Batman is one super hero that needs no introduction. With no actual super powers, he makes up for it with his gadgets, memorable villains and dark storyline that makes him one of the most cherished super heroes of all time. As for the gaming world, he's been mostly hit or miss (though unlike Superman, he actually has his share of good games). Sure, there have been good games but for every Batman for the NES there's a Batman Returns for the SNES/Genesis or Batman Begins the game. Nevertheless, developer Rocksteady took their take on the Batman license with Arkham Asylum. People didn't know hat to expect before its release in 2009 but to everyone's surprise, not only did Rockesteady manage to make the best Batman game, they made one of the best action/adventure games of all time.
We start the game seeing Batman, who had apparently just gotten finished with a battle against Joker as he drives the captured psychopath to Arkham Island. Unfortunately, the crafty Joker had a plan all along as he escapes from his confinements, sets a trap for Batman and with the help of other convicts like Harley Quinn and Scarecrow, and takes over Arkham Asylum. The caped crusader fights off a few convicts and escapes the trap, but now he must rescue the guards (including commissioner Gordon), stop the Joker and save both Arkham Asylum and Gotham City from his evil clutches. The plot to Asylum is cleverly paced and well written that would please any long time Batman fan, and it's well told enough to not be confusing to those of you who know nothing about him. The story keeps things going smoothly and the different scenarios never feel abrupt.
The presentation of this game is absolutely perfect for a game starring the caped crusader. The visuals are dark, gloomy and detailed that welcomes you into the world of Batman. It captures the atmosphere of the series perfectly, and they are accompanied by the fantastic score in the background. The haunting Arkham will be enough to draw you in and feel like you're a part of the dark world surrounding you. THIS is what a Batman game should look and sound like. What's better yet is the voice acting, with returning actors from the 90's cartoon like Mark Hamil as the Joker and Kevin Conroy as Batman. Both actors are just as great now as they were back then, especially after hearing the Joker taunt you over the intercom with his witty and twisted humor. Overall, the presentation is a bulls eye in every aspect. You can tell this was made by people who appreciate what makes the franchise so good.
The game world itself allows you to travel anywhere you want in the Asylum, but it's not so much a sandbox open world game as it is a metroidvania type of game. In other words, most of the game is more like a maze filled with hidden secrets and passageways. Honestly, it works wonderfully. To traverse this creepy world in front of you, you are equipped with Batman's trademarked gadgets. For instance, you are given a grappling hook to reach higher places, explosive gel to break down walls and barriers, a cryptographic sequencer to overload electrical barriers and more. Every gadget has its use and are even fun to use when solving puzzles or navigating the asylum. Further adding to the list of gadgets is Batman's detective mode; used to find clues and hints throughout the asylum. This mode is used for just about everything you come across, including critical weaknesses in enemies, an object's use, or to scan clues for certain puzzles (usually to find and follow trails to the culprit). Unfortunately, I hope you can get used to the strange infrared colors because you will be using this mode a lot, almost too much. Other than getting used to that, there is a great diverse variety in your arsenal, and switching between your gadgets couldn't be easier.
Aside from the fancy gadgets, the dark knight also has to use his fists against the countless escaped thugs throughout the building. The combat in this game is simplistic, but manages to be unique at the same time. You simply push X to punch and when you see an enemy glow, push Y to counterattack. When describing it, it sounds like there's nothing to it, but these two attacks can be strung together for bigger combos and you can even upgrade them for more moves for some intense fist to fist action. Trying to get larger combos is a bit of a challenge and the simplicity, mixed with enemies not changing their tactics, can lead to a little bit of repetitive button mashing. However, the fights look nice, the extra moves can mix things up, giving the fights a good amount of depth.
Not all thugs can be taken on with your bare fists directly. Some thugs are armed to the teeth with rifles and will have to be taken down a different way. That's where Batman will have to rely on something that he is best known for; stealth, and this game does it nicely. Running at these guards will likely result in instant death, so you must grapple up to the above gargoyles or pillars and hide in the shadows. From up here, you can use any tactic to lure the guards to their doom; use explosive gel to distract them, glide kicking them when they're alone, dropping down and sneaking up behind them without detection or, my personal favorite, hang from a gargoyle like a bat and use the "inverted takedown" when one passes underneath (and tie them to the gargoyle). What I love about these sections is there isn't one way to do it. It lets the player improvise and clear the room any way they want with almost limitless possibilities. Clearing a whole room of baddies has never been more satisfying.
The game has a lengthy story mode that will keep you busy for at least 15-20 hours of playtime. During that time, players get to experience a good combat and stealth system as well as gaining experience and either upgrading Batman's stats or buying new moves to perform. All of this accompanied by a solid presentation. Unfortunately, there is one thing that keeps the game from being any better; the boss fights. Most of the boss fights are the same; fighting a giant monster creature that pretty much plays the same each time. There are decent boss fights like with Poison Ivy, but the big muscled thug fights gets really old and repetitive quickly. However, none are as bad as probably one of the most disappointing final boss fights of all time. I won't spoil it for you but don't expect an epic one on one fight with the Joker, because it's pretty much a joke.
Before Batman Arkham Asylum came out, I don't think anyone knew what to expect. Little did we know that Rocksteady was hard at work at making this game as good as it could be. Not only did they succeed at making the best Batman game, they made what just might be the best super hero game of all time. With such a rich atmosphere, well told story and excellent gameplay on all fronts, it's no wonder why this game received the praise it got. If you're into Batman, this game is definitely worth your purchase (if you haven't already). Even if you're not, it's still worth checking out. Never before has a game actually made you feel like a super hero like Arkham Asylum.