Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight: players discover Batman's world

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight brings players back into the iconic world of Gotham City in a refreshed Lego style. Co-developed with Rocksteady, the game borrows plenty of elements and gameplay systems familiar to fans of the Arkham series. The result is a polished experience that feels both accessible and challenging, evoking the classic feel of superhero action.

Gameplay and mechanics

The gameplay in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is best described as 'Arkham Lite'. Players get a simplified version of the timing-based combat that defines the Arkham series. On the standard difficulty, the game moves a little slower, but higher difficulty settings are available for those looking for more of a challenge. Even with the simpler combat, the game still feels like an Arkham title, with a satisfying rhythm to every combat encounter.

The open-world concept in Legacy of the Dark Knight is similar to Arkham City and Arkham Knight. It offers a large environment packed with activities and crimes to solve, without ever feeling too complex or overcrowded. Players can collect all kinds of secrets and trophies, race, take on combat challenges, and solve environmental puzzles. Driving the iconic Batmobile and gliding through the city is just as satisfying as in earlier games.

Playable characters and unlocks

In total, there are seven playable characters in the game. These characters are unlocked by completing story missions, which also opens up more of the open world activities. The first character you control is Batman, and until you reach that point, you play as Bruce Wayne. Batman has two essential abilities: the Batarang and the Batclaw grappling hook. He can also activate different kinds of X-ray and UV vision.

Here is an overview of the main characters and their abilities:

• Batman: The main hero with tactical tools like the Batarang and Batclaw.

• Jim Gordon: Unlocked in Chapter 1, with tools such as a Foam Sprayer and his Rebound Launcher.

• Catwoman: Introduced in Chapter 2, with abilities including the Whip and Call Kitty.

• Robin: Added in Chapter 3, using the Birdarang and Cable Launcher.

• Batgirl: Available in Chapter 4, with tech-focused abilities like the Hackarang.

• Nightwing: Upgraded from Robin at the end of Chapter 4, with new electric upgrades for his abilities.

• Talia al Ghul: Available in Chapter 5, moving smoothly and quickly thanks to her League training.

Story and inspiration

While Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight draws heavily from earlier Batman stories, the narrative creativity may not fully satisfy fans. The game blends together different Batman stories from various cinematic universes, but it lacks the cohesion and focus of the original Arkham stories.

The multiplayer experience is usually fun and enjoyable, but it lacks the depth of stealth mechanics. Players have fewer tools to manipulate enemies or slip through corridors unnoticed, which often leads to combat following a stealth attack very quickly. While it is fun to team up with familiar Batman characters, the story itself feels more like a collage than a strong, continuous narrative like the Arkham games.

With this new take on the Lego game formula, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight delivers both nostalgia and fresh adventures within the beloved Batman universe. Despite a few shortcomings in the story and gameplay, it remains a solid addition to the Lego game lineup.