![]() Just don’t step on it.The latest Lego game is a typically crammed tribute to Marvel comic lore that buffs the well-worn formula up to a shine. There are so many ideas hurtling in from so many different directions that it can create the illusion of being a tad overwhelming but the game, like Lego’s trademark bricks, fits together snugly. While Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 doesn’t completely buck that trend, it’s undoubtedly a confident, swaggering step in the right direction. Lego games invariably have a reputation for being a bit samey. The Grandmaster’s Battletorium is little more than a mild distraction but its Infinity Gauntlet game – think Halo’s Oddball mixed with Smash Bros – is perfect for a family get-together, or to keep the kids quiet for half an hour. There’s even a competitive multiplayer element this time. ![]() Fancy taking the Quinjet for a spin with Kingpin across Ancient Egypt? Sure, go nuts. The game may funnel you down the story path but you can still choose to tackle the 11 side bosses to be found in Chronopolis, as well as just mess about with a ragtag team of your favourite heroes and villains. Your completionist itch will most definitely be scratched through not only the 15-hour runtime of the story but also the dozens upon dozens of hours you can put into the optional content. Levels are more vertical now, encouraging exploration, and there are lists upon lists of side missions for you to get stuck into. There’s so much extra content and, yet, it rarely feels like it’s been tacked-on. TT Games has approached this sequel with the right frame of mind. Yes, you can complete levels to Hooked on a Feeling and, yes, that is as amazing as it sounds. Spider-Man unleashes a torrent of webs, Hulk (inevitably) smashes and Star-Lord, brilliantly, dances whilst listening to his officially licensed mixtape. With a click of circle/B button, the heroes can unleash their special movies. The game is bursting at the seams with little references - you should definitely check out Gwenpool’s room, complete with meta lines from Gwen herself about tutorials - and that even translates to the characters’ actions. No matter the flaws, if you’re a Marvel fan (or even just someone who likes 3D platforming) then you owe it to yourself to play this. Restarting the level fixed the problem but it’s something to be aware of, and hopefully one that can be remedied easily. One level in particular saw a boss refuse to change into his next form because he was submerged in a pool of water. ![]() Bosses and characters also have an annoying tendency to get stuck on scenery. I’m fairly sure it’s not an obscure in-joke. The Enchantress, for instance, booms her lines out at twice the volume of any other character in the game. It won’t be uncommon to see frame rate drops during cutscenes and sound levels to be out of whack. Technical issues can also plague the game somewhat. ![]() The end result is a bit of a chaotic mess, and something that is disappointing to see when everything from the cutscenes to Easter eggs you spot out the corner of your eye are lavished with such attention and care. Even more frustratingly, most bosses run on for a couple of minutes too long by retreating into invincible states and sending more minions at you. While it is undeniably cool to go against some of Marvel’s biggest bads, most just turn out to be feverish button mashes. This simple sensibility, though, unfortunately also translates to bosses. ![]()
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