Batman: Arkham City is a sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum and expands on the existing Batman mechanics. Batman investigates a new super-prison Arkham City under the direction of the mysterious Dr. Hugo Strange, who has studied the Batman in extreme detail.
Gameplay has been overhauled from Asylum, with an improved freeflow combat system, combos, combo multipliers, and different takedown styles. Open combat flows perfectly between striking and countering and easily handles special moves and gadgets in all sorts of combinations. Predator rooms have new takedown methods and new ways to use your gadgets on top of the existing system. Traveling is much better since the map is now a city with buildings, so Batman can now essentially fly across the map with ease. Old gadgets make a return along with several new ones that provide you with several new combat and predator options. In addition to combat, there are several puzzles to be solved as the Riddler makes a return with new and creative puzzles.
The narrative throughout this game deals with Batman overcoming several of his enemies in an attempt to shut down Arkham City. Obviously this includes the Joker, along with Penguin, Two-Face, and a gallery of other villains to take on and defeat. While fighting all the villains are super fun, some of these villains don't make sense in the context of the story. Some moments seem a little too convenient, but then again, the game is based off of comic book characters, so I can forgive this a little bit. In addition to the main story, there are several side missions to take on other DC villains within Arkham City. These side missions are intersting and unique. For example, a particular side mission has Batman investigate a series of murders while another mission has you answer phone calls across the city.
Visually, this game feels like watching a movie. The character models look incredible and combat runs well balancing between Batman's and the thugs' moves. Definitely a step up from the graphics in Asylum. Boss battles look incredible.
The GOTY edition adds all DLC content, including Riddler Challenge map packs, extra characters, etc. Definitely worth a pickup if on sale.
Overall, Batman: Arkham City is a fantastic sequel to a well-defined formula. With an improved story and enhanced gameplay mechanics, this is truly a must-have game, especially for Batman fans.
Gameplay has been overhauled from Asylum, with an improved freeflow combat system, combos, combo multipliers, and different takedown styles. Open combat flows perfectly between striking and countering and easily handles special moves and gadgets in all sorts of combinations. Predator rooms have new takedown methods and new ways to use your gadgets on top of the existing system. Traveling is much better since the map is now a city with buildings, so Batman can now essentially fly across the map with ease. Old gadgets make a return along with several new ones that provide you with several new combat and predator options. In addition to combat, there are several puzzles to be solved as the Riddler makes a return with new and creative puzzles.
The narrative throughout this game deals with Batman overcoming several of his enemies in an attempt to shut down Arkham City. Obviously this includes the Joker, along with Penguin, Two-Face, and a gallery of other villains to take on and defeat. While fighting all the villains are super fun, some of these villains don't make sense in the context of the story. Some moments seem a little too convenient, but then again, the game is based off of comic book characters, so I can forgive this a little bit. In addition to the main story, there are several side missions to take on other DC villains within Arkham City. These side missions are intersting and unique. For example, a particular side mission has Batman investigate a series of murders while another mission has you answer phone calls across the city.
Visually, this game feels like watching a movie. The character models look incredible and combat runs well balancing between Batman's and the thugs' moves. Definitely a step up from the graphics in Asylum. Boss battles look incredible.
The GOTY edition adds all DLC content, including Riddler Challenge map packs, extra characters, etc. Definitely worth a pickup if on sale.
Overall, Batman: Arkham City is a fantastic sequel to a well-defined formula. With an improved story and enhanced gameplay mechanics, this is truly a must-have game, especially for Batman fans.