“LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight”: we tested the video game that mixes movie nods, open world and absurd humor

The new title not only honors more than 80 years of the Dark Knightone of the flagship characters of DC Comics and Warner Brothers. It also tries to become a kind of “Arkham for all audiences”, one of the most acclaimed video game franchises in history, because it recreates the combat system of the Rocksteady studio classics with the comic chaos characteristic of LEGO.

And surprisingly, the study TT Games took all of these seasonings and made this recipe work better than expected, whether you’re a Bat-Man fan or not.

From the first minutes it is clear what the main inspiration is. The “Freeflow” combat system is practically a simplified copy of the saga Batman Arkham– chained blows, automatic counterattacks, special enemies and cinematic finishes.

Batman moves fast, connects fluid combos and uses his classic weapons, such as the batarang or batclaw, to solve combat situations and environmental puzzles to progress in the game.

There are even stealth sections where you can hang from heights, disappear into ventilation ducts and eliminate enemies silently, very much in this sweetened line of titles. Arkham Asylum (2009) o Arkham City (2011).

The difference, logically, is in the tone. Because while in the games developed by the Rocksteady studio everything was dark and solemnhere the drama can be interrupted with Batman hitting criminals with a fish or trying to infiltrate a nightclub by dancing in the style of the Adam West series.

That contrast, which is throughout history, ends up being one of the greatest successes of the game.

The action of Legacy of the Dark Knight, as expected, takes place on the streets of Gotham City. This map is probably the most ambitious open world which had one LEGO game until now.

The city is alive and full of side activities: random robberies, races against the clock, combat challenges, Riddler puzzles and criminal search missions.

Crazy tasks also appear, such as tracking escaped animals from the zoo or destroying mutant plants. Poison Ivy. In each case, the player can forget about the main story for a while and spend long hours with the side quests.

Getting around the city is fun too. Not only can you tour in any of the historic Batmobiles from the Batman series, movies and video games; it is also possible gliding with the cape and even propelling himself with the hook between buildings. Yes, also Arkham style.

Exploration also has a constant reward.

Gotham City is packed with collectibles, references, and the character’s historical costumes. From classic comic book designs to futuristic variants like Batman Beyond, the game seems obsessed with celebrate each stage of the hero.

There are also gadget upgradess using Wayne Tech chips hidden throughout Gotham and chests with tokens that can then be used in the Batcave.

These items also serve to modify our hero’s weapons or unlock new skills, more than necessary to go through the different challenges that this adventure poses.

Whether you’re a Bat-Man fan or not, the story works as a compilation of “greatest hits”. It does not follow a specific continuity, but rather mixes moments from movies, animated series, comics and video games with the classic imprint that LEGO usually gives to its video games.

For example, there are sequences inspired by the trilogy of Christopher Nolanrecreated scenes from Batman Tim Burton and direct nods to The Batman by Matt Reeves. There are even references to memes and controversial moments from the DC cinematic universe.

But perhaps the most interesting thing is how the game manages balance nostalgia and parody without making fun of the character. It respects Batman’s legacy while turning him into a lovable caricature of himself. What’s more, for those who grew up with the Batman animated series, the ’90s films or even the Arkham saga, the level of fan service can be dangerously effective.

Although it maintains the typical accessibility of LEGO – a simple, relaxing experience suitable for all audiences -, this delivery incorporates a much more elaborate progression system.

The game is designed so that the player can alternate control between Batman and his eventual companions. (Talia al Ghul, Robin, Catwoman, Batgirl or Jim Gordon, among others) at any time to solve various puzzles or access hidden areas that require the combination of your unique skills.

Additionally, local cooperative mode in split screen allows a second player to take on the role of these allies permanently during quests or open world exploration.

All of this generates a constant feeling of progress and makes completing side activities meaningful beyond collecting. While it does not have the complex structure of a modern role-playing game, where the character levels up and makes decisions that affect the development of the game; Yeah offers much more depth than one would expect in a game of this class.

For all this, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is, generally speaking, simple and very easy to handle. It is a game with the dose of absurd humor that serves to “disconnect”, while having a good time, whether alone or accompanied. There is no need to waste time thinking about how to act or get nervous about having to repeat levels.

At times it seems like a parody of Arkham. For others, an unexpected spiritual sequel. And in the middle he finds an identity that achieves something difficult: renew fandom for Batman after decades of movies, series and video games.

The video game review was carried out on the PlayStation 5 console.