There is no doubt that Batman has gained immense popularity over the decades. Be it comics, action figures, animated series, video games or movies, the caped crusader has always managed to deliver loads of action with a more realistic take to the superhero genre. With the release of Batman: Arkham Asylum, gamers were once again itching to take up the role of Batman and foil another of the Joker’s evil plots, and as always, the whole experience is extremely enjoyable.
Batman Arkham Asylum
The game kicks off with Batman transporting the Joker to Arkham Asylum, a mental institution-cum-containment facility that houses some of the most notorious villains in Gotham City. Only after reaching the asylum does Batman realize that the Joker has set up an ingenious trap. The villain proceeds to turn the place upside down after he escapes. It is now up to the Dark Knight to return things back to order while figuring out the Joker’s new devious scheme. The plot holds marvelously in place and incorporates characters such as Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Killer Croc with a finesse that links with the flow of the story very smoothly.
Batman Arkham Asylum
Gameplay
With regards to gameplay, Batman: Arkham Asylum does exceptionally well. Players control Batman from a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective similar to titles such as Dead Space and Gears of War. The plot requires Batman to visit many locations on the island where the asylum is located — including an on-site Batcave — while unlocking useful gadgets along the way. Arkham Asylum features numerous facilities with the penitentiary, medical facility, botanical gardens and the Arkham family mansion incorporated into the adventure. On the other hand, the game does require the player to backtrack quite a bit, but makes each venture quite refreshing by providing unique challenges along the way. In some cases, the player will be ambushed by a gang of thugs, whereas in others, the changing environment itself requires the player to think and plot his way out of the situation. With the game’s brilliant and precise pacing, the gameplay is never too rushed or too much of a drag.
Batman Arkham Asylum
Batman Arkham Asylum
Gameplay is divided into three major segments: Combat, Predator and Detective mode. When taking on a group of thugs, Batman uses martial arts and other non-lethal means to take them down. Combat is handled brilliantly in-game, with Batman’s smooth and precise movements, making his moves seem quite effortless. It centers on attacking the opponents as well as countering incoming moves. By chaining regular and counter-attacks in combos, Batman is able to perform special moves such as throws and takedowns, which apart from being a delight to watch, also racks up some experience points (XP) that can be used to upgrade gadgets and unlock new moves. Fight sequences require the player to constantly stay alert and know when to attack, counter and evade. Though often challenging, fighting hordes of enemies is hardly ever frustrating, which is a testament to the brilliant pacing of these sequences. On some occasions, however, Batman will encounter armed gunmen and even though the Dark Knight is tough, after a few seconds of gunfire, it is game over for him. This is where the Predator mode comes in, which relies on using gadgets and stealth to take down the bad guys. Detective mode basically incorporates cutting-edge forensic tools that identify the many useful objects and tools that aid Batman in his adventure. When activated, it allows the player to see enemies through walls and hidden passageways among other things. An important use of the Predator mode is scouring for secrets in- game. The game subsequently evolves in these events by offering different challenges from time to time, resulting in the experience never being monotonous. On the contrary, this is precisely where the player truly feels like Batman. The game world, though presented in a linear path, allows for exploration at any time. Exploration of the world is prompted by items and clues left on the Island by the Riddler for Batman to find, as well as some scavenger-hunt style clues in almost every area. The Riddler hides these items in very clever locations, and finding them all definitely proves to be a lot of fun besides also rewarding the player with bonus XP, gallery profiles, character trophies and challenge mode missions.
Batman Arkham Asylum
Visual and Sound
Arkham Asylum pulls off visuals and effects with flare. The environments are gorgeous, the characters are highly detailed and the world is intricately designed. While the place may seem like a gothic abode, not all environments are as gloomy, which makes the game environment easier to delve into. Voicing the lead characters are the legendary Kevin Conroy for Batman and Mark Hamill as The Joker, as well as other familiar voices from the animated series. The effects convey the ambience of the asylum very well, be it the inmates shrieks or The Jokers ominous laughter over the PA system. It also depicts the toughness and insanity of the various characters Batman encounters, adding impressive depth to the game.
Batman Arkham Asylum
There have been other games in the past that have used all the other elements that most people expect from a proper Batman game. Arkham Asylum takes the best from them, pieces them together, and manages to create a truly magnificent experience. While the game may not last as long as others, know that this one provides one of the most satisfying experiences to date.
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