LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the tribute the Dark Knight deserves
TT Games’ new game honors the legacy of one of comics’ most iconic characters
Created in 1939, Batman is one of the most remarkable characters in pop culture, with an extensive list of adaptations across a wide range of media formats, including films, animated series, video games, and more. Amid so many spin-off works, a new LEGO Batman game might not seem like a big deal, but TT Games decided to prove otherwise with LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.
Published by Warner Bros. Games, the British developer’s new title is a full-course meal for fans of the Dark Knight. From iconic suits to emblematic characters, everything in Legacy of the Dark Knight feels carefully chosen by a passionate team, delivering one of Gotham’s Guardian’s most entertaining games.
- Mixtape surprises with nostalgia packed with wisdom and emotion
- Forza Horizon 6 embraces Japan, but stumbles in the comfort of the crown
The Hero’s Origin
As expected, the adventure’s starting point is Bruce Wayne’s childhood and tragedy. Of course, here the narrative takes on a different, lighter tone, since we’re still talking about a video game set in the LEGO universe. That means the key elements of Batman’s origin are all there, but with the series’ trademark humor.
That said, we soon dive into grueling training with the League of Shadows, the secret society led by Ra’s al Ghul that played an important role in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film trilogy. In a way, the story is the result of a true mix of references, ranging from the comics and the hero’s iconic movie scenes to more recent productions, such as The Batman (2022), by Matt Reeves.
But even while drawing from different media and formats, Legacy of the Dark Knight firmly establishes itself as one of the best Batman games. Not because of the “fan service,” but because of the creativity in bringing together so many iconic elements while still feeling singular and authentic. A lot of that comes from the comedic atmosphere of the LEGO universe and the sprawling Gotham we get to explore.
Gotham’s open world
Despite having a relatively short main campaign, the game offers a wide variety of things to do in Gotham’s open world. Similar to Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018), the map is also divided into districts, and in each one, players can check what collectibles are scattered around and how many there are in each area.
If you’re the kind of player who loves exploration, TT Games’ new title can keep you busy for long hours, with tasks that include solving riddles, unlocking suits, and stopping crimes. To make the most of Gotham’s full potential, there are different ways to get around. Batman can use grappling hooks to latch on, glide, and make use of the Dark Knight’s many iconic vehicles from nearly 90 years of history.
Exploration is undoubtedly one of the game’s highlights, but the combat also delivers. Inspired by the success of Arkham trilogy by Rocksteady Studios, the brawling prioritizes fluid gameplay, using attack combos and dodges without interruption. It’s common to run into large hordes of enemies wielding different weapons. Inevitably, some foes require a bit more strategy from the player, such as the Brutes who, as the name suggests, are bigger and can deal more damage.
Another essential part of LEGO Batman games is solving puzzles using Batman’s special abilities and those of his partners. In Legacy of the Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne is joined by familiar allies such as Jim Gordon, Selina Kyle (Catwoman), and the skilled acrobat Dick Grayson (Robin/Nightwing). Each of them has different abilities and weapons, and players need to know which companion is best suited to whatever is needed to solve the puzzle.
Selina, for example, can be a great option for navigating small, hard-to-reach places, since the thief has a special ability that lets her control a kitten. Meanwhile, the admirable Jim Gordon carries a foam gun capable of stopping the movement of certain machines, while young Grayson comes equipped with a solid cable launcher. Overall, the key is to always remember to switch between characters and use focus to find elements that may be hidden.
And speaking of hidden elements, Batman’s hideout is also a scene-stealer. The Batcave can be upgraded with items scattered throughout Gotham as the campaign progresses, allowing players to expand it and add various areas, including furniture, a training sector, and collectible shops.
It’s important to note that the entire adventure can be played in three different modes: Classic, with fewer enemies and a less punishing experience; Caped Crusader, with balanced challenges; and Dark Knight – the hardest mode, featuring extra enemy hordes, more aggressive foes, and more challenging bosses.
The campaign in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight may seem brief, but it’s practically impossible to feel bored in TT Games’ new release. The British developer delivers one of the most entertaining Batman titles, one that honors the legacy of a memorable character with striking visuals and the uniquely good-natured humor of the LEGO universe – an experience that becomes even more incredible thanks to its excellent Brazilian Portuguese localization.
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight