Travellers Tales are at it again. Hot on the heels of their last Lego success (Indiana Jones) they make the statement "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" - but they sure take it to the next level. It's the same formula, but it somehow feels different.

Not bound by a movie storyline this time, they set the scene perfectly. Each stage is unique with its own style, from Gotham City Streets to Carnivals and Mansions, complete with its own character to take care of in the end. Comic book fans will rejoice at the level of detail in the game, and recognise many of the locations and vehicles.

For the first time in the Lego series by Travellers Tales, you can take on a separate storyline for the villains. Unlocked after completing the first chapter of the heroes, you can take over the city as you see fit. Another of the benefits of not being limited by a movie storyline, the game itself feels like there is more freedom to it - as well as not knowing what to expect the entire way through the game. The puzzles have the same formula - know your character and how they can get around the stage, but there are plenty of hints throughout - mostly in the form of the "money" studs pointing you in the right direction.

Rather than relying on the multitude of different characters, Lego Batman employs a handful of different suits for the heroes - from Sonic and Glider suits for the Batman, to Magnetic and Collector suits for Robin. The down-side is having to cycle between every variant in Free Mode. Villains have their own mix of abilities between them.

While the game works well solo, (as with the other games in the series) co-operative play is where it shines - although, as with Lego Indiana Jones, they have taken out the ability to play over Xbox Live.
As with the other games in the series, collecting is one of the main features. Each stage has the 'standard' 10 items to collect (which look surprisingly like Star Wars mini-kits, only black), as well as "power bricks" to unlock upgrades, and people to save. You will want to go back and replay the stages again once you've unlocked more suits and characters - if only to find the new areas in the stages, previously hidden away by another character's special ability.

There is plenty of laughs in the game, which make it suitable for all ages - the crazy villains have their own tricks and gags. Robin plays silly sidekick whereas Batman takes the serious tone, with Jedi-like reflexes. There is your standard cartoon violence, but nothing more than Lego studs falling apart. The opposite end of the scale to the recent "Dark Knight" film.

Overall, the game makes a great addition to anyone looking for a friendly, co-operative game. If you're looking for something quick, any of the stages are complete in their own right. Searching for every little collectable will have you playing for around 30 hours. I, for one, can't wait to see what Lego game comes next!