I was pretty excited when I heard LEGO Batman 3 was coming out. I loved LEGO Batman 2, which I played on the PS Vita. I debated quite a bit over whether I should get the new game on the Vita again or go for the Xbox One version. Unfortunately, as much as I loved LEGO Batman 2 on the Vita, other recent LEGO games for the Vita (LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and LEGO Movie) have been a huge let down. I was somewhat disappointed that I couldn’t justify getting LEGO Batman 3 for the Vita, at least until I see some reviews, but boy am I happy I ended up getting it on the Xbox One. It looks great on the Xbox One. So far my favorite thing about the game is the really stunning graphics. I mean this game looks really, really good.
I’ve read reports that this game was supposed to be more difficult than previous ones, but I’m not really finding that to be the case. The game feels very familiar to me, and probably will for anyone who has played any or all of the LEGO video games. So far it has been pretty easy to figure out what I need to do and where I need to go. I even pretty much sailed through the first boss fight (unusual for me). So, if anything, some might feel it’s not challenging enough. Although perhaps it will get harder as the game moves along. The game also gives a lot of hints along the ways, so I suppose you could ignore them if you feel like the game is too easy. It is, though, harder to ignore some of the more obvious hints, like when the camera shows you exactly where to go. I don’t always feel like I need that. Sometimes I would rather just figure it out, but I didn’t find it too distracting.
I also read that LEGO Batman 3 would be different from previous LEGO games. I’m not really seeing that. It is different from the previous LEGO Batman games, but it’s not that different than LEGO Movie, which is not a bad thing; I loved LEGO Movie. The mechanics of the two games just feel very similar to me: the switching of characters and costumes, etc. Batman quickly gains the ability to see through objects, which is something I feel like I have seen before. Along the same lines, he can also change the landscape totally in order to see things. I realize I’m not explaining that very well, but that’s because I haven’t really figured out the point of it. I guess I’m doing whatever I’m supposed to be doing because I’m progressing in the game, but I don’t exactly know exactly what to look for when the landscape changes. I know I’m supposed to look for hidden objects, but they seem just as hidden to me either way. I’ve also heard of differences in the handheld versions, such as the ability to use zero gravity. I’d like to check that out later after the handheld reviews are in, and/or after the Vita version goes on sale.
So far, in the first hour, the narrative and cut scenes seem really well done. Again, it feels a lot like the LEGO Movie, except of course this time, I haven’t actually watched the movie yet, so the cut scenes are new. I guess there are some “spoilers” because this game picks up where LEGO Batman 2 leaves off, but they aren’t anything that should lessen your enjoyment of the game. Nor do I think it’s necessary to play the previous games before playing this one.
I love everything about LEGO Batman 3 so far. If you like LEGO’s or Batman or video games or just happiness in general, this game may be for you. If you don’t know if you would like a LEGO video game because you haven’t yet played one, I would still highly recommend LEGO Batman 2. You can probably pick it up for fairly cheap, and it really holds up. Otherwise, get it now!
