This was the one that started it all. The license game that
finally broke free from chains that had been forged by years of below average
platformers and dysfunctional hack-and-slash ‘adventures’ with about as much
adventure as a trip to the bog. No no, dear friends, this game had substance.
This game was Batman: Arkham Asylum.
The story involves Batman, fresh from a night of catching
the Joker, who just so happens to have planned his arrest and subsequent
re-re-re-re-re-re…-re-re-incarceration to the infamous Arkham Asylum. Now,
obviously there are certain negative implications when Gotham city’s most
prolific criminal psychopath has just taken control of a max security asylum,
filled to the brim with normal thugs from Blackgate prison, homegrown asylum
lunatics and some of Gotham’s most notorious super-villains. Now, although this
premise may be a pretty damn grim one for the Bat, it still doesn’t remove from
the fact that it makes one helluva fine video game story. It features some of
Batman’s main bad guys, whilst dropping references left right and centre in
such an abundance that they’re near enough coming out of the walls (in some
cases they literally are the walls) and the numerous conveniently placed
ventilation shafts. This all adds together to make the ultimate Batman fan love
letter that, in my opinion (whilst having a slightly ridiculous ending, which
in the end is justified by how they incorporate it so effectively into the
game’s sequel) is near perfect in every aspect.
In terms of gameplay, this game certainly does not
disappoint. Keeping in touch with the source material, there is a fair amount
of detective work that is simple enough to be fun for the player without being
condescending and clever enough without being unsolvable. This element comes in
two distinct forms. The explicit use of the intuitive ‘Detective mode’ (an
‘x-ray vision’ style interface that allows the player to see enemies through
walls, whilst also pointing out key points such as whether an enemy is armed or
not, or if the enemy is jumpy, as well as simpler things like doors and
collectible, the latter of which still remain difficult to find) to set up
virtual crime scenes used to progress at certain points, leading you towards
objectives with trails of different substances such as the tobacco from Jim
Gordon’s pocket. There are also different detective-type challenges set out by
none other than The Riddler, concerning riddles that are assigned to different
areas all over Arkham, with the solutions behind hidden within different
environmental easter eggs which are great fun to find (I was sad enough to 100%
the campaign and found them all). The combat is flawless. It uses the Freeflow
fight mechanic, boasting a simple 3 button core system of attack, stun and
counter. The result of this is an extremely smooth combat system that showcases
some perfectly free flowing animations as Batman hops from enemy to enemy.
This, as a result, requires precision timing, forcing button mashers to
actually learn how to play a game properly, a big positive in my opinion. There
are also other elements such as instant KO takedowns and disarms that are
activated using double button presses which also add positively to the fighting.
Lastly is the allowed use of Batman’s gadgets during fights, often being used
to great effect, whilst gathering score bonuses from their use also. All of
these aspects are included in the games mostly well executed boss battles,
which incorporate different gameplay features into their completion (although
some are slightly lacking, such as the Titan boss fights). The stealth gameplay
is also a great aspect of the game, forcing the player to think tactically when
taking out enemies through a variety of methods (silent takedowns being the
most prominent of these).
The graphics are surprisingly solid, with little to zero
drops in texture or rendering issues. All characters are designed brilliantly,
with their appearances reflecting their personalities perfectly (Batman’s
design was a particular favourite of mine). Also, the asylum itself is designed
with Batman in mind. A dark place with plenty of disturbingly creepy areas
(that damn morgue being one) as well as some places with a more elegant feel,
whilst still retaining the grittiness of the rest of Arkham (the Gotham skyline
is also fairly well imagined, even whilst being at a distance).
Verdict:
Arkham Asylum is the one that sparked it all. The king of
licensed games (at least until Arkham City) and is an essential buy for fans of
Batman, DC, comics or even just games. It is fun from start to finish, and
stands proudly among the league of gaming giants.
Score:
10/10
Copyright Jamie King 2013, All Rights Reserved, permissions may be granted upon request.
