LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (Wii U) Review

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The Dark Knight gets ported.

It feels like reviewing Wii U games is a serious episode of deja vu. So far in 2013, almost everything I have put words to is something I already handled on a previous console six months ago. Case in point, LEGO Batman 2 is now out on Wii U, and I had a chance to sit down with the Dark Knight in LEGO form on Nintendo’s console. The original title is still my favorite in the LEGO series, and none of that has changed, but let’s take a look at what makes the Wii U version different from the rest.

If you want to read my colleague Justin’s original review of the other console versions, you can do so by clicking here. I will only be covering the Wii U differences in this review.

The first thing I want to lay down about this review is, if you have already played or owned this game on any previous console (the game did release almost a year ago) there is really nothing added here to warrant a double dip. There is no new content, no added functionality and the core game is identical to the 360/PS3/Wii/PC versions that are already on the market. Still with me? Alright then let’s talk about some LEGO DC action.

LEGO Batman 2 is by far my favorite in the series, not only for the sheer plethora of content, but also its structure. The open-world style game masks its shortcomings well by giving players ample tasks to complete, and enough variety to keep things interesting. Only after 20-25 hours of collecting studs and hidden blocks did I ever grow tired of this formula, and trust me, there is enough here to keep players going for yet another 25 hours if they want.

The Wii U version of the game tosses in the expected Gamepad features we all expect. Off-screen play is here, and players can switch between characters using the touch screen, though I still found pressing a button much more convenient. The screen also plays host to stats, such as studs collected and so on. This is it. Outside of these minor additions, this is exactly the same game we received nearly a year ago.

Friends until the end.


This is a hard review to write simply because this is still a fantastic game. The sheer amount of content and variety is unmatched, but there is nothing here that anyone who would be interested in a LEGO DC title likely hasn’t already played. The addition of online co-op, or perhaps some added characters could have warranted a second look, but as it stands, I cannot imagine there is a slew of people who never played the game. Not to mention if you do own one of the other many consoles it is on, those versions are cheaper and just as good.

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is a great game marred by bad timing. If you don’t own it already for some peculiar reason, the Wii U version is probably the best iteration. However, if you already walked down this road, there is nothing here to warrant sinking the money in for a second helping.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.
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Written by
Ken is the Editor-in-Chief of this hole in the wall and he loves to troll for the fun of it. He also enjoys long walks through Arkham Asylum and the cool air of Shadow Moses Island. His turn-ons include Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid and StarCraft.

2 Comments

  1. How is cycling through characters easier then just pointing at the one you want?
    This game was ment for those who don’t have it and have bought a wii u. I’m kind of tired of hearing the phrase double dip especially with a fairly new system and this just being a port.

  2. Unfortunately this is a good, but sort of lazy review like most of those that knock “ported” games on the Wii U. Next time, assign this to someone who ONLY owns a Wii U for a less “oh, I played this last year” perspective. Wii U titles like this simply aren’t made for jaded folk who own the games on other platforms, period. At least you scored it fairly, as it’s quite a well-done (and fairly huge) game…

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