LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a strong mix of the LEGO and Arkham games
One of the biggest surprises to come out of this year’s Gamescom was the announcement of a new LEGO Batman game. This title isn’t tied to the original trilogy but instead serves as a celebration of the iconic character. It explores the Caped Crusader’s rich history, pays homage to one of his greatest chapters in gaming, and, of course, embraces everything that makes a LEGO game fun and unique.
While I wasn’t able to attend Gamescom in person to try out **LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight**, WB Games kindly invited me to Warner Bros. Studios as part of this year’s Batman Day festivities to experience the game firsthand.
### A Story of Batman’s Earliest Days
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight delves into the hero’s earliest years. Players will witness Bruce Wayne’s time-tested traumatic origins, his intense training under the League of Shadows, and his initial days as Gotham City’s vigilant protector.
During my preview, I was guided through the Ace Chemicals plant—one of Batman’s earliest missions. This chapter concludes with the rise of one of his most formidable foes, making it a standout moment in the game.
### Classic LEGO Adventure Meets Arkham Style
The Ace Chemicals mission is structured as a linear stage. Batman teams up with Officer Jim Gordon to stake out the docks outside the chemical plant after receiving a tip about suspicious killer teddy bears. As Batman, players must locate teddy bear stashes and analyze their chemical contents before chasing down the leader of the Red Hood gang.
While many elements mirror a classic LEGO adventure, **Legacy of the Dark Knight** strongly channels the feel of Rocksteady’s acclaimed Arkham series.
Stealth plays a significant role, with players moving through shadows much like in the Arkham games, albeit infused with LEGO-style slapstick humor. Perching and ambushing enemies from above is a core mechanic, though Batman doesn’t use his grappling gun to suspend foes upside down—at least not in this demo.
Combat also brings back familiar Arkham-style mechanics. Button prompts offer windows for dodging without breaking combos, and Batman faces brute opponents whose rhino-like charges require timely evasions.
### Jim Gordon Adds Humor and Gameplay Depth
One of the features that sets this game apart from the Arkham series is the inclusion of Jim Gordon as a key companion. While Batman maintains a mostly serious demeanor—with occasional fist bumps and exaggerated gestures—Gordon provides comic relief. This is highlighted by an early moment where he accidentally activates the glider on his back, nearly sending himself soaring off into the sky.
Gordon isn’t just there for laughs; he also contributes to gameplay. Solo players can switch between Batman and Gordon, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Batman’s gadgets include the classic Batarang and grappling hook, which helps with interaction puzzles such as pulling switches and opening doors.
Gordon wields a foam gun that can plug hazardous leaks and extinguish fires, clearing paths for Batman. Even when controlled by the CPU, Gordon holds his own during combat, sometimes aiding Batman by blinding powerful enemies with foam blasts. For an even richer experience, a second player can jump in for seamless co-op play.
### The LEGO Spirit Shines Through
Despite its mature storytelling and gameplay influences, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight stays true to its LEGO roots. LEGO bricks are scattered throughout the environments, and LEGO physics are alive and well—defeated enemies break apart into scattered pieces in classic LEGO fashion.
Players will also encounter puzzles that require building LEGO structures to progress, keeping in line with the franchise’s signature gameplay mechanics.
### Nostalgia and Open-World Exploration
The Ace Chemicals stage delivers a potent dose of nostalgia, including nods that fans of the 1989 Batman movie will appreciate. However, this mission is just a taste of what the game has to offer.
Between missions, players can explore a full-blown open world reminiscent of the Arkham City and Arkham Knight titles. Random crimes erupt throughout Gotham, prompting players to glide through the skies and intervene. For quicker travel, the Batmobile can be summoned at will.
Gotham is packed with secrets and activities, including classic Riddler challenges that add further depth and replayability.
### What’s Next for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight?
This preview offers only a glimpse at what WB Games and TT Games have planned. Future chapters will explore other eras of Batman’s storied history and introduce additional supporting and playable characters from Batman’s past and present.
**LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight** is set to launch in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Fans of LEGO games, Batman, and action-adventure titles have plenty to look forward to with this exciting new entry.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146039/lego-batman-legacy-of-the-dark-knight-batman-day-preview
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