'LEGO Batman' does not disappoint

• By JOSHUA WASCOM
• Special to 2theadvocate.com
• Published: Oct 6, 2008 - UPDATED: 1:42 p.m.

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“LEGO Batman” isn’t a huge step forward from the last LEGO game, “LEGO Indiana Jones.” But then, it doesn’t really need to be. “LEGO Batman” keeps as its core gameplay the same simple but fun mix of action, puzzles and destruction, and adds a few new wrinkles.

The basic gameplay, unchanged as it is, still feels natural. Controlling the Caped Crusader, his allies and his foes, you travel from level to level, collecting money and chasing down enemies. You smash up anything you can find that’s made of LEGOs, and while it still seems somewhat wrong to guide Batman through a destruction of city property for the purpose of gathering money, it’s really easy to lose yourself in the pursuit of finding every last garbage can and fire hydrant.

One of the best improvements is the expanded variation between characters. This is a trend that’s been developing since the first entry in the series, but it really shines in “LEGO Batman,” particularly in the alternate campaign that puts you in control of Batman’s enemies as they try to avoid their inevitable thwarting.

There isn’t much to the story overall, but it works, drawing elements from the movies, both TV shows and the comics. Where “LEGO Star Wars” and “LEGO Indiana Jones” parodied specific scenes from their movie sources, “LEGO Batman” roundly (but affectionately) mocks the entire franchise.

Like the previous entries, the game is really designed for play with a friend. The game has inherited some control and camera annoyances from its predecessors, and these are a lot easier to take when you have someone to laugh at you as you slip into yet another toxic waste pit through no fault of your own. The AI for your partner is acceptable, but if you’ve got the chance to play with a friend, the experience is much more engaging.

Overall, this is a very solid game for fans of anything involved. This is a definite rent for anyone who has enjoyed the previous LEGO games, anyone looking for a safe game to play with their kids and any fans of Batman (provided that you don’t mind seeing him played for laughs). The long-term replay value is a little thin, so buying is a little harder to recommend before you’ve tried it out.