Last week, Microsoft unveiled May's roster of Xbox Free Games with Gold, which still does not include an Xbox Series X/S title. For those who missed out on Microsoft's announcement, May 2021's roster of Xbox Games with Gold include Armello and Dungeons 3 for the Xbox One, and LEGO Batman and Tropico 4 for the Xbox 360.
While the lack of support for Xbox's latest-gen consoles will surely disappoint subscribers, the inclusion of LEGO Batman could potentially make up for the rest of the lineup that is nothing to be excited about. Additionally, it appears that LEGO Batman may be one of the best games Xbox Games with Gold has offered in the last few months for one important reason.
LEGO Batman Could Compensate for LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga's Delay
Fans of the LEGO video game franchise would know that developer TT Games/Traveller's Tales is currently working on LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious LEGO video games the studio has taken on. For those unfamiliar with the project, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will serve as the sixth installment in the LEGO Star Wars video game series, and the upcoming title will adapt all nine entries in the Skywalker saga series of films.
Unfortunately, TT Games announced last month that LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga would not meet its spring release date. In a tweet, the studio revealed that developers "are working hard to make LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga the biggest and best-ever LEGO Game - but we're going to need more time to do it." While delays are disappointing, they usually are for the better, given that developers will have more time polishing a game to a high level of quality instead of chasing a release date and launching a half-baked game. While players wait for the release of LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Xbox Live Gold subscribers could turn to LEGO Batman for the time being while waiting for the upcoming game.
Why LEGO Batman is Worth Playing Again
It is worth noting thatm while it has been 13 years since LEGO Batman was released, it is still considered one of the best LEGO games to date. Shortly after its launch, LEGO Batman received critical acclaim from both players and critics thanks to its original story, a first for the LEGO video game franchise, and solid gameplay. The game's critical and commercial success even led to two sequels, DC Super Heroes and Beyond Gotham, which further expanded the universe and featured several Justice League members.
Apart from having an original story, LEGO Batman also allowed players not only to play as Batman and Robin but also the many villains that are just as iconic as the heroes. Additionally, the game was also praised for its unique portrayal of Gotham City and the inclusion of having a vehicle level in every act where players are given control of a plane, car, or boat. Overall, while the rest of the games included in May 2021's Xbox Games with Gold are more or less there, at least Xbox Live Gold subscribers disappointed with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga's delay now has a fun and solid game to play while waiting.