Batman: Arkham Asylum

When Batman: Arkham Asylum was first released in September of 2009, it was instantly hailed as one of the most revolutionary and creative superhero videogames of its time. The user plays as Batman in a scenario where chaos breaks out while he is escorting the Joker to his lockup destination of Arkham Asylum. Joker manages to release other iconic villains such as Killer Croc, Harley Quinn, Victor Zsasz, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow and the Riddler. As Batman, it is the player’s job to round up these villains and get them back to their cells where they belong.

Listed below are some of the pros and cons of this videogame.

Pros

• The plot is exciting and creative. Users will not be disappointed with the direction in which this Batman game takes them.
• The main set-piece for the game, Arkham Asylum, is set on the huge Arkham Island. There are various locations and a ton of different rooms for the world’s greatest detective to investigate.
• The voice acting features some of the greats from the Batman: The Animated Series television show. Players of the video game will recognize Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker and Arleen Sorkin as the Joker’s sidekick, Harley Quinn.
• The cutscenes feature superb graphics. They act as a nice break from gameplay during which players can sit back and just watch.
• The fighting method is fluid. The game is in third person, and it is very easy to see the character’s surroundings, making the game fights more pleasurable.
• Throughout the game, Batman is helped by several different characters known in the DC Comic world. Alfred, Oracle and Commissioner James Gordon all do their best to assist the caped-crusader.
• One of the main plot points of the game has to do with solving mysteries and finding bonuses left by the villain, the Riddler. Some of these mysteries are challenging. They help to make the game fun and add to its replay value.
• Batman is sent different weapons and gadget upgrades throughout the game. By the end of the videogame, Batman has a full arsenal of tools that he can use to take out his prey.

Cons

• Users are required to register for a Windows Live account upon installation. This can be an added hassle
• Some users have complained that the game is repetitive in how it deals with “bad guys.” Much of the game is spent brawling.
• One should consider buying a controller for this game. Using a computer keyboard is difficult for some of the boss fights, and moving around Arkham Island is much easier with a controller.
• The game automatically saves. This means players do not have the ability to save and then replay a mission.

Overall, Batman: Arkham Asylum is worthy of being touted as one of the best superhero games of all time. The plot really drives the game and consumes the player. It is easy to get fully immersed in the rich and entertaining world of Batman: Arkham Asylum.