The second sequel in the popular LEGO Batman franchise, LEGO Batman 3 Beyond Gotham brings together the best that a brick-built DC Universe has to offer to create a fun action platformer fans of all ages can enjoy.
Developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive, LEGO Batman 3 adds just enough personality to the familiar Lego videogame formula to make this outing worth mashing through. Players can stomp enemies with over 150 characters, including the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, and characters from Central City to the most obscure parts of the DCU. A number of cameos are also on the roster, including Conan O’Brien and Silent Bob himself, Kevin Smith. This is fan service at its finest, but that’s precisely what these games are about.
(Editor’s Note: If you’re too young to appreciate Batman Beyond and his appearance in LEGO Batman 3 via DLC, then hop on over to Netflix and stream that series. Aside from Batman: The Animated Series, Beyond is one my favorite portrayals of the Dark Knight. Yes, even more so than Christian Bale in The Dark Knight. I said it.)
In that regard, if you’ve played other LEGO action-adventure games, then you’ve got a good idea of what’s in store as far as gameplay goes. As one of the aforementioned superheroes, or the notorious villains they’ve been thwarting for decades, gamers are tasked with stopping Brainiac from shrinking the Earth. To do so, you need to gather millions of Lego studs, build various mini-kits, solve puzzles, and keep from cringing at dialogue intended for younger audiences. Like a Lego set intended for a fan 1/3 of my age, I found it best to simply smile and enjoy the splendor of a fully realized Watchtower, even if Wonder Woman’s theme song from the ‘70s television series cued up each time I took flight.
As colorful as LEGO Batman 3 can be, there are still a few aspects of the series that have not come out of the darkness. I understand that keeping a game intended for children offline is a preventative measure to protect them, but it’s 2014. No, children aren’t less susceptible to creepers on the internet, but I would very much enjoy the ability to play LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham with my fellow fanboys and girls online. Two player couch co-op can suffice when I’m babysitting a younger relative for the weekend, but as an “adult” with a “job” I’d love to play a few sessions on weekday evenings with other super friends online.
Fans of Lego, the DCU, and accessible action titles will get a kick out of LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. They’ll also get a POW, WHACK, and a BONK.
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is now available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, iOS, and Steam.