Batman Arkham Asylum Videogame Game Review
Batman Arkham Asylum Teaser Video
Super hero games range between frankly appalling to pretty damn fun, but those in the second class are rather 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 sensation of being under the cover, facing down maniacs with his fists and wits.
Batman Arkham Asylum has been on sale since August 2009, and is breaking the mildew and all reviews we have seen appear to be unanimous in their praise. Actually, to us, it kind of feels like a brilliantly polished and wholly engrossing prospect. From what we have seen so far, few licensed titles have captured so credibly and completely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum. It’s a patchwork of influences, but respectfully moulds them into its own unique take on The Dark Knight. It’s not surprising that Warner bros. Has labelled the game as this year’s massive Batman event. And with Rocksteady crafting such a stirring, atmospheric experience, Arkham Asylum is destined to be one of the most important, and best, Nintendo games of 2009.
Moving the left stick in the direction of the enemy causes Batman to direct his attacks, whilst the context delicate combat system picks from a spread of attacks to perform. The animation in and out of combat is visually shocking and Batman’s cape is almost jaw-dropping in terms of the way in which the material flows and moves when he runs or fights.
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 ten attacks right now.
Gameplay will not just be about combat, either. Batman’s an investigator, see, so there’ll be investigative work ( puzzles, etc ) to be done also including extensive use of what sounds a lot like Metroid Prime’s scanning system.
Gamers move in the shadows, start fear amongst their enemies and confront the Joker using a large range of Batman’s gadgets and capabilities, players do really imagine that they have become the Invisible Predator.
Stealth sections usually 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 view and safely survey the area.
Looking around the web it is been hard to find anyone criticising Arkham Asylum. The worst around appears to be from the telegraph newspaper ( UK ) which I qote like the following :
‘With this level of invention and concern for detail it’s disappointing that Arkham Asylum’s biggest failing is with some of its chief battles.”
“While the increase and design is sometimes beautiful, the fights themselves regularly rely far too heavily on boring, rinse-and-repeat Playstation game tropes.”
“The final encounter in particular, comes about rather suddenly, and is so empty as a gameplay experience it can leave a marginally bitter taste after the superb ride that came before it.’
Although even that commentator obviously thought his criticism to be only a small gripe, ending with :
‘But that ride is what matters most, and is undoubtedly what’ll you remember after the end credits have rolled. With a chain of combat and stealth challenge rooms with online leader boards rounding off the package, Arkham Asylum is a brilliantly polished and wholly engrossing prospect. Few approved titles have captured so credibly and utterly 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 hero. The combat is free flowing allowing for dynamic fighting sequences and talent. Great involving and immersive fun to indulge yourself in!
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