LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is an action-adventure game developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2012. As a sequel to LEGO Batman: The Videogame, it builds on the first game’s success by introducing a larger world, more characters, and, for the first time in LEGO games, voice acting and an open-world Gotham City.
This time, Batman isn’t fighting crime alone. He teams up with Superman and the rest of the Justice League to take down the nefarious duo of Lex Luthor and The Joker. The game blends humor, adventure, and superhero action, making it one of the most celebrated LEGO games to date. Let’s dive deep into the world of LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes.
What Makes LEGO Batman 2 Special?
LEGO Batman 2 stands out for its open-world design and full voice-acted story. While previous LEGO games relied on pantomime storytelling, this game gives characters voices, bringing a whole new level of humor and emotion.
Players control Batman and his allies from a third-person perspective in a vibrant Gotham City, solving puzzles, battling villains, and unlocking new heroes and gadgets. The world is massive, and exploration is highly encouraged — whether you’re gliding across rooftops or speeding through streets in the Batmobile.
This installment was also the first in the LEGO series to feature an expansive city map, allowing players to freely roam Gotham, interact with NPCs, discover hidden collectibles, and complete side missions.
Platforms and Popularity
When it launched in June 2012, LEGO Batman 2 was available for almost every platform imaginable — Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Windows, iOS, and Android. Later, Mac OS X received its version in September 2012 via Feral Interactive, and a Wii U port arrived in May 2013.
The game’s cross-platform appeal helped it reach wide audiences. By March 2013, it had sold over 3 million copies globally, a testament to its success.
While the 3DS and Vita versions received slightly lower reviews compared to console counterparts, the overall reception was positive. Metacritic scores ranged from 62 to 81 across different versions, with PC and PS3 versions praised for their rich content and engaging gameplay.
Exploring the Gameplay
The gameplay of LEGO Batman 2 brings a fresh twist with its open-world Gotham City, reminiscent of the freedom seen in the Batman: Arkham series. Players can freely roam Gotham, completing story missions and side quests at their own pace.
Combat combines basic attacks like punches and kicks with unique character abilities — Superman’s freeze breath, The Joker’s hand buzzer, and many more. Each superhero or villain has their own signature move set, encouraging players to experiment and find their favorites.
The stud-collection system returns, rewarding players for defeating enemies and smashing objects. Collecting enough studs during a level grants “True Hero” status, a satisfying goal for completionists.
Character customization and costumes are also major gameplay elements. Batman and Robin can wear special suits with different powers:
- Batman’s Power Suit lets him destroy silver LEGO objects.
- Sensor Suit allows Batman to become invisible and see through walls.
- Electric Suit lets him harness and manipulate electricity.
- Robin’s Acrobat Suit helps with agility-based challenges.
- Magnet Suit allows Robin to walk on magnetic surfaces.
With over 50 playable characters including Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Cyborg, there’s endless fun in trying out new powers and combinations.
Storyline – A Battle for Gotham and Beyond
The story kicks off as Bruce Wayne wins Gotham’s “Man of the Year” award, beating Lex Luthor. However, the ceremony is interrupted by The Joker and his gang, leading Batman and Robin to spring into action.
After capturing Joker and restoring order, Lex Luthor forms an alliance with Joker, using a kryptonite-powered machine called the Deconstructor to aid his political ambitions and criminal activities.
As Joker and Luthor wreak havoc across Gotham, Batman reluctantly accepts Superman’s help, setting the stage for the Justice League’s formation. Together, they confront a series of escalating threats — from Arkham Asylum breakouts to Joker’s giant robot invasion.
The final battle sees Batman, Superman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and The Flash working together to stop the destruction of Wayne Tower and defeat the villains once and for all. Their victory highlights themes of teamwork, friendship, and the realization that even Batman can’t do everything alone.
The game ends with Brainiac discovering Earth, setting up a teaser for LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham.
Key Features of LEGO Batman 2 ROM
- Open-World Gotham City: Explore an expansive, interactive Gotham full of secrets, missions, and surprises.
- Voice Acting: First LEGO game to feature full voice work, adding depth and humor to characters.
- 50+ Playable Characters: From core Justice League members to obscure heroes and villains.
- Suit Upgrades: Specialized suits for Batman and Robin that grant new abilities.
- Split-Screen Co-op: Play with a friend locally. The Wii U version offers unique dual-screen gameplay using the GamePad.
- Bonus Packs: Heroes and Villains DLCs added extra characters like Nightwing, Katana, and Shazam.
- Creative Puzzles and Combat: Solve environment-based challenges and defeat bosses with cleverness and teamwork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you unlock heroes in LEGO Batman 2?
To unlock the full roster, you must complete all 15 Story Mode missions and explore Gotham City. Superman becomes available after a certain point, making free-roam exploration much faster.
How many levels are there in LEGO Batman 2?
There are 15 main story levels. After finishing the story, Free Play mode lets you replay levels with any unlocked character to discover hidden collectibles and complete extra challenges.
Is LEGO Batman 2 getting a sequel?
Although there were plans for a direct movie sequel, issues with character rights delayed it indefinitely. However, LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham acts as the spiritual successor in game form, taking the action into space and introducing even more DC heroes.
Final Thoughts
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes perfectly captures the essence of both LEGO’s charm and the DC Universe’s grandeur. With a heartfelt story, hilarious dialogue, and addictive open-world gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of superheroes, LEGO games, or open-world adventures.
Even after more than a decade, its clever writing, innovative gameplay, and colorful roster of characters make it a timeless gem. Whether you’re soaring through Gotham skies as Superman or stealthily sneaking through the shadows as Batman, LEGO Batman 2 offers an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking to relive the golden age of LEGO gaming, downloading the LEGO Batman 2 ROM for your device is the perfect way to jump back into Gotham’s brick-built streets!