Batman In Bits (Lego Batman: The Videogame (Wii))

Member Name: lilmsnaughty79

Product:	Lego Batman: The Videogame (Wii)
Date:	02/03/09 (210 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Addictive

Disadvantages: Some Frustrations

Batman In Bits
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I've always been intrigued by the Lego games but had never actually played one, but I lucky enough to be given Lego Batman for Christmas for the Wii.

The game is in effect a 3D platform game. You can play as the cape crusader and his trusty sidekick Robin, or you can play as the many villains. The villains are more interesting as they all have specific abilities, for example, some are strong, some can walk on toxic areas etc. For free play you will need to use characters with specific strengths for some areas for completion.

Story mode is where the main part of the game plays out, either as hero or villain. The levels are not too challenging, but there are some tricky moments. Along the levels you collect studs that can be used to unlock characters for use in free play mode. There are always two player characters on screen at once, if you're playing alone then you can switch between them with the Wii controlling the other character. The AI for the Wii character can be very frustrating. It is best to play with two players if you can.

Once the levels have been completed in story mode with the supplied characters it is possible to play them again in free play mode. In this mode it is possible to switch between a number of characters. The reason for free play mode is to fully complete the levels. To do this you need to collect enough studs, find the red brick and get all ten parts to the mini kits. Once you start trying to fully complete levels it can become very addictive, but also a little frustrating when trying to find some of the well hidden items.

The level design is very good, some levels can be a bit short though. There is a lot of eye candy. Almost everything can be bashed or blown up to reveal studs or Lego bricks to build something with. Some levels are entirely set in vehicles, these are the hardest to complete in either story of free play modes.

The graphics are more than adequate, it runs smoothly most of the time although there are occasionally slow downs, they're so infrequent that really doesn't matter. It looks like a lot of time and effort has been put into the design. Gotham City itself is very dark and gritty, just like in the films.

The soundtrack used is from the old Tim Burton Batman film by Danny Elfman. I know it's not original but it certainly stands the test of time. It adds to the atmosphere of the game.

The game doesn't really use the power of the Wii's motion sensing abilities at all, it uses the nanchuck and works in a very conventional way. This really is not the sort of game that would use motion sensing. The only Wii specific control it uses is pointing which is used when firing the Bat-O-Rangs. Unfortunately there is also no online play at all.

Summing up, I have enjoyed Lego Batman and feel I have got my money's worth. The story mode tends to be over a bit too quickly, but I found playing in free play to fully complete the levels becomes addictive. This adds a lot of value to the game. There is also a large dose of humour injected into the game. I can't see it being a game that I will play again once fully complete. For the price I don't think you can go wrong, it can currently be picked up for £17.99 at many online shops.

Recommended.

Summary: Lots Of Fun At A Great Price