Gamertell

Title: Batman: Arkham Asylum
Price: $59.99
System(s): *Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Rocksteady (Warner Bros. Interactive/DC Comics)
ESRB Rating: Teen
Pros: Amazing atmosphere, great gameplay flow, awesome Batman trappings.
Cons: Combat is arguably too simplistic
Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 92/100; A;  * * * * 1/2

Batman: Arkham Asylum came out of left field (at least, for me) and completely blew me away. It’s the very best game to feature The Dark Knight himself, with gameplay that fully captures all of the B-man’s best abilities and throws the player into one of the coolest, creepiest and most story-rich environments this side of BioShock.

Welcome to the Madhouse

Players take on the role of Batman as he brings the Joker back to Arkham Asylum – and it doesn’t take long to figure out that something is amiss. Soon after the opening sequence, the psychotic clown has the creepy old prison/hospital under his control, with a rowdy band of famous Batman villains and cronies at his disposal. It’s up to you, as Gotham City’s most infamous defender, to brawl, sneak around, and puzzle your way through the murderous maze.

The gameplay flow is particularly excellent. The game throws new challenges into the mix and divides the action efficiently between cracking skulls, searching for clues, and sneaking around the various spooky rooms. You’ll beat up fools in one room, then use your excellent stealth/detective skills to find clues and solve puzzles (all of which actually make sense within the context of the action and the world), all the while exploring the nooks and crannies of Arkham’s dingiest corners.

Combat is incredibly fluid and responsive although it’s also incredibly simple. It’s all combo-based, with a basic attack button, evade move and a counter, and each and every fight makes you feel like a total badass. Some gamers may not like the ultra-streamlined interface, but many more will enjoy the silky-smooth experience. Your various abilities can be upgraded (you get to choose from offensive and defensive power-ups), and you gain access to newer and cooler pieces of kit as you progress.

Characters wanted

One of the coolest elements of the game is the extent to which iconic characters from the series are used. Rocksteady really brought out the “A-Team” for this one, and the graphics, voice acting and overall presentation are phenomenal. The Joker is a force to be reckoned with, as well he should be, while Batman remains the stoic hero-Ninja that we’ve come to know and love in Christopher Nolan’s recent films.

The Arkham environment itself is one of the greatest highlights. It’s a fully realized nightmare world with an authentic, faux-gothic feel that recalls the waterlogged halls of Rapture (BioShock‘s ruined underwater dystopia, for those not in the know). It’s a real pleasure to explore with the air of unrestrained malice emanating (Andrew Ryan-style) from the Joker throughout.

The Dark Knight indeed

The game is an absolute blast to play and a real treat for Batman fans. This is the first game that really hits all the finer points. It nails the Batman look and feel, while also providing interesting, rewarding gameplay. With respect to Lego Batman (which is quite good), this is the definitive Dark Knight experience.

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