Super hero games range between frankly appalling to pretty damn fun, but those in the second category are rather in the minority. Good old Superman, as an example, has been reeling from one poorly thought out title after the other for years , and so has the Batman games scene. Even the best of the Batman games over the years haven’t captured the feeling of being under the cowl, facing down maniacs with his fists and wits.

Actually, to us, it kind of feels like a brilliantly polished and totally engrossing prospect.

It’s something of a patchwork of influences, but respectfully moulds them into its own unique take on The Dark Knight.

Moving the left stick in the direction of the enemy causes Batman to direct his attacks, while the context delicate combat system picks from a spread of attacks to perform.

Combat is simple with single-button-press punches, stuns and redirects and is context-sensitive, depending on which way the thumbstick is leaning. Take-downs are performed by pressing RT + Y or B+Y when close to an enemy and are cinematically highlighted by a random slow-mo payoff cam.

Combat is also a liquid, simple process. Batman is patently stronger than the bulk of enemies he’ll see, and can chain together up to 10 attacks right now.

Game informer has truly positive things to say about it. Not only game informer but gamespot.com and IGN.com are giving this game good face time. Then, as the tale moves on, variables are introduced.

Gameplay photos of Batman : Arkham Asylum, explaining some of the mechanics behind the Joker, and his style in the game looks really good. Move in the shadows, induce fear amongst your enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham town’s most scandalous villains who have taken over the asylum. Gameplay won’t just be about combat, either.

Gamers move in the shadows, induce fear amongst their enemies and confront the Joker using a wide range of Batman’s gadgets and capabilities, players will rally imagine that they became the Invisible Predator. Stealth and smarts are what will win the time when Batman comes across a room full of armed bad men. The battle system in Arkham Asylum makes me think of two different battle systems, the first battle system is in Fable 2 and the second is in Assasin Creed.

Batman uses these gargoyles to support his weight, using his grapnel gun to zip up out of sight and safely survey the area.

Looking round the web it is been difficult to find anyone criticising Arkham Asylum. The worst around appears to be from the telegram newspaper ( UK ) which I qote like the following :

However even that commentator obviously considered his negative view on this to be minor point, ending with :

With a sequence of combat and stealth challenge rooms with online leader boards rounding off the package, Arkham Asylum is a brilliantly polished and totally engrossing prospect. Few approved titles have captured so credibly and absolutely the ethos of its inspiration as Arkham Asylum.’

Our conclusion : Moving Batman around in Batman Arkham Asylum is always a treat when you think about yourself as a villain slayer. The gameplay is free flowing allowing for dynamic fighting sequences and ability. Great involving and immersive fun to lose yourself in!



By: Mauricio Cobb

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Surrey News