Cheap Video Games by Steven M Schultz

Posts Tagged ‘batman arkham asylum review’

Super hero games range from frankly appalling to pretty damn fun, but those in the second class are very much 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 time haven’t captured the feeling of being under the cowl, facing down maniacs with his fists and wits.

Batman Arkham Asylum has been on sale since August 2009, and is breaking the mold and all reviews we have seen appear to be unanimous in their praise. Definitely, to us, it sort of feels like a brilliantly polished and wholly engrossing prospect. From what we have seen so far, few licensed titles have caught so credibly and completely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum.  It’s kind of 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 big Batman event.  And with Rocksteady making such a thrilling, atmospheric experience, Arkham Asylum is sure to be one of the largest, and best, computer games of 2009.

Moving the left stick in the direction of the enemy causes Batman to direct his attacks, whilst the context sensitive combat system picks from a variety of attacks to perform.  The animation out and in of combat is visually striking and Batman’s cape is nearly jaw-dropping in terms of the way the material flows and moves when he runs or fights.

Combat is also a liquid, straightforward process. Batman is patently stronger than the majority of enemies he’ll see, and can chain together up to ten attacks immediately.

Gameplay won’t just be about combat, either.  Batman’s a detective, see, so there’ll be investigative work ( puzzles, etc ) to be done as well , including in depth use of what sounds a lot like Metroid Prime’s scanning system.

Gamers move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies and confront the Joker using a wide range of Batman’s gadgets and abilities, players do really imagine that they have become the Invisible Predator.

Stealth sections typically involve methodically picking off enemies one at a time, and can generally be identified upon 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 sight and safely survey the area.

Looking round the web it is been difficult to find anyone criticizing Arkham Asylum.  The worst around appears to be from the telegram paper ( UK ) which I qote as the following :

‘With this level of invention and awareness of detail it’s displeasing that Arkham Asylum’s largest failing is with some of its boss battles.”

“While the build-up and design is usually exquisite, the fights themselves regularly rely far too heavily on tedious, rinse-and-repeat Nintendo game tropes.”

“The final encounter particularly, comes about rather suddenly, and is so vapid as a gameplay experience it can leave a slightly sour taste after the terrific ride that came before it.’

Nevertheless even that commentator clearly thought his negative view on this to be minor point, 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 accurately and completely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum.’

Our conclusion : Moving Batman around in Batman Arkham Asylum as reviewed is always a treat when you think about yourself as a badass slayer. The combat is free flowing allowing for dynamic fighting sequences and ability.  Great involving and immersive fun to indulge yourself in!