*DISCLAIMER: Much like my review of "Batman: Arkham Asylum, this review lists the PlayStation 3 version as the "reviewed item." That said, I played the PlayStation 4 "Return to Arkham" version, which means all opinions expressed here will be based on that version. It shouldn't be a huge difference, but I just want to be transparent*
Pros:
- The sheer amount of respect and effort put into caring for the "Batman" series deserves a lot of respect.
- Fantastic, dark storytelling with great use of the "Batman" characters.
- Incredible voice work from Mark Hamill and the late Kevin Conroy.
- Visual design is perfectly befitting for a game set in Gotham City.
- The open world is quite a marvel to look at, and it's very well-created.
- Combat is pretty smooth and hard-hitting.
- Traversal through the world is awesome, and flying around definitely feels satisfying.
- Tons of content that emphasizes replayability.
Cons:
- I still don't like the boss fights
- The open world itself, while expansive and well-crafted, doesn't always excite me personally.
- This is a minor thing, and I can acknowledge that maybe it's just me sucking, but something about the game felt a bit…clunky?
Consensus: Hindsight is 20/20, and maybe this is the passage of time talking; given the sheer acclaim and beloved nature of "Batman: Arkham City," experiencing the game for the first time in 2023 (especially after playing so many games that improved upon its ideas) meant that it didn't quite hit me the same as it did others. I did admittedly get a bit frustrated and overwhelmed with certain portions of the game, and it didn't sing to me to the degree I was hoping. With that said, I can't pretend that "Batman: Arkham City" isn't a great game, and I can't deny its importance; it does a lot more than most superhero/licensed games can do, and the sheer amount of care and love for the "Batman" lineage is on full display here. It may not be a game I go back to every year, but it's certainly an enjoyable ride and still worth your time.
Final rating: 8 out of 10 "Great"