httpv://youtu.be/ZfohObU4bOo

While Traveller's Tales isn't exactly treading on new ground with LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, they are bringing enough new elements to say that this is a huge leap forward for the LEGO franchise of games. There are three key areas that LEGO Batman 2 is upping the ante, but the one that we are focusing on with today's new trailer is the open world gameplay.

Playing as Batman, Robin, Superman, or any of the other DC super heroes featured in the game, players will be able to explore an expanse of up to 500 miles of brick that is densely populated with collectibles, quests, and villains. It could be argued that LEGO Harry Potter established the open world atmosphere with its recreation of Hogwarts as a hub world, but this depiction of Gotham seems markedly different.

What's unclear based on the trailer is how the singular missions will be doled out for the game — whether it will be an Arkham City type set-up or closer to the aforementioned LEGO Harry Potter. Regardless, it's going to be tons of fun just zooming around an open world as Superman, since no game thus far has been able to accurately capture that experience and be fun at the same time.

As was already revealed via a couple trailers for the game, LEGO Batman 2 will not only feature a ton of heroes from the DC Comics universe and open world gameplay, it will also mark the first time that a TT LEGO game has featured voice acting. In fact, Mark Hamil has pulled himself out of voice acting retirement to voice the Joker in this game.

LEGO Batman 2 Open World Trailer

For my money, LEGO Batman 2 feels like a huge leap forward for the LEGO franchise, but could also detract from the charm of the experience. If Traveller's Tales can still retain the Chaplin-esque character interactions and cut scenes from previous games while, at the same time, providing a more contemporary gameplay style, this could be the perfect way to unite gamers young and old.

What do you think of this brief look at open world gameplay in LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes? Aside from Batman what superhero are you most looking forward to playing as?

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes releases June 19, 2012 for the PC, PS3, Vita, 3DS, Wii, and Xbox 360.

Source: Game Informer