Batman Asylum the Top 2009 Game Reviewed
Batman Arkham Asylum Teaser Video
Super hero games range from uninspired and dull to pretty damn fun, but those in the second class are very much in the minority. Good old Superman, as an example, has been reeling from one poorly thought out title after the other for ages and so has the Batman games scene. Even the best of the Batman games over the years haven’t captured the feeling of being under the cowl, facing down maniacs with his fists and wits.
From what we have seen so far, few approved titles have captured so credibly and completely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum. It’s something of a patchwork of influences, but respectfully moulds them into its own unique take on The Dark Knight. It’s not surprising that Warner brothers. Has labelled the game as this year’s massive Batman event. And with Rocksteady creating such a thrilling, atmospheric experience, Arkham Asylum is sure to be one of the most important, and best, Nintendo games of 2009.
Batman can be perched on a high ledge in a wide open room as he watches some of the Joker’s bullies rifle thru drawers, and the graphics detail is fantastic. Batman switches to investigation mode employing a blue colored visor that among other stuff lets Batman see his enemies through walls and identifies things like guns and knives.
Combat is easy with single-button-press punches, stuns and redirects and is context-sensitive, depending on which way the thumbstick is leaning. Take-downs are performed by pressing RT + Y or B+Y when close to an enemy and are cinematically highlighted by a random slow-mo payoff cam.
Combat is also a fluid, simple process. Batman is obviously more powerful than the bulk of enemies he’ll see, and can chain together up to 10 attacks immediately.
Gameplay footage of Batman : Arkham Asylum, explaining some of the mechanics behind the Joker, and his style in the game looks truly good. Move in the shadows, induce fear amongst your enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham city’s most notorious villains who have taken over the asylum.
Gamers move in the shadows, start fear amongst their enemies and confront the Joker using a wide range of Batman’s gadgets and capabilities, players will rally imagine that they have become the Invisible Predator.
Stealth sections typically involve methodically picking off enemies one by one, and can generally be identified on entering a room where gargoyles flank the walls. Batman uses these gargoyles to support his weight, using his grapnel gun to zip up out of the way and safely survey the area.
‘With this level of invention and awareness of detail it’s disheartening that Arkham Asylum’s biggest failing is with some of its boss battles. While the build-up and design is often exquisite, the fights themselves regularly rely far too heavily on tedious, rinse-and-repeat Playstation game tropes. The final encounter particularly, comes about rather brusquely, and is so vapid as a gameplay experience it can leave a touch bitter taste after the terrific ride that came before it.’
Although even that commentator obviously considered his negative view on this to be minor point, ending with :
‘But that ride is what matters most, and is undoubtedly what’ll you remember after the end credits have rolled. With a sequence of combat and stealth challenge rooms with online leader boards rounding off the package, Arkham Asylum is a brilliantly polished and totally engrossing prospect. Few approved titles have captured so authentically and absolutely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum.’
Our recommendation : Moving Batman around in Batman Arkham Asylum as Reviewed is always a treat when you think of yourself as a badass slayer. The gameplay is free flowing allowing for dynamic fighting sequences and skill. Great involving and immersive fun to lose yourself in!