After a few underwhelming titles, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the return to form that has been a long time coming.
This game takes inspiration from Batman video games (namely the Arkham series) and Batman films stretching back to the classic Batman (1989). TT Games has truly captured the essence of what made their early LEGO games so good while also bringing in some new mechanics that elevate the experience to near perfection.
Story
Instead of focusing on a single interpretation of Batman, the game attempts to celebrate nearly every film and TV series release since 1989. Elements from Christopher Nolan’s films, classic comics, animated series, modern movies and even various gaming adaptations are woven together into a single bat tapestry. Somehow, despite this complete chaos on paper, it works remarkably well.
The story follows Bruce Wayne’s journey from tragedy to becoming Gotham’s protector while introducing a wide range of villains, allies and iconic moments from Batman’s history.
Long-time fans will spend most of the campaign doing that Leonardo DiCaprio point from Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood as you spot reference after reference, while newer fans can still enjoy the story without needing extensive Batman knowledge.
What impressed me most is how well TT Games balances fan service with accessibility.
There are countless nods to Batman’s history, but the game never becomes so obsessed with references that it forgets to tell an entertaining story. The humour also remains consistently strong throughout. While the game occasionally adopts a darker atmosphere than previous LEGO titles, it never loses the charm and silliness that defines the series.
That said, the story isn’t perfect.
Some sections move at an uneven pace, and there are moments where the game feels more interested in showcasing another Batman reference than developing its central story. Certain villains also receive far less attention that fans might expect.
Still, as a celebration of Batman’s legacy, it is incredibly difficult not to appreciate the amount of passion on display here.
Graphics and Gameplay
Visually, Legacy of the Dark Knight is the most graphically impressive LEGO game TT Games has ever produced.
Gotham City looks fantastic. The rain-soaked streets, towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks all feel packed with detail while still maintaining the distinct LEGO aesthetic. The game manages to create a darker atmosphere without sacrificing the colourful charm that makes LEGO games appealing in the first place.
Performance on PS5 is also very solid throughout most of the experience. Load times are quick, the presentation is polished and the world feels far more alive than many previous LEGO titles.
Gameplay is where things become particularly interesting.
The biggest change comes from the combat system, which clearly draws strong inspiration from the Arkham series. Combat now feels faster, more responsive and considerably more satisfying than the simple button-mashing encounters seen in previous LEGO games.
Batman’s gadgets, counterattacks and combo system all help create great momentum during fights.
There are also stealth sections that attempt to capture some of the feeling of the Arkham games. While these moments never reach the same level of depth as the Arkham games, they add welcome variety to the overall experience.
Exploration is another major strength.
Gotham is packed with collectibles, side activities, secrets and unlockables. There is always something distracting you from the main objective, and completionists will find plenty of reasons to keep playing long after the credits roll. The Batcave serves as an excellent hub area filled with rewards and fan-service for dedicated Bat-fans.
However, the gameplay isn’t without flaws.
Combat, while improved, can become repetitive during longer sessions. Some skill upgrades feel underwhelming, and the decision to focus on a smaller playable roster may frustrate players used to unlocking hundreds of characters in previous LEGO titles. The lack of online co-op feels like a missed opportunity, but I have had a lot of fun playing this in split-screen co-op with my partner while reviewing the game.
Conclusion
Overall, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight feels like exactly the kind of evolution the LEGO series needed.
It successfully modernises the formula without completely abandoning what made these games popular in the first place. The Arkham-inspired combat works surprisingly well, Gotham City is a joy to explore and the sheer love for Batman’s history shines through every aspect of the experience.
While repetitive combat, a smaller character roster and the lack of online co-op prevent it from achieving perfection, these issues never overshadow the strengths of the overall package.
More importantly, Legacy of the Dark Knight feels like a game made by people who genuinely love Batman.
If you are a fan of the Caped Crusader, this is an easy recommendation. If you’re a LEGO game fan, it’s probably one of the best entries the series has produced in years.
Developers: TT Games, Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date: 22nd May 2026
