Batman has had video games since a bit before the resurgence of relevance of popularity in the late 1980s, and they all let you play as, well, Batman. On 2009 it would have been assumed it was business as usual with yet another licensed release of the Dark Knight, except the Londonese studio Rocksteady decided to take a bolder step further; you do not merely control the character of Batman, you emulate his characteristic signature moves using stealth and intimidation.
Arkham Asylum is a remarkably crafted game, Batman is not just about throwing punches, it's about being a clever predator that stalks its prey carefully and uses the environment around at advantage. You have to carefully think of your next move as each one of the Joker's henchmen are taken out into the shadows. Of course there will be times that you will require to perform hand-to-hand combat, and I am pleased to tell you the system is very refined with windows of opportunity to evade hits and parry, it is always very satisfying when these are connected successfully. As you progress, your arsenal will grow with further tools and tricks to make your way through the grounds go smoother, including explosives, hooks, and other enhancements.
The asylum is full of secrets and collectibles, there are tidbits of information about the former and current residents of the mental sanitarium which very often are the pantheon of villains that Batman has had to encounter through the many decades of multimedia presence, sometimes they even make surprise appearances as well.
Possibly the only complaint I have about the game is the obnoxious final fight against his archnemesis in which it transforms into an odd game of all brawn and almost no wit; but I digress, it is still a marvel of design well worth every penny, if you were not already a fan of the vigilante, it will certainly pave your curiosity into becoming one.
Arkham Asylum is a remarkably crafted game, Batman is not just about throwing punches, it's about being a clever predator that stalks its prey carefully and uses the environment around at advantage. You have to carefully think of your next move as each one of the Joker's henchmen are taken out into the shadows. Of course there will be times that you will require to perform hand-to-hand combat, and I am pleased to tell you the system is very refined with windows of opportunity to evade hits and parry, it is always very satisfying when these are connected successfully. As you progress, your arsenal will grow with further tools and tricks to make your way through the grounds go smoother, including explosives, hooks, and other enhancements.
The asylum is full of secrets and collectibles, there are tidbits of information about the former and current residents of the mental sanitarium which very often are the pantheon of villains that Batman has had to encounter through the many decades of multimedia presence, sometimes they even make surprise appearances as well.
Possibly the only complaint I have about the game is the obnoxious final fight against his archnemesis in which it transforms into an odd game of all brawn and almost no wit; but I digress, it is still a marvel of design well worth every penny, if you were not already a fan of the vigilante, it will certainly pave your curiosity into becoming one.