Batman Arkham Asylum

Batman Arkham Asylum utilizes "Freeflow" combat, which gives Arkham Asylum a complex and unique game play experience. Having watched others play and having played for hours myself, I can say that I do not believe I ever saw the same series of strikes twice. However, some of the "Bosses" are too easy to beat, or require no actual combat. Despite this, the combat system, coupled with the amazing graphics and captivating storyline form one of the best games of the year.

While the overall game play is atypically impressive, it can become somewhat monotonous. The challenges posed to the player may be difficult or confusing at first, but eventually become annoying due to lack of variability. The game counteracts this with new gadgets that become available to the player throughout the game, but this in turn makes the game less challenging.

Despite this, the depth of the game and the endlessly impressive graphics make this an outstanding game. Batman Arkham Asylum also has something I look for in good games, realism. Batman cannot jump ten feet in the air, and it doesn't take to many punches or gun shot wounds to take him down. That is not to say that the game is too difficult, the player can still easily beat down a half-dozen enemies in less then a minute, but it gives the game some credibility. The stealth aspect of the game is well incorporated and necessary in order to defeat enemies with guns. The game designers also went paid careful attention to sound generated by Batman. When in an area near enemies, the player's actions automatically become quieter and slower, as to not draw attention, until you enter combat.

The game follows along the idea of Batman as a detective. Throughout the game, the player will use Detective Mode/Vision to trace scents left by a missing person or DNA left behind in fingerprints. Detective Mode is also used to solve "riddles" left throughout the game by the Riddler, a villain from Batman comics, which unlock challenges in the Main Menu.

So far as rating this game, Batman: Arkham Asylum is impressive in many respects, and is a truly unique game. For its impressive combat system and interest retention abilities; Game Play 3.5. The graphics are exquisite, I can't say anything more; Graphics 3. The Storyline is unique and different; Storyline 1.5. This game receives the bonus "Wow" point for the combat system, it deserves it.

By Hegemon

Date: February 26, 2010