Every once in a while there comes a videogame that is so well produced and so well received that it is destined for eternal gaming greatness; something so incredibly good that it begs the nostalgic gamer to power up older consoles years into the future, just to relive the thrill. Batman: Arkham Asylum is most definitely one of those titles.
Quite simply: what Rocksteady Studios has created, here, is one of the most engaging and entertaining gaming experiences ever released, much less for a genre (comic book adaptations) which has suffered from one disappointing release after another. Best of all, the development team cast such a large net onto the gaming world - from the casuals just looking for a satisfying 'smash 'em up' game, to the fantatic who knows everything about Bruce Wayne - and has succeeded in captivating them all!
From the get-go, the storyline is enthralling to the point that it is hard to call it quits. Start to finish, the plot is evident and beautifully depicted through cut scenes and missions that genuinely make sense and aren't just fluff challenges to move you along. Completing one task leads to a whole new assortment of twists that has become commonplace in the Batman franchise, but is done in such a way that develops intrigue and excitement. Each and every objective has a purpose, surrounded by mischief that puts the gamer's bat skills to the test. Clearly, Arkham Asylum's writers have hit their mark with a script that awes for hours.
The environment of Arkham Asylum is fantastically arranged and stunningly adorned with cues which set the tone in such brilliant fashion. Everything looks as it should and nothing is out of place. From interior to exterior locales, the set design is spot on with everything it tries to emulate - a detached and overrun detention facility, littered with chaos caused by baddies that run amuck. To say that this is the best looking superhero videogame would be understatement. No superhero game, to date, has ever come close to looking this good, and it may be a very long time before another studio comes along to create a game that does.
Embeded in Rocksteady's rendition of Arkham Island is an assorted combination of the franchise's most reknowned and less-known enemies. Each sporting their unique traits, all characters have been modeled to mimic their comic book presentation. Complimenting some of the splendid virtual reencarnacions are voices by names all too familiar to DC Comics world: Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn. Even if these names don't ring a bell, the instant dialoge strikes up, the gamer is treated with voice acting that is on par with any big budget, silver screen flick.
Likewise, character animations are fantastic - movement is smooth and precise, making the combat system amazingly enjoyable. The combo-based fighting system creates riveting action scenes that only get better as the player executes chained attacks. Added up, points can be used to acquire new abilities that increase Batman's effectiveness and sheer brutality. With a controller in hand, Arkham Asylum is the epitome of an open-world fighting game that excels in the most important aspect of gameplay.
To increase replayability, a scattering of collectibles and side-missions offer up the chance for gamers to take a break from the storyline action or to roam the map when the antagonist meets his demise. The amount of extras included in Arkham Asylum ehance Batman's adventures for those inclined to track down every item, or can be ignored with no reprecution to the game's core. But, with so much more fun to had, it is hard to imagine not trying to get the most out of this title.
Serving as the proverbial 'cherry on top', Arkham Asylum's score is a mystifying soundtrack fit for the oddities of the prison facility. Music tempo peaks in battle segments, while quieter and darker sounds play in the background during free roaming. The audio elements are so remarkably uncanny that it would be hard - through sound alone - to mistake this for anything but a Batman theme. Coinciding with the aforementioned voice overs, Rocksteady has brought every relevant element imaginable to this title and has done so beautifully.
For anyone looking for that 'must play' experience and, somehow, has steered away from Batman: Arkham Asylum, there is no better time to give it a go. With the Game of the Year Edition, this title is packaged with every bit of content and, at its low price, is worth every cent. To add more 'bang for the buck', 3D functionality has been added - if that is your kind of thing; but, it is in no way required for playability.
Rated 'T', parents who are looking to purchase this game for a child should consider the more adult oriented themes and accompanied violence. Otherwise, I highly recommend this product to any gamer, especially those who enjoy open world, third-person fighting games.
Batman: Arkham Asylum [Game of the Year Edition] (Platinum Hits)
4.6 | 1,489 ratings
Price: 4.95
Last update: 10-07-2024
About this item
Face off against Gotham's greatest villains including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz and Killer Croc
Become the Invisible Predator with Batman's fear takedowns and unique vantage point system to move without being seen and hunt enemies
Experience a whole new game to play with Game of the Year Edition
Utilize the unique FreeFlow combat system to chain together unlimited combos seamlessly and battle with huge groups of The Joker's henchmen in brutal melee brawls
Investigate as Batman, the world's greatest detective, by solving intricate puzzles with the help of cutting edge forensic tools including x-ray scanning, fingerprint scans, 'Amido Black' spray and a pheromone tracker
Become the Invisible Predator with Batman's fear takedowns and unique vantage point system to move without being seen and hunt enemies
Experience a whole new game to play with Game of the Year Edition
Utilize the unique FreeFlow combat system to chain together unlimited combos seamlessly and battle with huge groups of The Joker's henchmen in brutal melee brawls
Investigate as Batman, the world's greatest detective, by solving intricate puzzles with the help of cutting edge forensic tools including x-ray scanning, fingerprint scans, 'Amido Black' spray and a pheromone tracker
Product information
| Publication Date | May 11, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Computer Platform | Xbox 360 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00788687200929 |
| UPC | 788687200929 788687200684 069060173994 |
| Compatible Video Game Console Models | Microsoft Xbox 360 E, Microsoft Xbox 360 |
| ASIN | B003C1I0CO |
| Release date | May 11, 2010 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
1,489 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #12,219 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #108 in Xbox 360 Games |
| Product Dimensions | 5.4 x 0.6 x 7.6 inches; 3.2 ounces |
| Type of item | Video Game |
| Language | English |
| Rated | Teen |
| Item model number | 788687200929 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Warner Brothers |
| Date First Available | March 19, 2010 |
Top reviews from the United States
Mylgon
One For Gaming History Greatness
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Amazing. Words fail me.
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Rocksteady broke the mold, and then reformed it.
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