I took a break from my Xbox 360 reviews (new one coming soon!) to play the new Lego Batman game and Double Fine’s Keeper from 2025. I rarely have the urge to buy new games at launch, but 1) I’m a huge Batman and comic book nerd and 2) this new Lego Batman game doesn’t hide the fact that it is basically a brand new Arkham-style game. The first new one in over ten years, since 2015’s Arkham Knight.

Legacy of the Dark Knight is both a Lego game and an Arkham game, combining Lego levels with building, breaking and collecting, as well as the always-excellent Arkham combat, stealth and city exploration. Beating up dozens of henchmen and gliding through Gotham feels so good it makes you wonder why they haven’t made any new games like this in 10+ years. The plot mashes together all of the movies with villains, allies, scenes and easter eggs from the comics and games as well. The game is fully playable with two players, as Batman is joined by an ally at all times, each with their own unique gadgets and moves. There’s too many references in this game to go over everything so here are some of my favorites: Arnold Mister Freeze puns, Killer Croc’s and Sofia Gigante’s side missions, Joker’s Red Hood Gang from the New 52, the “twist” ending villain, exploring the Batcave, visiting Arkham Asylum, Prince and Seal needle drops, and Gotham City’s map as designed by Eliot R. Brown for No Man’s Land. I only wish the game had even more villains and playable characters!

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Double Fine’s Keeper was a great palate cleanser: a nice, short, beautiful game with no dialogue, incredible artwork and just interesting enough puzzles and platforming. It reminded me of Limbo and Inside, but with the whimsy and breeziness of the old Pixar shorts. Keeper is short enough to knock out in a couple sittings, but it might catch you in the right mood to keep you thinking about it days later. I definitely recommend!