Batman Arkham Asylum marked a change in super hero games. With amazing graphics story and gameplay it really was an excellent action game. Now we have its sequel Batman Arkham City which improves on the formula in more than a few ways. Something notable is the combat. Though fighting primarily the same Batman now has a large move set and abilities. In Arkham Asylum you could throw batarangs and use your batclaw to pull enemies toward you. Now you can use almost of all of Batman's arsenal ,knew and old in Battle which in turn provides some satisfying take downs. Another thing better is the world you explore. Arkham City is at least twice the size of old arkham Island and although not as big as typical open worlds go but there is a good amount of things to do. You know have side missions,which are deep and interesting based around various villains from Batman's rogues gallery that didn't make it not the main story. These are multi stepped however so do not expect to complete them shortly and you really do feel like the worlds Greatest Detective while doing them. Something that tests Batman's intelligence more however,like before is the Riddler and his games. Edward Nigma has stepped up his game adding far more challenges to do than before. 90% of these are not really riddles but more like puzzles where Batman must use his Brains,speed and gadgets to unlock the places where the little green trophies hide. Some are easy but don't expect to collect them all so soon. As I said Riddler has stepped up his game with a more practical approach to test Batman. This is in the form of hostage sin puzzle like rooms that Batman must solve or the hostage will die. Again some are easy but they getter harder the more you progress. And to progress you must find riddler trophies.
Not everything however,is a step up from Arkham Asylum but rather a step back. One is the graphics. Though the game is still gorgeous and detailed Arkham Asylum clearly had better graphics mostly in the texture department. The shininess on Batman's costume is gone as is the rich detail on characters faces but no matter still a good looking game. The writing and voice acting is also not as good. 95% of Batman's lines are a list of threats though Jokers lines are still witty and Mark Hamil as joker is still amazing. The low point of voice acting is Tara Strong as Harley Quinn. She was unbearable to listen to and I muted her parts occasionally because of how annoying it was. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Some of Jokers thugs even think so!
As for Additional features if you have internet and bought the game new you get to play as catwoman. Her parts are rather short but no matter she is fun to play as,as she has her on set of challenges,goals and Trophies to find and after you complete the 15-20 hour story you can switch between her and Batman at "Character Switch Points"
Though this game as flaws Batman Arkham city is an excellent action game and as I said the best super hero game to date.
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Arkham City picks up where Arkham Asylum leaves off. The former penitentiary for Gotham City had been completely breached, so the solution was to cordon off an entire section of the city and let survival of the fittest ... Read Full Review
