One-button melee with context-sensitive counterattacks ensures you bash through baddies without breaking a sweat. Combat is mostly unchanged from previous adventures. Outside of puzzle solving, you trade punches with miscreants who don't realize that attacking Batman is always a bad idea. Rarely are the puzzles tricky enough to seriously stump you, but seeing the different environments and dangers is reason enough to continue playing. There's a pleasing rhythm to the problem solving because you seamlessly go from one puzzle to the next, using different abilities to interact with the environment in unique ways. Staring at an indestructible computer? Jump into Batman's power suit to blow it sky-high. See that metal-plated wall over there? Don Robin's magnetic suit to walk right up to it. As you walk through recognizable locales such as the Batcave and Lex Luthor's office, your primary job is to solve puzzles. Tightly structured levels place Batman, Robin, and any other superhero willing to lend a hand in treacherous locations. See the world through Scarecrow's foggy vision.Īfter you arrive in a stage, events play out just like in previous Lego adventures. Getting from one location to the next is a fumbler's quest because loose vehicle controls and a zoomed-in camera make turning a tricky task, and the lack of a minimap hinders your ability to navigate. In a game already bursting with content, having so many places to go and things to collect is almost overwhelming-in a good way-and could have propelled Lego Batman 2 to new heights, if only the execution were better. Needy citizens call for help, tantalizing collectibles dangle just out of reach, and distractions surface every few steps. The transition from linear level progression to open-world freedom is the biggest change from previous Lego games. Once the story gets under way, you're set loose in Gotham City to roam and venture as you please. Robin's adoration of Superman plays wonderfully into this dynamic, creating hilarious moments whenever these three are onscreen together. Bats tries to keep his jealousy bottled up, but his feelings surface as mean-spirited jabs and 4-year-old-caliber pouting that reveal Bruce Wayne's petty side. The interplay between Batman and Superman is particularly funny.

Cutscenes are littered with clever jokes that should make DC aficionados flash a knowing smile.

Rather, it's the goofy storytelling that's so enjoyable. Political aspirations serve as the driving force behind the mischievous duo's latest harebrained scheme, but it's not Luthor's attempt at rigging an election that stands out. When the Joker joins forces with Lex Luthor, only bad things can happen. Now Playing: Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Video Review

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

Lego batman 2 game review