LEGO Batman: The Videogame

$50, Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360

Teaches: logic, collaborative play

CTR Rating: 90%

CTR Review

See LEGO Batman 2 DC Super Heros (CTR July 2012). Fun and rich in features, but not all that different than previous LEGO games (see LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Indiana Jones), this one- or two-player cooperative game is full of action and collaborative problem solving opportunities.In the game, you and another player assume the identity of Batman and/or Robin in a battle against the bad guys, including The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Catwoman and Mr. Freeze. In a new twist, you can join the enemy, playing as one of the villains and see the game from a different view. As with the other Traveller's Tails titles (the studio who came up the first LEGO Star Wars title), a second player can drop-in or drop-out of a game at any time. Keep in mind also that this game is available on a wide variety of platforms. Our ratings apply to the game console editions.There are two modes of play: Story and Freeplay. In the Story mode, you move through the game, one level at a time. In Freeplay mode, you can replay any level with the characters you've unlocked in search of additional rewards. In addition, you can collect LEGO parts used to unlock extra content including special power-ups and bonus levels that include the ability to drive vehicles like the Batmobile, Batboat and the Batwing.Prices are $50 for Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii; or $30 for the PS2, Nintendo DS, and PC. Both the Xbox 360 version and the PS3 versions feature 720p/1080p display support, and the DS offers touch-screen interaction and two-player co-op mode, using the DS local wireless network. In the Wii version, you use both the Wii Remote (to hit) and the Nunchuk (to move). Our testers tried all versions of the game and, in all cases, refused to give it back within the five-day deadline; a good endorsement of any game. We especially like the logical problem-solving opportunities this game affords, along with the collaborative nature of the play. Even at $50, this game is worth the investment.