What You Need to Know About LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight — the Unexpected Successor to the Arkham Series

At gamescom, the fourth entry in the LEGO Batman franchise was announced, subtitled Legacy of the Dark Knight. The project immediately sparked great interest among gamers: it’s actively discussed on social media, and the debut trailer has already gathered hundreds of thousands of views. Why such hype? The reason is that Legacy of the Dark Knight is not just another parody-styled linear LEGO game, but rather an ambitious open-world adventure that strongly resembles Rocksteady Studios’ Arkham trilogy in terms of gameplay.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will tell a new story of how Bruce Wayne became Gotham’s protector. Nevertheless, the game is filled with numerous humorous references to popular Batman stories — from films and comics to video games.

For example, the trailer features scenes parodying Christopher Nolan’s trilogy: from Bruce’s training in Batman Begins to Bane’s monologue in The Dark Knight Rises. In addition, the game also draws inspiration from Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman: one trailer sequence recreates the iconic car chase with the Penguin.

On missions, Batman is accompanied by partners who are also playable. You will be able to take control of Jim Gordon, Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul. All of them are useful both in combat and during puzzle-solving sequences.

In the demo shown at gamescom, Commissioner Gordon acted as Batman’s companion. He is in no way inferior to the Dark Knight: he fights well, can take down enemies using stealth, and glides through the air with his personal glider. Most importantly, Gordon has a gun that shoots a powerful adhesive substance. In the showcased mission, players had to use this gadget to seal various openings in pipes leaking acid in order to progress further.

Every playable character has a variety of unlockable alternate costumes, which will definitely please dedicated fans. Of course, the majority of skins will be for Batman himself: in the demo, you could spot Nolan’s The Dark Knight suit, the very first costume from the 1939 comic, and a skin inspired by the late-2000s animated series.

As for villains, it is already known that Batman and his allies will face old foes: Joker, Penguin, Poison Ivy, Ra’s al Ghul, and Bane.

Structurally, Legacy of the Dark Knight takes significant inspiration from Batman: Arkham Knight. Expect a large open-world Gotham City filled with side activities: crime-scene investigations, puzzles, challenges, hidden secrets, and Easter eggs.

Traversal through the world, once again, closely mirrors Arkham Knight. The main tools allowing the player to quickly move from point A to point B are the grappling hook and glider cape combination. Just like in the Arkham games, Batman grapples onto ledges, pulls himself upward, and then glides across the air.

Vehicles also play a crucial role in Legacy of the Dark Knight. You’ll be able to drive through Gotham’s streets in the Batmobile from Matt Reeves’ film, ride the motorcycle — also from the 2022 movie — as well as pilot the tank-like Tumbler from Nolan’s trilogy. Other vehicles will be included as well, though details have not yet been revealed.

Various Batmobiles, Batman costumes, and numerous collectible items can be used to decorate the hero’s cave. It serves as a kind of hub where you can spend time between missions.

Not only the open-world traversal but also nearly all other aspects of the game are inspired by Rocksteady’s masterpieces. For instance, the combat system essentially functions in an identical way — adjusted, of course, for the more playful tone of TT Games’ LEGO projects.

Fights are built around combos, counters, and attack chains, with the rhythm closely resembling Arkham’s combat system, where the hero leaps from enemy to enemy. The main way to defeat foes is through punches and kicks, though Batman and his allies can also use gadgets such as stunning Batarangs or the grappling hook to pull enemies closer.

Stealth also plays an important role, once again borrowed from the Arkham series. The Dark Knight can climb to high vantage points and silently eliminate opponents from above, sneak up from behind for powerful takedowns, or even vanish mid-combat using a system of underground hatches.

With LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a rather amusing situation is unfolding. This parody is essentially the true spiritual successor to Rocksteady’s Arkham trilogy that fans have been dreaming of for years. Where Rocksteady itself faltered, the LEGO developers stepped in — something no one could have foreseen. Of course, the tone of Legacy of the Dark Knight is entirely different, but the gameplay shown clearly adheres to the Arkham formula so beloved by fans.

The game will release next year on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

So what do you think of the project? Will you be playing? Share your thoughts in the comments.