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Computer Times
Editors' Choice Game LEGO Batman: The Videogame Reviewed by Angie Kibiloski
LEGO Batman: The Videogame (Retail $29.99), from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is an unbelievably addictive game. This arcade style title brings you Batman and Robin like you have never seen them before: about 1 inch high and made of LEGO blocks. In fact, everything in their world is made of LEGO blocks, from the other characters and their vehicles, to the park benches and street lamps. As you punch and kick your way through each level, you'll find that breaking up all of the bits of destructible scenery, as well as the henchmen of various villains, is a bucket full of unrivaled fun.
There are 30 game levels in all, 15 that you play as our 2 heroes, and the other 15 from the perspective of the villains. Each level can be played as many times as you like, and indeed, must be played at least more than once, in order to complete all of the game goals. The first time through a level is called Story Mode, and completing this will progress the story; that of Batman and Robin fighting and capturing a handful of classic villains. Subsequent plays are called Free Play. Repeating levels will not further the story, but will allow you to collect more goal items. There are three things that must be collected in each level, to satisfy all the goals: LEGO Studs, LEGO Canisters, and Red Power Bricks. The studs will achieve two things; they are your currency with which to purchase characters, extras, and suit upgrades in the Batcave, and they will also unlock a special Super Hero bonus LEGO kit if you collect enough of them in each level. The 10 canisters in each level will give you pieces of other special LEGO mini kits. Collect them all to complete the kit for each level. The bricks unlock the features that you can purchase in the Batcave with the studs. All of these 3 items can be found in the levels by thoroughly exploring the environment and breaking all the destructible scenery.
Other useful items you will find in your adventure are different suits for Batman and Robin. By changing suits, the heroes are imbued with special abilities, like the ability to break glass with Batman's Sonic Suit, or the power to walk up metal surfaces with Robin's Magnet Suit. When you return to any level in the Free Play Mode, you will have access to a quick change of all the suits you have unlocked in any other level so far. This is crucial, because you will often need several different suits to completely find all of the canisters and access all the areas in a level. In Free Play, you may also choose to play as any other characters you have unlocked.
You can play alone or with another person, each taking the role of one of the 2 heroes. The second player can jump in and out of the game as well, without having to restart the level. If you are playing alone, you can toggle between both characters to utilize their individual skills, which will be necessary to win. Batman cannot complete a level alone, and neither can Robin; they must work as a team.
You won't believe how much fun you'll have with LEGO Batman: The Videogame, starting from the very first time you enter level one. I have hardly been able to put my controller down! This title is a winner for all ages, whether you are a Batman fan from way back, or are somehow new to the franchise. With such a cute concept, combining classic characters with the novelty of LEGO, stacked on top of quality game play and an interesting story, this game is an essential addition to any holiday gift list.
Also available for Wii, DS, PS2, PS3, PSP, XBox 360. PC System Requirements:
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