Batman: The Brave and the Bold Review

What a great trip back to the past, even if one knows nothing about the TV show the game is based on. The game has a nostalgic feel reminding some gamers of such classics as Batman and Robin for the Genesis. With a game like this it's made for co-op, not only is it more fun this way but as usual the AI has the habit of being stupid when it comes to assisting players outside of fighting. Robin the stable in all Batman games is rotated in some parts of the game in favor of Guy Garnder, Hawkman, or Blue Beetle.

The game plays well. Levels are short; in 30 mins gamers should be able to get you through several levels. The game auto saves after every level and this is a nice feature, it gives the game the feeling of something gamers would enjoy in short bursts. I loved the controls, and let me tell you I do not mesh well with the Wii controls. Classics villains and gadgets show up and I enjoyed stringing together easy to execute combos and with a slight waggle of the Wiimote utilizing the using super moves. There are upgrades for every gadget which requires coins which are collectable throughout the levels. There isn't much of a penalty for dying and even for the youngest super hero it's tough to die.

Although the game is easy and its fun, $40 is a little high for a game of this caliber, since there are only a few reasons why one may want to replay some of the levels most of them involve exploring further and collecting bonuses and backtracking through secret areas that may have been inaccessible before without a certain gadget. The biggest gripes with the game are the AI, its receptiveness, and the annoying banter between Batman and Robin/Blue Beetle. Keeping these issues in mind I can see why it's getting a 75 on metacrtic.

So my suggestion if you are a big fan of the show, have young kids in the household, and/or are a fan of 2D side scroller beat 'em ups, then by all means buy this game. If you like Batman but you'd prefer another Arkham Asylum just wait for this game to drop to $20 or give it a rental. Nevertheless this game is a good excuse for Wii owners to dust off their neglected Wiis for once and dedicate a weekend to playing this game.