Batman: Arkham Asylum is a game that is very immersive while not making you think too much on what to do next..
Now lets come to what the game offers, Well as Batman you feel the way Batman should feel - Powerful, Smart, and obviously a bat. Now, in the hand to hand combat, Batman is way more powerful than Jokers goons but when its a 10 one one fight, even Batman needs to fight. Though all the fights are smooth due to the easy controls, it can get tough to deal with goons with knives and stun sticks while other goons are still trying to kill you. Especially near the end, Batman will not face goons less than 20 in number at the same time.
Though superhero game are supposed to be all action, Batman: AA, has a few tricks up its sleeve that will come as a surprise. First, you will have to think abut your next move through out the game. There will be instances where you will have to use your gadgets to get through security doors but the mini game used to do so is simple, yet gives a 'Sam Fisher' type feel. As the game goes on, your gadgets improve, you will have to think more about your moves and use the correct approach. During the game, your path will get blocked and you will need to find an alternate path. This is where you will need to use tour expertise to find an alternate route.
Now, a Batman game can't be finished without you hiding in the shadows to trap your prey. They call it the 'Predator Mode' I call it 'Bat Mode'. In many of the rooms you go into, all of Joker's men will be armed with guns and even Batman isn't bulletproof. But don't worry. Each room will have gargoyles near the roof which can be used by Batman to sit on and not be seen, After that there are many ways to take down the baddies, either silently or by knocking one guy to scare the others. If they spot you, you can swing from one gargoyle to the other to escape. Yes I know its not realistic but its works well and there not much else you can do.
The Boss fights in the game are amazing. Each fight is different from the rest. The only fight i didn't like was the third one with Scarecrow. Yes thats right you have to fight him 3 times. Not once or twice but trice!! Though each of the 3 fights are similar they increase in difficulty and your tactical approach. But I loved the way each fight was initiated.Just Brilliant I tell you.
The bottom line is that the game is awesome and a must buy for action gamers, Batman lovers, Stealth finders, Casual Gamers or Comic Lovers. This is a game that will be remembered even after years.
Stats:
Graphics: 9/10 (Beautiful environments and smooth game-play)
Sound: 8.5/10 (Background is full of suspense when roaming around but has an action element when in combat)
Story: 10/10 (One of the best stories I have seen in some time now.)
Replay Value: 7/10 (Though the game's main aspect is the story, the challenge mode is a good way to keep players coming back for more.)
Overall: 9.5/10 (Brilliant characters, Brilliant story, Brilliant game)