Developer: Travellers Tales
Platform: PC, PS3, Vita, Xbox 360, Wii, 3DS, DS
Rating: 7+
Genre: Action Adventure

The better entries of the Lego adaptions have been a surprisingly useful series in my own household. As an experienced gamer their main story modes provided little challenge but instead rewarded my playing with some clever puzzles and affectionate parodying of some of my favourite films. The two player co-operative mode and simple gameplay have also allowed me to teach a few non-gamers (ranging from ages 5 to 32) the basics of gaming to the point where they can now play a variety of titles.

Gameplay follows the same mould of previous entries. Each level has two playable characters (when played in single player mode, you can switch between them) and both are vital to ensure progress. Punching enemies, demolish background objects to reveal new lego blocks to build and finding unlockable powers / characters remains the central objectives. New for Batman 2 is the range of superheroes (and villains) now range the entire DC universe rather than just the Batman mythos and that action is no longer limited to one screen in two player mode (this is new for Batman although was in previous Lego games). More notably is the inclusion of spoken dialogue.

In previous entries into the series, a large part of the humour was derived through the silent comedy recreations of famous cinematic scenes, so I was therefore quite worried about the inclusion of a voice cast. My fears proved unwarranted as it turned out to be a vital component in producing a more complex and funnier story then usual for a lego game. As a comic book fan I had a number of laugh out moments (Superman's intro being the foremost) and I suspect anyone with even the most limited passing familiarity of Batman will still be able to enjoy everything here.

Gameplay offered here probably will only last about 10 hours at a maximum in story mode. For experienced gamers, replaying levels with new unlockable characters – the only way to ensure 100% completion - could well double or tripled that depending on how much of a completest you are. Less experienced players may find this an easier starting point into gaming particularly when aided by another player. The driving sections, a bane of previous entries, have been overhauled but I can't help feel the need to drive into Gotham may make the task of getting between missions unnecessarily cumbersome for newer players. Finally, I do have to point out that the usual Lego gameplay element of smashing everything in sight is a poor fit for Batman. I spent more time demolishing everything in his beloved Gotham than catching the crooks and soon I concluded the greatest threat to the city was myself!

Lego Batman 2 is not a challenge to experienced gamers but it never was meant to be. Funny cut scenes, clever level design and some greater difficulty when seeking 100% completion makes this a fun play through by itself and a wonderful means to entice new gamers to the fold.

Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 3.5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replay: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Reviewed by: Jack Gallagher