Batman: Arkham Asylum
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Superhero videogames have a reputation for being bad. Sure, there are the outcasts like the recent X-men Origins: Wolverine, but the games are generally quick cash-ins with little in the way of innovation or polish. Well, Batman: Arkham Asylum is here to change that.
Developer Rocksteady has devoted themselves to making a game that any Batman fan, and any gamer for that matter, will love. The amount of time that Rocksteady has poured crafting a compelling world is evident in all aspects of the game.
The presentation is top notch. The menus are slick and simple and little touches like the cool pause menu effect which freezes and stylizes the game help to smooth out the transitions between the game and the awesome collectible material. The collectibles include character bios, interviews and fact sheets, awesome character models from the game, Riddler challenges and trophies and other snippets that give you insight into Batman’s friends and foes. Did I mention the character models? The graphics are some of the best the unreal engine has conceived. Some textures are a little ugly but overall, the art style pays off and the game is a delight to watch. The character models are detailed and Batman feels right at home in the gritty environment.
Developer Rocksteady has devoted themselves to making a game that any Batman fan, and any gamer for that matter, will love. The amount of time that Rocksteady has poured crafting a compelling world is evident in all aspects of the game.
The presentation is top notch. The menus are slick and simple and little touches like the cool pause menu effect which freezes and stylizes the game help to smooth out the transitions between the game and the awesome collectible material. The collectibles include character bios, interviews and fact sheets, awesome character models from the game, Riddler challenges and trophies and other snippets that give you insight into Batman’s friends and foes. Did I mention the character models? The graphics are some of the best the unreal engine has conceived. Some textures are a little ugly but overall, the art style pays off and the game is a delight to watch. The character models are detailed and Batman feels right at home in the gritty environment.
The audio is equally great. Moody music will haunt you as you roam the halls and grounds of Arkham, the Joker’s deranged voice chiming in over the P.A. system or televisions that dot the halls. The sounds of combat are especially satisfying, with each “thud” and “splinter” lending authority to Batman’s heavy blows.
Speaking of combat, you’ll find a lot to like about bashing bad guys in Arkham. The combat is methodical with flashy moves and counters that are easy to pull off. Stringing together punishing combos is a matter of timing. You’ll see visual cues when you need to block, and the rest of your time will be spent springing around the room from enemy to enemy, wreaking havoc. The game will sometimes throw a bunch of enemies at you in a room, but other times, you’ll have to sneak around and take out armed enemies from behind or from the rafters. The stealth aspect of the game is fun and you always feel like you are an expert.
Speaking of combat, you’ll find a lot to like about bashing bad guys in Arkham. The combat is methodical with flashy moves and counters that are easy to pull off. Stringing together punishing combos is a matter of timing. You’ll see visual cues when you need to block, and the rest of your time will be spent springing around the room from enemy to enemy, wreaking havoc. The game will sometimes throw a bunch of enemies at you in a room, but other times, you’ll have to sneak around and take out armed enemies from behind or from the rafters. The stealth aspect of the game is fun and you always feel like you are an expert.
Throughout the main story, you’ll unlock challenges that can be accessed from the main menu. These include fighting a mob for a score or sneaking around and trying to take out enemies in difficult situations. The challenges are fun and add a lot to the game. They also help you hone your skills for the main game.
Whether you’re an old fan of Batman or you’re just looking for a great game to play, Batman: Arkham Asylum will give you plenty of enjoyment as you stalk the criminal laden halls of Arkham Asylum, destroying henchmen, swooping in for stealth kills or using your detective skills to try and stop the Joker from executing his diabolical plans. With plenty of collectibles, challenges, and difficulty levels, this game will keep you occupied for quite a while.
