedic heights of The Lego Batman Movie, it sits right up there at a close second.

The Final Verdict: To the Batcave!

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is an absolute triumph. It successfully blends the brooding, satisfying combat of the Arkham series with the lighthearted, puzzle-solving charm of a Lego game. It’s the perfect bridge to introduce the expansive world of Batman to a younger generation, while packing in enough nostalgia, tight gameplay, and cinematic easter eggs to keep adult fans thoroughly hooked.

Editor’s Rating: 9/10

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