Believe it or not, there's more to LEGO Dimensions than throwing together a bunch of characters from unrelated franchises into the same video game. There's actually a story, as this new trailer demonstrates.

You see, evil mastermind Lord Vortech vows to rule the LEGO Multiverse by summoning characters from assorted worlds to help him find the Foundational Elements that will allow him to achieve his goal. When a powerful vortex appears and sweeps up characters from DC Comics, The Lord of the Rings and The LEGO Movie, Batman, Gandalf and Wyldstyle set out to save their friends, only to discover that Lord Vortech is summoning villains from different LEGO worlds to help him gain control.

It's as good of a premise as any, and provides great trailer fodder like a Batman-vs.-Batman slap-fight, a shot of Superman in the Emerald City and, yes, Riddler atop a Balrog from The Lord of the Rings.

LEGO Dimensions launches Sept. 27 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and Wii U.