Super hero games range between frankly appalling to pretty damn fun, but those in the second category are rather in the minority. Good old Superman, as an 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 the years haven’t captured the sensation of being under the cover, facing down maniacs with his fists and wits.

Batman can be perched on a high ledge in a [completely totally] open room as he watches some of the Joker’s thugs rifle through drawers, and the graphics detail is astounding.  Batman switches to inquiry mode using a blue tinted visor that among other stuff lets Batman see his enemies through walls and identifies things like guns and knives.

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 out and in of combat is visually shocking and Batman’s cape is nearly jaw-dropping re the way the material flows and moves when he runs or fights.

Combat is also a fluid, straightforward process. Batman is obviously stronger than the bulk of enemies he’ll see, and can chain together up to ten attacks immediately.

Gameplay pictures of Batman : Arkham Asylum, explaining some of the mechanics behind the Joker, and his style in the game looks truly great.  Move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst your enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham town’s most notorious villains who have taken over the asylum.

Gamers move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies and confront the Joker using a good range of Batman’s gadgets and abilities, players do really imagine that they have become the Invisible Predator.

Stealth sections usually involve methodically picking off enemies one by one, and can usually be identified upon 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 sight and safely survey the area.

Looking round the web it is been difficult to find anyone criticising Arkham Asylum.  The worst around looks to be from the telegram paper ( UK ) which I qote as the following :

‘With this level of invention and awareness of detail it’s disheartening that Arkham Asylum’s biggest failing is with some of its chief battles.”

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

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

Although even that commentator clearly considered his negative view on this to be only a small gripe, ending with :

‘But that ride is what matters most, and is positively what’ll you remember after the end credits have rolled.  With a chain 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 approved titles have caught so accurately and absolutely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum.’

Our recommendation : Moving Batman around in Batman Arkham Asylum as reviewed is always a treat when you think about yourself as a villain slayer. The combat is free flowing allowing for dynamic fighting sequences and talent.  Great absorbing fun to lose yourself in!