Comments on: Batman: Arkham Asylum

By: Ben Holland

Ben Holland — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:02:10 +0000

I understand all the rave reviews. This probably is the best Batman game ever made and obviously fanboys will rejoice. But for myself who prefers Batman in a plausible world (i.e. Christopher Nolan’s world) versus Batman as caricature (i.e. the animated series), which this game most resembles, I found it very difficult to be absorbed into it’s world. I couldn’t stand this game on so many levels. The Joker is clearly nuts, but he’s not menacing; he’s annoying. And this can actually be said about all of the characters in the game. Get rid of the chattering teeth, the Riddler, the cliche thugs and thug dialogue, all the cartoonish voice acting, Killer Croc, Bane, the Dark Knight’s over exaggerated physique, under-stimulating personality and boring use of his inventory and the developers may have been on the right track to delivering MY type of Batman game. Something brutal. Something dark. Something unrelenting and engaging. Arkham Asylum is a refined and moderately polished experience but, for myself, it never reaches the level of awe that so many have experienced. Respected reviewers have called this game the Bioshock of 2009. Make some of the changes I’ve suggested and this statement would be far closer to true.
Rating: 2 / 5

By: james coldwine

james coldwine — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:53:41 +0000

I thought the game was quite boring. I just felt there was too much of crawling through duct work and messing with his special detective vision and way too little action. The enemies are easy to defeat and the AI is unintelligent. Batman actually moves like he is wearing a rubber suit that restricts his mobility, unless you’re mashing the attack button then he moves quite well. After playing infamous and getting used to how dynamic the action was, Batman is sorely lacking. And why is batman so big, I feel like I am constantly trying to look around him. I don’t know, I kept waiting for that moment when I think wow, this is awesome, but all I kept thinking was wow, this is boring.
Rating: 2 / 5

By: Gamer

Gamer — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:19:09 +0000

The graphics and sound are good, but this game is just a button masher. Fighting consists of pressing the same two buttons again and again.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: nobody

nobody — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:18:14 +0000

Way too short. I finished this in 2 days. Puzzles and fighting are way too repetitive and easy. Batman stands right in the way of your view with a huge cape that blocks half the screen. There is very little in the way of upgrades, options, weapons (none), and zero customization. Online play is just time races or point scoring contests, all in single player mode (the online part is just to show you stats).
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Clayton A. Chapman

Clayton A. Chapman — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:15:48 +0000

I bought this game based on initial reviews, and I was expecting a fun experience. Holy crap, am I disappointed! It’s very frustrating and confusing. There are a few fun parts, and, yes, it’s the best Batman game ever (but that’s not saying much), but even the good parts don’t make up for the bad; wait until it’s a “Platinum Hits” and get it for $19.99. Sorry, but this is a POS with decent (but rare) fighting scenes.
Rating: 1 / 5