Spoilers ahead too Arkham series.
Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Asylum was the first Batman game I ever played, and while I thought I was a huge fan at the time, this game sent my love for the caped crusader into overdrive. I was 13 when Batman: Arkham Asylum launched, and booting that game up on my PS3 for the first time remains one of my fondest gaming memories. Little did I know, three other amazing sequels would be part of my future.
Ever since I was a kid, I've always been a big fan of comic books. Comic books are actually how my dad helped me learn to read, and one superhero that he owned tons of comics of was Batman. Aside from comic books, I was drawn to all things superhero, especially in the DC universe. Batman: The Animated Series and Cartoon Network's animated Justice League comics are still common in my home. There was no need to convince me that Batman was awesome, though Arkham Asylum actually made me feel like him for the first time. I've played the four main games over the years, but had never marathoned them until recently. I finally had a block in my schedule that allowed me to inject vigilante justice straight into my veins, and after several days of ridding Gotham of villains, I finally have my official ranking.
This list excludes Arkhamverse spin-offs like Shadow and Blackgate as well as expansions.
4
Arkham Origins
I know this one got some flak when it first came out due to bugs, but that's not why it's last on the list for me. I look at this with a fresh eye, and when I compare this to the rest of the series, it just doesn't break patterns like the others in the series did. Generally, I'm not usually a fan of prequels anyway, but Arkham Origins still has a solid story that kept me interested. Character progression was handled pretty well, but when it comes to the overall gameplay and exploration, that's where it all fell flat for me. There just isn't enough news to keep me invested for too long, and after playing its predecessors, Origin unfortunately started to feel more like a chore. It's far from a bad game, though. If I gave out letter grades right now, it would still be a solid B, but it just doesn't stack up with the rest of the Arkhamverse games.
I will say, Arkham Origins has some awesome boss fights that I found incredibly satisfying, especially Deathstroke.
3
Arkham Knight
Even though it's the last entry in the main series I feel like Arkham Knight trying to do too much. This Batman: Arkham The game's world is too open, which prevents its story from being as focused, and the overreliance on the Batmobile really gives me a headache. Not to mention, there's the apparent reveal of Jason Todd as the titular Arkham Knight, something everyone had correctly predicted before the game even launched. It's still a good time, but it's not quite as poignant in the way that Arkham City and Arkham Asylum is.
Sometimes bigger doesn't necessarily mean better, and Arkham Knight is a solid example of that. But while I find the story lacking and the exploration somewhat overwhelming, Arkham Knight shines with its cinematic moments that are filled to the brim with action. There's a lot going on in this game, but its highlights thankfully still make a big impact. Overall, I had a really fun time with this game, even if it didn't affect me in the same way Arkham City and Arkham Asylum did.
Although the Batmobile overstays its welcome, the mechanics are really well done.
2
Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum the tone of the Arkhamverse reigns, especially when it comes to the feel of Gotham. Honestly, I'm usually much more of a linear narrative fan, so it would make sense too Arkham Asylum to be my number one, but when considering all the other entries, I feel the muted setting hinders the experience a bit.
The big advantage of Arkham AsylumHowever, the tight linear story is that it keeps the pace tight and focused, making it much easier to pull together a strong story. But when it came to the game's final showdown with The Joker, I was more disappointed than I expected. It had been years since I booted up the first chapter, and I guess my preferences have really changed since then since I'm not a fan of Titan Joker at all. What makes The Joker such an effective villain to me is that he's a lanky threat who celebrates chaos and doesn't need a case of roid rage to get things done. Despite its minor flaws, Arkham Asylum is still a great way to kick off a larger series.
1
Arkham City
After playing the main four Arkham post, it is clear to me that Arkham City is the most rounded chapter in the lot. Between the introduction of a mostly open world Gotham, the missions, mechanics, and characters, and a story that has a really great ending, Arkham City ticks all the boxes for me. Its open environment doesn't get too overwhelming, and the story and missions never once bored me. I think Arkham City to actually be one of the best Batman-focused stories in general, and not just in gaming. The image of Batman carrying the Joker's lifeless body still hits me right in the heart. It's a moment that brings full circle to the painting of Cain and Abel shown at the beginning of the story, and even though I now expect it, I still get chills.
Although the first two games in the series were better than the latter half for me, I still crave more stories within Arkham universe (which is not like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League). Arkham Shadow was a wonderful return to form, but I don't much care for VR. Thankfully, a good friend of mine let me play on his Meta Quest 3, but it's definitely far from my preferred way to play a game. From time to time, rumors of the next Arkham bets are emerging, but only time will tell if they are accurate. Until then, I'm just thankful that there are four great Batman games to feast on.
- Released
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October 18, 2011
- ESRB
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T for Teens: Alcohol reference, blood, mild language, suggestive themes, tobacco use, violence
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 3
