Embedded within all of this is the tried and true LEGO formula: break, build and collect. It’s a simple formula, but one the developer continuex to find ways to improve by striking a fine balance between simplicity and complexity. This balance is what gives the game such a wide audience. Younger gamers can waltz through the campaign, trying out their favorite hero without the fear of an overly aggressive death penalty, while more seasoned players can enjoy going for the coveted 100% completion by unlocking all characters and using said characters to revisit previously unsolvable puzzles. I think we can all agree that breaking everything in sight to spill out studs is entertaining regardless of age.
LEGO Marvel keeps you hooked by sticking to this setup and spanning it across recognizable and visually stunning locations, such as the hovering S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and an open-world Manhattan playground. Our brick-built superheroes are thrown into the fray right away, with Iron Man and the Hulk teaming up in the very beginning as the fight off Sandman and Abomination. Spider-Man, Captain America and others soon jump in to fight off the onslaught of pesky evildoers and you’ll see some iconic face-offs in the opening moments, ones that will excite your inner geek. If for whatever reason you don’t find the team-up you’re looking for during the campaign, the unlockable Free Play mode will let you run wild with whatever hero squad combination you wish to create, even if that includes H.E.R.B.I.E. and Carnage fighting side by side.
The next-gen version doesn’t disappoint as you go through the various modes and into the various missions from the open world of Manhattan. The load times are there but feel so minor compared to the current gen versions. The visuals are also a lot crisper and smoother textures all around. The issues that may have plagued users with current gen versions as far as frame rate won’t have to worry about that as the next-gen version runs at a smooth framerate. Character swapping is also a lot faster when you are playing around in Free-Play mode to get all the goodies in the game.
Between the vast array of collectibles, the wide array of story missions and fun overall open world content and exploration to be had Lego Marvel Super Heroes takes the cake. The next-gen version amplifies it with great textures, frame rate and shorter load times which will sure to please Lego fans of any age. Simply put, it is a must have for fans looking for some Lego action on next-gen platforms.
[Editor’s Note: LEGO Marvel Super Heroes was reviewed on the PlayStation 4 platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]