LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight bets on the familiar universe of Batman but presents it with typical LEGO humor. In the Flying Graysons demo, the parents do not die as they usually do in Dick Grayson's story; instead, after the fall, they simply get up and free their son, after which Bruce Wayne takes him in as Robin.
It is this rethinking of the lore that the game relies on: it is designed for players of all ages while remaining respectful to the source material. During the hands-on, the author was allowed to run around Gotham before the launch on PlayStation 5, scheduled for May 22. The preview showcased the single-player mode, although local co-op for two will also be available.
Familiar Stories in a New Way
TT Games mixes references to comics, series, animation, and other games to create its own version of Batman's background. Among the details are the red Bat-phone from Adam West's show and the costume from the modern comic Absolute Batman.
According to executive producer Matt Ellison, the team wanted to create a "definitive" origin story for Batman and calls the project a remix of the hero's greatest hits. The game also shows influences from the film The Batman, particularly in the versions of Catwoman and Commissioner Gordon.
Combat, Gadgets, and Open Gotham
The combat system also feels familiar with motifs from Batman: Arkham Asylum: there is Focus Mode, attack chains, counters, dodges, and finishers after filling the meter. During encounters with thugs in Gotham, this works together with various character gadgets.
Among the available heroes in the demo were Batman, Gordon, Robin, and Catwoman. Each has their own set of tools: from the Batclaw to Gordon's strange foam blaster, which can stick mechanisms, cameras, and enemies. The game also features stealth, missions in Iceberg Lounge, an open world with transportation, trains, puzzles, and petty crimes, as well as costumes for different situations.
