Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

Introduction

Batman: Arkham Asylum is a 2009 action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive. It is the first installment in the Batman: Arkham series, and is based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The game was released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows on August 25, 2009.

Gameplay

Batman: Arkham Asylum is a third-person action-adventure game that emphasizes stealth and combat. Players control Batman as he explores Arkham Asylum, a psychiatric hospital that has been taken over by the Joker and his henchmen. Batman must use his combat skills, detective abilities, and gadgets to defeat the Joker and his forces, and restore order to the asylum.

The game’s combat system is based on a three-button system: attack, counter, and evade. Batman can chain together attacks to create combos, and can use his gadgets to disable or defeat enemies. The game also features a stealth system that allows Batman to sneak up on enemies and take them down silently.

In addition to the main story campaign, Batman: Arkham Asylum also features a challenge mode, in which players can complete a variety of challenges to earn rewards. The game also features a New Game Plus mode, which allows players to replay the game with all of their upgrades and gadgets from their previous playthrough.

Setting

Batman: Arkham Asylum is set on Arkham Island, a fictional island located in Gotham Bay. The island is home to Arkham Asylum, a psychiatric hospital that houses the city’s most dangerous criminals. The game takes place over a single night, as Batman investigates the Joker’s takeover of the asylum.

Story

The story of Batman: Arkham Asylum begins with Batman escorting the Joker to Arkham Asylum. However, the Joker’s henchmen ambush the convoy, and the Joker escapes. Batman gives chase, and eventually tracks the Joker to the asylum.

Once inside the asylum, Batman discovers that the Joker has taken over the facility and is holding the staff and patients hostage. Batman must fight his way through the asylum, defeating the Joker’s henchmen and solving puzzles in order to progress.

As Batman investigates, he learns that the Joker is planning to use a powerful weapon to destroy Gotham City. Batman must stop the Joker and save the city.

Characters

  • Batman: The protagonist of the game, Batman is a skilled fighter and detective. He is dedicated to protecting Gotham City from criminals, and will stop at nothing to bring the Joker to justice.
  • The Joker: The main antagonist of the game, the Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind. He is obsessed with chaos and destruction, and is determined to destroy Gotham City.
  • Harley Quinn: The Joker’s right-hand woman, Harley Quinn is a former psychiatrist who has become infatuated with the Joker. She is a skilled fighter and gymnast, and is fiercely loyal to the Joker.
  • Commissioner Gordon: The commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department, Gordon is a close ally of Batman. He provides Batman with information and support, and helps him to coordinate his efforts to stop the Joker.
  • Killer Croc: A giant crocodile-like mutant, Killer Croc is one of the Joker’s henchmen. He is incredibly strong and durable, and is not afraid to get his hands dirty.
  • Bane: A powerful and intelligent mercenary, Bane is another one of the Joker’s henchmen. He is Venom-enhanced, which gives him superhuman strength and durability.

Critical Reception

Batman: Arkham Asylum received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its innovative combat system, immersive story, and stunning visuals. Many critics hailed it as one of the best superhero games ever made.

The game won numerous awards, including Game of the Year awards from several major publications. It was also nominated for several BAFTA Awards, including Best Game.

Legacy

Batman: Arkham Asylum is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. It has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, and has spawned several sequels and spin-offs. The game’s success has helped to revitalize the Batman franchise, and has inspired a new generation of superhero games.

Conclusion

Batman: Arkham Asylum is a masterpiece of superhero gaming. It is a thrilling and immersive experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The game’s innovative combat system, immersive story, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of Batman and action-adventure games alike.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More