Super hero games range from god awful to pretty damn fun, but those in the second category are very much in the minority. Good old Superman, for example, has been reeling from one poorly thought out title after the other for years , and so has the Batman games scene.  Even the best of the Batman games over time haven’t captured the sensation of being under the cowl, facing down maniacs with his fists and wits.

Batman Arkham Asylum has been on sale since Aug. 2009, and is breaking the mold and all reviews we have seen seem to be unanimous in their praise. Definitely, to us, it kind of feels like a brilliantly polished and totally engrossing prospect. From what we have seen so far, few licensed titles have caught so authentically and completely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum.  It’s something of a patchwork of influences, but respectfully moulds them into its own unique take on The Dark Knight.  It’s little wonder that Warner bros.  Has labelled the game as this year’s massive Batman event.  And with Rocksteady making such a stirring, atmospheric experience, Arkham Asylum is destined to be one of the most important, and best, Nintendo games of 2009.

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

Combat is also a fluid, easy process. Batman is obviously more powerful 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 an investigator, see, so there’ll be investigative work ( puzzles, etc ) to be done as well , including extensive 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 large range of Batman’s gadgets and capabilities, players do really imagine that they have become the Invisible Predator.

Stealth sections typically involve systematically picking off enemies one at a time, and can mostly be identified on 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 round the web it is been tough to find anyone criticising Arkham Asylum.  The worst around looks to be from the telegram paper ( UK ) which I qote as follows :

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

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

“The final encounter particularly, comes about rather abruptly, and is so empty as a gameplay experience it can leave a marginally sour taste after the brilliant ride that came before it.’

Although even that commentator obviously thought his criticism to be only a small gripe, ending with :

‘But that ride is what matters most, and is definitely what’ll you remember after the end credits have rolled.  With a series of combat and stealth challenge rooms with online leader boards rounding off the package, Arkham Asylum is a brilliantly polished and totally engrossing prospect.  Few licensed titles have caught so accurately and utterly 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 of yourself as a badass slayer. The gameplay is free flowing allowing for dynamic fighting sequences and ability.  Great involving and immersive fun to indulge yourself in!

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