Batman: Arkham Asylum

Title: Batman: Arkham Asylum
Platform Played On: Xbox 360
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Date Played: September 2009
Time Played: 12 hours
Completed (Y/N): Yes
Score: 5/5



Opinion:
Licensed games are generally pretty terrible. Not because the material sucks, but because they are usually made on short deadlines and with strict guidelines as to their content. The guidelines dictated by those that do not know anything about video games. Arkham Asylum, a game using the Batman license came out of no where and showed everyone that yes, licensed games can be amazing.

In Batman: Arkham Asylum as you would expect you play as Batman, and as you would expect the action takes place in Arkham Asylum. It is sort of an Alcatraz style penitentiary on an island off the coast of Gotham City. The game starts with you (Batman) delivering The Joker to rot in a cell on the island, little does anyone know this was The Joker's plan all along. Joker lets all of the island's prisoners escape and it is up to you to subdue and capture them. Throughout the game you will encounter many of the iconic Batman villains. You will wrestle with Bane, escape the grip of Poison Ivy, race with the Killer Croc, brawl with The Joker, and even solve some riddles with The Riddler. Many others make cameo and face to face appearances as well.

What makes Batman: Arkham Asylum such a great game is actually... everything. The graphics are stunning and detailed, the combat is visceral and rewarding, the setting is spot on, interesting, creepy and engaging, and the story is exactly what one would want to have in a Batman game. As Batman you get to use all sorts of gadgets, fly down on top of the villains and traverse all nooks and crannies of the asylum.

I was pleasantly surprised by this game. I would go as far as saying that Batman: Arkham Asylum is in my top three games of 2009. Absolutely everything about it is awesome. I can not recommend this game enough. Go get it, and play it!