Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight - Review

Developer:	Traveller's Tales
Publisher:	Warner Bros. Games
Platforms:	PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release Date:	22 May 2026

The Lego games have always been that classic example of a series where they offer just lighthearted, simple fun. Allowing the player to explore some of their favourite IPs and worlds in Lego form with silly, slapstick humour. While the games have come a long way from mute mumbles and grunts to fully voiced dialogue and open-world design, they have maintained that charm that has carried them for decades. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight aims to draw upon the history of its comics, films and video games to provide a fleshed out adventure that encapsulates his beginnings through to his seasoned adventures.

Unlike the previous Lego Batman titles, where it covers just one story arc at a point in time, Legacy of the Dark Knight gives us whistle-stop-tour of the capped crusader's life and escapades. From brief glimpses in his childhood, to his training with Ra's al Ghul (as envisioned from the Batman Begins film), and the legacy he leaves with fellow vigilantes. A lot is packed into this roughly 15-20 hour adventure (less if you're just focusing on the story), and it can at times feel a bit spread thin. However, the great cutscenes that include recreations from other adaptations as well as the various villains you encounter make it an engaging playthrough. It's a clear love letter to the franchise and its characters, not just Batman himself.

Much of the gameplay is what you will have come to expect from the Lego games as a whole and in recent years. Exploring a hub/open world, finding various collectibles, completing challenges like races, and playing through focused levels; all of these are filled with simple traversal, light puzzles, and combat. Much of it doesn't stray from the norm, but the combat and even stealth take clear cues from the Arkham games, tying together rapid combos with various gadgets to roll through groups of enemies. It is a more simplified system, but a welcome one where combat always was the bare minimum. It won't challenge you, but it will make it more enjoyable.

An area I feel has taken a step back is the level design. Levels in prior Lego games felt distinct and more thought out. Aside from a couple of levels, most are short and very basic, or just incorporate the open world into them. On the flip side, greater time has been given to making more interesting open world activities. It's not an ideal trade-off, but it does mean content across the playthrough has better variety.

One aspect that is without a doubt is the visuals. It's easily the best-looking game in the series and arguably one of the best of this year, which I didn't think I'd ever say about a Lego title! The texture of the Lego pieces, the lighting, the water - it all blends together so well to make a truly appealing package. Performance, for the most part, is great, although there are dips when traversing Gotham. It's not a big deal, but definitely worth mentioning.

After completing the adventure to 100% and getting the platinum trophy, I notched up roughly 25 hours of gameplay. I enjoyed my time quite a bit, from weaving together high combos against enemies, playing through the solid story, and simply exploring the open world. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight offers the player a Gotham playground of nostalgia that any fan will have a blast with.

Score = 8/10