I've literally played all the other Arkham games, but NEVER got around to the one that started it all, funny enough. So a good amount of this review is really just comparing it to what comes later, while still acknowledging the game based on its own standalone merits
But yeah, this shit rocks. I can 100% see 10 year old me getting lost in this game had I played it when it was new, everything from the atmosphere, music, gameplay, it all works together to really make you, say it with me now, feel like Batman
While freeflow combat and predator sections absolutely revolutionized gaming as a whole, its obviously pretty bare bones here compared to what came later. In fact, it started out pretty frustrating, but actually ended up like a pretty fun challenge not having access to knife counters, cape stun beatdowns, etc
What AA makes up for that the rest of the franchise seemed to lose overtime is atmosphere. Arkham Asylum is filled to the brim with detail and love. It's the most comic-booky out of the Arkham franchise (later games being more its own thing), and it works wonders with fleshing out the world that its set in.
The only honest to god issues I have with the game is that some of the level design is ass sometimes. Its really the only metroidvania in the main series, so its a little annoying when navigating some areas aren't as smooth as they should be with really weird placements of ledges and grapple points
Another SUPER big issue (that they fix in the sequels, thank GOD) is that not every interactable object is highlighted in detective mode. Doors and some collectibles just don't show up and its insanely frustrating to find some things and progress without knowing where the fuck to go. I spent 20 minutes wandering around the same place, because the placement of the doors were so obscure and painted the same color as the rest of the wall
Other than being a little dated, this is still an amazing game and I'm glad I finally got around to playing it after all this time!
But yeah, this shit rocks. I can 100% see 10 year old me getting lost in this game had I played it when it was new, everything from the atmosphere, music, gameplay, it all works together to really make you, say it with me now, feel like Batman
While freeflow combat and predator sections absolutely revolutionized gaming as a whole, its obviously pretty bare bones here compared to what came later. In fact, it started out pretty frustrating, but actually ended up like a pretty fun challenge not having access to knife counters, cape stun beatdowns, etc
What AA makes up for that the rest of the franchise seemed to lose overtime is atmosphere. Arkham Asylum is filled to the brim with detail and love. It's the most comic-booky out of the Arkham franchise (later games being more its own thing), and it works wonders with fleshing out the world that its set in.
The only honest to god issues I have with the game is that some of the level design is ass sometimes. Its really the only metroidvania in the main series, so its a little annoying when navigating some areas aren't as smooth as they should be with really weird placements of ledges and grapple points
Another SUPER big issue (that they fix in the sequels, thank GOD) is that not every interactable object is highlighted in detective mode. Doors and some collectibles just don't show up and its insanely frustrating to find some things and progress without knowing where the fuck to go. I spent 20 minutes wandering around the same place, because the placement of the doors were so obscure and painted the same color as the rest of the wall
Other than being a little dated, this is still an amazing game and I'm glad I finally got around to playing it after all this time!