The graphics are very well done. Even the enemies are intricately detailed. Batman's cape looks amazing blowing about as you walk, and Arkham Island looks just as twisted as it should. The graphics, as good as they are, would have been even better if they were tailored to each console.
Da na na na na na na na CLOWN PUNCH!
Batman has captured the Joker and is on his way to Arkham Asylum with the criminal in tow...but something isn't quote right. Joker gave up the fight easier than ever before, as if he just surrendered to Batman. After a lengthy escort sequence involving Batman, some Arkham staff and the Joker in a strait jacket(which included some pretty funny dialogue, by the way.) Joker breaks free of his confines, and releases all of the other's locked up in the looney bin. It's now up to Batman to find out what the Joker is REALLY up to, and return the criminals to where they belong. It may some a little bland, but there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The story finds a way to include many of Batman's enemies including Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Harley Quin and more.
Arkham Asylum takes a que from Resident Evil 4 and 5. Simply moving the stick causes you to walk along at a steady pace. Holding the A(X) will cause you to run. there is no jump button, as Batman will jump automatically when you reach an edge, like Link does in Zelda. However, if you hold a after jumping, you can spread your cape and glideThe X(square) button is used for your main melee attack, while Y(triangle) is counter. The B button(O) is a stun attack used to help control enemies in large number, or to temporarily lower and armed enemy's defenses. The Right Bumper(R1) is always mapped to the bat claw once you get it. An aiming reticle appears on surfaces you can use it on, and it's just 1 button click away from firing. The left Bumber(L1) enters detective mode(like Metroid Prime's Scan Visor) so that you can find hidden paths easier, though a trained eye can find them regardless. it is also used to scan certain things. Right Trigger(R2) is crouch. By crouched, you are more quiet when sneaking. Sneak up behind an enemy and press the counter button for a silent kill. The Left Trigger(L2) is automapped to the baterang when tapped. holding it while pull out your equipped item(selected with the D-pad) and, right trigger(R2) uses that item. The controls are pretty tight, and responsive.
Da na na na na na na na GLIDE KICK!
Batman borrows from quite a few genres, and keeps things interesting by mixing these playing styles. The game is, at it's heart, a beat em up adventure. However, you will be solving Metroid esque puzzles, taking out armed enemies Sam Fisher style and collecting items like you would in Zelda. The stealth kill missions have got to be my favorite. They are tense, strategic and exciting. When you are forced to do hand to hand combat, it flows very fluidly. You can change which enemy you're wailing on with the flick of a joystick, and getting your combo higher means mroe tactics at your disposal, such as throwing and instant kill moves. If you are beating up one enemy, or standing still, and another enemy assaults you, blue action icons with show above his head. a quick tap of the counter button, and Batman makes them squeel like a piggie! If you're in a thinking move, almost every room and area in the game has a riddle, set up by who else but the Riddler. The Riddler has also hidden trophies throughout Arkham Island, and there are even inmate interviews to find, which can be very interesting. Solving riddles gives you experience just like killing enemies does. after gaining enough experience, you will be able to select an upgrade of your choice from a list. Choices include health boosts, more combat options, and special stealth kill and upgrades for your equipment. While satisfying, the gameplay DOES borrow a lot, and has very little of it's own creation to offer.
The voice acting is well done, and character's sound just right. Joker sounds crazy, Harley Quinn has that annoying accent and Batman sounds like the chizzled manly man he is. The music fits, and is quite good. There isn't a lot of variation however. There's a "Run, they saw you" song a "I'm beating you up" song" and an "I'm sneaking around" song. You get the general idea. Also, the games script is, in my opinion, awesome.
Batman: Arham Asylum is a good game that is quite fun for a playthrough, however it doesn't have much lasting value. also, I have spoken to bigger Batman fans who hate this game. I don't know why, because I'm not a Bat Junkie. ask one of them. the game has it's downfalls, like borrowing a little too much from other games and some things that should be a little...more. For example, why doesn't my explosive spray kill enemies? it only knocks them down! IT EXPLODES, PEOPLE! when combined with a breakable wall, the debris can kill them, but the explosions alone can't. also, Baterangs. baterangs only knock enemies out temporarily. It is an edged weapon spinning at high speeds at his head. It should kill him. Picky things aside, the game is worth a play through, just don't pay full price for it. here's hoping for a Baman Pidaman game that is awesome!
Da na na na na na na na BEST FRIENDS!
(Originally written on 2-15-2010)
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