Batman: Arkham Asylum is an, incredibly dark and twisted, adventure from the beginning to the conclusion.
The plot is incredible; it will be both entertaining to loyal Batman fans, such as myself, and comic newcomers alike. The voice acting is outstanding; each character certainly immerses the player into the game even more. I fell for Harley Quinn's in particular. Though, if you only focus on the story, and not the game itself, the game doesn't last long - in fact, it's quite short.
That's why this game is built on replay-ability. During the game, there are two-hundred and forty Riddler collectibles to obtain and puzzles to solve. There is a, beautiful, incentive for completing these. You can unlock character biographies, more challenge maps, and character trophies - all the while, gaining more experience. It's certainly worth putting in the time in this game; as it rewards you for exploring, and digging deeper, into the game. To explain more about the challenge maps, these are for players who either love leader-boards or want a quick dose of the game before heading off to work. There are two modes of play: Combat and Predator challenges. Combat challenges require you to knock out all the enemies in a closed-in area. While Predator challenges give each enemy a gun and require the player to clear the area within a certain time limit in a more-open area. Also, there are three medals in each Predator challenge to get higher-up on the leader-boards. They're optional, not mandatory.
The game-play, in the game, is solid - but it does need some work. Mainly, with the reversal/counter fighting mechanic. On the harder difficulties, it almost makes specific parts of the game unplayable. I, actually, had to restart the game from the very beginning (personal decision) and play the game on easy to enjoy a more comfortable experience. Though, don't get me wrong, in the end, the fighting is fast and entertaining to watch. During the game, you'll enter boss fights with familiar Batman villains. Each of them are unique and are, quite, entertaining to play. Though, one villain, in particular, has some picky game-play platforming mechanics - that can lead to mildly frustrating moments.
In the end, Batman: Arkham Asylum is an, incredibly dark and twisted, adventure from the beginning to the conclusion. It's a hell of a ride; though it does have a fair bit of bumps along the way. I'd recommend this game to die-hard Batman fans - and to others who haven't given this game the time it, truly, deserves.