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Lego Batman 3 delivers an entertaining mix of puzzle-solving, action, and exploration, much like its predecessors. Players get to control a wide variety of characters, each with unique abilities, which opens up creative approaches to the various puzzles. My older son (8) enjoyed seeing the variety in the cast, but my younger son (4) kept asking, "Who's that?" The game’s structure is solid, offering both single-player and co-op modes. However, the gameplay can feel a bit repetitive after a while, especially in the levels where exploration becomes tedious. This definitely drove me nuts, because the Steam edition isn't my first rodeo with this particular game; we also own the PS4 edition. Combat is fun, but not as refined as other action games, and the progression system, while varied, sometimes feels bogged down by too many collectibles (which I never thought I'd say in any game--I enjoy collectibles). The overall experience is enjoyable, but it doesn't introduce enough new elements to elevate it beyond a standard Lego game. (7/10)

The story brings Batman into space, facing off against various villains, including Brainiac, in an effort to stop the villain from shrinking entire planets. The narrative is fun and offers plenty of humor typical of the Lego franchise, but it’s not particularly memorable or impactful. While there are lots of characters from the DC Universe, the plot itself feels secondary to the action and puzzles. It’s a straightforward story, with more emphasis on the Lego-fueled slapstick humor than any real emotional weight or complexity. Fans of the Lego Batman series will likely enjoy it, but it's not one to write home about, and it's not even the best of the Lego Batman games. (6/10)

Graphically, the game offers a colorful and charming visual experience, much like the earlier iterations of the game. The character models, environments, and animations are well-done, maintaining the signature Lego style that fans adore, and I'd argue the graphics are a slight improvement over Lego Batman 2, which in turn slightly improved upon Lego Batman. The game’s presentation is smooth, and there’s a good variety of locations to explore, from Gotham to outer space. However, the visuals don’t push the boundaries of what you'd expect from a Lego game. While bright and polished, they lack the depth or detail that might make the game truly stand out in ways similar to some of the Star Wars, Incredibles or even Lego Pirates. The environments could use more interaction and dynamism, but the overall look remains appealing for fans of the Lego universe. (7/10)

The music and sound design is one of the game’s stronger points. The soundtrack does a fantastic job of blending classic Batman themes with a sense of space adventure, and it contributes greatly to the atmosphere. The voice acting is charming, with several recognizable actors voicing the iconic DC characters. There’s a good balance of humor and seriousness in the delivery, fitting the game’s tone perfectly. The sound effects for characters’ actions, explosions, and environmental interactions are also solid, providing the right amount of immersion without being overbearing. Overall, the audio experience is vibrant and enhances the enjoyment perhaps a bit more than earlier iterations of the game. This area definitely saw strong improvement as the franchise went on. (8/10)

Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is an enjoyable, but not revolutionary, entry in the Lego game franchise. While its gameplay is solid, it doesn't quite match up to the best in the series, and the story is fairly predictable. Still, the game’s strong presentation, fun sound design, and massive roster of characters make it an enjoyable experience for fans of Lego and the DC Universe alike. Whether you're in it for the action, humor, or just a relaxing game with friends, Lego Batman 3 provides a satisfying experience, even if it doesn’t quite push the boundaries of the franchise. I wouldn't say save your money, necessarily, but I'd recommend catching the game on sale. It's a good game that's overshadowed by stronger entries in the LEGO franchise. (7/10)