'Batman: Arkham Asylum' Game Review

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.