At first, my initial thoughts of this Game was skeptical, & for good reason. So many Superhero Games from
the past have been nothing but either between the terrible, or mediocre level due to lack of effort the
Developers have put into those Games. With the release of this Game (especially in a new generation of
Video Gaming), the Developers Rocksteady have decided to take this Game to a new level, well beyond
combat, & skill aspect. Batman Arkham Asylum is not only one of the best Batman Gams to date, it is
also the most incredible Comic Hero Game.
It was somepoint in September 2009 that my Kid Brothers Friend told me about the Game, yet I had some
doubts about it. After going online to see some of the Game Videos for myself, I decided to download the
Demo for myself. And what an incredible experience I got. The Story is about Batman apprehending Joker,
& his Henchmen whom were at Blackgate Prison. He takes him to Arkham Asylum, where the Warden,
& Arkham Commissioner are waiting for him. Everyone (including the Guards) are relieved that Joker
has been caught, but Batman is concerned as to why he gave in so easily, as this was out of his nature. His concerns are revealed when he hits, strangles a Cop, and assaults the Doctor escorting him to
his Cell. Sprining to action, Harley Quinn (a Psychiatrist whom ironically was meant to find out the reason
behind Jokers mentalitly & source a cure for him) insetead ends up becoming one of his assistants.
The environment in the Asylum Establishment was not only big, but was worn down, as if it had been going
on for years without being maintained, to the amount of detail from the Cages in the Building was amazing,
and I was not using a HD TV. The range of Combos available to Batman from punches to kicks that Batman
can unleash on his opponents was incredible, & either the sound from these to the voice of their Boss the
Joker abusing them for not paying attention to their comrades made me realise just how advanced the AI is. What was also really impressive is the fact that Batman also had a wide choice of Weapons used to either
take down their opponent, or to get to another area that is unreachable by the players own hands. E.g. A
Baterang which Batman can launch at Henchmen to stun them, & take them out when attempting to complete
a Challenge. An Automated Rope that lets Batman reach a high place, way out of his area. What is also
available is the Detective Mode, an ability that turns the Screen Dark Blue, & lets Batman see through
Floors, & Doors with a Heat Sensor that picks up the movement of a Character in a Red colour.
I was also very impressed with the Voice Cast for the main Characters, whom put such enthusiasm in their
Characters role they played when it came to situations it left me not just in awe, but on the edge of my seat
majority of the time. Individuals such as Mark Hamil (Joker) whom played Luke in the Star Wars Films, yes
that was a big surprise to me whom would yell out to his men to take down his long time nemesis at all cost.
And Kevin Conroy (Batman) whom played Bart in Dynasty TV Series whom would make the typical heroic
speeches that made him seem intimidating.
All in all, I am sure if you really love a true Action/Adventure Game with lots of challenges and less flaws,
Batman: Arkham Asylum is the Game. I know so many Gamers (as have I) have long since completed it. For those whom love Comic Book Heroes, or Action/Adventure Games in general, pick this one up. You will
surely not regret it. 9/10!
Come check it out here:
Batman: Arkham Asylum
