Batman: Arkham Asylum
Playstation 3
Batman games have a long history with the critics of being... not very good. For the most part I have enjoyed the Caped Crusader's forays onto my gaming consoles. I have been a fan of the franchise since I was just a little kid. I played all video game incarnations of Batman and Batman Returns that came out on the old 8 and 16 bit systems, and I loved them.
Some of the next generation console Batman games however were not as good as the old 2D side scrollers and beat em ups. So when the critics praised Arkham Asylum as being the best Batman game, possibly ever, I knew I had to check it out. It had been far too long since I had played a really great Batman game at home.
This game does so many things right. Before you even start playing, the thing that stands out is the presentation. Voice actors and actresses from the classic cartoon Batman: The Animated series reprise their roles in the game. Instantly to me this made the credibility level of the game jump through the roof.
The graphics are great. The way the game sets up the story line and the setting is admirable. You can tell immediately that this is going to be a very well made and authentic game. But how does it play?
It plays just as good as it looks. The fights for the most part are just button mashers, but you don't just go through the game pounding on everyone in sight. There are plenty of areas that allow for stealth, where sneaking around and taking out your enemies silently one by one is more preferable to the full on attack.
When you are not fighting, there are no issues whatsoever with the control. Batman moves and controls exactly as he should. You won't have any problems with the camera or awkward maneuvering.
If you are big on exploration you will love this game. Arkham is enormous, with secrets hidden in every nook and cranny. In "Metroid" like fashion, some areas in the beginning of the game are accessible later on when you have collected more items and have upgraded your arsenal.
The makers of this title did a tremendous job making the game feel like a living and breathing part of the Batman universe. Everything is just tremendously detailed. From the environments, to the characters, to the audio and voice work. Batman's suit and cape even take permanent damage as the game rolls along. How cool is that? Not only would it be a fun game if it wasn't Batman themed, but the fact that it is Batman makes it just so terribly awesome that words can't even describe.
Most of the villains have their day in the sun. There are a few that don't make appearances, such as Two Face and the Penguin. But they are likely being saved for later games in the series. Do expect to see references to almost everybody though. As you collect items and secrets, you unlock their files as well. The villains that do appear such as Croc, Scarecrow, Zsasz, and Poison Ivy are all brilliantly animated and voiced. Each character has a big personality and unique style that stays true to the source material. While the Joker is the main villain, it doesn't seem like any of these characters are playing second fiddle to him. They are, but it doesn't seem like it. Any one of them could carry the game if needed in their own special way.
When all is said and done, this game is a Batman fan's dream as well as a video game lover's. In addition to being incredibly authentic, it is a great game at it's core as well. Great graphics, great sounds, incredible atmosphere, fun control, good story... lots to explore. Lots to see, do, and collect.
This game does almost everything the right way. If you love video games, and you love Batman, you have no excuse for having not played this game yet.
Overall:
A
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