LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes - Xbox 360

While we don’t want to slight the LEGO universe at all, it’s been awhile since we were completely and totally excited about a LEGO video game. Sure, we’ve had fun with Indiana Jones and Star Wars in brick form, rocked out to LEGO Rock Band, and even cast spells with a LEGO Harry Potter. But did you know that the most popular LEGO video game of all time is LEGO Batman: The Videogame?

That’s right, with over 11 million copies sold, the minifig version of Batman and Robin have put in a lot of game time. But that game came out four years ago, so what’s next for the Dynamic Duo? The answer might surprise you. In LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, you can traverse an open-world Gotham City, drive the Batmobile, pilot the Batwing, and cut waves with the Batboat, and for the first time ever in a LEGO game, the characters will actually talk.

But that’s not the most exciting thing. This time around, they’ve brought Superman along for the ride. You’ll be able to soar, punch, heat-vision and super-breath your way through Gotham City as LEGO goes World’s Finest. Even though this was a LEGO game, and a sequel at that, jaws dropped in our demo when the Man of Steel (er, LEGO) free-roamed into the skies and swooped around the city, setting down on the roof of a towering building.

Superman is just one of the new heroes coming to LEGO Batman 2, and although we only saw Batman, Robin, and Superman in the demo, in the menu screens we caught a glimpse of the Flash, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and others, and develop Traveller’s Tales promises that there will be over 50 DC Comic characters in the final game, though it’s not clear how many of those you’ll actually be able to play.

Like the last LEGO Batman title, there are more suits for Batman and Robin to wear this time around that come equipped with special skills. Batman’s Sensor Suit can let him turn invisible and gives him X-Ray vision. Robin’s Acrobat Suit comes with a staff that he can use like a trapeze bar, and he can even use the backpack part of the suit to roll up in a ball and run around like a hamster. There are plenty of others that you’ll come across in the game, and you’ll have to use them to solve puzzles and progress through the levels.

Like the last game, this title uses the Batcave as a hub, but it’s been beefed up and looks much more dramatic. According to Traveller’s Tales, it will also serve as one of the major story elements in the game.  You’ll also be able to pull up Batman’s stable of vehicles here, and exit directly into Gotham City.

But even though this game has Batman stamped on the title, we’re all about Superman. He’s cocky, nearly arrogant, and quick with a smirk. With Lex Luthor being one of the baddies threatening Gotham alongside the Joker, it only makes sense that Supes should be included, but he steals the show. Especially with that flying, that you’ll have to see to believe. Ironically, he might be the best representation of Superman in a video game … ever.

We’re not sure about the storyline and what specifically brings all of the heroes together, but we are pretty sure there will be Kryptonite in the game. When asked about the mineral that is deadly to Superman, Traveller’s Tales told us, “Well, where there is Superman, there is typically Kryptonite.” Or basically, don’t expect Superman to steal the show entirely. After all, this is still Batman’s game. For now. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes will be out for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, 3DS, DS, and PS Vita this summer.