Batman Arkham Asylum

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 23,116 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Batman Arkham Asylum Game Cover
There are a bunch of really great games yet to come here in 2009, but, Batman: Arkham Asylum cannot be easily outdone.
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In Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman must confront his enemies within the confines of the insane asylum, controlled by his arch-nemesis, the Joker. Experience exhilarating combat, stealth, and exploration, using Batman's arsenal of gadgets against formidable foes, including the massive Killer Croc. Dive into the dark, atmospheric setting and match wits with the Joker to save Gotham City from a nefarious plan.

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Reviews

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 23,116 reviews
story2,734 positive mentions
grinding108 negative mentions
  • story5,298 mentions

    The story of *Batman: Arkham Asylum* is widely praised for its engaging narrative that captures the essence of the Batman universe, featuring iconic villains like the Joker, Scarecrow, and Poison Ivy. While the plot is relatively straightforward, it effectively immerses players in a dark and atmospheric setting, enhanced by excellent voice acting from Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Many players appreciate the game's ability to balance action, stealth, and puzzle-solving elements, although some note that the story can feel short and linear compared to its sequels.

    • “But the best thing about this game is the story; the reverence and love for the source material oozes from its every pore. The way the characters act and are treated in the story, the little easter eggs that are everywhere, and just the pacing and events in it make it a really great Batman story.”
    • “The story clocks in at around 6-7 hours, but every minute feels packed with tension and excitement. The pacing is excellent, and the narrative keeps you engaged throughout.”
    • “The storyline is expertly crafted, offering a compelling narrative that not only stays true to the essence of Batman but also elevates it with unexpected twists and turns.”
    • “The story is straightforward, and we get to see Batman as the world's greatest detective.”
    • “The plot is banal, the characters are formulaic, the gameplay is mostly boring, the graphics are outdated.”
    • “The story is simple to understand: Batman brought Joker to Arkham Asylum and all hell broke loose; now he needs to stop him from killing everyone in Gotham.”
  • gameplay2,789 mentions

    The gameplay of "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is widely praised for its innovative mechanics, particularly the free-flow combat system that allows players to seamlessly transition between attacks and counters, creating a satisfying and engaging experience. While some reviews note that the gameplay can feel repetitive and simplistic compared to its sequels, the combination of stealth, combat, and puzzle-solving elements, along with a compelling narrative and atmospheric design, ensures that it remains a standout title in the superhero genre. Overall, the game successfully immerses players in the role of Batman, making them feel like the Dark Knight through its well-executed gameplay mechanics.

    • “I won't say that it has the most compelling story ever told, but it is fantastic in the area that matters most: the gameplay.”
    • “The characters, the atmosphere, the setting, and the gameplay is just top notch.”
    • “Batman: Arkham Asylum is a masterclass in how to create a superhero game that respects its source material while offering engaging gameplay.”
    • “Gameplay is a bit primitive in comparison to the other games.”
    • “The one problem this game has is that in the boss fights most of the time you aren't fighting and just using some mechanic, mostly the batarang, like at least 3-4 boss fights require you to use those, so in some sense the game gets a little repetitive.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, the stealth sucked because Joker would just give you away instantly and the combat was very repetitive.”
  • graphics1,866 mentions

    The graphics of *Batman: Arkham Asylum* have received widespread praise for their quality, especially considering the game was released in 2009. Many reviewers noted that the visuals still hold up well today, showcasing a unique comic book aesthetic that enhances the game's dark atmosphere. While some textures may appear dated, the overall art direction and attention to detail contribute to a visually impressive experience that continues to impress players even years after its initial release.

    • “For it being made in 2009, the graphics are honestly great.”
    • “Graphically, this game holds up especially well; you could tell me this game came out in 2015 and I'd believe you, and games like this really go to show that artistic vision and a consistent art style can go a long way into making your game look timeless.”
    • “The graphics are stunning and still hold up to modern standards, showcasing the power of the Unreal Engine.”
    • “The plot is banal, the characters are formulaic, the gameplay is mostly boring, the graphics are outdated.”
    • “The graphics may not hold up to modern titles but is still better than what you would expect from a game that came out in 2009.”
    • “The graphics are kind of just now starting to feel dated but they're not bad by any stretch of the word, and it's really no concern as the story that is being told is plenty good to get you invested in this world.”
  • atmosphere941 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing the dark, gothic essence of the Batman universe. Reviewers highlight the game's detailed environments, eerie sound design, and the sense of isolation that enhances the overall experience, making it feel both claustrophobic and alive. Many consider it the best in the Arkham series, with standout moments, particularly during the Scarecrow sequences, that exemplify its ability to blend horror elements with engaging gameplay.

    • “The dark, eerie atmosphere perfectly complements the game's gothic setting.”
    • “The atmosphere of this game is dark, sometimes even a bit creepy, but with the right amount of funny moments.”
    • “The atmosphere in Arkham Asylum is incredibly immersive, with its gothic architecture and eerie ambiance bringing Gotham’s most infamous psychiatric hospital to life.”
    • “The atmosphere of Arkham Asylum itself serves as a character, filled with rich lore and history.”
  • music325 mentions

    The music in "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is widely praised for its atmospheric and haunting qualities, effectively enhancing the game's dark and immersive environment. While some players find the soundtrack to be forgettable or lacking standout tracks, many appreciate its ability to build tension and complement the gameplay, with a mix of orchestral and ambient sounds that evoke the essence of the Batman universe. Overall, the score is considered a significant aspect of the game's success, contributing to its eerie and engaging atmosphere.

    • “The music is dark, moody, and fairly subdued for most of the game, helping build up the creepy atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The game's setting, combined with its haunting soundtrack and meticulously designed environments, creates a palpable sense of dread and intrigue that pulls you right into Batman's world.”
    • “The music is top-notch, and really adds to the dark and gritty atmosphere.”
    • “The music is pretty forgettable, but it accomplishes its purpose of building atmosphere and tension while being epic when it needs to be.”
    • “The music is restrained, shades of Danny Elfman, though not actually Danny Elfman; he didn't provide music to the series until the very last game.”
    • “The music never really spoke to me, but the art and presentation are excellent.”
  • optimization214 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while it runs smoothly on lower-end systems and can achieve high frame rates at max settings, there are persistent issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly during cutscenes and certain levels. Some users recommend tweaking settings or using community mods to improve performance, especially on modern hardware, while others report a generally well-optimized experience. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay and stellar voice performances, but optimization remains a concern for some players.

    • “It is optimized very well for PC too, so the performance is very smooth at 4K 60fps with max settings.”
    • “A really well-optimized game from my end.”
    • “The optimization of the game is perfect; I had some crashes, but that was due to my PC being bad. If you have a nice PC, you will never have problems.”
    • “Great gameplay; however, poorly optimized cutscenes really ruin the experience if you are going for the full story mode feel.”
    • “I recommend playing on consoles, not on PC, because the game has serious performance issues on PC.”
    • “This game is not optimized for PC properly; I have a 1060 graphics card but still only get 25 to 30 fps at high settings, and if I dare turn the PhysX on, it drops to 9 to 15 fps, making the game completely unplayable.”
  • grinding178 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized, with many players expressing that it requires an excessive time commitment, often feeling tedious and repetitive. While some found enjoyment in collecting items and completing challenges, the overall sentiment suggests that the backtracking and combat mechanics can become monotonous, detracting from the overall experience. Players recommend the game primarily for its story and main content, but caution that completionists may find the grinding aspects frustrating.

    • “I also highly recommend for any achievement hunters out there, it was fun to do, and would be a great first game to 100% as even the collectibles can be done without a guide and aren't too tedious (the only time I used a guide was a list of all the moves, and the last chronicle).”
    • “No grinding, no boring sidequests, no collectathons, no unnecessary open world, just straight up linear action with a cool story.”
    • “You can finish the game's main story within 10 hours, but those 10 hours are really fun and not tedious, as some games tend to be.”
    • “Now after 10 hours of grinding combat challenges... I've been through hell.”
    • “The flow-state combat system barely functions, suffering both from the shoddy controls and the tedious repetition, and it is made more grating by enemies that are immune to certain attacks, requiring special attacks that are awkward to use.”
    • “The amount of tedious backtracking that needs to be done in order to find a ton of collectibles is just plain boring.”
  • humor138 mentions

    The humor in the game is predominantly driven by the character of the Joker, whose dark and twisted comedic style, brilliantly voiced by Mark Hamill, consistently elicits laughter from players. Many reviews highlight the amusing interactions between characters, clever dialogue, and the game's ability to balance dark themes with humor, making for a uniquely entertaining experience. Players appreciate the comedic elements woven into gameplay, such as funny enemy banter and humorous in-game scenarios, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “The game's atmosphere is dark, sometimes even a bit creepy, but with the right amount of funny moments.”
    • “The joker, voiced brilliantly by Mark Hamill, steals the show with his dark humor and menacing presence, creating a palpable sense of danger.”
    • “Some of Joker's humor is so messed up, but you can't help but laugh.”
    • “It's more or less the same gist as with combat; it's done extremely well but makes you think about how to adjust your playstyle based on the situation at hand. It limits a fists-blazing approach (get the joke, huh? Instead of guns, fists? Yeah, I'm not funny).”
    • “Listen to some boring, hammy clichés from the joker character; it's not funny or witty, just irritating.”
  • replayability134 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while the main story is relatively short, it is supplemented by a variety of challenges, collectibles, and unlockable content that can enhance replay value. Some reviews highlight the enjoyment of challenge modes and side missions, while others feel that the linear design limits long-term replayability. Overall, the game offers decent replay value, particularly for completionists and those who enjoy tackling additional challenges.

    • “The Riddler’s challenges add extra depth and replay value.”
    • “In addition to the main story, the game offers a plethora of side missions and unlockable content that extends its replayability.”
    • “The additional challenges give it huge replay value.”
    • “In terms of replay value, Arkham generally doesn't have much in the main game - most of the replayability is sequestered into its challenge modes, small gauntlets, and challenges laden with enemies for you to fight, perfect for training yourself or simply having a little more fun with the game.”
    • “Amazing game but not much replayability after the story has been completed except for if you are either going for the Steam achievements or just challenging yourself to do something hard.”
    • “The replay value of this game is also extremely low, as the island is almost deserted after you've completed the Riddler challenges (which aren't that challenging).”
  • stability113 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs and glitches that can hinder gameplay, including crashes, freezing, and issues with AI behavior. However, some users noted that the game runs smoothly on certain platforms, like the Steam Deck, and experienced minimal issues overall. While the game is praised for its engaging story and graphics, the prevalence of bugs remains a common concern among players.

    • “This version on Steam runs great in 4K and it looks amazing considering its age.”
    • “The game runs great, the controls are super satisfying and the story is interesting.”
    • “Graphics are really nice considering this is from 2009, the game is bug free (hooray!), something quite rare to see these days.”
    • “After sinking about two hours into troubleshooting, I finally had to refund.”
    • “This game is really buggy for some reason.”
    • “Game is great but it is very buggy.”
  • character development79 mentions

    Character development in "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is generally praised for its depth and attention to detail, effectively showcasing the complex relationships and histories of iconic characters like Batman and the Joker. While many reviews highlight the strong character designs and voice acting, some critiques point to a lack of depth in certain character arcs, suggesting that while the designs are visually appealing, the narrative could have offered more substantial development for a broader cast. Overall, the game is recognized for its faithful representation of comic book characters, blending classic and modern aesthetics while maintaining an immersive atmosphere.

    • “Character development is handled with care, providing insights into the complex relationships and histories shared by the characters.”
    • “The atmosphere created by the developers through the character design, environment, and character behavior make this game truly immersive.”
    • “Story and character development: in this game you meet the basic characters that are mainly focused on in the comics (Joker, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, etc.), but you feel like you know them after you played the game or a few scenes with them.”
    • “Maybe in 2009 upon release the game was considered innovative and felt fresh, but looking at it now - fights are repetitive, the story is boring and predictable, and the character development is virtually non-existent.”
    • “The story goes nowhere, with no character development; various criminals just make cameo appearances with little or no depth to them or the encounters.”
    • “I don't really have much to say aside from that, the storyline was pretty bland, the character development was virtually non-existent, and it's always a little weird that Batman is cool with throwing sharp metal objects at people's faces.”
  • emotional66 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with many players expressing a strong connection to the character of Batman, often feeling like they truly embody him during gameplay. While some found the story and dialogue lacking depth, the overall experience evoked powerful emotions, including nostalgia and excitement, with several players reporting moments of genuine tears. The game's atmosphere and mechanics effectively enhance the emotional engagement, making it a memorable experience for fans of the franchise.

    • “The music intensifies during critical moments, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the narrative.”
    • “Arkham is far from a perfect game, but the entire adventure is so tightly constructed and brilliantly realized that the idea that you’ll eventually beat it and have to go back to living in a world without murderous henchmen to hang upside down from interior gargoyles can be heartbreaking.”
    • “This game, even so many years after I first sat down to play it on my first generation PS3, is still undeniably a facet of brilliance in gameplay, narrative, and emotional pull, as it had been when I first booted it up.”
    • “The story is pretty boring to me, and since I'm not planning to finish the game in my 7 hours, it doesn't engage me emotionally.”
    • “Fun gameplay, but the boring story makes it hard to connect emotionally; Batman comes off as a dickhead with no sense of humor or charisma whatsoever.”
  • monetization14 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and viewing it as a classic action-adventure experience. However, others criticize the presence of intrusive ads and repetitive gameplay, likening it to a cash grab typical of superhero games. Overall, while the game avoids microtransactions, it still faces scrutiny for its ad integration and gameplay mechanics.

    • “There are no microtransactions in the game, just a classic action-adventure game where you can put hours into mastering the game.”
    • “No microtransactions, no bugs, no crappy storyline, no bad gameplay.”
    • “Still better than microtransactions.”
    • “Some of the boss fights were just ads thrown at your face.”
    • “But after mid-game, everything falls flat: same fights but more ads, same story turns again and again... and main fighting mechanics that Batman automatically just jumps to attack random enemies really mess you over and over as the game throws more and more enemies at you.”
    • “It used to be that any tie-in game already had warning bells flashing as they were almost always cheap cash grabs that relied on the name attached to sell rather than the quality of the game itself.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

88% average critic score

Buy Batman Arkham Asylum

Play time

13hMedian play time
15hAverage play time
12hMain story
25hCompletionist
10-20hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 60 analyzed playthroughs

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