Batman Arkham Asylum

81%
Game Brain Score Based on 46,259 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.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Epic Games
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

81%
Audience ScoreBased on 46,259 reviews
story5,469 positive mentions
grinding216 negative mentions
  • story10,601 mentions

    The story of "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is widely praised for its engaging narrative that immerses players in the dark and atmospheric world of Gotham's infamous asylum. While the plot is straightforward—Batman must thwart the Joker's takeover of Arkham and confront various iconic villains—the writing, voice acting (notably by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill), and character development elevate it beyond typical superhero fare. Many players appreciate the game's ability to blend action, stealth, and puzzle-solving within a cohesive storyline, although some note that the main story is relatively short and can feel repetitive at times. Overall, it is considered a strong introduction to the Arkham series, setting a high standard for storytelling in video games.

    • “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 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 engaging and unfolds gradually, keeping players on the edge of their seats while delving into the complexities of the dark knight's psyche.”
    • “The story is straightforward, and we get to see Batman as the world's greatest detective.”
    • “The story clocks in at around 6-7 hours, but every minute feels packed with tension and excitement.”
    • “The story in this one to me is the weakest part of it; it's by all means okay, but I feel it's certainly the weakest of the series.”
  • gameplay5,579 mentions

    The gameplay of "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is widely praised for its innovative free-flow combat system and engaging stealth mechanics, which effectively immerse players in the role of Batman. While some reviews note that the gameplay can feel repetitive and simplistic compared to later entries in the series, many still find it enjoyable and a significant improvement over previous superhero games. The combination of combat, stealth, and puzzle-solving elements, along with a compelling narrative and atmospheric design, solidifies its status as a classic in the action-adventure genre.

    • “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.”
    • “Batman: Arkham Asylum is a masterclass in how to create a superhero game that respects its source material while offering engaging gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay in Arkham Asylum is top-notch, featuring a seamless blend of stealth, combat, and exploration.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics3,735 mentions

    The graphics of *Batman: Arkham Asylum* have received widespread praise for their quality, especially considering the game was released in 2009. Many reviewers note that the visuals have aged remarkably well, maintaining a strong comic book aesthetic that enhances the game's dark atmosphere. While some aspects may appear dated by modern standards, the overall artistic direction and attention to detail continue to impress players, making it a visually appealing experience even in 2024.

    • “For it being made in 2009, the graphics are honestly great.”
    • “Combined with excellent attention to detail and gameplay, and graphics that still hold up today, it's easy to see why a franchise was spawned.”
    • “The graphics are amazing for a 2009 release and still look great now, but graphics aren't much if the game itself isn't very fun.”
    • “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.”
  • atmosphere1,883 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is widely praised as one of its standout features, characterized by a dark, immersive, and often creepy environment that effectively captures the essence of the Batman universe. Reviewers highlight the game's gothic architecture, atmospheric sound design, and the sense of isolation it creates, making players feel as though they are truly navigating a haunted asylum filled with iconic villains. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered unmatched within the series, contributing significantly to its status as a classic in the superhero genre.

    • “The atmosphere in this game is amazing, and it has some of the best encounters in the series.”
    • “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 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 game's atmosphere is comparable to that of a horror game, which is extremely fitting for the location of Arkham Asylum.”
    • “The atmosphere presented by the asylum is absolutely amazing and truly makes you feel the brutality of where you are.”
  • music650 mentions

    The music in "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is generally 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 themes, many appreciate its ability to complement the gameplay and evoke a sense of tension and dread. Overall, the score is considered a strong element of the game, contributing significantly to the overall experience, despite some critiques regarding its memorability compared to sequels.

    • “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 dark, moody, and fairly subdued for most of the game, helping build up the creepy atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The atmospheric soundtrack adds an extra layer of tension and excitement, immersing players in the dark and foreboding atmosphere of Batman's world.”
    • “Additionally, the music was pretty forgettable, and the story felt rather basic.”
    • “The music is kind of non-existent but that is expected of a game about the dark knight; however, the voice acting is top class.”
    • “As for the audio, sound effects are at peak performance but music suffers from being both too bland and too cliché.”
  • optimization428 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance on various hardware configurations, including low-end PCs, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and poor cutscene optimization. Many recommend adjusting settings like PhysX and using community mods to enhance performance, indicating that while the game can run well, it may require some tweaking for an optimal experience. Overall, the game is considered well-optimized for its time, but modern hardware may still encounter challenges.

    • “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.”
    • “Great optimization, ran without any issues, didn't find any bugs.”
    • “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 graphic 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.”
  • grinding356 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players expressing that it requires an excessive time commitment, often likening it to needing "a second life" to complete. Players find the repetitive nature of combat challenges, backtracking for collectibles, and tedious side quests to be frustrating, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. While some acknowledge that certain elements, like the Riddler trophies, can be engaging, the consensus is that the grinding experience is often more tedious than rewarding.

    • “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.”
    • “The main story was fun and not too grindy.”
    • “Now after 10 hours of grinding combat challenges... I've been through hell.”
    • “So far after 5 hours, the levels are more tedious than fun.”
    • “The amount of tedious backtracking that needs to be done in order to find a ton of collectibles is just plain boring.”
  • humor276 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, particularly for the character of the Joker, whose dark and twisted comedic style, voiced by Mark Hamill, consistently entertains players. Many reviews highlight the clever dialogue, amusing interactions, and the balance of dark themes with comedic moments, making the experience both engaging and funny. Overall, the game's humor is a significant aspect that enhances its appeal, providing a mix of laughter and tension throughout the gameplay.

    • “The game's atmosphere is dark, sometimes even a bit creepy, but with the right amount of funny moments.”
    • “You've got the joker, who's basically a stand-up comedian with a really twisted sense of humor.”
    • “The joker is hilarious; he kept me laughing consistently, which is a plus in any game.”
    • “Listen to some boring, hammy clichés from the joker character (not funny or witty, just irritating).”
    • “Is more or less the same gist as with combat; it's done extremely well and makes you the player think of how to adjust your playstyle based on the situation at hand and limits a fists-blazing approach (get the joke, huh? Instead of guns, fists? Yeah, I'm not funny).”
  • replayability268 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. However, some reviewers feel that the linear design and lack of significant choices limit the overall replayability, making it more appealing for completionists or those interested in challenge modes rather than casual players. Overall, the game offers decent replay value, particularly through its challenge maps and collectibles, but opinions vary widely on its longevity after the initial playthrough.

    • “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).”
  • stability226 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 combat mechanics. 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.

    • “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, it is filled with bios from characters of the franchise so you won't be lost, gadgets filled (and they all work like a charm!).”
    • “I definitely recommend it in 2020 because graphics have aged well, if you play in hard, you'll have some good challenge, it's pretty much bug free and controls respond smoothly.”
    • “After sinking about two hours into troubleshooting, I finally had to refund.”
    • “It is so broken, if you are going to have this broken of a game you need to allow manual saves. After running around collecting Riddler stuff, I walked into the botanical gardens and was met with a no floor no wall room. I turned around and left, now the whole game looks this way. Wish it was less buggy.”
    • “Game is full of glitches, not worth it.”
  • character development158 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 significant character growth throughout the story, suggesting that the characters feel more like established comic book figures rather than fully developed individuals within the game's narrative. Overall, the game is recognized for its faithful representation of characters, though opinions vary on the effectiveness of their development.

    • “Character development is handled with care, providing insights into the complex relationships and histories shared by the characters.”
    • “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.”
    • “The atmosphere created by the developers through the character design, environment, and character behavior make this game truly immersive.”
    • “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, and the character development was virtually non-existent, largely due to the characters already having been developed on paper.”
  • emotional132 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with many players expressing a profound 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, including intense moments and nostalgic elements, evoked strong feelings, leading to tears and a sense of nostalgia. However, others noted that the emotional engagement could vary significantly based on personal investment in the character and the narrative.

    • “The music intensifies during critical moments, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the narrative.”
    • “I cried my eyes out for at least half an hour when I completed the game and it doesn't happen that often with games in general.”
    • “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 from interior gargoyles can be heartbreaking.”
    • “Fun gameplay, boring story; Batman is a dickhead with no sense of humor or charisma whatsoever.”
    • “Story - as I am not planning to finish the game in my 7 hours, there is a pretty boring story to me.”
  • monetization29 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, many criticize the presence of intrusive ads, particularly during boss fights, which detracts from the overall gameplay experience. Overall, while the game avoids the pitfalls of microtransactions, it still suffers from excessive advertising that can frustrate players.

    • “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 the main fighting mechanics that Batman automatically just jumps to attack random enemies really frustrate you over and over as the game throws more and more enemies at you.”
    • “Despite how nice it might look once (if, rather) you finally manage to get it working, I simply can't recommend a game that forces you to quit and restart (and wait for what feels like several minutes of unskippable ads) just to rebind the extremely badly explained controls.”
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 120 analyzed playthroughs

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