'Batman: Arkham Asylum' game review

The Dark Knight finally gets the action game he deserves

By Paul Semel

Posted August 26, 2009

Special to Metromix

Developer: Rocksteady Studios (“Urban Chaos: Riot Response”)
Publisher: Warner Brothers Interactive/Eidos
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 3
 
Four years ago, while making a game based on the movie “Batman Begins,” British developers Eurocom attempted something rather ambitious: a game that would mix the stealth action of “Splinter Cell” with the brawling and detective work you’d expect from the Dark Knight. But because it was based on the film, and thus aimed at a movie audience, they didn’t take it as far as they could have, and the game ended up being too easy to be compelling.
 
Thankfully, Rocksteady Studios didn’t have the same restrictions, and thus didn’t make the same mistakes with this, the first Batman game for fans of the Dark Knight (and “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Returns”). Granted, “LEGO Batman” was fun in its own way, but even just the look of “Arkham”—which is as dark and detailed as “Gears of War”—seriously sets this apart as being, well, way more serious. It’s actually such a good game that even people who hate the caped crusader—we’re looking at you, Mr. Cobblepot!—will be enthralled.
 
What’s interesting about “Arkham”—which is obviously influenced, but not inspired, by Grant Morrison’s 1989 graphic novel—is how the game is similarly influenced by other games. Instead, it cribs different games and gameplay styles in a way that’s both fresh and perfectly Batman-esque as well.
 
For example, while there are times when you’ll have to beat down some bad guys, and do so rather brutally, there are also times when you play detective, using an all-purpose forensic science much the way you did in 2005’s “Condemned,” while still other times have Batman jumping and climbing like he’s been playing “Tomb Raider” games on his BatStation.
 
More often, though, you’ll use the stealth techniques you learned playing various “Splinter Cell” and “Metal Gear Solid” games. Batsy can sneak up behind people, or drop down upon them from above, or can use distraction techniques to distract people in a group so he can take them out one by one. There are even times when Batman will use different vision filters in his cowl to plan out his attack, and the effect is so reminiscent of the original “Predator” movie that you can’t help but hope Rocksteady will turn their attention to that franchise next.
 
As if the solid gameplay wasn’t enough to make this one of the better games we’ve played this year, “Arkham” actually goes the extra mile when it comes to Bat fan satisfaction. The game’s story—in which the Joker traps Batman in the titular mental health facility—was penned by Paul Dini, who currently writes the comics “Batman: Streets of Gotham” and “Gotham City Sirens,” and who previously wrote numerous episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series.” Even cooler, the game is voiced by "Animated" vets Mark Hamill (The Joker), Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn), all of whom are considered by fans (present company included) to be the best, or among the best, to portray these iconic characters. Here they really get to sink their teeth into these roles, with Hamill practically flying off the deep end with his psychotic Joker lines.
 
In the end, “Arkham” is everything “Batman Begins” tried, and failed to be. Just as “The Animated Series” raised the bar for comic-inspired animated shows, and “Blade” did the same for comic-inspired movies, let’s just hope this similarly pushes future comic-inspired games to be better.
 
Bottom Line: Holy “BioShock,” Batman, this game is good!