LEGO Batman

LEGO Batman is an all-ages puzzle-solving game. In addition to its puzzle gameplay, it has platforming and action elements, with lots of unlockable items and characters. If you're a fan of the Caped Crusader, you'll find a lot to like in this exploration of an unusually blocky version of Gotham City.

In the main campaign, the player takes on the role of Batman and, with the aid of a range of other characters, foils the plans of three major villains who are scheming to wreak havoc on Gotham. The main heroes are the Dark Knight himself, together with Batgirl, Nightwing and Robin. As they progress through the game, the heroes will discover many new suits, each with its own special ability. For example, the Glide Suit allows Batman or Batgirl to fly for short distances, while the Water Suit allows Robin or Nightwing to breathe underwater. Finding and using the various suits is the key to solving the puzzles that occur throughout the game.

However, the main campaign only takes up half of the game. In parallel villain missions, the escapees from Arkham Asylum plot their crimes in levels that occur before Batman's arrival puts a stop to their schemes. There are fifteen villain characters, each with a special ability; completing missions allows the player to unlock additional villains.

Once the story mode is done, it's time for a little Free Play; using all the characters they've unlocked already, the players can go back to earlier levels and play through them again, discovering new areas, powers and secrets.

In single-player mode, the player controls two characters; however, where the game really shines is in co-op mode, where each player controls one character. Coordinating both characters is the key to victory, since puzzles often require both characters in certain locations to solve -- or for one character to hold off the bad guys while the other works.

Pros

• Fast, funny puzzle gameplay
• Expansive Free Play mode
• Unlockable characters

Cons

• Camera control in single-player can be awkward