Batman: Arkham Asylum (Platinum) reviews

Purchased the Batman Collectors edition and never thought twice about it. A week or less and I pretty much put across sometime the past few days to playing this game because it was that addictive!! I couldnt believe the atmosphere, gameplay, storyline and all around adaptation of this new installment of the Dark Knight embodies everything Batman trully is to all batfans.

Just finished the game this evening (couldnt believe id finished it since it felt everything happened so quickly) while the credits were rolling I just had a smile and sat in awe everything you could wish for as a fan came true. The developers really put themselves in our shoes and created a world through the eyes of Batman should really be and for every fans childhood hero to really shine.

Now before i ramble too much about all the praises and acknowledgement this game deserves, if you wanted good gameplay and great graphics with no aimless button mashing then do not overlook this game even if your not a batfan! The combat system just blew me away the dynamics of it make it look so complex on screen YET SIMPLISTIC. Unbelievable how you can have so much fun utilising combat moves at the touch of a button yet timing is everything and spectators will be dazzled by your acrobatic ala matrix manneoveres, every person will love it =). This is what I call intuitive gameplay at its finest, you'll even feel like Batman (LOL peeps will know exactly what I mean after any fighting situations) :P

Now where would Batman be without his trademark utility belt? As you progress through the game you pick up your usual unlockable upgrades as well as new arsenal of gadgets you have at your disposal well executed at introducing new ones as you progress through the game to have fun with and your put in the shoes of the Dark Knight so utilising each is crucial and there are key moments in the game where your wits and quick thinking will have to be on par! It all contributes to making you really feel like your Batman knocking out scum like rubbish, gliding down clifftops, dangling like a bat on gargoyles and using your utility belt which is your life saver

I loved how the Batmobile and Batplane as well as a few villains made cameos along this game ( I wont spoil it for you but it just adds to the countless benefits the developers created just for us!)

The storyline is well thought out and although you do go back and forth (which some view as a negative having to backtrack to areas of the game youve already been to) theyve made this more of an attraction due to the fact that there are secret items left by the riddler that give you more unlockables that you could not reach before i.e Using the batclaw to rip down a wall or blowing out a hollow wall to collect more riddlers items (dont worry even though there are over 200 they are all highlighted on your map, so this game never leaves you completely lost while not spoon feeding you to a total advantage).

Although one could say every batfan is bias towards stating that this game is amazing you probably would get the contrast with them being the most clinical reviewers and the reviews speak volumes about this game!! I do not see any negatives about this game at all except its far too short :P :).

We are blessed with the voice acting cast from the memorable animated batman series group who alot are in this game (and Im really glad as a kid I enjoyed Kevin Conroy playing Batman since he does a fantastic job at it, as well as Mark Hamill aka Joker and the rest of the villains etc). Great contribution to a strong movie like storyline

This game is engineered to perfection:-

You want espionage aka Metal gear solid youve got it here

You want action packed beat-em up aka Dynasty warriors youve got it here

You want captivating graphics and storyline filled with intrigue and puzzle solving aka Resident Evil youve got it here

The collaboration of these respected games aspects do exist in Batman Arkham Asylum- through strategic planning and mastered storyline = One of the best games to ever bless the PS3 so far, and ive played various Playstation games in my time to put this up in my top 10 of all time no worries.

Classic for your PS3 shelf? most definetely!!!!

Batman Arkham Asylum is probably one of the best games I have played in a while. Graphics are awesome, storey is really good and the character's are flawless. The joker is really psycotic, right up there with Heath Ledger's Joker and now my favourite villian of all time. Batman is defanitly the coolest Batman in a video game that I have ever seen.
There is so much to do in this game, heaps of stuff to collect and all the challenges in challenge mode will keep you going for a while.
I also like how the game vary's in style, like there is heaps of fighting, but also the stealth side of it and detective side with puzzle solving included is a real nice touch.
I would highly recommend this game to anyone.

Had such a blast playing through this one! The detective work and challenges held my interest captive so I had no choice but to play, play, and play!

The other modes offer more gaming time even if you've finished the main story so the fun really doesn't stop!

Bone-breaking Batman beats down baddies to a pulp with the awesome battle buttoning system that makes you feel like a pro!

Damn this game is superb! Its the first game I got and well…at first I wasn't too sure of the game and put it of for a week. I'm mostly into Sports games and some action like the Devil May Cry Series so naturally I wasn't looking forward to it.

Luckily my Cousin puts the Batman game into the PS3 because he got bored playing Madden 2010 and even though it started of slowly this game got me hooked. It did fool me by not having the typical superhero beat-em-up gamestyle which was one of the reasons I didn't look forward to it but instead you have to think twice before approaching the enemy.

So this is not your average superhero game it combines intelligent, ruthless efficiency and silent gameplay. The great thing I like about this game is his x-ray like vision he has which enables you to scan the area and plan your next attack, also many of his all time enemies are back which do not ruin.

“A Must Buy!!!”

It's so hard to sum up a good game, so I'll just have to break it down why I so readily recommend Batman: Arkham Asylum: the gameplay, plot and visuals, and how they work together.

The standard gameplay is terrific. Common fights against groups of enemies employ a simple yet challenging approach: only a few buttons and moves are needed, yet in order to gain the most of these opportunities for experience (used to purchase additional moves and powerups) the player must skillfully manage the timing and choices of the actions they choose. On top of this ‘standard’ gameplay are other elements which add to an immersive experience. A major one is the ability to turn on or off ‘detective’ mode (allowing the player to see clues, enemies and opportunities). Following a chemical trail may guide you to the next area, and checking on enemies' heartrates will give you a clue as to how they will react to your presence as individuals and as a group (nervous enemies will check the environment more readily as they try to find you, calm ones will be easier to sneak up on). The ability to use a grapplehook to move around or escape adds another element of depth. You may use stealth, circle around for a better means of approach or simply enjoy taking to the rooftops and exploring places inaccessible by foot. As the story progresses, new abilities and gadgets are unlocked that not only do the expected job of allowing you to move to new areas but have their own effect in combat. Upgrades and new abilities/gadgets work in with the story; some aren't essential (for example: bonuses to damage) but those that are come into play hand in hand with the plot. They don't feel jarring or invasive.

The story behind the game is great and the plot is well paced. It doesn't simply give you a purpose to get to one area to the next but sits behinds your actions to make you desire to continue and further the story. The plot, gameplay and visuals blend together to make the experience immersive, giving the story more impact.

Incredibly dramatic lighting gives life to the environment. If you fear being unable to see correctly through the atmospheric shadows, fear not: it's easy enough to tweak the brightness settings to find the best balance for you and for your TV. In fact, the settings it starts off on are fine, but this gives you freedom to increase the atmosphere or the clarity to your personal preference. Weather effects, a variety of environments and other special effects are rendered well and look appealing while adding to the backdrop.

So yes, this game is a ‘fantastic experience’. Gameplay, plot and visuals combine to really immerse you in the experience. Whether you love or hate Batman, if you're a fan of great gaming you will enjoy this.

No wonder this game got voted ‘Game of the Year’, it is a masterpeice. I thought there'd be more appearances from more of Gothams criminal scumbags we loved in the comic books and anime series, But overall this game does not dissapoint my fanaticism with the Dark Knight and also the DC Universe. The story is genius – not too over the top but not lacking in imagination. Everything a true Batman fan could ever wants. The soundtrack is a masterpeice in itself and crucial in adding the dark and twisted element to the Batman world. The gameplay is perfect, always throwing you as the player into action, there are no loading screens it's just non stop right from the start. The puzzles and Riddler challenges are fun and exactly what the worlds greatest detective needs. And ofcourse there's the gadgets – nothing impossible but very cool. I only wish you got the cance to ride the batmobile. And did I mention the voice acting – brilliant. And to top it all off, the graphic engine, spectacular. Whether you're a true Batman fan or not this game will blow your mind

This RPG using the characters and most of the cast from the early nineties animated TV programme and is fantastic. The plot is very good and the use of several of Batman's nemesis is very well done, ranging from The Joker, Scarecrow, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Bane, The Riddler and Poison Ivy.

The combat system is superb and the utilities you pick up throughout the game are very useful as you progress. The graphics and designs are top notch and really make this game a decent experience. I definitely recommend this game to all RPG and/or Batman fans.

…so far, at least until Batman Arkham Asylum 2 comes out. This game is outstanding. When I first heard about this game I payed no attention to it because I was more interested in other games. But after I rented the game I just wanted more. You can really tell Rocksteady worked hard on this game. The combat system in this game is the BEST, 3 buttons attack and 1 button counters, sounds simple but very fun and addicting. Like me, you'll probably spend most of your time beating the lights outta convicts. All this is complimented with the BEST graphics. If your looking for a good story and a game worth your money this is definitely a must own.

Gameplay – 10/10 Combat system Story – 10/10 Graphics – 10/10 Very realistic

Omg! Best Batman game ever created. The gameplay is brilliant, especially challenge maps where you can play as the Batman or the Joker. The story is extremely detailed and well created by the makers. The voice acting on the game is incredible. Highly detailed and a must have game, even if you are not a big fan of The Dark Knight.

batman: Arkham Asylum can be easily compared to classic games like Eternal Darkness and Bio shock, a game that no one expected to be good and turned out to be one the most impressive, immersive and breathtaking games ever released. The grim set-up mixed an incredible voice-over work and great storytelling makes of Batman: Arkham Asylum, not only the best Batman game ever published but also the best comic-book/superhero video game so far and a very serious "Game of the Year” contender.

A definite must have for any PS3 gaming enthusiast. excellent gameplay mixed with brilliant story, will keep you captivarted for hours

Platinum trophy in 5 days, the game was engaging, great looking and best of all, the combat system is genius and fresh, the challenge rooms keep you busy and the riddles are great, must buy for all action fans.

The best Batman game or any super hero game to date.

Unreal Engine run very smoothly without any noticable lag.

The gameplay is very addicting making you feel like the true batman by combining both physical and interlectual strangth of Batman into gameplay.

Don't miss out on this great game!

A must have for any PS3 owner. It's magnificience is too grand to fit into this paragraph. BUY THIS GAME!

Batman Arkham Asylum is THE BEST Batman and Superhero video game ever made, Period. It simply is mind blowing, and coming from a fan of the old comics and cartoon TV shows this is a real treat for us fans! The story is great, The gameplay varied and never dull and the graphics are simply top notch, especially on Full HD 1080p televisions. If you are a fan of Batman or superhero games in general, or even Action/Adventure games then Batman: Arkham Asylum is the game for you :)

batman Arkham Asylum really does the dark knight justice if you not a batman fan this game will make you in to one and i can not wait for batman Arkham Asylum 2

One of the best of this gen, a real classic and the first in an excellent series of batman games. Redefines the batman name in gaming and plays well alongside the dark knight trilogy. A must for any batman fan, or just a video game fan.

Cool game whether you are a fan of batman or not.

Quite honestly Batman: Arkham Asylum is both beautifully cinematic and extremely engrossing. The game play is simplistic enough to not cause frustration in situations where you are seriously out numbered (but never out classed).
The puzzles aren't simple, but neither are they mind-bending and perplexing, and often also help to drive the story. With the option to use Detective Mode, an enhanced view mode, puzzles are easier to solve as the view enables you to find all the pieces you need to put together.
The game plays out like a film with cuts scenes you actually want to sit through and watch. With a well developed and well written story-line. I also love the fact it's not just a series of Batman villains pit against you merely for screen time, which also suggests a franchise of sequels (many glorious sequels – Arkham City, Arkham State- Arkham Country- Arkham World-), as many members of the rogue gallery are only mentioned but never actually encountered.
The game play reminds me of and borrows from games such as Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil and Star Wars: Force Unleashed, but manages to eliminate flaws found in the game play of those games. In fact Batman: Arkham Asylum is also the least buggy PS3 game I have ever played.
The re-play ability is enhanced by side missions (both earned and download-able) and a series of items, tasks or achievements to earn or perform in each area.
I only have one gripe about the game, which is, for all it's size and the expansive (and highly detailed) maps there is a considerable amount of time retracing your steps and several areas which require you to backtrack too often for far too long to re-reach and inevitability return to. This leads to frustration and tedium as these re-travelled areas will often already be devoid of foes, which feels like they are trying to extend the game (although without actual game play).

To sum up, this is not a game for children, but the child in all of us, don't expect the campy Adam West Batman of old, this Batman is set in a world eluded to and canonised by Frank Miller and the Batman Animated series of the 90's, and with the voice talents of both Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamil reprising their roles from the latter this is also for true fans of Batman. In fact it almost feels as though you can look through the eyes of the cowl and don the cape yourself (without looking retarded), especially when in Detective Mode.
This is one of the most enjoyable games I've played in a while… That doesn't have Lego characters (Batman or otherwise). AND I managed to keep my language PG for the entire game too!

Highly recommended.

I was a bit unsure about this as I have played a few games made from other cartoons & they have sucked but I brought my brother's 360 from him which happened to have this with it & it is amazing I will be getting this for my ps3 as I want the trophies added to my list, this is a game I will be very proud to show off on my trophy list & I will be getting Arkham City for sure now as it's ment to be even better so yeah I ould highly suggest this game you don't have to like Batman it's just an amazing game

Amazing game can't wait for the sequel

I was lucky enough to have a review copy of this game when it was first released and bought it again because the price was right during a mightape sale, in anticipation of the sequel. The characters, voice acting, graphics and sound are all superb. The fighting system is a real highlight and still has the edge over games like inFAMOUS 2 or even Uncharted 2. This is a fantastic game I would recommend to anyone.

This game is perfection. I can't wait to get Arkham City. I suggest Arkham Asylum for any Batman fan. The game really pulls you in and leaves you wanting more.

Best Batman game to date.

The combat in this game is brilliant and, if you play on hard, difficult but rewarding. I got so much of a thrill hiding in the shadows, picking of the criminals one by one watching them panic as their numbers dwindle that I'd have to say it does stealth better than any other stealth game made in last few years. The combat is smooth, the story is bonkers in a batman sort of way, the villians are (mainly) colourful and varied and there are some great lines by the joker. My only gripe is the boss fights mainly consist of the bad guy hiding some where sending hords of henchman to attack in waves (Not that different from the non-boss fights). This is also one of those games where there are multiple ways to deal with a room of enemies, all ways that work as well as each other. The array of bat-gadgets give you options on how to set up your traps and the combo animations are bone-crunchingly delicious. If you like stealth, action, comedy, platforming or Batman, THIS IS THE GAME FOR YOU!

Batman: Arkham Asylum is not only the best Batman video game ever made – it is probably one of the best made games ever! This is by far the best game I have played on the PS3 platform. It's everything a Batman game/story should be: dark, violent, exciting, stealthy, mysterious, captivating and extremely well put together. The perfect balance of story, action and puzzle solving. It's Tomb Raider meets Assassins Creed but better!!!

The amazing gameplay and stellar graphics are accompanied by the best voice actors in the business. The stars from ‘Batman TAS’ (the best Batman animated cartoon) Arleen Sorkin as ‘Harley Quinn’ – Joker's beautiful but crazed girl friend, Mark Hamill (yes Luke Skywalker) as The Joker and the amazing Kevin Conroy as Batman lend their amazing voice acting talents to this game.

Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are absolutely perfect in their roles (no surprise really as they've been voicing their characters for nearly 20 years now) and when I think of Batman or Joker – no one portrays their voices like these two fine actors. In my opinion Christopher Nolan should over-dub Christian Bale's ridiculous wrestling Batman voice with Kevin Conroy's superb voice acting ability. Conroy IS Batman!!!

All these factors combine to make Batman: Arkham Asylum a near perfect gaming experience! My one and only gripe with the game is – it's a little too short. That really is nit-picking though ;-P

A must have game for any game console owner!

Bring on ‘Arkham City’!!!

This is a good game. It's a action game, and the combat is beat em up style using your fists and kicks. The beat em up is quite fun, but you don't spend enough time doing it. Most of your time will be spent solving puzzles, and trying to find your way out of your current place, because you'll get very few map markers to help you out and you have to really study to find your way out of places. In saying that, the puzzles are well done, and the level design is great. I'm not a batman fan and I don't think this game is a must have, but I was glad I purchased it and it held my interest solidly throughout the game even tho I don't like puzzles. Its a good game. 8.2/10.