Shocking Introduction: The First Chapter of LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

It’s pretty crazy to me that I am so excited for a LEGO game, but that is a testament to the brand Tt Games has created. It all started for me with LEGO Star Wars and before I knew it, I had expanded to Pirates of the Caribbean and Batman. In creating a sequel to the uber popular Batman version of the game, Tt took the smart approach in branching out to the rest of the DC Universe roster, and with that, the second LEGO Batman game has officially been titled LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes. Batman is still the star of the show, but instead of just being Batman and Robin on the cover (and maybe Joker), Superman and Lex Luthor join them.

I’m not too far into the game, but from what I’ve played, I am already ready for someone other than Batman and Robin. With the first LEGO game, there were only so many outfits that could be thrown on Batman before it was a bit of the same. When compared to the vast array of characters available in the Star Wars and Pirates franchises, choosing which outfit to throw on Nightwing or Batgirl was a bit boring. Enter the Justice League and problem solved. I am really looking forward to getting the achievement for defeating Sinestro as Hal Jordan, as well as getting my hands on Hawkman. Well, I hope.

The baddies are still mostly Batman bad-guys, but Lex Luthor is very prominent. Two things immediately stick out about the interaction early in this video between Lex and Joker and they are:

1. Wait, the characters are voiced?

2. Wait, I thought Mark Hamill retired as the Joker?!?

Apparently so, and apparently not, but either way, I am not complaining considering Mark Hamill’s Joker is the best Joker of all time. Yes, I said it. This game, so far, is set up a bit differently from previous LEGO games in that there is not necessarily a central receiving area after each mission. There is, but there is a bit of an open world environment involved in going place to place, and every really feels a bit more episodic then it’s predecessors.

At first, I didn’t think I’d like the voice-over work with the LEGO characters, as there was always a bit of a charm to the voiceless little plastic men, but I am enjoying it. The graphics are incredible and over-all, this is what mindlessly fun video games are all about, except now, thanks to voice-overs from the characters, the story is that much better. Throw in a day one price of $49.99, this is a must buy if you have kids… or if you’re just a big “grown up” kid like me. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is in stores now.