Yes, it’s a cut-and-paste tale of good joins evil to defeat an even bigger threat, but it’s saved by a cast of entertaining characters (over 150 of them to unlock, though most are ancillary) and some genuinely interesting storytelling. Once the curtain unfurls on Batman and Robin’s quintessential introduction, the dysfunctional pair join forces with the worlds most noble defenders: the Lantern Corps crew, the Justice League, and some unexpectedly helpful Villains like Lex Luthor and Joker (whose bag of trinkets and hilariously uncharacteristic sentimentality make for a real treat).Īlthough there’s nothing particularly engaging about the plot, which essentially revolves around evildoer Brainiac - genius scientist with mechanically implanted superhuman abilities - and his attempts at shrinking earth to the size of a decorative soap, the dialogue (and continual slapstick of characters like Flash and Robin) is fresh and, more often than not, clever and funny enough to warrant a chuckle or two. Seriously, character banter is priceless, ranging from hateful quips to genuine creepiness. Beyond Gotham isn’t an idiom or tagline: it’s a factual statement. The story, which is a strong contender for a “silliest use of a bad-ass franchise” award, follows the Dynamic Duo for a single chapter before shattering all expectations. And for the first time in Lego Batman history (DC Super Heroes’ closing hours excluded), there’s a solid narrative to support the massive weight of the series’ intersecting adventures and playful interpretations. At its core, though, Traveller’s Tales’ take on the almost painfully familiar Lego formula directs much of its attention elsewhere: DC’s expansive catalog of characters. And sure, plenty of Bats’ traditions have been plumped from the popular property’s wide assortment of Hollywood blockbusters and forgotten animations. Sure, the caped crusader makes appearances here and there (along with a multitude of flashy suits and powers), beating baddies to a not-so-blood pulp and groaning angrily in Troy Baker’s famously seductive baritone. Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham isn’t really a Batman game.