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Metareview - Lego Batman
It's time again for another Lego [fill in the blank] title from Traveller's Tales. This time the blocky series follows the Dark Knight and his ward as they attempt to recapture the criminals of Gotham City who've escaped Arkham Asylum. The reviews seem to either take comfort in the familiarity the TT Lego franchise has brought so far, or squarely takes aim at Lego Batman for falling into the same pitfalls that the entire series has been plagued by. GamePro (90/100): "Full of surprises, humor and an all-star cast of playable characters, it's yet another solid reinvention of an established license. Plus, it has Batman in it!" GameDaily (80/100): "If you're sick and tired of LEGO games, then LEGO Batman: The Videogame probably won't change your mind. However, if you enjoy them as much as we do, then you shouldn't hesitate to shine the Bat-Signal and answer the call." IGN (77/100): "LEGO Batman is good fun, but it's really just the same thing we've seen before. I don't think the LEGO formula needs much of a change, but certainly the common issues with the series should no longer exist. If you're looking to have a laugh with a buddy or you want something kid-friendly, this is your game." Game Informer (75/100): "The charm of LEGO blocks is exploring your creativity and building new things, so Traveler's Tales' habit of sticking to one formula stands in stark contrast to the entire LEGO philosophy. We've had fun with this series, but it's time to dump the franchise out on the floor and start piecing it back into something new."
Lego Batman PS2 bundle available now for $150
The PS2 Lego Batman bundle is now available, which was originally announced at E3 2008. The package will retail for $150 and includes the slim PS2 console with Lego Batman and Justice League: The New Frontier DVD.Next bundle we'd like to see from Sony: PS3 bundled with PS2. Or the return of backwards compatibility ... just sayin'.
Warner Bros boss says LEGO Batman is 'the best TT game ever'
Warner Bros. boss guy Martin Tremblay loves Traveller's Tales. And we would think so, with his company having shelled out quite a bit of money for the UK-based development studio. "We're very, very happy with LEGO Batman," said Tremblay. "It's going to be the best TT game ever and will be our first big step in games for sure."We wouldn't go so far as to say that ourselves, even after we had quite a bit of time to check it out back at E3. But, we will say that it certainly looks like a great game, as it contains a ton of options and replay value, thanks to its large roster of controllable characters and their unique abilities and skills.%Gallery-13236%[Via Go Nintendo]
Traveller's Tales assembling more Warner Bros. LEGO titles
Speaking with Variety, Traveller's Tales president Jon Burton revealed that his company – which created LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Indiana Jones, and the upcoming LEGO Batman – is working on more block-tastic titles based on Warner Bros. IPs. "We've gotten started doing some LEGO games on the Warner IP," Burton confirms, stating that they are "down the line." That's games plural. In the piece, Burton is also quoted as saying: "To be able to dabble around in CG and film would be interesting," and that, "Warner allows me to push in those directions without 'quitting the day job,' so to speak." We reckon that games based on movies are definitely one way to fulfill that interest, but which WB properties (other than the Caped Crusader) could be LEGO-worthy? We'd be interested in seeing how Traveller's Tales would tackle such anticipated Warner projects as Watchmen, Terminator Salvation, and Superman: Man of Steel. Let's just hope it passes on The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2. Which Warner flicks would you like to see LEGO-fied?
Traveller's Tales talks more LEGO games
Ever hear that expression "if it ain't broke, don't fix it?" Traveller's Tales has, as the company has become quite the cash-earner with its LEGO line-up of games, so why change? "We've gotten started doing some LEGO games on the Warner IP... down the line," says Traveller's Tales' Jon Burton. Also, he wants to dabble in films and the like, while also keeping his "day job" in games development. What a multi-tasker!"And for me personally, I think further in the future we're making a kids' TV show... using some of the tech we've developed for games," Jon said. So, what kind of kids' show? He wouldn't name anything specific, nor would he comment on what the next LEGO game from them will be (well, aside from the soon-to-release LEGO Batman). Looks like we'll just have to wait and see.What kind of LEGO game would you like to see next?
Man-Bat is one ugly LEGO villain
Those of you who've seen The Dark Knight probably still have Batman in your systems, so hopefully news on the superhero in LEGO form is enough to sate your batty cravings. Warner Bros. is certainly trying to indulge in your wants by revealing more news about the upcoming LEGO Batman video game. Today, the company brings word of a new villain, one that Batman fans will be familiar with -- Man-Bat. Man-Bat is actually a scientist named Kirk Langstrom, who injected himself with a bat-based serum in order to gain sonar powers and aid his worsening deafness. Obviously, bad results ensue, and he turns into a bat-looking monster that attacks Gotham City. Fun!For some Man-Bat related screens, just click on our gallery below.%Gallery-13236%[Via press release]
LEGO Batman website gets some updates, Facebook group
We just got a press release sent in about some cool features at the LEGO Batman website. The only problem is, these features have not gone live yet. That isn't stopping us from telling you what to expect, though.First of all, there's a downloadable widget for your desktop, in the form of Batman himself or The Joker. Also, there's a tool for creating your own custom wallpapers, if you're into that sort of thing. Then, there's the usual: screens, video (the E3 trailer you saw already) and other miscellaneous goodies. Keep an eye on the site for the new content, which is supposed to be live right now, but wasn't when we checked.On top of that, there's also a new Facebook group for the game. That is, if you're into the whole social networking site thing.%Gallery-13236%Source - LEGO Batman websiteSource - LEGO Batman Facebook group
E308: Wii Fanboy fights crime in LEGO Batman
When I showed up at the Warner Bros. meeting room to demo LEGO Batman, I was excited, but also kind of reluctant. You see, the formula of these LEGO titles had started to show its age, as reviews of LEGO Indiana Jones weren't the most favorable. I was a tad bit worried that LEGO Batman would not be the game I was hoping it to be. Thankfully, my fears were never justified.%Gallery-13236%
Lego Batman game should be better than the movies
Batman Forever and Batman & Robin (OH SICK! YUCK! GROSS!) were pretty awful. Nay, they were horrendous. However, that isn't actually evidence to suggest the upcoming LEGO Batman game will be bad. In fact, the LEGO series hasn't had one misstep so far, with both the Star Wars and Indiana Jones iterations achieving exactly what they set out to do.The official LEGO Batman website has been launched, and it immediately causes a stir of excitement. All the cheesy parts of the worst movies that didn't work in a live-action setting should work just fine with LEGO characters, and the site presentation is incredibly engaging. With in-depth character profiles and new videos (check out the awesome campy clip above), you'll want to piece together everything you can in anticipation for LEGO Batman. Piece? LEGOS? Forget it.%Gallery-13236%[Via press release]
Zero Punctuation whips Indy into shape
Yahtzee's at it again, this time turning his sights toward the latest LEGO title, LEGO Indiana Jones. While he does do his usual rant against the game's faults, Yahtzee did manage to squeeze some favorable adjectives out. As usual, head past the break to check out his NSFW ramblings and be sure to tell us what you think of LEGO Indiana Jones in the comments.%Gallery-15539%
Zero Punctuation whips it good with Lego Indy
Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee takes on both the Lego Indiana Jones game and the latest movie in his latest review. For his take on the game, the ornery critic comes up with an equation for figuring out how much you'll enjoy playing as Indy in the blockified platformer. If doing mathematicals isn't your thing, just think about how much fun you'll have killing Short Round -- or Willie -- over and over again. Although it still doesn't beat the cathartic Jar-Jar killing of the Lego Star Wars game. This week's NSFW ZP review of Lego Indy can be found after the break.
LEGO Batman screens, or how to desexy the ladies
Sick of the likes of Lara Croft jiggling up your video games? Looks like the LEGO games franchise has the answer to the bulging and bursting ladies of gaming. Poison Ivy might be a sexpot in other media, from comics to television to film, but in LEGO Gotham City, she gives a whole new meaning to brickhouse. Check out her blocky style, as well as some other new images from the multi-platform title, in our gallery below.%Gallery-13236%[Via press release]
LEGO Indiana Jones demo now on XBLM
Heading into the weekend, you'll have plenty of demo fun to participate in as Lucas Arts just released a new LEGO Indiana Jones demo to the Xbox Live Marketplace. You'll be pleased to know that the demo is available to all Xbox Live regions and clocks in at a worthy 620MB. Indeed. Not much more can be said about LEGO Indy other than the fact that it's LEGO based, moderately entertaining and (sadly) doesn't include any mention of Harrison Ford or Shia LaBeouf. What a wasted opportunity.
LEGO Batman is made of wonderful toys
LEGO Batman may be made of cold, hard bricks, but for him, it's kind of fitting. Batman isn't really the most personable of heroes, after all; suited up, he lacks the charm of an Indiana Jones and the whiny tone of the early Luke Skywalker, but that only makes his entrance into the LEGO game hall of fame that much more sensible. The tiny superhero is bringing his toys to our favorite toy handheld this August, and with him come such witticisms as:"You want a piece of him, get in line."Or, y'know, just get really angry and knock him over, or maybe smash him with a fist. That'll learn you, tiny Batman!%Gallery-25069%[Via press release]
LEGO Batman trailer shows off multiple in-game characters
In the video above for upcoming LEGO Batman, we get a glimpse into some of the co-op fun (which you might have seen already), as Batman and what we're assuming is Nightwing (been awhile since we read a comic, sadly) tear through downtown Gotham. They're not the only visible characters, however, as the Penguin gets some face time in also. And, speaking of downtown Gotham, the city really is brought to life incredibly well in the game, wouldn't you say?%Gallery-13236%
Metareview -- Lego Indiana Jones
He's uncovered the fate of Atlantis, bested an infernal machine and rummaged through an emperor's tomb, but everybody's favorite Nazi-punching archaeologist faces his greatest challenge in a world made entirely out of toy blocks. Lego Indiana Jones has arrived to fairly favorable reviews, with most critics approving of the game's silent, comedic send-up of classic movie moments. If you're not the only kid in the house and enjoy collecting lots and lots and lots of things, you could do worse than tossing the developer your idle cash. IGN (80/100): "Traveller's Tales has once again delivered an experience that boils down to smashing stuff over and over again while searching for secrets, while also managing to make that formula fun and addictive. It's certainly not a huge leap over the LEGO Star Wars titles, and in fact still has some of that series' issues, but it's no less enthralling and certainly a fun adventure worth taking on." 1UP (75/100): "Lego Indy's main quest isn't terribly expansive -- you can finish it in a weekend, and that's if you take your time -- but the game's unquestionably built for completists, with a ton of hidden treasure and extra characters (you can unlock pretty much every character in the films, right down to Last Crusade's castle butler). It's easy to dismiss as kids' fare, but Lego Indiana Jones is a light, enjoyable action game, especially if you've got a willing friend for co-op play." Eurogamer (70/100): "This is all starting to sound a bit grinchy, so at this point I feel I should point out that my five-year-old son, who helped me with the hands on preview, is currently at 99.7 percent completion on our second save game with just one character left to unlock. He's certainly commented on the absence of familiar features, and seems less enthused about collecting billions of LEGO studs now that there's not as much to spend them on, but he's still been happily replaying his favourite levels over and over, just as he did with Star Wars." [Note: Listed reviews are for the Xbox 360 version. The game is also available on PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP, PC and DS.]
Wii releases this week: LEGO Indiana Jones edition
Most of this week's releases are movie-tie-ins, so if that's your kind of thing, then prepared to be very happy. For most of us, LEGO Indiana Jones is going to be the hot item available on store shelves. Anyone picking this up? Anxious to see how Traveller's Tales have added their hilarious spin on the first three Indiana Jones movies? LEGO Indiana Jones Cabelas Trophy Bucks Kung Fu Panda Incredible Hulk %Gallery-15539%
Piecing together more Indy with new screens
We've got old man fever as hardened adventure veteran Harrison Ford once more steps into the shoes of Indy in the latest movie, and lends his block-headed likeness to Lego Indiana Jones. In preparation for the explosion of cool on the big and small screen, this blogger had a marathon session of all three original films. Checking out these latest screenshots for LEGO Indiana Jones after having just watched the movies gets one all giddy. LEGO Elsa looks so much like her real-life counterpart it's uncanny. Stop, Indy! She's evil!Honestly, who never played Indiana Jones with their old LEGOs? Nobody, that's who. Break out your old box of bricks and head to the gallery to check out the latest!%Gallery-15539%
New LEGO Indy trailer is chock full of the right stuff
If you're a human being and not a robot hiding in stolen skin (robots have not yet perfected the science of manufacturing a lifelike skin substitute, thankfully), then you're likely excited for the fourth Indiana Jones film. Well, releasing just shortly after the movie is a LEGO title that covers the first three movies. What? You had no idea? Well then, you need to read us more!Above, you'll find a new trailer for the game, showcasing a few select scenes from each of the movies represented, as well as something we hope for in every single game trailer we see: lots of in-game footage.%Gallery-15539%
Lego Indiana Jones demo now available for PC
With early buzz for the new Indiana Jones movie being wishy-washy, fans may need to find solace in playing the Lego Indiana Jones game on June 3rd. The PC demo is now available for download and should also be packaged with the Indiana Jones DVDs coming out today. No word yet on console demos for Xbox 360 or PS3, but we've got some calls out for info. We can't imagine there'd only be a demo for PC. Clearly, somebody from marketing would've "chosen poorly" if that were the case.
