LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 Game Review
Content Editor, Film Critic and Writer for ComiConverse.com, the Founder and co-host of the official Nerdcast Network Podcast
LEGO is a brand which has connections with adults and kids for the longest time, with the little plastic toys meaning so much to people across our planet. I grew up fascinated with the imagination it brought into my life, playing out make-believe scenes was outstanding: and boosted me into creating short movies for a living. Their push into video games brought a new era: as the balance between IP’s and signature humor put them into virtual worlds.
Superheroes have been taking over mainstream entrainment for years, with various movie franchises and TV series born out of the comic book source material. The success has been an excellent adventure to explore those iconic worlds in multiple formats, but the video game market has been harder to take over.
It makes sense for Warner Bros Entrainment to bring Marvel to the gaming world with a LEGO-themed video game in LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2, rich story material. The sequel takes place sometime after the first game, with the primary focus being around alienate realities and versions of iconic superheroes. But does it work? Or sink to the ground.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 Game Review
Credit: Warner Bros.
LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original epic adventure and sequel to the smash hit, LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, this original branching storyline transports players into a cosmic battle across a myriad of Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis. Packed with signature LEGO humor for fans of all ages, gamers will go head-to-head with the time-traveling Kang the Conqueror through Ancient Egypt, The Old West, Sakaar, New York City in the year 2099, Xander and many other imaginative settings in this fun-filled journey spanning the Marvel Universe.
The LEGO games have a signature tone and style which brings together iconic franchises within the morals of favorite toys, by keeping audiences entrained with solid platforming action. I have always enjoyed the titles due to accessibility for the younger generation and hardcore references for lovers of the source material. Last couple game of the series LEGO Avengers was a mixed bag, as adapting the movies into video game formats limited vision on new worlds with the strict guidelines not allowing creative freedom.
I was burned out with the series after various disappointments, but I'm proud to confirm the latest installment goes places never seen before in a Marvel game, the multiple universes allow different versions of these favorite characters. LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 is another solid adventure from the outstanding TT Games, blending all eras of the classic Marvel publisher even harking back to the 1930's imprint Timely Comics.
Credit: Warner Bros.
It puts new ideas first and doesn't hold back in changing source material for gameplay sake: with the rich worlds bringing new platforming sequences. The 200+ playable characters are the most significant roster seen in a Marvel video game, addicting and fun gameplay pushes audiences to unlock them all. TT Games understands how to reward players with upgrades, giving reasoning behind replaying missions: the massive sandboxes allow for experimenting with famous superheroes.
Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 plot takes place over 20 story missions, which all vary in quality and reward the player for solving puzzles with character strengths. I loved the varied locations with Sakkar being a favorite, as LEGO Hulk battles in Mad Max-inspired domes. A handful of missions don't reach the standard with the sophisticated designs limiting enjoyment, running around in circles looking for one switch doesn't make for fun times: I would have preferred less of those moments in the 7-hour story-mode.
Credit: Warner Bros.
The game's campaign mode is functional, but it doesn’t have the surprises needed to be remembered, the chaotic battles and lame bosses (which always die after hitting them repeatedly). I believe the main strength of LEGO games is the extreme open world elements, with side quests and activities pushing the audience in trying new heroes on puzzles. Chronopolis is the new hub and features a substantial playground; you always find new undiscovered elements of the ample space. I enjoyed the idea of taking Spider-Man to the skies, racing a friend in co-op which adds playability to the table.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 while doesn’t deviate from the successful LEGO formula but adds enough new content and fun for multiple ages. Boss fights and the complex game design might not set the world on fire, but the diverse characters make it worth the admission price. Hopefully, we get more wholesome game like these from the geniuses at TT Games