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
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  1. SylarHRG
    Nov 23, 2011
    6
    It's not a bad game, but there was just something about it that couldn't help keep my attention span on it. The fighting system is pretty good, the graphisc are actually decent and the camera angles and various puzzles are interesting, but there is something lacking in this game that I have had trouble putting my finger on for quite some time. I have never understood how everyone rantsIt's not a bad game, but there was just something about it that couldn't help keep my attention span on it. The fighting system is pretty good, the graphisc are actually decent and the camera angles and various puzzles are interesting, but there is something lacking in this game that I have had trouble putting my finger on for quite some time. I have never understood how everyone rants and raves about this game, other than assuming there are a tonne of batman fans out there. After trying it myself (7.50 on Steam, midweek sale baby!) I definitely got my 7.50 worth but would have never gotten my 60 dollars worth. Here's hoping everyone enjoyed Arkham City and it was a bit more expansive.… Expand
  2. hit925
    Nov 22, 2011
    7
    This game clearly sets a standard for Arkham City to expand upon. The gameplay is near perfect with great controls. The problem is it's too short and whole game feels too restricted. You spend all your time in this one asylum and while it is a very intriguing location, the game just needs more: more locations, more stuff to do and more gadgets. From what I've heard, all these problems willThis game clearly sets a standard for Arkham City to expand upon. The gameplay is near perfect with great controls. The problem is it's too short and whole game feels too restricted. You spend all your time in this one asylum and while it is a very intriguing location, the game just needs more: more locations, more stuff to do and more gadgets. From what I've heard, all these problems will be fixed with Arkham City and will make this game look more like a blueprint for great things to come just like the original Portal.… Expand
  3. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 11, 2011
    6
    "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is a better-than-average action game that really is just...solid. The graphics and textures are sweet and cool, but the basic controls are not. Unlike the xbox 360, free flow combat is quite harder due to the idiotic keyboard settings the game has. The story is solid, which is pretty good and fine to me, but the campaign is too linear. After all the setting's"Batman: Arkham Asylum" is a better-than-average action game that really is just...solid. The graphics and textures are sweet and cool, but the basic controls are not. Unlike the xbox 360, free flow combat is quite harder due to the idiotic keyboard settings the game has. The story is solid, which is pretty good and fine to me, but the campaign is too linear. After all the setting's limited to an asylum, right? In conclusion B:AA is a solid game that can either be a masterpiece to Batman fans or mediocre.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. TheMitherer
    Oct 23, 2011
    8
    This game is just plain old-fashioned fun all the way. I'm not really a fan of Batman or the genre but I enjoyed this from start to finish. The penultimate battle was the most fun I've had in gaming for a long time. The couple of criticisms that I have are that the final battle is disappointing as you don't get to go one on one with the ememy. Also I hate games that flesh out their playingThis game is just plain old-fashioned fun all the way. I'm not really a fan of Batman or the genre but I enjoyed this from start to finish. The penultimate battle was the most fun I've had in gaming for a long time. The couple of criticisms that I have are that the final battle is disappointing as you don't get to go one on one with the ememy. Also I hate games that flesh out their playing time by sending you out to find dozens of hidden objects. This is just laziness on the devs part. But really, they have been anything but lazy on the rest of the game so can be forgiven to a large extent. Gaming is all about enjoyment isn't it? This game delivers it. Definitely worth your time.… Expand
  7. Mystril
    Oct 20, 2011
    9
    The first time I started this game up and played for a few hours (with some problems mind you), I really didn't like it. I had problems with Games For Windows Live, I had problems with PhysX (I have a GTX 460 and NOW it's not a problem, but was back then), and I didn't really like the combat system. In addition I wasn't exactly into the whole super hero thing, let alone batman thing.
    I    The first time I started this game up and played for a few hours (with some problems mind you), I really didn't like it. I had problems with Games For Windows Live, I had problems with PhysX (I have a GTX 460 and NOW it's not a problem, but was back then), and I didn't really like the combat system. In addition I wasn't exactly into the whole super hero thing, let alone batman thing.
    I started hearing a little bit about Arkham City and it peaked my interest, so I decided to install this one again and see if I would enjoy it, and thereby see if Arkham City would be something for me. This time aorund, with the latest patches, and latest drivers etc, it blew me away. I find the game to be looking really good (and love the use of PhysX), I find the combat fun and engaging, I liked the story. AND OMG THE JOKER IS SO FRICKIN AWESOME! voice-wise it's on par with Heath Ledger's Joker in Batman - The Dark Knight, I liked the story, although time frame seems a bit off, but no matter. The joker is awesome in this game, I really like how **** up insane this guy sounds and acts, its amazing. I also like Harley Quinn, she acts pretty damn well too, although, as others have pointed out, the lip synch could be alot better.

    There are some misses, some times you die just because something completely silly, like the camera turning the wrong way, or a graphical misshap making the scarecrow see you etc. therefor I cannot give it a 10, but a 9. It has charm, its funny, its witty, and the voice acting is great (the lip synch could be alot better), I like the combat, its flashy, easy to use, hard to master. so a 9/10 from me.    … Expand
  8. choppy
    Oct 12, 2011
    6
    Bought this game on the strength of reviews. It's another total console port - you really need a gamepad to play it correctly, and if that's what you want, a button-mashing console port on your PC, you'll probably be quite happy with this.

    If you're not looking for console-style play, look elsewhere.
  9. laxleonidas
    Sep 15, 2011
    9
    What is the best in this game? It's first game that win fight against movie - i mean ,,The Dark Knight" hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
  10. davenbettridge
    Sep 5, 2011
    7
    Batman Arkham Asylum is a fun and worth while single player game managing to make good use of the Batman francise. The game play is fairly fun but eventually becomes too much of a button masher, while it does look cool to bash the crap out of a mob of bad dudes it unfortunately runs on autopilot most of the time. The story is pretty basic but works decently, the main problem I have with itBatman Arkham Asylum is a fun and worth while single player game managing to make good use of the Batman francise. The game play is fairly fun but eventually becomes too much of a button masher, while it does look cool to bash the crap out of a mob of bad dudes it unfortunately runs on autopilot most of the time. The story is pretty basic but works decently, the main problem I have with it is the same problem I have with most comic book 'franchises' in that as it is a franchise there never seems to be an end, we know that batman is never going to die (if he did they will just bring him back to life), he will never totally defeat his enemies either, they will always come back again and again which does water down the story's significance. Recommened.… Expand
  11. Datapotomus
    Aug 18, 2011
    8
    On a whole this game is excellent. It gets you into the story and keeps you there until the game ends. I loved the controls even though I used an Xbox 360 controller on my PC. I would recommend this highly to anyone who wants a good single player action game.

    My only real complaint is that someones I would get lost, and would have no idea where I needed to go. A couple times it did    On a whole this game is excellent. It gets you into the story and keeps you there until the game ends. I loved the controls even though I used an Xbox 360 controller on my PC. I would recommend this highly to anyone who wants a good single player action game.

    My only real complaint is that someones I would get lost, and would have no idea where I needed to go. A couple times it did become frustrating. However, I still loved the story.    … Expand
  12. Jynx980
    Aug 7, 2011
    10
    An excellent game in all aspects! I'm not a huge Batman fan, but this game was so polished that I could see myself getting into the Batman world. As the name suggests, your Batman at the Arkham Asylum, returning the Joker for the umpteenth time, when he breaks free and all hell breaks loose. The inmates are released and you need to work your way through several notable characters beforeAn excellent game in all aspects! I'm not a huge Batman fan, but this game was so polished that I could see myself getting into the Batman world. As the name suggests, your Batman at the Arkham Asylum, returning the Joker for the umpteenth time, when he breaks free and all hell breaks loose. The inmates are released and you need to work your way through several notable characters before facing the Joker and his intricate plot. Some of the popular characters like the Penguin, Catwoman, Twoface, and Mr. Freeze are not in the game at all, but this was a great decision as to separate the game from the not so great movies. The story flows and is interesting and I never felt like I was doing meaningless tasks just to advance the story. Everything was connected. The graphics look great and run smoothly, I never got any stuttering even when entering a new level. Audio was just what you would expect from a Batman game, everything sounded in place. From the whiz of the grapple gun to the swish of the cape. They even got some great voice actors for the cast. Batman is Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn. These actors were from the animated cartoon series I watched from the early to mid 90's and to recognize and hear their voices just as they sounded almost 20 years ago really took me back. Those are the ones that stand out, but all of the voice acting was done well. The gameplay focuses on mostly taking down inmates but there is also a search and explore aspect. When attacking you chain together combo hits as well as countering incoming attacks. You also have several scenarios where you will have to use stealth to incapacitate thugs with guns. You can sneak up from behind and do a silent takedown as well as hang from a statue and do an inverted takedown. The combo system works well and as you gain experience you gain the abilities of an instant takedown or picking up a prisoner and using him as a projectile after connecting 5 combo hits. The controls are a bit of an issue here. When throwing a enemy you have to use the wasd controls to direct him instead of the mouse. So even if you have a shot lined up you have to direct it and it just gets confusing when your in the heat of battle. I wound up not using the throw for most of the game because of this. For the takedown you press shift and right click but you have a pretty short window of opportunity to do so and the right click is also bound as an aiming mechanism for your gadgets. So I when trying to do a takedown or contering a punch, sometimes I would be aiming my batarang for a second and then getting hit messing up my combos. These problems might be solved by using a controller but I don't have the Xbox360 controller listed in the control config and I didn't want to go through the hassle of setting up one with a PS2 controller with an adapter. The explore and collect part of the game is initiated by The Riddler who has hidden question mark trophies and puzzles across the island. The puzzles come in the form of riddles that you take "pictures" of using the detective mode to have a high tech look at your surroundings Collecting these will unlock character bios and detailed character trophies that you can look at from the main menu. There are also Arkham plaques that tell more of the history of the island and how it came to be an institution. All in all, this was a fantastic game and I highly recommend it. Even at full price you get your monies worth which is not something I felt like I have gotten in a long time.… Expand
  13. mircbut
    Aug 1, 2011
    10
    Il gioco è veramente bello e ben realizzato. Sia il comparto grafico che quello sonoro risultano molto curati. La caratterizzazione dei personaggi è curata fino al più piccolo dettaglio (le battute di joker sono imperdibili).
    Il gioco risulta "massiccio" in ogni sua componente.
    L'unica pecca è che si rischia di passare la maggior parte del    Il gioco è veramente bello e ben realizzato. Sia il comparto grafico che quello sonoro risultano molto curati. La caratterizzazione dei personaggi è curata fino al più piccolo dettaglio (le battute di joker sono imperdibili).
    Il gioco risulta "massiccio" in ogni sua componente.
    L'unica pecca è che si rischia di passare la maggior parte del tempo in modalità "detective" perdendo così buona parte delle bellezze che il motore grafico e gli scenari, interni ed esterni, offrono.
    Da avere nella propria raccolta di giochi.    … Expand
  14. Grimxii
    Jul 31, 2011
    10
    One of the best games I've played in a long time. The story is fun, expansive, in-depth, and well crafted. You come in with many encounters from many of DC's most infamous, and unique super villains. The story took me about 12 hours to complete, and I still am having fun beating my scores in challenge mode and finding more secrets. I would defiantly recommend this game to anyone.
  15. R1ch4rD
    Jul 27, 2011
    9
    This game is a classic. It´s a perfect mix of action, stealth, and puzzles. The story is great, graphics are still amazing(speaking july 2011) and gameplay blew me away. Just get this game, you won´t regret it.
  16. RockmasteR
    Jun 24, 2011
    10
    Batman fan or not, you will enjoy this amazing game if you are a third person fan. The game combines beat'm up style with stealth action like no other game
    lots of riddles to solve, nice action, a good story and nice voice acting will keep you wanting more
  17. Shadow007
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    An absolute cracker in every respect. Captures the atmosphere of Batman but also the cartoonish fun and weirdness. The story is good, the quests fun, the action varied. There's lots to do besides the main storyline in looking for side achievements and pickups. Cannot wait for the sequel.
  18. ErictheRe0
    Jun 21, 2011
    9
    Captures Batman to the "B"! Excellent game. Great, fluid game play, making this game what games need to be.... enjoyable! Now If I could only do this with a friend, we'd be talking one of the best games around.
  19. EmuChicken
    Apr 28, 2011
    9
    I was wary in the buying of this game. Checked some youtube clips... looked interesting... One word, wow!

    I stuck this one out to the end, well, the end of the story that is- and, what a ride! You ARE Batman! The one think that grabbed me, was the actual atmosphere. It brought the feeling of the newer Batman movies closer and sucked me RIGHT in! Punch, combo, boom, get the baddies    I was wary in the buying of this game. Checked some youtube clips... looked interesting... One word, wow!

    I stuck this one out to the end, well, the end of the story that is- and, what a ride! You ARE Batman!

    The one think that grabbed me, was the actual atmosphere. It brought the feeling of the newer Batman movies closer and sucked me RIGHT in! Punch, combo, boom, get the baddies from above, glide down THWACK!
    Upgrades are available for better armor, etc.. They didn't really feel like they had much of an effect, but some the weapons that are weened into your inventory as the game progresses kick ass ;>

    Graphic-wise, this game really shines. I'm not too sure how it looks on a non-nvidia card (the game uses the .. uhm Nvidia graphics ... physics thing to enhance smoke and adds tile effects), but even without the extra physics- it plays VERY well.

    As BenW mentioned in his review, "Definitely the best Batman game out there". The others that Ive played outside this one are pretty cack. (not tried the Sun Tzu one tho!)

    + Graphics
    + Plays very well
    + Batman

    - Fights get a little repetitive as the story draws to an end    … Expand
  20. Stam
    Apr 22, 2011
    0
    Unfortunately this game comes disabled with Windows Live ID, which prevents makes the game unplayable since you can't save your progress. Otherwise the game itself looks like it could be quite fun. If you have any interest in the game, don't buy it before first checking that Windows Live ID works properly on your machine - the games requirements don't point out that this is an essentialUnfortunately this game comes disabled with Windows Live ID, which prevents makes the game unplayable since you can't save your progress. Otherwise the game itself looks like it could be quite fun. If you have any interest in the game, don't buy it before first checking that Windows Live ID works properly on your machine - the games requirements don't point out that this is an essential requirement. Googling for solutions shows that Windows Live is extremely buggy and disables purchased software for many people. Even after days of trying the myriad fixes for where Win Live doesn't install itself properly, and checking all the Microsoft system checks for network, uPnP & port configurations, Win Live still prevents me from accessing this game. Such overzealous copy-protection may gain the developers some kick-backs from MS, but completely alienates paying customers.… Expand
  21. thequillguy
    Apr 16, 2011
    9
    Batman Arkham Asylum opens with several minutes of a glorious cut scene. It can't be skipped. And I've seen it three times and still not been bored. In fact, this reminds me of what makes this game so good; you never have to see the same scene more than three times in a row. As an action adventure, it is so well balanced, I never died more than three times in a scene.Batman Arkham Asylum opens with several minutes of a glorious cut scene. It can't be skipped. And I've seen it three times and still not been bored. In fact, this reminds me of what makes this game so good; you never have to see the same scene more than three times in a row. As an action adventure, it is so well balanced, I never died more than three times in a scene.

    http://teachergamer.blogspot.com/2011/04/batman-arkham-asylum.html    … Expand
  22. Tridus
    Apr 4, 2011
    9
    This is a must have for any Batman fan. It's a fun game with an interesting story and great atmosphere. Fans of the 90s Batman cartoon will even recognize some voices. Only real negative here is GFWL, where it takes 15 minutes of constant logging in and patching (took several times for me) before it's playable. But I don't hold Microsoft's massive failure against the game. Still, hopefullyThis is a must have for any Batman fan. It's a fun game with an interesting story and great atmosphere. Fans of the 90s Batman cartoon will even recognize some voices. Only real negative here is GFWL, where it takes 15 minutes of constant logging in and patching (took several times for me) before it's playable. But I don't hold Microsoft's massive failure against the game. Still, hopefully the next one uses Steamworks.… Expand
  23. MarkWare
    Apr 1, 2011
    7
    Best superhero game ever, there was a lot of gameplay variety, and it was not too difficult. it was fun to try to get all challenges. the graphics were not the best I've ever seen, but it was not very bad to see. I think the bigger monsters / bosses were the best since a long time in game everytime. Now I expect many of the successor of this game.

    (Sorry for bad English)
  24. Davidm4
    Mar 29, 2011
    7
    I wanted to give this game a go because I love adventure/action games and this has had great reviews and a GOTY status. I have to say that this is a good game because of the stealth sections and memorable scarecrow sections. The combat flows smoothly and is kept interesting with having a few different guards with varying weapons and ways to deal with them. However, I felt that the bossesI wanted to give this game a go because I love adventure/action games and this has had great reviews and a GOTY status. I have to say that this is a good game because of the stealth sections and memorable scarecrow sections. The combat flows smoothly and is kept interesting with having a few different guards with varying weapons and ways to deal with them. However, I felt that the bosses were poor as most of them just looked down from their ivory tower while you just deal with more guards. Only one of them didn't follow this trend, which is disappointing as I would have liked more variety. At the games current price it is worth a try, but I would have been hesitant to recommend it at full price.… Expand
  25. SteamConvert
    Mar 22, 2011
    10
    This is the most polished and well designed game that I've played in recent memory. Keyboard and mouse controls are amazingly well tuned. Story, voiceover and geek factor are off the charts. My two gripes are no unlockable suits and the menus were taken without any redesign from the console version. The controls and overall quality far overshadow any gripes though.
  26. dulcetpine
    Mar 13, 2011
    10
    As close to a perfect game as you can get. You had stealth elements, perfect combat and fun puzzles. What more could you want? Combat controls are very elegant and simple to grasp, but it is challenging because it is all about timing. It is not a button masher by any means, you have to see your next move, then with one click or key stroke -- execute, then move onto the next. I thoughAs close to a perfect game as you can get. You had stealth elements, perfect combat and fun puzzles. What more could you want? Combat controls are very elegant and simple to grasp, but it is challenging because it is all about timing. It is not a button masher by any means, you have to see your next move, then with one click or key stroke -- execute, then move onto the next. I though it was brilliant and natural. I wish more games approached melee and hand to hand combat in the manner that rockstar did with this game. Graphics were amazing, voice acting was incredible and the art direction added to the atmosphere. I don't usually give out 10's, but this one earned it.… Expand
  27. PalladiumGM
    Mar 11, 2011
    10
    It's just amazing. I bought it because of a temporary price drop on Steam and it's the best gaming suprise I've ever had. PC is the definitive platform and the gameplay is smooth and satisfying. You'll replay it at least twice. What started as a $10 whim is now on my all time best list and I've pre-ordered Arkham City.
  28. TheBrickYard
    Jan 31, 2011
    9
    This is the hardest a** Batman I've seen. The controls are quite simple, but the whole presentation is cool. Controls and presentation have a Half Life feel to them while still being completely and uniquely Batman. The Bio's and all of the back info really add to the game as a story. The game is pretty linear, while not totally feeling it, like Half Life's. I haven't gotten far intoThis is the hardest a** Batman I've seen. The controls are quite simple, but the whole presentation is cool. Controls and presentation have a Half Life feel to them while still being completely and uniquely Batman. The Bio's and all of the back info really add to the game as a story. The game is pretty linear, while not totally feeling it, like Half Life's. I haven't gotten far into the game yet, so I'm hoping the combo fighting plays more into it, but we'll see. I got it on Steam and I'm very happy w/ my purchase at $29.99.… Expand
  29. Dalek
    Jan 6, 2011
    10
    What can I say? This game brings back nostalgia. The voice acting is perfect, graphics are nice, gamplay is nicely deisgned. I have played this game 4 times because its that good. The only flaw that people would say is Games For Windows Live, as always. A problem that needs to not excist anymore.
  30. manigni
    Dec 31, 2010
    10
    It's a very good game, exciting atmosphere and nice combat system. If you are a Batman fan and like stealth games, you will enjoy it. Sound and graphics are ok. The weak is the linear gameplay, but its not bad enough to put the game score down.
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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 »