‘Lego Batman’

‘Lego Batman’

(Warner Bros.) for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS

Genre: Action; Rating: E

Grade: C

Holy heartbreak, Batman! Clich as it is to steal Robin’s classic line, it is necessary in order to properly grade “Lego Batman.” Not long after the wildly successful “Lego Indiana Jones” came out, now we have a Batman story in Lego form that just doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessors.

What has everyone loving the Lego Star Wars and Indiana Jones games is how great they bring the action while in many ways bringing tons of fun by spoofing itself. Having famous moments from the films re-enacted by Lego characters is a fantastic way to attract the films’ fans as well as younger gamers that will just enjoy the game itself. “Lego Batman” has no familiar scenes (it’s a wholly original story), but it does come brimming with classic characters.

Nearly every villain you can name from the series is present, and getting to play as each of them is a blast since they all have unique characteristics. Sadly, you absolutely need to play with a friend, because the AI is just horrendous, and seems to be getting worse with each Lego franchise game that comes out.

Visually the game is still as impressive as past ones. There are some puzzles that will just drive you ... wait for it ... batty. You’ll have a much better time with “Lego Batman’s” multiplayer modes if there are friends there to join you, so send out the Bat Signal and bring in buddies.

Just make sure they have to play as Robin. You get to be the real hero.

‘de Blob’

(THQ) for Wii

Genre: Platformer; Rating: E

Grade: B-

Colors unite! After Comrade Black turns the once-chirpy Chroma City into a gray-scaled land of blah, it’s up to you (Blob) and the rest of the Color Underground movement to restore (colorful) order to the city.

And what fun you will have painting the town red (or blue, yellow, green, whatever). The joy of the game rests in how quickly it rewards your actions.

Touch a building with Blob and it turns whatever color you are currently dipped in. Watching the city illuminate before your eyes in quick succession only motivates you to paint faster and makeover the city however you’d like.

There are some minigames thrown in to break up the action, and they succeed in being tailored to the game’s overall mission, so they are not just tacked on without reason.

Playing with friends is even more enjoyable, because the races and other games possess an instant appeal because of the goofball nature and colorful effects.

The game’s cut scenes are beautiful, and with good humor, introduce each stage and move the story along. Nothing like getting the kids involved early in political uprising in the face of supposed omnipotent oppression.

Make sure you play de Blob, you won’t be left green in the face.

‘Wario Land: Shake It’

(Nintendo) for Wii

Genre: Platformer; Rating: E

Grade: C-

Luckily, not all of Nintendo’s Wii games are destined to become self-improvement or fitness-related releases. After awhile, you just want to have some fun and not constantly put in another disc that is all about stretching or improving your brain age (I certainly don’t feel like I’m getting any smarter).

“Wario Land: Shake It” is your standard platformer. It’s controls are going to be easy to learn (you just shake the controller) no matter what your skill level or previous gaming experience. Your goal is to save a kidnapped queen and also snag an infinite bag of gold for yourself, and who doesn’t want to save the girl and get rich all at the same time?

The levels and bosses you will face are intriguing but not the most inventive or original you’ll ever see. But that is just fine, because the point here is fun, not groundbreaking gameplay.

“Shake It” won’t blow you away but after doing your aerobics on Wii Fit or some silly sports game, don’t be above it all to give this one a try.

— Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard