Super hero games range between uninspired and dull to pretty damn fun, but those in the second category are very much in the minority.

Batman can be perched on a high ledge in a widely totally] open room as he watches some of the Joker’s bullies rifle thru drawers, and the graphics detail is amazing.  Batman switches to investigation mode using a blue tinted visor that among other stuff lets Batman see his enemies thru walls and identifies things like guns and knives.

Batman Arkham Asylum Teaser Video

Combat is straightforward with single-button-press punches, stuns and redirects and is context-sensitive, depending on which way the thumbstick is leaning.  Take-downs are performed by pressing RT + Y or B+Y when close to an enemy and are cinematically highlighted by a random slow-mo payoff cam.

Combat is also a fluid, simple process. Batman is obviously more powerful than the majority of enemies he’ll see, and can chain together up to 10 attacks immediately. Batman: Arkham Asylum Signature Series Guide

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

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

Stealth sections typically involve methodically picking off enemies one by one, and can usually 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 view and safely survey the area.

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

‘With this level of invention and attention to detail it’s disappointing that Arkham Asylum’s largest failing is with some of its major battles.”

“While the increase and design is sometimes exquisite, the fights themselves regularly rely far too heavily on boring, rinse-and-repeat video game tropes.”

“The final encounter in particular, 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 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 licensed titles have captured so accurately and absolutely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum.’

Our verdict : Moving Batman around in Batman Arkham Asylum as reviewed is always a treat when you think about yourself as a hero. The gameplay is free flowing allowing for dynamic fighting sequences and ability.  Great involving and immersible fun to lose yourself in!

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