Video-game Reviews | Holy pixels, Batman! We're a video game

Batman enters the Lego world while Kirby moves to a new platform in this week's video-game reviews.

"Lego Batman"

The mechanics of "Lego Batman" are almost identical to "Lego Star Wars" and "Lego Indiana Jones." Players run around as the Dynamic Duo in a colorful quest to save Gotham, smacking thugs into bits and assembling items out of Lego pieces.

The similarity isn't a problem, but it's worth mentioning this is basically the third iteration of the same game, just with different window dressing. But it's well-done window dressing, with Batman and Robin able to take on new powers by equipping several special suits. Plus, once a chapter is played through as the heroes, gamers can take on the roles of the villains.

Anyone expecting something new will be disappointed, but those who liked the previous "Lego" games will most likely enjoy this one as well.

Systems: Xbox 360; $49.99. Also for PlayStation 3, PS2, PSP, Wii, Nintendo DS, PC; $29.99 to $49.99.

Age rating: 10-plus

"Kirby Super Star Ultra"

More a set of bite-size helpings than a single, full game, "Kirby Super Star Ultra" provides several short adventures and a few minigames for good measure.

Released originally on the Super Nintendo, the game's graphics have been improved and movies have been added, but it retains the familiar Kirby game play. The little pink puffball can inhale monsters and spit them out or, in many cases, swallow them to take on their powers. Kirby also can release them to gain a helper to fight alongside him.

Individual parts of the game feel a bit thin, but taken all together, there's quite a bit to do.

System: Nintendo DS; $34.99

Age rating: Everyone