Expedition Log #9 | LEGO Batman: Training Atop the Mountain
Blind Playthrough
June 16th, 2026
Introduction & Recap
Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re leaving behind the rain-soaked streets of Gotham to embark on a journey to the frozen peaks of the Himalayas. Last time, Bruce Wayne was presented with a pivotal choice: train with the League of Shadows under the enigmatic leadership of Ra's al Ghul.
But before he can join their ranks, Bruce must ascend to the mountain’s summit, locate an elusive blue flower, and reach the legendary Nanda Parbat. This is where our adventure resumes, setting the stage for a transformative new chapter.
First Impressions of the New Zone
Upon reaching this breathtaking new area, I am immediately struck by its beauty and grandeur. While the game’s visuals were impressive before, the contrast here elevates everything. The shift from Gotham’s gloomy, rain-soaked streets to the icy and forboding atmosphere of the Himalayas is something to behold. The snow blows across the mountain drifts, carpeting the landscape, and as I gaze over the mountain’s edge. The change in scenery feels different and intimidating, setting the perfect tone for the challenges ahead.
Gameplay & The Evolution of Combat
This time around, I’m feeling much more confident in the game’s combat system. Previously, it didn’t feel quite as punchy or satisfying as the Arkham series, but perhaps that was just me expecting something a bit too familiar. I need to move past what I want the combat to feel and play like and look at what is here.
The core mechanics—bouncing between punches and counters—remain, but the addition of gadgets like shurikens adds a fresh layer of strategy. One notable difference, however, is the mid-combat takedowns. In Arkham, you could unleash a takedown based on your combo counter, which felt smooth and rewarding. Here, LotDK restricts these moves to when a specific meter is completely filled, making them feel less smooth in the flow of combat. Even so, the combat remains highly engaging, blending old and new elements for an enjoyable experience.
The Search for the Blue Flower
This is also where a familiar face appears: Talia. Both of us have arrived with the exact same goal: to reach the mountain’s summit and the mysterious monastery that lies ahead. The journey quickly becomes a race, with Talia and I using our grapples to leap from platform to platform, traversing treacherous ledges and icy cliffs. The sense of rivalry and camaraderie adds great tension and excitement, driving us onward until, at last, we spot our prize.
A blue flower.
Of course, just as we reach it, a classic LEGO-style curveball hits: a mountain goat snatches the flower away and devours it right before our eyes. Undeterred, we press on, determined to find another and continue our quest.
Eventually, after a challenging trek further up the cliffside, filled with much LEGO-style tomfoolery and playful banter, we find another single blue flower. Though amusingly, there’s also a vendor nearby selling them.
Soon after, we enter the monastery where Ra's al Ghul awaits, and our training begins in earnest. Here, we delve deeper into the game’s mechanics, mastering stealth takedowns, aerial attacks, and the art of sneaking. Ra's also introduces us to shurikens, nicely foreshadowing Batman’s future use of batarangs. These training sequences add a lot of welcome depth to the gameplay and offer a fantastic glimpse into Bruce’s evolution as a hero.
Conclusion
Overall, Legacy of the Dark Knight continues to impress by keeping its momentum alive, even during a traditional "training arc" level. The gorgeous visual shift to Nanda Parbat, combined with the introduction of Talia and early stealth mechanics, kept the gameplay loop feeling fresh, even if the combat meter system still leaves a little to be desired. I'm officially ready to see what kind of hero this training turns Bruce into.
But what about you guys? What’s your favorite training sequence or mountain level in a video game? Let me know in the comments below, or hit me up on socials.
