Batman: Arkham City is one of those games that takes over your life…
I need to get something straight before we start. I am huge Batman fan. Though I love camp Batman, my heart lies with Dark Knight.
So I approached this game with some trepidation.
I knew it was pretty close to the Dark Knight universe, but after so many failed films I was really worried we were in for another insipid cash in.
I was wrong.
Batman: Arkham City is an ambitious and darkly beautiful game. The developers have gone to great lengths to capture the ‘feel’ of the Dark Knight world. This is not a tights-wearing universe of ‘boof’ and ‘bash’. Instead, you are treated to a gritty and often brutal world were the Joker is truly insane and more than one bad guy would love to see your Batbrains splattered on the pavement.
There are two things that stand out and make this game a classic.
The first is the storyline. Anyone who is fan of the comics will not be disappointed. The narrative is tight and convincing with all your favorite baddies making an appearance (you come across Joker, Harlequin and even Bane in the opening part of the game).
The second is the environment. Batman moves, glides and shoots his way across Gotham City. The ability to use the ‘Bat grapple’ to zip from roof top to roof top is quickly mastered and is one of the highlights of the game. You will soon be creeping about high above the baddies, timing lethal ‘bat kicks’ as you plummet from the rooftops.
So is it all perfect?
Well no.
To be honest, at times, the developers are victims of their own ambitions. The control system is complex, to say the least. You will often find yourself fumbling about to carry out what should be simple tasks. For example, Batman is equipped with lots of lovely gadgets, but swapping between them and then using each can be frustrating.
But it is a small flaw in an otherwise excellent game.
So if you are a Bat fan then this is a must-buy. If you are a gamer looking for a new challenge in the darkly beautiful world of Batman, then this game is well worth your consideration.
