LEGO Batman: The Videogame Review

LEGO Batman: The Videogame, developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, brought the Caped Crusader and his rogues’ gallery to the world of LEGO. Released on the Wii in 2008, this action-adventure title offered a unique blend of family-friendly humor, classic Batman action, and the signature LEGO gameplay loop. This LEGO Batman Wii review explores why it remains a fun and engaging experience.

Gameplay: Smashing Bricks, Solving Puzzles

LEGO Batman: The Videogame on the Wii adheres to the beloved formula established by previous LEGO titles. Players smash environmental objects, collect studs, and solve light puzzles to progress through levels. The game features a wide array of playable characters, each with unique abilities required to overcome specific obstacles.

A standout feature is the ability to play through two distinct campaigns: one as the heroes (Batman and Robin) and another as the villains (led by The Joker). This dual perspective adds significant replayability and allows players to experience the story from both sides of Gotham’s conflict. The Wii version utilizes motion controls for some actions, such as aiming Batarangs, which generally feel intuitive and add to the console’s unique appeal. The local co-op mode is a highlight, making it a perfect game for families and friends to enjoy together.

• Classic LEGO gameplay: smash, build, collect
• Dual hero and villain campaigns
• Intuitive Wii motion controls
• Extensive roster of playable characters
• Engaging local co-op multiplayer

Story and Characters: Gotham’s Humorous Take

Unlike some later LEGO games, LEGO Batman features an original storyline, not directly adapting a specific movie. The plot sees iconic villains like The Joker, The Riddler, and Penguin escaping Arkham Asylum and wreaking havoc across Gotham City. It’s up to Batman and Robin to round them up.

The game is packed with the signature silent slapstick humor that TT Games is known for, bringing a lighthearted touch to the often-dark world of Batman. The character roster is impressive, allowing players to unlock and play as dozens of heroes and villains, each with their own charming LEGO rendition.

Graphics and Sound: A Bright Gotham

On the Wii, LEGO Batman presents a colorful and blocky rendition of Gotham City. While not pushing the console’s graphical limits, the distinctive LEGO aesthetic shines through, making characters and environments instantly recognizable and appealing. The visual style holds up well due to its timeless nature.

The sound design is solid, featuring familiar Batman-esque musical themes and the classic LEGO character mumbles and grunts that convey emotion without dialogue. The overall presentation is charming and faithful to both the LEGO and Batman brands.

Content and Replayability: A Batcave Full of Secrets

LEGO Batman: The Videogame offers a substantial amount of content. Beyond the two main story campaigns, players can revisit levels in Free Play mode to uncover hidden areas and collectibles using unlocked characters. Finding all the Minikits, Red Bricks, and rescuing all the citizens provides ample incentive for completionists. The sheer number of unlockable characters and vehicles ensures that players will keep coming back for more.

Is LEGO Batman: The Videogame on Wii Worth Playing Today?

Yes, LEGO Batman: The Videogame on the Wii is still a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of LEGO, Batman, or those seeking a fun, family-friendly co-op game. Its charming humor, engaging gameplay, and wealth of content make it a classic entry in the LEGO game series. It’s a delightful way to experience the Dark Knight’s world, brick by brick.