Note: This review reflects the Nintendo Wii version of the game featuring a different control scheme, although all other gameplay settings should be reflective of every console version.

Playing with LEGO blocks is a fondly remembered childhood pastime for many people, as is watching cartoons and movies starring Batman.

The newest installment of the “LEGO” videogame franchise from developer Traveller’s Tales is “LEGO Batman: The Videogame.” It has stirred up heavy excitement from fans of all ages.

Much like the previous “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” iterations in the series, “LEGO Batman” is in essence a “LEGO-ization” of the “Batman” universe.

The characters, objects and environments in the game are visually composed of LEGO blocks that break apart when destroyed, leaving LEGO studs for players to collect and use to unlock content later in the game.

The Dynamic Duo of Batman and sidekick Robin battle a large library of franchise villains ranging from the well-known Joker, Two-Face, Riddler, to the more obscure villans like Killer Croc, Killer Moth, Clayface in a vibrant, comical environment focused on one thing – fun.

Keeping with the style present in the “LEGO Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” titles, the game’s brief cinematic sequences feature no voice acting outside of grunts, but have a whimsical spirit behind them that keeps the dark “Batman” environment feeling lighthearted and silly while still conveying a basic storyline.

The control scheme is equally basic, including only a jump, punch, special move and general movement button arrangement. The Wii version utilizes the Nunchuk attachment to move characters.

The Wii Remote can be pointed on the screen to lock onto various objects that you can throw your Batarang at to destroy them, similar to the function of the boomerang in “The Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess.”

The game allows another player to jump into the action at any time as long as you have another Wii Remote and Nunchuk lying around.

The restrictive nature of only one available control setup is disappointing for Wii owners, who are used to four different options in other titles.

Most of the game will be spent traversing various environments, completing various puzzles by flipping switches and jumping across platforms.

This engaging combination of puzzles can prove to be challenging, yet creative at times, and never gets too frustrating.

What is frustrating is the game’s repetitive use of the musical score by Danny Elfman from the 1989 “Batman” film throughout every venue in the game. The music is beautifully composed, but the game shifts between tracks so often that is feels disjointed and overused.

Also, some levels include the use of classic Batman vehicles such as the Batmobile and Batwing. However, these sequences feel poorly designed with touchy controls and a lack of depth. A Batmobile level boils down to just shooting vehicles and dragging them to giant bat symbols.

The game allows you to build your own hero or villain from LEGO blocks and take your new creation into the game.

The core story of “LEGO Batman” could probably be completed in a few hours and would be a worthy rental for a fun-filled weekend. However, the collection guru will find hours of enjoyment exploring the game’s many hidden nooks and crannies and unlocking the plethora of extras, making this a title with enormous re-play value.

“LEGO Batman” is a slapstick-funny game, simply focused on having fun while bringing out the kid in all of us.

Four out of five stars.

lifeline@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Eric Joyce