User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3012 Ratings

User score distribution:
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
  1. Mar 16, 2012
    9
    If you want to complain about SecuRom and a delayed release date, do it on the Rocksteady forums. We're supposed to be reviewing THE GAME. Bottom line is, if you liked AA then you'll love AC. The addition of Catwoman, improved free-flow combat, a bigger world to explore, and the ability to grapple while gliding make Batman: AC an improvement over its predecessor in every way. Easily aIf you want to complain about SecuRom and a delayed release date, do it on the Rocksteady forums. We're supposed to be reviewing THE GAME. Bottom line is, if you liked AA then you'll love AC. The addition of Catwoman, improved free-flow combat, a bigger world to explore, and the ability to grapple while gliding make Batman: AC an improvement over its predecessor in every way. Easily a top 5 game of 2011. Expand
  2. Mar 15, 2012
    10
    Have you ever looked at the consoles and cribbed about not having a game like Uncharted or Gears of War for the PC? well, i say stop cribbing. Arkham City, could just be the most awesome single player experience on the PC yet. Talk about living the life of Batman.... till TDKR comes out :)
  3. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    Improving upon the original in every possible way, Batman Arkham City is one of the absolute best action/stealth platformers to ever be released. The Batman approach to the sandbox/metroidvania world layout is solid, and I was compelled to search every last nook and cranny of the world to find the secrets and uncover encounters with a dozen of Batman's most memorable villains. GlidingImproving upon the original in every possible way, Batman Arkham City is one of the absolute best action/stealth platformers to ever be released. The Batman approach to the sandbox/metroidvania world layout is solid, and I was compelled to search every last nook and cranny of the world to find the secrets and uncover encounters with a dozen of Batman's most memorable villains. Gliding through the skies of Gotham is extremely satisfying, and I found the package as a whole to be incredibly addicting.

    Sign me up for me, Rocksteady. Just do me a favor and give me a chance to play as the Red Hood in the next one!
    Expand
  4. Mar 6, 2012
    9
    This is the only game I have ever played that got melee/hack/slash combat right. And I have player a LOT of games. It really is a flawless combat system. Try to ignore the lower ratings based purely on whether it worked or not. I purchased this game 2 months after release and I had no bugs whatsoever so they have clearly fixed the worst problems. The story was perfect, it really drew youThis is the only game I have ever played that got melee/hack/slash combat right. And I have player a LOT of games. It really is a flawless combat system. Try to ignore the lower ratings based purely on whether it worked or not. I purchased this game 2 months after release and I had no bugs whatsoever so they have clearly fixed the worst problems. The story was perfect, it really drew you in and opened the door into how the comics portrayed batman (not the hollywood version). I recommend anyone to this game and give it a 9 because no game is a 10. It's a beautiful game. Expand
  5. Mar 2, 2012
    9
    I experienced the very same technical issues as all of you had. Worse - even. Since the game negatively scales when running dx11 and AMD crossfire. However slapping an extremely low score on this game due to the poorly implemented dx11 mode - would be reasonable if that meant you where unable to play the game smoothly . Direct x 9 mode runs flawlessly, and runs incredibly well. So evenI experienced the very same technical issues as all of you had. Worse - even. Since the game negatively scales when running dx11 and AMD crossfire. However slapping an extremely low score on this game due to the poorly implemented dx11 mode - would be reasonable if that meant you where unable to play the game smoothly . Direct x 9 mode runs flawlessly, and runs incredibly well. So even people without the exact hardware needed to run dx11 mode - are still able to play this game at a vastly better visual standard than everyone else. The game itself is incredible, one of the best of 2011. Arkham asylum was already a great game with a great combat system, it was structured almost like an oldschool metroid game. With progression tied to gadgets. This game opens up, and gives you a hubworld, it still has that metroid structure - it just combines it with elements of open world games. And this combination is so great it's intoxicating. Every single piece of this game is individually fantastic, now tie them all together. And you have a game that is truly worth the asking price. And then some. Involving plot. Check. Open world. Check. Enjoyable gameplay. Check. Variety. Check. Poetically mindblowing visuals. Check. 9/10?. Check. Expand
  6. Feb 25, 2012
    9
    Batman: Arkham City is an unprecedented follower of its predecessor Arkham Asylum. The game moulds itself with an excellent storyline, new abilities of batman with a new character like catwoman as well. The visual scenario of Arkahm City and its narrow roads and buildings make it worth enough to feel like being in a city. The game-play is suitably awesome. Using serial combos of batman andBatman: Arkham City is an unprecedented follower of its predecessor Arkham Asylum. The game moulds itself with an excellent storyline, new abilities of batman with a new character like catwoman as well. The visual scenario of Arkahm City and its narrow roads and buildings make it worth enough to feel like being in a city. The game-play is suitably awesome. Using serial combos of batman and unlocking special attacks in the mid-fight really bear fruit. But, it is true that roaming around the same place quite a few times may annoy the new players. Whatsoever enigmatic puzzles and worth-playing side missions decorate the game really scintillating. Expand
  7. Feb 21, 2012
    10
    Not only the best batman game,but the best superhero game ever. A true successor to Batman Arkham Asylum. A real contender for GOTY. Enjoyed it so much. Awesome!!!
  8. Feb 17, 2012
    9
    I think better game than Arkham Asylum. I don't have any bug's or something with DX11/ I will tell you: Fight mechanik is the best i've ever seen! Great job
  9. Feb 16, 2012
    9
    This game is fantastic. The combat is effortlessly enjoyable, and Catwoman provides a nice change of pace. The main story has some ingenious puzzle elements using Batman's gadgets, and the overall fidelity of the environment is at times, stunning. Here are the few foibles made to this otherwise excellent game...some scripted instant kills that seem cheap...a boss battle here and there thatThis game is fantastic. The combat is effortlessly enjoyable, and Catwoman provides a nice change of pace. The main story has some ingenious puzzle elements using Batman's gadgets, and the overall fidelity of the environment is at times, stunning. Here are the few foibles made to this otherwise excellent game...some scripted instant kills that seem cheap...a boss battle here and there that are confusing and lack any degree of sense (Mister Freeze)...generic 'gamey' backtracking for very little reward (A certain 'helicopter' segment)...

    I played through in a fairly quick fashion, sticking mainly to the main quest line. I would recommend treating the idiotic riddler collectibles like white noise. They are simply constructs to take up game time that could otherwise be kickin' some thug ass...which is why this game still gets a 9.
    Expand
  10. Feb 14, 2012
    10
    Cons: Catwoman is an incredibly bad character to play and especially her challenge missions are horrendous. Nightwing and Robin never talk in the challenge missions, making them lifeless. GFWL and SecuRom, both outdated, poorly working and repulsive fascist systems that serve no function in an era where we have Steamworks. Pros: Everything else, allows you to become truly the Batman. Unmissable.
  11. Feb 13, 2012
    9
    I'd love to review this game higher, but it took me almost a week to get the technical quibbles sorted out. I'm not going to review based on that aspect, just know that running smoothly is by no means guaranteed, even if you have a high end rig. As for the game, It's not quite as good as Arkham Asylum. The more open world is liberating, but stressful, as everything feels more cluttered.I'd love to review this game higher, but it took me almost a week to get the technical quibbles sorted out. I'm not going to review based on that aspect, just know that running smoothly is by no means guaranteed, even if you have a high end rig. As for the game, It's not quite as good as Arkham Asylum. The more open world is liberating, but stressful, as everything feels more cluttered. The focused story of the previous game almost allowed the player to relax more and take their time, whereas this time around the opposite is true. This is still a great game, I just wish they had cut some of the more superfluous content. It's not often that I suggest removing things from a game, but this is one of those cases. Great game, but those with OCD to collect and finish all content be warned - it will take you a while, and likely lead to frustration. Expand
  12. Feb 12, 2012
    10
    Now this AAA title seriously deserves AAA mark. Open world, sandbox gameplay, fantastic feeling. Many upgrades and exelent graphic and details for an old U3 engine. Yes there are some troubles with DX11, but in dx9 mode its stable and great looking. 10/10
  13. Feb 11, 2012
    8
    This game is just too awesome. I played it for hours and hours and didn't get tired in any moment of the game. The main story is awesome, the secondary missions too. I love it, you guys MUST play it, but it goes 8 on my score because it's a little short.
  14. Feb 6, 2012
    10
    Batman: Arkham City
    I seriously love Batman. The Nolan's movies are great and Rocksteady's games are great too!
    This is seriously the best game of a year 2011, not some **** skyrim **** END!
  15. Feb 5, 2012
    10
    game of the year, easily the best game from 2011 and much better then Skyrim or COD 10/10 batman arkham asylum was epic
    this is EPICNESS to the maximum
  16. Jan 30, 2012
    4
    The game was pretty sweet. It felt like a direct sequel and didnt stray far away from what it was doing in the original. I can't rate it too high because it includes the singleplayer DLC code that takes away the catwoman portion of the game if you don't have it. Publishers should not have to force us to use dlc codes to access content we pay 60$ for. Going to suggest we pass on this gameThe game was pretty sweet. It felt like a direct sequel and didnt stray far away from what it was doing in the original. I can't rate it too high because it includes the singleplayer DLC code that takes away the catwoman portion of the game if you don't have it. Publishers should not have to force us to use dlc codes to access content we pay 60$ for. Going to suggest we pass on this game because of this flaw. Expand
  17. Jan 30, 2012
    9
    This game is a ten, but due to direct x 11 problems and DLC being a pain in the @ss to install thanks to GFWL it doesn't get that. So far in the game it is just as good as the predecessor if not better. There is more to do. In the challenges you can play as Catwoman, Robin, and Nightwing (with the DLC, of course). Get it, screw the console version, the loading times are surely muchThis game is a ten, but due to direct x 11 problems and DLC being a pain in the @ss to install thanks to GFWL it doesn't get that. So far in the game it is just as good as the predecessor if not better. There is more to do. In the challenges you can play as Catwoman, Robin, and Nightwing (with the DLC, of course). Get it, screw the console version, the loading times are surely much better on a PC, as well as graphics, and you can still use the 360 gamepad. Expand
  18. Jan 28, 2012
    10
    It really pisses me off that the reason people give this game a 0 because of a SHORT 5 WEEK DELAY and because its buggy if its such a problem go to friends house and play it on a console if you have to.
  19. Jan 26, 2012
    7
    I bought this game in high anticipation from the Arkham Asylum, and got very annoyed that it got pushed back by a month, but hey, the wait was worth it (ish) as I think the gameplay and story was excellent, very engaging and it does carry on from Arkham Asylum, but you do not have to have played Arkham Asylum to understand what's going on. The gameplay also was very similar to ArkhamI bought this game in high anticipation from the Arkham Asylum, and got very annoyed that it got pushed back by a month, but hey, the wait was worth it (ish) as I think the gameplay and story was excellent, very engaging and it does carry on from Arkham Asylum, but you do not have to have played Arkham Asylum to understand what's going on. The gameplay also was very similar to Arkham Asylum, the usual, hit with left mouse click, reversal with right click at the right time, etc. There are more tools and toys to play around with, which makes the game have a slight versatility to the game. I had to stop and think 1 or 2 times to figure out what to do, which is far from a bad thing. Now, my favourite addition, Playing Catwoman, She is a great addition to the game and i found playing her more fun than playing Batman, and I liked that they had different storylines but cleverly entwined at parts with the main storyline to make sense. As for technical problems, I had none at all. I have a laptop that is 1-2 years old that has 4GB RAM and a Nvidia Geforce 240M with 1GB memory. And everything ran smoothly on all settings medium, and the graphics where still very, very impressive. I did not get the game through Steam, but I did not have one single problem or hitch with installing or registering it. And as for the Bugs, I found none, except his cloak went weird a couple of times that is it.

    Now, we come to the criticisms, It was very, very short, i installed it one evening and the started playing it that evening and I realised by 10-11pm with an hour break, that i nearly had completed it already, So I went to sleep and woke up, 2 more hours and there, the main story was finished, just like that. I was bitterly disappointed as I was having so much fun, and they do leave you with stuff to do after but nothing major or compelling.

    The game didn't make me think enough, it was very easy to work things out, and if you dont figure it out for a while, the game gives you "hints", but they aren't small "hints", they SHOW you HOW to do it with a small video clip, I personally don't like that, you should HAVE to work it out, it's really not that mind-taxing. And there is no really hard bosses, like in Arkham Asylum, the Scarecrow encounters where not hard to work out but to execute was a bit of trial and error and it wasnt quick and easy. The side-quests/missions, they were boring, very simple. Go here, destroy this, go here, get that. Very monotonous and I'd rather of had them spend their time enhancing and lengthening the main storyline instead of messing about with pathetic side quests.

    Overall, a very good game, and my main criticism is that it is very short, Arkham Asylum, i got 24hours Play Time from that and that was with mostly the main storyline, with Arkham City, I got a mere 10 hours before I had "other modes" and "challenge maps". But a very good game nonetheless and a 7/10 from me.
    Expand
  20. Jan 22, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "spoiler alert"
    Batman: do you want to know something funny? even after what you've dome, i'd have saved you.
    Joker: that actually is.... pretty funny.

    the endurance of such magnitude is practically un-achievable and therefore, is pretty funny. my Batman arkham city's review:
    sound-9 - it is amazing that rocksteady has almost made it feel like a real city with real people dwelling in it. the dialogues from in-mates, the ambiance, ...everything seems as if happening around you. the dialogues in the game may not be the most memorable but then games strong fidelity to comics justifies the way they are written and delivered.
    Graphics-8 - amazing in dx11 and with everything on high (i had tessellation normal and AA off but still you'd be blown away). but dx11 really puts pressure on even the best gpu's so at present you'll definitely need multi-gpu setups to play on high resolutions and with settings i mentioned and then to the best you may get is 50-60 FPS but i've seen the game looks awesome in dx9 and lower resolution too which will give you more FPS. as for the artistic aspect, arkham city, like i've said before, is like any other another city you're in and yet it has enough unique gotham landmarks and a creepy grim nature to it to identify it as a part of gotham.
    Gameplay-10 - WOW! i've been in batman's mind if not his body atleast. the game is strictly to be played on hard for the regular gamers because only on this difficulty you've to work your mind to plan a strategy when approaching any situation. n if you don't use bat gadgets in the fight then man you're so getting your a**-kicked. the combat looks amazing with never feeling repeated in any way because of varying groups of enemies requiring different combos and gadgets to KO them almost everytime. boss fights also are enough stressing to get your palms sweating when mashing the buttons. n if you still find this easy enough or not satisfied with it there lies story+ mode ahead which takes away hints n counter indications.
    Setting and presentation-9 - the story develops and unfolds consistently and well in a manner enough to keep you interested throughout. the characters especially villains used were also designed and voiced in such a way that their personalities totally went alongwith their nature. the only gripe is with the end which is by no means bad or totally disappointing but has been so overwhelmingly presented that it takes your mind away from some of the questions that were left unanswered or it could be very well possible that i still haven't been able to connect all the (so many) dots. then aside from the main story, devs did a great job with side-missions and riddler trophies and secrets. it took me 30 hours or something to finish 60% of game with story being 100%. if you plan to follow main story only then game is about 10-11 hours but the side missions and solving riddler challenges are so fun n intelligent that it easily kept me deviating from my main objectives. and hence throw in another 25-30 hours of that and you almost get an RPG with emphasis on exploration. this is more than you can ask for a game that has been labeled action/adventure only.

    conclusion-9 i'm giving this incredible piece of art and creativity 9 because of some technical issues and some issues with the story that maybe i've but i think few others might too especially with the end and some obvious questions that were left unanswered as said before. otherwise, if there's one thing that this game lets you know about batman then that is that batman's strength has never been his gadgets or the money that allows him to get them or his martial arts which he learnt at places having sub-zero degree environments ...they only help him on the way to reach his goal ...but his real strength lies in his persistence.... persistence to uphold his firm (idealistic) belief that justice is not a personal matter driven by revenge and justified by one's loss but it's a matter of being fair, driven by the goal to stop and punish the criminal for his wrong-doings only and justified by his repentance for his actions and redemption, if possible...... it is this ideal, his firm belief in it and persistence to uphold it that makes batman someone, something else entirely......
    Expand
  21. Jan 21, 2012
    4
    I can't believe i find myself giving this game a four, I eagerly awaited the release of this game like many other fans of Arkham Asylum. The first negative thing i noticed was the horizon scattered with in-numerous Riddler signs. I loved getting the Riddler arrested in Arkham city don't get me wrong, but in this game the frustration that is caused by time wasted trying to solve trophiesI can't believe i find myself giving this game a four, I eagerly awaited the release of this game like many other fans of Arkham Asylum. The first negative thing i noticed was the horizon scattered with in-numerous Riddler signs. I loved getting the Riddler arrested in Arkham city don't get me wrong, but in this game the frustration that is caused by time wasted trying to solve trophies that require a special gadget wasted plenty of time. A lot of the reasons for being disappointed with Arkham City i cannot recall however i assure you it is a disappointment. FYI i loved the idea of a large scale city map for the Arkham franchise and i still found this disappointing. Expand
  22. Jan 20, 2012
    9
    In the end we got a great continuation of a great game. The game looks good enough for 2011 and, accordingly, as well and played. Those who have not played in the first part, can not understand what this is all about and what's involved. And for those who played, simply say: - "It's all the same, only bigger, better, more interesting and longer times in two." One can safely say that thisIn the end we got a great continuation of a great game. The game looks good enough for 2011 and, accordingly, as well and played. Those who have not played in the first part, can not understand what this is all about and what's involved. And for those who played, simply say: - "It's all the same, only bigger, better, more interesting and longer times in two." One can safely say that this is the best game about a superhero, and one of the best (maybe best) games this year. Certainly play it at times more interesting to other games in a season. Batman: Arkham City deserves special attention. All necessary to educate! Expand
  23. Jan 19, 2012
    6
    A very mediocre sequel to a great game, Arkham City only improved upon the formula in one way - it made combat better.

    The problem? The main campaign was not only short but the setup of the city had you hunting down far too many sidequests and joker trophies. This game is a great example of why sandbox games are bad - the story is far more engaging if you just play it straight through,
    A very mediocre sequel to a great game, Arkham City only improved upon the formula in one way - it made combat better.

    The problem? The main campaign was not only short but the setup of the city had you hunting down far too many sidequests and joker trophies. This game is a great example of why sandbox games are bad - the story is far more engaging if you just play it straight through, but the structure encourages you to faff around, making the game less fun. And if you don't faff around, the game is very short, with fewer areas than Arkham Asylum, and many of them are less interesting.

    The only real highlights of the game lie in combat, particularly the fights with Mr. Freeze, Ras, and Clayface. Many bosses, such as the Penguin, Two-Face, and Strange, are just boring and samey, and there are a number of things which seem like they will be boss-fights but instead are incredibly anti-climatic - several of the sidequests just end in "make a note on the bat computer about someone, but don't actually fight them". Worse, several enemies are alluded to who appear nowhere in the game, even though they are outright stated to be in Arkham City.

    A mediocre game overall, and a major step backwards from Arkham Asylum. These games do far better as more linear ones.
    Expand
  24. Jan 12, 2012
    10
    Batman: Arkhan City supplies an incredible gaming experience. It is a drastic improvement on its impressive predecessor, Arkham Asylum. The visuals are stunning and the gameplay environment is rich and detailed. Even gamers like myself who have yet to read a single Batman comic will find many hours of enjoyment and dynamic gameplay with this title. It also has very good replay value. Iâ
  25. Jan 11, 2012
    10
    Wow! i played Crysis warhead and Crysis2 ,METRO2033, host of other games as well, the batman series is great, for me both batman games were fun as hell, but i have to say you really need a heavy duty rig, play at max setting with physx at high setting , thats the only con for me , really i got my bang for the buck, steam $ 24 , played 50plus hours ,going the second timeWow! i played Crysis warhead and Crysis2 ,METRO2033, host of other games as well, the batman series is great, for me both batman games were fun as hell, but i have to say you really need a heavy duty rig, play at max setting with physx at high setting , thats the only con for me , really i got my bang for the buck, steam $ 24 , played 50plus hours ,going the second time around with all the weapons is even more fun, SIDE NOTE about physx , if you have two gtx 470 like me , benchmarks will be low using sli , i use one card for physx only , benchmarks will go up, future drivers will address this profile, as they did with metro2033 , also about BM engine, i change the smooth framerate from 62 to 150 fps ,there is two settings,one for steam and batman ,that all for now. Expand
  26. Jan 11, 2012
    8
    Impressive gamestyle but lame story (but mainly because i dont like the whole batman/dc comic thing, if you like thats style, u´ll love it i guess).
    Fairly the best game of that kind, when it comes down to fights and "jump n run". The riddles are somtimes rly dirty mindgames. The side quests are varying altough there arent very much of em.
    A big difference for me was the
    Impressive gamestyle but lame story (but mainly because i dont like the whole batman/dc comic thing, if you like thats style, u´ll love it i guess).
    Fairly the best game of that kind, when it comes down to fights and "jump n run". The riddles are somtimes rly dirty mindgames. The side quests are varying altough there arent very much of em.
    A big difference for me was the point, that in Batman Arkam Asylum i had like no motivation to play that game after finishing the main story. That changed here. Additionally u can play with Catwoman, which is a mather of taste, but i liked it.
    Expand
  27. Jan 10, 2012
    8
    "Let's create a Batman: Arkham Asylum sequel but bigger, much bigger". More gadgets, more enemies, more secondary quests, more ketchup. Still an outstanding game but plot and exploration needs more work, just like AA.
  28. Jan 9, 2012
    10
    must say i started playing this game only after the dirextX 11 patch came out so i have no experience with the bugs people are mentioning in their reviews. regardless this is one of the most brilliant games i have ever played! superb story! the combat sequences are even finer than akham asylum!
  29. Jan 8, 2012
    8
    Though it was a month late in release, the Batman Arkham City PC version is a definite console port. The only graphics change that you can apply is an automated 'Benchmark' feature that wastes five minutes of your time changing nothing. I'm sure it changed something there but after the test the game still looked exactly the same, and I couldn't know if it did change anything because thereThough it was a month late in release, the Batman Arkham City PC version is a definite console port. The only graphics change that you can apply is an automated 'Benchmark' feature that wastes five minutes of your time changing nothing. I'm sure it changed something there but after the test the game still looked exactly the same, and I couldn't know if it did change anything because there was nothing to tell you the current specs that the game was running on.
    Another problem was the seemingly rushed PC changes. I was playing a Silent Predatorn Riddler Challenge and when I accidently mashed the buttons after doing a wrong thing I didn't see the 'F' hovering about a nearby gargoyle, I saw an 'RB'. Thats just one example of some really un-PC like elements of this game.
    However, past the fact that this game took longer to put on PC - to no changes whatsoever - there is no doubting that the game is really good. Arkham City is as filthy as Arkham Asylum, and as fun to explore. There are new features like Beat Downs, smoke pellets and multi-person counters and takedowns. Overall this wasn't worth the extra month that PC players had to wait, but playing Batman: Arkham City is definitely fun.
    Expand
  30. Jan 8, 2012
    10
    Better than its predecessor
    Fantastic atmosphere
    IN-Genius challenging maps
    Secondary Missions (more than that)
    What a music!
    Secondary Characters are just awesome.
    .
    Dx11 patches will be come out soon, i don't worry about it. on Dx9 looks great!
    U will love this game... for sure!
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 92
    Though the ending is surprising, in a way, the story isn't the main focus of Batman: Arkham City. Exploring and adventuring come first, you have so much to do that you that the hours just slip by you. Yes, the boss fights are probably too easy, the narrative too short, the framerate goes down on occasion and not all the players will appreciate searching through every nook and cranny to find trophies. But it's all up to you and Arkham City offers a variety that not a lot of new games have nowadays.
  2. 92
    The developers should be proud for Arkham City and its precise portrayal of Gotham's mood- at least accordingly to recent films and comic books. A gothic atmosphere is undoubtedly dominant, as the majestic architecture of neoclassical buildings shadows the industrialization and the bright lights of a contemporary metropolis.
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 20, 2012
    90
    It's hard to create an extraordinary game but to recognize it is quite simple. Arkham City with its cinematic appearance towers high above the rest with its production values. [Dec 2011]