Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum

PUBLISHER: Eidos Interactive/Warner Bros.
DEVELOPER: Rocksteady Studios
Played on: PS3
Initial impression: A superhero game finally worth playing.

Liked:
- Combat
- Environment
- Riddler's Puzzles

Disliked:
- Some Boss Fights
- Length

On The Fence:
- Challenge Modes
- Replay Value

The Batmobile races through the streets of Gotham as a radio blares a news report about the Joker being captured. Leaves fly around, and we see the caped crusader behind the wheel. The Clown Prince of Crime sits bound in the back seat, taunting Batman as they rocket to Arkham Asylum. Once inside the two become separated. Batman is asked to remain outside the processing corridor so as not to disturb the inmates. Joker stumbles, falls, and breaks free. With the help of Harley Quinn he takes over the institution and lets everyone out. It's up to Batman to regain control.

This is where you start, and really it's about all they really tell you from the beginning. It's in your hands to explore the massive complex of buildings and expose not only the Joker's plans but how he managed to set them into motion by duping others. Using a rather ingenious Detective Mode you can more easily spot clues to help you through (some clues you can't find any other way), while just reading or listening to them will also fill in the gaps.

The environment of Arkham is that of a Victorian era mansion for one building, a same-era medical institution for another, then the super sophisticated modern prison for the rest. Some places have seen better days and are in utter decay, while others just look beat up from the escaped inmates. It looks really nice and rich with detail - right down to common things like a cork board with various items pinned to it (that you can actually read).

The combat is simplistic button mashing but varied enough to not be dumb, and you get a bonus for being able to seamlessly link attacks from one enemy to the other. Batarangs are utilized for distance stunning, while explosive gel can be used to set a trap. You can also use stealth tactics - sneak up behind inmates, glide down from the rafters and kick them or hang upside down from a gargoyle and string them up by their feet.

Some point in the game you start receiving radio transmissions from The Riddler, who informs you he's hidden a number of challenges on the island (240 to be exact). If you're truly a master detective you'll find them all. I live his dialog as you discover more and more, especially at the end.

Dislikes
My negatives are as follows: Some boss fights suck. Suck to the point of making me want to throw the controller out the window. Worst part is the final battle is the easiest fight the game.

***START SPOILER ALERT***

Fighting Bane is a pain in the ass, and sets you up with a mechanic for taking out some future bosses, but their terminology in the hint (when you fail) blows. You see, they claim "hit Bane with a batarang while he charges" - now I thought it meant those times he sits still, flexes his muscles and the tubes on him start glowing green. See? He's charging his powers! No -- they meant "running at you" a.k.a. charging, like a bull. Took me about 5 tries to figure that out. I'd say that was the only occurrence but there are other boss fights that are equally as frustrating because of shoddy advice.

***END SPOILER ALERT***

The length of the game is ratty too. I've made a comment to this extent on various gaming sites, but it just seems like $60 is way too much to spend for 10 hours of gameplay. See Ghostbusters: The Video Game for a similar complaint.

On The Fence
The challenge modes are interesting but the scoring is dubious, and the ability to play as the Joker isn't all too great. He's kind of a pain in the ass to control/figure out and since he doesn't have the gear that Batman has he's kind of annoying.

The replay value to me is all about trophies. Yep, the game was fun. Finding the Riddler's various crap items was cool but I'm not sure I'll be firing up Arkham for a replay anytime soon ASIDE from the challenge modes and maybe to try to gain a trophy here or there for things I didn't do the first time through.

Final Verdict: 8/10