Most kids have grown up surrounded by Batman and Lego. They have now merged together to create LEGO Batman: The Videogame, which is the latest in the growing number of LEGO games. It is about smashing objects and collecting as many studs as possible while engaging in puzzle solving. Are you ready to help Batman and Robin on their mission?

The game is spread into three episodes with five missions that can be played as either hero or villain. A great feature of this game is the ability to be able to play as both the good and bad guys as they both offer different ways to play. As a hero you take control of Batman and Robin and try to stop the evil plans of The Riddler. Once you have finished the level as Batman and Robin then you can play the same scenario from the villain’s perspective. This allows you to see the game from a different perspective and take control of people such as The Joker.

Batman and Robin have different suits to help them with their adventures. The puzzles aren’t that difficult, they usually just require you to smash enough stuff to find the solution. Batman’s suit such as the sonic suit gives batman a megaphone like weapon that emits sonic waves to destroy the blue LEGO glass. You can easily switch between Batman and Robin with the press of a button as each scenario will suit a specific character. The evil characters also have their appropriate powers such as the Joker has a joke buzzer, the Catwoman has her whip and the Riddler can mind control specific people.

The gameplay is straightforward and simple. The two main characters have to work together to solve the puzzles that they encounter and try to find out any secrets along the way. When you destroy objects there are LEGO pieces that you must assemble to use to solve a particular puzzle. Each level has an associated “mini-kit” which is ten icons hidden somewhere throughout that level. Each of them represents a piece of Lego based on the theme of that level. If you collect then all then you will receive a bonus. Destroying objects and villains gives you LEGO studs which are the games currency. You can spend these studs on new characters, upgrades or costumes. This means that there is a lot of replay value if you want to collect everything. There are also some other collectables which are needed to unlock certain upgrades.

LEGO Batman: The Videogame is an immensely fun game that suits all ages and skill levels. While not much has changed from the original LEGO games, it is a great addition for any Batman or LEGO PSP fans. Get ready to help Batman and Robin on their mission and beat the evil villains.

From ages 0-12 and up Lego is a household favourite and always will be. It’s the toy that doesn’t make a noise, doesn’t need its batteries replaced and you can sit down and play Lego with your child and actually enjoy yourself.

Coming up to Christmas I know Lego will be on most children’s ‘Dear Santa’ letters so here is some tips I’ve found on Parents.Lego.com to make sure ‘Santa’ packs the right bits and pieces.

TIP #1: Use the Whole Child Product Timeline on the LEGO Parents Website to see what LEGO sets other parents and caregivers have bought for different age groups.

TIP #2: Remember all LEGO building sets are compatible with one another and new sets can easily be incorporated into existing LEGO collections.

TIP #3: Get to know your child’s play interests as a guide to choosing the right set. Does she like to build houses or cars? Does he like outer space or medieval knights? Knowing ahead of time will help you narrow your choices once in-store.

TIP #4: If you’re unsure of a child’s interests, look for LEGO sets with lots of versatile pieces. Any of the LEGO CREATOR sets provide great bricks to add to any collection, and are designed for building and re-building many models and themes from one kit of parts.

TIP #5: Look for the model boxes that retailers have on-shelf. Here you can see what some of the models look like assembled. The size, scale and complexity of the model will help you choose the right set for his or her ability.

TIP #6: Follow the age markings on the packaging. Many people purchase things for older children as a way to promote their younger child’s progress, but age markings are provided for a reason. LEGO designers spend a lot of time determining which models and themes provide the best building experiences for children. A set marked 8+ is designed to be challenging and rewarding for children 8 years old and up. Unless a 5 year old is a very advanced builder, this is not the right LEGO set for him, and you’ll probably spend a lot of time helping him complete the model.

TIP #7: Buy early! LEGO sets are quite often in strong demand at this time of year, so don’t wait until the last minute to get that set your child is wishing for!

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