If you're one of those who has spent hours assembling pieces or devouring comics of Gotham's greatest detective, get ready because we have a project on our hands that doesn't hold back. LEGO Batman: The Dark Knight Legacy It arrives to demonstrate that Traveller's Tales not only knows how to make games for children, but can also take on a much more mature challenge, drawing directly from the sources that made the license great in video games.
This isn't your typical LEGO game where you just smash things and have a laugh. This time, the team has gone all out to create a interactive tribute spanning decades of history, blending frenetic action with that mischievous touch that makes LEGO plastic fit perfectly with the dark tone of Gotham's vigilante.
A journey through all the eras of the bat
The game's structure is a true gem for data collectors. The story is divided into chapters that function like a chronological journeyBut without intending to be a rigid, official timeline. We start with Bruce Wayne's childhood and his traumatic past, moving through his training at Nanda Parbat, and arriving at the most iconic versions in film and television.
It's fascinating how they jump from the current atmosphere of The Batman It starts with Tim Burton's gothic aesthetic, then throws us straight back to the 60s with the Dynamic Duo and their surreal gadgets like shark repellent. There's even a brutal nod to the 90s animated series and Nolan's trilogy, culminating in an ending that blends the character's darkest side with references to lesser-known comics, such as... Jean-Paul Valley.
All this narrative unfolding is wrapped in hilarious humor. No matter how dramatic the scene, there's always a silly joke or an absurd comment from the NPCs that will bring a smile to your face. The Spanish dubbing is impeccable, although it's curious to note that they opted for the voice of... Manuel Gimeno (the actor Robert Pattinson) to give the protagonist that modern feel.
Gotham City: A vibrant open world
If anything stands out here, it's the city. Gotham isn't just a backdrop, it's a vibrant open world where the rain never stops falling on the plastic blocks. Navigation is a joy: we can use the grappling hook to swing between skyscrapers, glide with the cape, or drive the Batmobile at top speed through the streets, feeling a clear influence from the games developed by Rocksteady.
To keep you entertained, the city is buzzing with activity. Through police radio, we'll learn about crimes in real time so we can go and take down the bad guys. Plus, we have to face the... Enigma riddles and Cluemaster, searching for animals that have escaped from the zoo or locating "Wanted" posters to reconstruct the criminal's face and arrest him.
There are also hidden Waytech chests containing technological chips. These chips are crucial because they allow us improve gadgets of our heroes, making their tools more effective. And for those who love order, Batgirl is key, as her antennae reveal the location of events on the map.
Skills, combat, and the Arkham touch
In terms of gameplay, the game has taken a qualitative leap. They've moved away from the massive number of generic characters to focus on a smaller group, but specialised Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Catwoman, Gordon, and Talia each have unique abilities. For example, Catwoman uses her whip and summons cats to enter tight spaces, while Gordon uses a rubber band gun to plug pipes.
The fighting system is where the influence of the Arkham series is most evident. We have combos, dodges, and the ability to perform... precise counterattacks When the visual guide appears, and we fill the focus bar, we can unleash a devastating special attack. Although it's a simplified version so anyone can enjoy it, it feels much deeper than any previous LEGO game.
Stealth is also present. We can stalk enemies from above and knock them out before they even realize it. Of course, if we get caught, no big deal; we just fight it out. This flexibility makes the game accessible to children, but adult stimulant They'll find a greater challenge in "Dark Knight" mode, where lives are limited and there are more enemies.
Collecting and the mythical Batcave
The spirit of LEGO lives on in the collection of pieces. Gold bricks are used to purchase general combat and health upgrades, while the red bricks They're now focusing more on cosmetic aspects and color schemes. A fantastic new feature is the customizable Batcave, where you can spend earned coins to expand your base and place trophies.
For true plastic junkies, the game is a living catalog. There are real sets that appear on screen, and we can reconstruct Gotham's skyline. There are even golden vehicles linked to physical sets. The local split-screen cooperative mode works perfectly, allowing two players to organically share exploration and combat tasks.
In terms of performance, the game looks incredible with highly polished lighting and reflection effects. Although some minor bugs have been reported and the camera can be problematic in enclosed spaces, the overall experience is smooth, especially on PS5 and PC, though it has also been surprisingly well optimized for the Steam deck.
This adventure manages to balance nostalgia with innovation, offering an overwhelming number of hours of gameplay if you decide to go for 100%. Between the main storyline, which lasts around 15-17 hours, and the side content, the game becomes a interactive museum where every corner of Gotham tells a story. It is, without a doubt, the culmination of Traveller's Tales' journey, making us feel like the true protector of the city as we destroy everything in our path with the humor and affection that only LEGO knows how to deliver.