Batman: Arkham Asylum

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3029 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,598 out of 3029
  2. Mixed: 354 out of 3029
  3. Negative: 77 out of 3029
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. remster_9
    Nov 2, 2011
    9
    Great controls, great graphics. The story is a little too linear, but the universe is so immersive and the characters so polished (hello, Joker!), I found it very engaging overall. Fights are very dynamic and controls are so responsive you want to engage everyone.
    Detective mode underdelivers - why bother when you can play the entire game with detective mode ON and detect all hot spots?    Great controls, great graphics. The story is a little too linear, but the universe is so immersive and the characters so polished (hello, Joker!), I found it very engaging overall. Fights are very dynamic and controls are so responsive you want to engage everyone.
    Detective mode underdelivers - why bother when you can play the entire game with detective mode ON and detect all hot spots? Give it a time limit, or limited use.
    One of the best action/adventure games I've ever played.    … Expand
  2. Happymonk
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    I managed to get this game for £3.75 during a Steam sale. Was expecting good, but I got Awesomely amazing, the game-play is fantastically varied, the combat feels perfect, it runs incredibly smoothly, the graphics are great, the storyline is fantastic. Everything in this game feels so... Batman. Everything. Perfect pacing. There are two faults however, the final boss is a bitI managed to get this game for £3.75 during a Steam sale. Was expecting good, but I got Awesomely amazing, the game-play is fantastically varied, the combat feels perfect, it runs incredibly smoothly, the graphics are great, the storyline is fantastic. Everything in this game feels so... Batman. Everything. Perfect pacing. There are two faults however, the final boss is a bit of let down, and it's too short. I highly recommend this game to anyone, really, it is that good. Buy it, it won't let you down.… Expand
  3. keefbaker
    Oct 16, 2013
    10
    Walks like a bat-duck, talks like a bat-duck. This is a fantastic trip into the bat-universe and unlike a lot of licensed properties, if you took the license away you'd still have a top notch game. Hightly highly recommended.
  4. QuanticFive
    Dec 30, 2011
    10
    Ok, hate to jump on the Batman bandwagon....but what a game! So atmospheric, so playable, tough but not unfair and the challenges kept me playing, even after I had completed the main story. If you haven't bought this game, do it....now!
  5. BasilZero
    Jul 28, 2014
    9
    Game: Batman Arkham Asylum GOTY
    Genre: Action
    Developer: Rocksteady System: Steam (PC) Total Score: 90/100 Value Score: 9/10 • Story: 10/10 • Characters: 9/10 • GamePlay: 10/10 • Graphics: 9/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 7/10 • Length: 7/10 • Replay Value: 8/10 • Player Value: 10/10 Pros +Has all of the DLCs that were released separately on Vanilla Batman Arkham    Game: Batman Arkham Asylum GOTY
    Genre: Action
    Developer: Rocksteady
    System: Steam (PC)
    Total Score: 90/100
    Value Score: 9/10

    • Story: 10/10
    • Characters: 9/10
    • GamePlay: 10/10
    • Graphics: 9/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 7/10
    • Length: 7/10
    • Replay Value: 8/10
    • Player Value: 10/10

    Pros
    +Has all of the DLCs that were released separately on Vanilla Batman Arkham Asylum
    +Great innovative gameplay that mixes puzzle and stealth elements well
    +Memorable iconic characters from the Batman Universe
    +A great new original storyline added to the Batman Universe

    Cons
    -Music is great for atmosphere but not memorable
    -Game's main storyline can be beaten in a few hours
    -Some of the visuals - mainly environment designs look outdated to the rest of the game    … Expand
  6. Mivix
    Jan 29, 2012
    9
    When I first heard about a Batman game, I was not very interested. But, after I saw positive reviews I gave it a try. I was not disappointed. This game is really a good one. graphics, story, voices, atmosphere. Everything is superb. I bought "game of the year" edition, and I did not found a single bug. Only thing I did not like a lot was combat. It is easy to learn, but very hard toWhen I first heard about a Batman game, I was not very interested. But, after I saw positive reviews I gave it a try. I was not disappointed. This game is really a good one. graphics, story, voices, atmosphere. Everything is superb. I bought "game of the year" edition, and I did not found a single bug. Only thing I did not like a lot was combat. It is easy to learn, but very hard to master. Sometimes it was frustrating like hell. Especially when game does not respond instantly. That is why I gave it 9/10. In conclusion, I think this is best comic based game I have played, it really deserves your attention if you like Batman.… Expand
  7. gyrate
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    I enjoy this game it's the darker side of Batman. There are not a lot of super hero games out there worth playing so this is going to get a higher rating than perhaps it should. It's an older game and not very open world, but you can explore. You just can't go scaling rocks like you're in Skyrim or taking the wrong path around a tree. There will be none of that. You can't jump at all forI enjoy this game it's the darker side of Batman. There are not a lot of super hero games out there worth playing so this is going to get a higher rating than perhaps it should. It's an older game and not very open world, but you can explore. You just can't go scaling rocks like you're in Skyrim or taking the wrong path around a tree. There will be none of that. You can't jump at all for some odd reason. The camera has issues at times where it won't be where you desire. Still the environment and graphics are well done. You feel as though you are taking part in the comic book. The main characters are perfect and the people you are fighting are no pushovers. My biggest criticism is that I can't save where I'd like so I have to repeat things that were a chore which I felt should have been a save point. For the price you can get this game it's silly to say anything negative at all, but I'll offset that with a 10. Hopefully this pushes others to try to compete in comic book heroes and we get something amazing. Until then this game is king.… Expand
  8. Insanityof-Dave
    Nov 30, 2011
    9
    The game has outstanding voice acting and story. Stunning visuals. and the bonus to play cat woman is extreamly fun. I think cat women could be a game on her own tbh. The game falls short on controls and the fact that you cannot change them. The windows live is beyond anoying. and some riddler puzzles require certain tools to be able to do them. also you cant go back to some of them later.
  9. mez
    Dec 17, 2011
    8
    Very solid. Extremely high production values and lots of fun. The stealth bits in particular are fantastic. I didn't particularly like the hand to hand combat - it looks good, but all you have to do is click the mouse button repeatedly and you win. Not much skill required. I also would have loved to be able to stealth my way through the whole game. Being forced into distinct styles of playVery solid. Extremely high production values and lots of fun. The stealth bits in particular are fantastic. I didn't particularly like the hand to hand combat - it looks good, but all you have to do is click the mouse button repeatedly and you win. Not much skill required. I also would have loved to be able to stealth my way through the whole game. Being forced into distinct styles of play felt quite arbitrary at times - Now You Will Fight A Big Bunch Of Dudes That You Cannot Avoid. Now There Is An Annoying Boss. Now There Is A Short Stealth Section Where Fighting Is Not Allowed. But a great game, albeit one I've got no desire to revisit. And I hate Games For Windows Live as well. Just had to get that in there!… Expand
  10. Pwnznewbz
    Dec 6, 2011
    9
    This is, without a doubt, the best comic book story driven game I have ever played. I could go on and on about the great parts of this game, but you should just buy it and play it now rather than even finishing my recommendation. Oh, wait... you are still reading? Well, how about all the main voice stars from the Batman Animated Series also do the voices in this game? Mark Hamill as theThis is, without a doubt, the best comic book story driven game I have ever played. I could go on and on about the great parts of this game, but you should just buy it and play it now rather than even finishing my recommendation. Oh, wait... you are still reading? Well, how about all the main voice stars from the Batman Animated Series also do the voices in this game? Mark Hamill as the Joker? Yes, please! This is an adult oriented Batman game and I promise that you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  11. alexfitz
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    This is not just the "best batman games" or best Super-hero games. it is one best videogames every. The atmosphere and the way it really makes you feel like batman: both the advantages and limitations of the character. And the Joker is the best Villain EVER! it worth it just to hear Mark Hamel's sinister--yet hilarious voice acting! Highly recommended
  12. jb3689
    Jan 10, 2012
    10
    Batman has always been my favorite superhero, and now Arkham Asylum has become my favorite game. Rocksteady did an amazing job with the engine of this game. Everything flows incredibly smoothly. From the combat to the stealth to grappling around all over the place to the detective gadgets, this game just feels amazing. The game is linear, but the world is open enough with plenty to do thatBatman has always been my favorite superhero, and now Arkham Asylum has become my favorite game. Rocksteady did an amazing job with the engine of this game. Everything flows incredibly smoothly. From the combat to the stealth to grappling around all over the place to the detective gadgets, this game just feels amazing. The game is linear, but the world is open enough with plenty to do that this is never a problem. Also, the game lets you decide how you want to play the game. Do you want to be more stealthy and pick off thugs one at a time, do you want to set-up traps and use your gadgets, or do you want to start a huge fist fight and combo the crap out of people? The additional content is all really great too. The Riddler puzzles and hidden trophies give you a challenge to work through and then reward you with nice bonus maps with their own challenges (such as take out 3 thugs with a single charge detonation). I really liked collecting the asylum patient interviews of all the villains as it gave an interesting background for those unfamiliar with some characters. There's just a lot to do, and it's all done very well. It does have some flaws. The story is... well, there as filler. The boss battles are generally poor. No auto-run gets annoying. The writing is less than great. All of these are minor issues though. This game quickly became my favorite game of all time, and I look forward to playing the rest of the trilogy!… Expand
  13. jcdoll
    Jan 15, 2012
    8
    I'm not usually a big Batman fan, and the combat seemed a little simple at first. But I ended up really liking this game. The graphics are fantastic. The combat ends up being great, complex and challenging. I usually hate stealth games but really liked this one.
  14. tamazetram
    Feb 17, 2012
    10
    awesome game!already owned it on 360 but liked it enough to add to my pc library,graphics are great,ran smooth all the way through,story is short but not too bad,hard to stop playing "just one more checkpoint",highly recommended and for the few quid i paid for the goty version in a steam sale you cannot go wrong
  15. Andreakossa
    Apr 21, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A long night inside the biggest and dangerous prison of the world, the Arkham Asylum !
    Fight against Joker, Ivy poison and all the rest of villains !
    Beat Dr. Nigma and his questions also !    … Expand
  16. kimaasen1984
    Apr 25, 2012
    10
    I just finished the game yesterday, and I have to say it's one of the best computer games I've played in my 28 years. The history was really great, and the game still looks really beautiful three years after it's release.

    I had no plans to play Batman: Arkham City, but after this, I can't wait to play the sequel.
  17. Certate0
    Apr 30, 2012
    10
    Brilliant game that had me hooked untill completion. Great graphics and gameplay, heaps of hidden content. The story and atmosphere are spot on and the gadgets are great. I played with keyboard and mouse, occasionally switching to 360 controller for different combat situations (which the game did on the fly - no menu). I'm not much for sneaking around, but this game made it fun and wasn'tBrilliant game that had me hooked untill completion. Great graphics and gameplay, heaps of hidden content. The story and atmosphere are spot on and the gadgets are great. I played with keyboard and mouse, occasionally switching to 360 controller for different combat situations (which the game did on the fly - no menu). I'm not much for sneaking around, but this game made it fun and wasn't overdone. Combat worked very well and Batman seamlessly took on large groups of enemies. Boss battles were challenging and fun. Top game… Expand
  18. Pajda
    May 14, 2012
    8
    Playing this game is a huge success, if you ever wanted to act like the Dark Knight and wondered how it's gonna feel. You can do almost everything - you will experience Batman's perfect martial skills, use his arsenal of gadgets, jump through obstacles, cliffs and rails, you will glide over the Arkham island, you have the 'detective mode' as seen in the "The Dark Knight' movie. ByPlaying this game is a huge success, if you ever wanted to act like the Dark Knight and wondered how it's gonna feel. You can do almost everything - you will experience Batman's perfect martial skills, use his arsenal of gadgets, jump through obstacles, cliffs and rails, you will glide over the Arkham island, you have the 'detective mode' as seen in the "The Dark Knight' movie. By progressing the game and picking up various items you also learn a lot about the Batman universe, about its characters, villains, Batman's background and tons of other data. I would think of this game as an encyclopedia of the whole Batman universe, with the addition you can deal with the bad guys yourselves, including Joker, Poison Ivy, Bane and many others. However, what I did not enjoy about the game was the combat system. To be more specific, I do not consider myself a hardcore player and the electric rod and knives guys really drove me insane, mostly during the final battle. I just needed more training I guess. But despite of this, Batman: AA is a huge success in converting the Dark Knight into a very enjoyable and interactive experience.… Expand
  19. yk1989
    May 14, 2012
    9
    Batman Arkham Assylum is a GOTY among GOTY.. More like GOTHYC

    The combat system is simple but not as much as you think... HAving a perfect combo needs perfect reflexes and skills. The history looks like a mix between the latest movies and the comic books (the music sounds a lot like the actual batman). The interaction Between Joker and batman is priceless. Is so accurate as reading a    Batman Arkham Assylum is a GOTY among GOTY.. More like GOTHYC

    The combat system is simple but not as much as you think... HAving a perfect combo needs perfect reflexes and skills.

    The history looks like a mix between the latest movies and the comic books (the music sounds a lot like the actual batman). The interaction Between Joker and batman is priceless. Is so accurate as reading a comic.

    Taking the role of batman is just perfect. This game makes you act and behave like batman. You are a hero, but dark, and you don't only are a warrior, you are a detective.

    The history, the ambience ,

    The combat system... All of them perfect.

    But here comes the Letdowns

    Lack of bosses... most of them are clones of the last with better attacks...

    The mobs are fine... But there could be more. The only thing this game needed was more enemies... Especially bosses. But other than that, this game deserves a 9    … Expand
  20. iamkyo90
    May 19, 2012
    10
    I consider, the best games I have in my hands. A masterpiece. The graphics, music, gameplay is excellent. Compatible with nvidia 3DVision, the game is long, has a history, you can improve the character, has challenges, ... the true gem.
  21. UncleRemus
    Oct 14, 2012
    8
    I'll be honest. The game is good, a bit overrated... sorry to drop the rating from 8.8 to 8.7.

    The story was good but the game was too long and repetitive, you kept fighting the same foes over and over again, with the exception of the boss fights who were very diversified and well thought, you were just fighting the same guy a million time, some had guns, but that's about it. The    I'll be honest. The game is good, a bit overrated... sorry to drop the rating from 8.8 to 8.7.

    The story was good but the game was too long and repetitive, you kept fighting the same foes over and over again, with the exception of the boss fights who were very diversified and well thought, you were just fighting the same guy a million time, some had guns, but that's about it. The gameplay was very locked and linear during fight. Sure, chaining combos was still fun, but they could've improved the fighting system, it's a bit bland just to press the mouse button over and over again, maybe add more skills!

    On the other hand, the boss fights were just fine, excellent I must say (except Killer Croc, who was far too easy to beat), I was expecting a boss fight with the riddler, my favorite villain.    … Expand
  22. Undersky
    Nov 11, 2013
    8
    My only complaint is that the game was too short!

    But what keeps me from giving this game a 10 is the static camera in some parts, I'm ok with Scarecrow levels having static camera (you can't turn with mouse) I think it should be that way, fits well the challenge, however, Ivy and Joker-on-steroids fight could have used the free camera, doesn't feel the same when you not playing with a    My only complaint is that the game was too short!

    But what keeps me from giving this game a 10 is the static camera in some parts, I'm ok with Scarecrow levels having static camera (you can't turn with mouse) I think it should be that way, fits well the challenge, however, Ivy and Joker-on-steroids fight could have used the free camera, doesn't feel the same when you not playing with a game pad control...

    All in all, great game, Joker does his show apart and the various challenges scattered around the island make the game interesting.

    It's constantly on sale with 75% off on Steam, don't think, just buy it's worth!    … Expand
  23. Atr0s
    Jul 14, 2012
    9
    Not only the first Batman game which worked, but also borderlined perfection. The plot can be a bit stupid sometimes (the Dark Knight does stuff which is not fitting to the World's Greatest Detective and the game is filled with cheesy lines), but the great graphics and voice acting will certainly make you forget it. The gameplay is awesome too, being rather easy to learn but hard toNot only the first Batman game which worked, but also borderlined perfection. The plot can be a bit stupid sometimes (the Dark Knight does stuff which is not fitting to the World's Greatest Detective and the game is filled with cheesy lines), but the great graphics and voice acting will certainly make you forget it. The gameplay is awesome too, being rather easy to learn but hard to master, as you may check it yourself on the Challenges the game offers. It has a lot of references to unseen characters from the comics and great setting (the dreaded Arkham Asylum) will make this the most interesting experience to those who never played a Batman game before. It's a must-have for fans.… Expand
  24. jerrypatel_07
    Oct 17, 2012
    10
    An excellent game. It was such a special thing for me to play as the caped crusader for the 1st time as i am a massive batman fan. The opening sequence was a special gaming moment, and the rest of the game was just an authentic batman experience. The only negative was the repetitive titan boss battles. The game that changed the superhero game genre and has a more coherent plot than arkham city.
  25. Rastaguy2
    Aug 12, 2012
    10
    It was pretty hard to play this game with the raging erection I had the whole time. Batman is a bad ass **** who doesn't give a **** about ANYTHING.
  26. Claytality
    May 1, 2019
    8
    Great stealth and combat action. Open world to explore and plenty of collectibles. There's also some RPG elements such as character upgrades and new gear to find. Great graphics, voice-acting, and music.

    My only complaint is that some of the combat challenges (extra content) are ridiculously difficult. Bought on sale for $5, played 28 hours (main story takes about 12-15 hours, but    Great stealth and combat action. Open world to explore and plenty of collectibles. There's also some RPG elements such as character upgrades and new gear to find. Great graphics, voice-acting, and music.

    My only complaint is that some of the combat challenges (extra content) are ridiculously difficult.

    Bought on sale for $5, played 28 hours (main story takes about 12-15 hours, but I found all collectibles and played all challenges), highly recommended.    … Expand
  27. idohaker
    Jan 2, 2013
    10
    this was the best game of 2009 but i didnt review it then so i will review it now. arkham asylum is so amazing that i played it something like 30 times and this was between the two games i played in 2009-2010 so lets talk now about the game arkham asylum is the first batman game that take itself seriously the story and the feeling is relly mature and its not an stupid game that batmanthis was the best game of 2009 but i didnt review it then so i will review it now. arkham asylum is so amazing that i played it something like 30 times and this was between the two games i played in 2009-2010 so lets talk now about the game arkham asylum is the first batman game that take itself seriously the story and the feeling is relly mature and its not an stupid game that batman punch guys in the face.there is a lot of familiar villians,and the combat is great there is a lot of moves so its never stays repiditive.so lets see:awsome,awsome,awsome. and if you loved arkham asylum check is sequel arkham city witch is batter then arkham asylum.(i gess that if you loved arkham asylum you probebly already buy arkham city).… Expand
  28. Parthros
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    I got this game around two years after it came out, the same time I got Arkham City. I chose to play Asylum first, then City on the suggestion of my brother who had played both of them. When you play Asylum before City, you think to yourself, "How could City POSSIBLY improve on this? It's perfect!" If you play City first, you'll feel a little restricted, but it's still an amazing game.I got this game around two years after it came out, the same time I got Arkham City. I chose to play Asylum first, then City on the suggestion of my brother who had played both of them. When you play Asylum before City, you think to yourself, "How could City POSSIBLY improve on this? It's perfect!" If you play City first, you'll feel a little restricted, but it's still an amazing game.

    I definitely recommend this game to all Batman fans.    … Expand
  29. Klewer
    Nov 16, 2012
    8
    A very good game of action and platforming adventure making the rare transition to PC. A great atmosphere and enjoyable combat make this a must have for any Batman fan.
  30. Mykwon
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    The more I play this game, the more I love it. It's really well done, combat mechanism is a blast, graphics are awesome, game-play and controls are top notch and overall, it's extremely well polished. What else can you ask for? One of my favourite games of all time.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2009
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
9
#9 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. GameDaily
    90
    The result is so good that we're declaring it an easy 'Best of' contender for 2009.
    Read full review
  2. Cheat Code Central
    92
    I can say with confidence and cannot stress enough, Batman: Arkham Asylum is, without a doubt, the best Batman game ever created. It does more than give you the Batman game you want, it gives you a video game that you could play repeatedly, even if it didn't have the caped and cowled Dark Knight in it.
    Read full review
  3. Play Magazine
    90
    There isn’t a single element of Arkham Asylum that isn’t polished to the utmost degree.
See all critic reviews »