As a big fan of Arkham Asylum, I was looking forward to Rocksteady Studios’ follow-up effort Batman: Arkham City. After playing through it once (so far), I must say it definitely lives up to the hype. Graphics, atmosphere, controls, story; all are spot on. You really do feel like you’re controlling the Dark Knight and have all of his gizmos and gadgets at your disposal. The melee combat is damn near perfect, but in some battles it can get a little overwhelming. That’s a minor complaint however. Once you get used to the “quick attack” controls you’ll be fending off wave of thugs while flinging batarangs and using the grappling hook to yank a gun away in one smooth, violent orchestra.
The story picks up where the previous game left off, but now with an entire area of Gotham City serving as the prison. The game does an excellent job of integrating Batman’s other villains into the ongoing story. After the opening, you have the freedom to explore the city though you’re highly encouraged to follow along the path. I will say however that, even though the main story is pretty linear, I never felt locked into it so much that I didnt’ want to explore the side missions.
After the main story, there are also challenge maps and other extras that will keep your attention. Add in the Nightwing and Catwoman add-on packs and you’ve got a lot of content — and it’s all enjoyable.
THE GOOD: Story, graphics, controls. The hyperbole is true; this is quite possibly one of the best comic book video games ever made (until the next one, hopefully).
THE BAD: It’s simply too short. I was chugging along comfortably and then poof, suddenly it was over. I won’t spoil it, but the last boss was a little unexpected and didn’t really feel like a final boss battle. At least, not the way a giant, monstrous Joker does.
