Batman: Arkham Asylum
Introduction
The action-adventure stealth video games “Batman: Arkham Asylum” is based on the famous DC Comics Batman that is written by Paul Dini. It was released on August 25, 2009 in North America and August 28, 2009 in Europe for game consoles including the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. It was developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in combination with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics.
What’s the game about?
In this newest Batman Arkham Asylum game, players are exposed to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure that takes them to the depths of Arkham Asylum. Batman’s archenemy, the Joker has instigated an elaborated plot from within Arkham Asylum where many of the Batman’s enemies have been incarcerated. Batman investigates and comes to find out that the Joker is trying to create an army of Bane-like creatures that could threaten Gotham City. Because of this calamity, Batman is forced to put an end to the Joker’s plan and by using a wide range of Batman’s gadgets and abilities, players will become the invisible predator and attempt to foil the Joker’s demented scheme. With an original script written by Emmy Award-winning Batman writer Paul Dini, the game brings the universe of DC Comics’ detective to life.
Characters
The main characters that are from the DC animated Universe are Batman who is voiced and reprised by Kevin Conroy. Meanwhile the Joker is voiced and reprised by Mark Hamill and Harley Quinn is voiced and reprised by Arleen Sorkin. Together with the Joker and Harley Quinn, the Poison Ivy is also present. Batman encounters many other foes in the game such as the enraged Bane, Zsasz, the Scarecrow, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze and Clayface too. All these characters add up to the Batman’s thrilling escapade.
Gameplay
Batman: Arkham Asylum is said to be played as a third-person perspective action –adventure as the players control Batman as he makes his way around the island and structures of Arkham Asylum. Other than, running, jumping, and crouching, Batman is able to glide from the heights using his cape, and by using his grapple gum to ascend short heights or escape and hide from foes on gargoyle statues. Players can switch Batman out and in of “detective mode” to track the Joker and other enemies better and activate special visors in Batman’s Cowl. The detective mode can be switched to special scanning modes to track the presence of compounds, fingerprints, and other unique data, which are used to direct the player to the next location to explore. Players can also use the limited X-ray ability to locate the locations of people. Gadgets including the batarang, an explosive compound sprayer and detonator, grappling gun, and a frequency scanner that can be used to overload security panels. Batman also have to find out the clues and items left by The Riddler, some items and clues require the player to seek the item in that area that is the answer to a riddle and scan it with Batman’s visor. Riddles, as well as defeating foes lead to some experience points, which can then be spent on several possible upgrades to Batman’s arsenal, as well as his health and move set, at any time. The game also uses a “Freeflow” combat system, accomplished by using three primary buttons: attack, stun and counter to emphasize the primarily-physical system of combat that Batman employs. For the players to be able to attack Batman’s foes more efficiently, they can employ “Predator”-type tactics through stealth to improve the odds in their favor. Lastly, it is said by reviewers that Batman: Arkham Asylum is comfortably the best Batman game yet and arguably the best use of a comic franchise that have ever seen.
“Fans of the Dark Knight must not miss Batman: Arkham Asylum. This game is everything one would want a Batman game to be and I cannot recommend it enough.” (ps3.kombo.com, 2009)
