Batman Arkham Knight

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 79,397 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Batman Arkham Knight Game Cover
Arkham Knight has some flaws, but they generally pale in comparison to the wondrous spectacle Rocksteady serves us up. A fine end to the Arkham trilogy.
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Batman: Arkham Knight, a single-player action game, concludes Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy with an explosive finale. As Scarecrow unites super criminals to destroy Batman, players must protect Gotham City, while experiencing the ultimate Batman experience with the legendary Batmobile. Featuring an intriguing story, this game allows players to tear through Gotham's streets and soar across its skyline.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 79,397 reviews
story9,579 positive mentions
optimization1,234 negative mentions
  • story23,140 mentions

    The story of "Batman: Arkham Knight" is a significant aspect of the game, praised for its emotional depth and character development, particularly in exploring Batman's psyche and his relationships with iconic villains like Scarecrow and the Arkham Knight. While many players find the narrative engaging and filled with twists, some criticize its predictability and the over-reliance on the Batmobile, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally regarded as a fitting conclusion to the Arkham series, offering a rich storyline complemented by stunning visuals and refined gameplay mechanics.

    • “Arkham Knight’s narrative is one of its strongest aspects, delivering an intense and emotional story that explores Batman’s psyche.”
    • “The story is gripping, filled with intense moments and iconic villains.”
    • “The storyline is engaging and well-crafted, with an intriguing plot that keeps the player engaged throughout the game.”
    • “The story is a mess.”
    • “The story is garbage.”
    • “The story is weak but the gameplay and graphics are still very enjoyable.”
  • gameplay9,179 mentions

    The gameplay in "Batman: Arkham Knight" is widely praised for its fluid combat mechanics, engaging stealth elements, and expansive open-world exploration, making players feel like the iconic superhero. However, the introduction of the batmobile as a central gameplay feature has received mixed reviews; while some players enjoy its innovative mechanics, many criticize its overuse, which can detract from the core Batman experience and lead to repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game is considered a fitting conclusion to the Arkham series, delivering a polished and immersive experience despite some criticisms regarding pacing and reliance on vehicle mechanics.

    • “Set in a vast, open-world Gotham City, it expands on the gameplay mechanics of its predecessors while introducing new features like the Batmobile.”
    • “The core gameplay loop of gliding through Gotham, battling thugs, and solving puzzles is incredibly satisfying.”
    • “The gameplay is the best in the series, including traversal, melee combat, and stealth.”
    • “While the batmobile offers exciting new gameplay options, its overuse in certain missions has been criticized as repetitive.”
    • “The batmobile gameplay is the worst in my opinion; first, there is way too much of it, and also I just want to play Batman, not a tank driver fighting tank battles in the streets.”
    • “The gameplay is a significant drop from City.”
  • graphics8,482 mentions

    The graphics of *Batman: Arkham Knight* have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising their stunning quality and attention to detail, particularly for a game released in 2015. Players note that the visuals still hold up remarkably well, often comparing them favorably to modern titles, and highlighting the atmospheric representation of Gotham City. However, some users experienced technical issues, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems, which detracted from the overall experience.

    • “The story is great, the combat is so smooth and enjoyable, and the art/graphics are top notch.”
    • “Batman: Arkham Knight is a must-play for fans of the series, offering a compelling finale with top-tier storytelling, stunning visuals, and satisfying gameplay.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, the story engaging, and the gameplay is extremely fun.”
    • “The PC release of Arkham Knight was marred by severe technical problems, including frame rate drops, crashes, and graphical glitches, leading to its temporary removal from digital stores.”
    • “The graphics look a lot better too even when using a mix of normal and high settings.”
    • “The graphics are not even near the trailer, in fact I don't think this really looks all that far removed from City at its best.”
  • optimization3,857 mentions

    The optimization of "Batman: Arkham Knight" has been a contentious topic among players, particularly regarding its initial release on PC, which was plagued by significant performance issues, including stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes. While many players report that subsequent patches have improved performance considerably, allowing for smoother gameplay on higher-end systems, others still experience optimization challenges, especially on lower-end hardware. Overall, the game is now seen as more playable, but it still requires a powerful setup to run optimally, and some players recommend adjusting settings to mitigate performance issues.

    • “Very good game and I had zero issues with performance.”
    • “Great story, the best Batman gameplay, even performance is really good nowadays opposed to what it was at the launch.”
    • “The optimization efforts have significantly improved the overall experience, making it a worthy investment for PC gamers.”
    • “I did have significant performance issues with the Batgirl DLC, 'Matter of Family', as there was a major frame drop gliding near the ferris wheel and a crash just after the final cutscene, which initially prevented the achievement from counting.”
    • “It delivers a great story featuring many of Batman's most famous and not-so-famous villains, its graphics are absolutely gorgeous and its performance absolutely terrible.”
    • “This alone turned what should've been a couple fun side sections in both side objectives as well as the main story into suddenly the hardest part of the game due to the poor performance.”
  • stability1,334 mentions

    The stability of "Batman: Arkham Knight" has been a contentious topic among players, particularly regarding its initial PC release, which was plagued by severe technical issues, including crashes, frame rate drops, and graphical glitches. While many users report that the game has improved significantly over time with patches, some still experience occasional bugs and performance hiccups, particularly with the batmobile and during specific missions. Overall, while the game is now considered playable and enjoyable by many, it remains somewhat unstable for others, with a mix of minor glitches and performance issues still present.

    • “A well polished game that looks and runs great.”
    • “The game runs great and you'll never regret playing it either.”
    • “After multiple patch fixes the game finally runs great on PC and it is still one of the best Batman games to play!!!”
    • “The PC release of Arkham Knight was marred by severe technical problems, including frame rate drops, crashes, and graphical glitches, leading to its temporary removal from digital stores.”
    • “But the game crashes a lot and I tried to fix the glitches but to no avail; it begins at the start of the game itself, and there are no fixes working. I tried updating NVIDIA drivers, Windows, and changed PhysX to CPU.”
    • “Game crashes a lot and is really buggy, so get ready to reinstall and restart a few times.”
  • grinding950 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Batman: Arkham Knight" has received significant criticism, with many players finding the Riddler challenges and batmobile missions to be tedious and repetitive. Achieving 100% completion is often described as a lengthy and frustrating grind, requiring players to engage in numerous side quests and collectables that feel more like busywork than enjoyable gameplay. While some players appreciate the game's overall design and story, the excessive grinding elements detract from the experience for many.

    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “Can get a bit grindy.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “The end game being locked out by tedious side quests that are do the same thing 15 times each is a real bore.”
    • “The batmobile is extremely tedious with how often you have to use it and leaves much to be desired with its combat mechanics, melee combat was made much easier and way less engaging for some reason.”
    • “The riddler challenges get somewhat tedious but nevertheless the game itself is just a fabulous batman game.”
  • music702 mentions

    The music in "Batman: Arkham Knight" has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with a powerful orchestral score composed by Nick Arundel and David Buckley that enhances the game's emotional depth. Many reviewers highlighted the dynamic nature of the soundtrack, which shifts to match the intensity of gameplay, while the voice acting, particularly from Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, further elevates the overall experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in the series, contributing significantly to the game's dark and engaging atmosphere.

    • “The musical score, composed by Nick Arundel and David Buckley, is powerful and evocative, perfectly capturing the tone of the game.”
    • “The music dynamically shifts to match the intensity of the action and the mood of the narrative, adding an emotional layer to the experience.”
    • “From the stunning visuals to the hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, every element contributes to the immersive experience.”
    • “The music is forgettable; the big reveal falls flat; the lack of true boss fights makes the game a bore; and the heavy reliance on the batmobile for advancing through the story is not only frustrating, but repetitive and unimaginative.”
    • “The soundtrack can be easily swapped with the one from Arkham City and you would not notice; you will be delighted to hear that the bat sounds are new.”
    • “The music is fine, although I almost preferred the ambient parts rather than the boring themes.”
  • atmosphere628 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Batman: Arkham Knight" is widely praised for its immersive and detailed depiction of Gotham City, characterized by dark, rain-soaked streets, dynamic weather effects, and stunning visuals that capture the essence of the Batman universe. The sound design, including a haunting soundtrack and stellar voice acting, further enhances the game's gritty and moody ambiance, making players feel deeply engaged in the narrative and environment. While some reviews note that the atmosphere may not surpass that of earlier titles in the series, it remains a standout feature that contributes significantly to the overall experience.

    • “The game’s use of lighting, reflections, and weather effects creates an immersive atmosphere that captures the dark, gritty tone of the Batman universe.”
    • “Gotham city is rendered in exquisite detail, with a vibrant atmosphere that shifts from the ominous shadows of crime-ridden streets to the breathtaking skyline.”
    • “The environment of the Gotham city they've built is dark, moody, and dripping with atmosphere, perfect for a night of crime-fighting with slick combos that made me feel like the Dark Knight himself.”
    • “The atmosphere wasn't all that thrilling for the most part.”
    • “This title doesn't have the best atmosphere or story compared to the other games (origins included).”
    • “Atmosphere-wise it’s the worst in the trilogy – the first 2 games were dark and gloomy, while in this one there is so much red and blue and green, the colors almost made me dizzy.”
  • humor556 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, particularly for the character of the Joker, whose darkly comedic lines and interactions with Batman provide a consistent source of laughter throughout the gameplay. Players enjoy the witty banter among thugs and the absurdity of certain situations, which often lead to unexpected comedic moments, enhancing the overall experience. Despite some repetitive elements, the humor effectively balances the game's darker themes, making it a standout feature in the series.

    • “The joker and his lines are just perfect and really funny.”
    • “In one of the main missions, you need to disable big spinning fans and then shoot a turret with the Batmobile... but if you fail to figure it out, the Joker will give you a funny tip.”
    • “The running dialogue by the Joker ranges from hilarious to sinister to downright twisted and uncomfortable - sometimes all at once, but that's what made it so good!”
    • “The Riddler missions are not funny; only a few of them have any humor, and the rest feel like just collecting items.”
  • emotional438 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Batman: Arkham Knight" is widely praised, with many players highlighting its intense and complex narrative that delves deep into Batman's psyche and relationships, particularly with key characters like the Joker and his allies. The voice acting, especially from Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, adds significant emotional weight, making the story resonate on a personal level and often leaving players in tears. While some critiques mention predictable plot points and pacing issues, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a powerful emotional experience that serves as a fitting conclusion to the Arkham series.

    • “It felt as if Bruce was asking himself, 'I’ve won... but at what cost?' It’s a subtle, yet emotional conclusion that perfectly captures the weight of being the Dark Knight.”
    • “The emotional depth and complexity of the story add significant weight to the gameplay.”
    • “The ending is heartbreaking, seeing Bruce, a broken man who decided to fight for justice with his bare hands, who has done so much, gone through so much, saw so many people die, fulfilling his objective, protecting the city he lives in, and then coming to an end; a unique experience.”
    • “Tedious, way too long, and super boring story.”
    • “It's a show to look at but the gameplay suffered from being interrupted by a boring story, boring gameplay elements, and over-talkative characters left and right.”
    • “The Riddler racing tracks and tank battles are chores you perform in order to advance the boring story.”
  • replayability352 mentions

    "Batman: Arkham Knight" is widely praised for its high replayability, attributed to its engaging main story, diverse side missions, and extensive open-world content. Players appreciate the variety of challenges, including Riddler puzzles and AR challenges, as well as the New Game Plus mode, which enhances the experience with added difficulty. Overall, many reviewers note that the game offers near-infinite replay value, making it a title players are likely to return to repeatedly.

    • “Arkham Knight offers high replayability, with its engaging main story, diverse side missions, and expansive open-world content.”
    • “The side quests and challenges scattered throughout the city add depth and replay value, ensuring that even after the main story concludes, there's still so much more to uncover and enjoy.”
    • “This game has tons of replayability and I, being a long fan of the Arkham games, really like it.”
    • “Weak story, monotonous stealth and tank battle sections, and a lack of predator/combat challenges made this a very weak entry in the Arkham series of games with little to no replay value.”
    • “I don't see much replay value unless you absolutely wanted to redo everything from scratch.”
    • “Despite Arkham Knight's large world full of different things to do, you more than likely won't get too much replayability out of the game.”
  • character development150 mentions

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and richness, with standout performances from the voice cast, particularly Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. Reviewers highlight the engaging narrative that intertwines psychological elements and character arcs, making players genuinely care about the fates of both heroes and villains. Overall, the character development is considered a significant strength, contributing to a cinematic experience that enhances the game's storytelling and immersion in the Batman universe.

    • “The character development is rich, with standout performances from the voice cast, including Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker.”
    • “The character development, especially for Batman and his allies, is top-notch, making you truly care about their fates.”
    • “With its compelling narrative, deep character development, refined gameplay mechanics, and immersive world design, it stands as one of the best superhero games ever made.”
    • “Throughout the story, he wasn’t a likable character and there’s no character development whatsoever, but then towards the end, he pulled the 'reformed villain' trope so abruptly, it was like, bam!”
    • “Maybe it's the mostly empty city (by design due to story), but the character development via the upgrade points and the side missions themselves just feel kind of shallow.”
    • “Specifically, this game is a hodge-podge of the earlier Arkham games, both in style and content, slapped together with a thin plot and little to no character development.”
  • monetization38 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a "cash grab" due to excessive batmobile missions, microtransactions, and intrusive advertisements that disrupt gameplay. While some players found value in discounted DLC during sales, the overall sentiment reflects disappointment in the game's reliance on monetization strategies that detract from the experience. Additionally, technical issues and a lack of meaningful content further exacerbate frustrations regarding the game's financial practices.

    • “Now this is a lot, but not a deal breaker. Batmobile missions are relatively short for the most part and you can fly through them. Microtransactions and DLC you don't have to buy if you don't feel like it's worth it, and the predictable story will only impact you if you didn't like the story thus far. But if you enjoyed it, this will have little to no impact on the game and story itself.”
    • “But every game comes with its flaws, for one, the excess amount of batmobile missions, or the microtransactions, short-ish DLC, and some predictable story elements.”
    • “The monetization was ridiculous.”
    • “This is a disgusting cash grab attempt and the people who made this game should leave the industry for good if this is their work.”
    • “This game is a multi-hour Batmobile advertisement filled with constant interruptions to the flow of the gameplay and story.”
    • “The port was terrible, it was buggy at times, the whole Arkham Knight thing, and the monetization was ridiculous.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

Buy Batman Arkham Knight

Play time

25hMedian play time
53hAverage play time
17hMain story
50hCompletionist
8-57hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 276 analyzed playthroughs

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