Batman: Arkham Asylum

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1850 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,659 out of 1850
  2. Mixed: 150 out of 1850
  3. Negative: 41 out of 1850
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  1. JDConspirator
    Oct 15, 2011
    9
    I've never been one with the numerous superhero universes that have spawned over the years including Batman. The Dark Knight was my first real foray into the Batman universe, and I walked away from that film suitably impressed, but that didn't make me a fan. Now that Arkham Asylum has been brushed, I am not just a fan of the universe but I absolutely love and adore it. Part of my love forI've never been one with the numerous superhero universes that have spawned over the years including Batman. The Dark Knight was my first real foray into the Batman universe, and I walked away from that film suitably impressed, but that didn't make me a fan. Now that Arkham Asylum has been brushed, I am not just a fan of the universe but I absolutely love and adore it. Part of my love for Arkham Asylum stems from the wide assortment of valuable collectibles strewn around Arkham Asylum. Whether it's audio diaries or riddler trophies or challenges, the game digs deep with a heavy and rich emphasis on Batman lore. This lore really engrosses the player into the universe and into each individual character, detailing the villain's irrational histories. The gameplay is an impeccable highlight too. Batman has an assortment of punches, kicks and special takedowns which can be all chained into combos and you can wrack up glorious counter kills. The AI is challenging, but only in packs. One thing the gameplay particularly nails, is the changing up and the variety mix of enemies you'll encounter- forcing you to think strategically about each encounter. If there's any conceivable criticism, it's that some of the boss fights are a bit too easy, especially the one involving poison Ivy. Also the island does come down as being a bit too restrictive for my liking. But for the sheer amount of epic moments involving Scarecrow, Killer Croc and other batman villains, along with the vitality of Arkham Asylum through the numerous facilities and the levity inducing characters (not forgetting the outstanding performance of the Joker) Arkham Asylum is absolutely fantastic, and an absolute must by. Your relationship with the source material is irrelevant in a game this well crafted.… Expand
  2. codfather96
    May 5, 2011
    10
    This game is amazing in pretty much all ways. The story is fantastic, the graphics are very batman (real and still very comic like). The puzzles are decent, the villains are very good and also there is so much to collect like voice recordings, Riddler trophies or bio of pretty much all Batman characters and don't even get me started on the gadgets and challenges. If I had a bad thing toThis game is amazing in pretty much all ways. The story is fantastic, the graphics are very batman (real and still very comic like). The puzzles are decent, the villains are very good and also there is so much to collect like voice recordings, Riddler trophies or bio of pretty much all Batman characters and don't even get me started on the gadgets and challenges. If I had a bad thing to say about this game it was that the camera was sometimes iffy and I got lost alot but I am an idiot so I don't really blame the game for that.… Expand
  3. Bosniac
    Jul 11, 2011
    9
    One of the best comic book hero video game adaptations I have ever played. The only other Batman game that was this good was The Adventures of Batman and Robin on SNES/GEN. Graphics are great, combat is fun and if you pick up the GOTY Edition you get 3D glasses and all DLC. Must buy game of the current game consoles, and not just for fans.
  4. XRAIN
    Dec 19, 2011
    9
    Batman Arkham Asylum is a good example of how licensed game title doesn't make the game automatically bad. The gameplay is very good, characters are great, especially Joker. Solving riddles and finding trophies is very fun to do, unlike collecting some random audio logs in other games. Even, if you don't like Batman, you need to buy this game. I don't quite like Batman, but I still enjoyedBatman Arkham Asylum is a good example of how licensed game title doesn't make the game automatically bad. The gameplay is very good, characters are great, especially Joker. Solving riddles and finding trophies is very fun to do, unlike collecting some random audio logs in other games. Even, if you don't like Batman, you need to buy this game. I don't quite like Batman, but I still enjoyed the game a lot...If not counting very boring and repeatitive boss battles.… Expand
  5. Blahguy126
    Feb 27, 2013
    9
    Although I hate to say the plot isn't as engaging as it could be, the gameplay is ultra smooth and fair, leading to some of the most intense stealth missions in any game I've ever played. I wasn't even that big of a fan of the Batman universe, and I had a blast with this game. It perfectly blends puzzles, side quests, stealth, and a bit of open world RPG qualities. It's a very unique gameAlthough I hate to say the plot isn't as engaging as it could be, the gameplay is ultra smooth and fair, leading to some of the most intense stealth missions in any game I've ever played. I wasn't even that big of a fan of the Batman universe, and I had a blast with this game. It perfectly blends puzzles, side quests, stealth, and a bit of open world RPG qualities. It's a very unique game and in my opinion better than Arkham City.… Expand
  6. onewarmslime
    Sep 20, 2014
    9
    Wow , when I bought this off the bargain bin at a local store I never expected it to be one of the best games I've ever played. This is a great product and you're gonna have a lot of fun playing it no matter what.

    So, as far as the gameplay is concerned it's flawless , except perhaps the enemy NPCs who are a bit too stupid/blind (you can stand right next to them and they won't see you    Wow , when I bought this off the bargain bin at a local store I never expected it to be one of the best games I've ever played. This is a great product and you're gonna have a lot of fun playing it no matter what.

    So, as far as the gameplay is concerned it's flawless , except perhaps the enemy NPCs who are a bit too stupid/blind (you can stand right next to them and they won't see you if you're crouching. Then again I guess they're not any worse than the guards in the Assassin creed games). Now Arkham Asylum is pretty short (12-13 hours on normal), but this isn't really a disadvantage - that's the way the plot is (which by the way is amazing), so the length seems appropriate.

    Then there's the challenge mode (it's like a battle arena, where you beat the hell out of various opponents), which is great fun and you'll definitely want to play them all after finishing the story mode (you can even play as the Joker). Problem is, to unlock them all you'd have to complete all side-objectives (namely to collect all "trophies" scattered around the island, or solve riddles), which honestly feels like a chore. You'd have to spend inordinate amounts of time to do it yourself without checking walkthroughs on the internet (something the game cheerfully aknowledges). It's a chore, but a pretty fun one, cause navigating around the Arkham Island is a very interesting experience.

    There's one tiny technical problem with the game; the music and sound effects are too loud compared to the dialogues, so you'd better turn subtitles on (or turn the volume up during cutscenes, then back down, cause the voice acting is top-notch). Overall this one's a blast and you gotta play it.    … Expand
  7. fijiboy
    Sep 8, 2014
    9
    this game really makes you feel like batman. it looks great even by today's standards, has a good story, a wide variety of interesting villains, very fluent controls that are easy to use, and great voice performances. Its dark and disturbing, just like a batman game should be. unfortunately the game feels too short and the ending isn't very satisfying. there are few other issues but theythis game really makes you feel like batman. it looks great even by today's standards, has a good story, a wide variety of interesting villains, very fluent controls that are easy to use, and great voice performances. Its dark and disturbing, just like a batman game should be. unfortunately the game feels too short and the ending isn't very satisfying. there are few other issues but they aren't worth mentioning because they dont really take anything away from the game. all in all this is a must play game, especially if your a batman fan.… Expand
  8. Brainstorm123
    Aug 16, 2014
    8
    Finally, a good superhero game series. And a BATMAN one? Yes please. This game is just a flat out blast. The combat, graphics, and open world are amazing! The boss battles are good as well, but are very scripted. This combat system is one of the best ever. The predator sections are great as well. They're full of tension and suspense, and require tremendous skill. There is a spectacular newFinally, a good superhero game series. And a BATMAN one? Yes please. This game is just a flat out blast. The combat, graphics, and open world are amazing! The boss battles are good as well, but are very scripted. This combat system is one of the best ever. The predator sections are great as well. They're full of tension and suspense, and require tremendous skill. There is a spectacular new plot as well, featuring all of your favourite villains. All in all, the game feels like a beta test, but it has started up an amazing franchise.… Expand
  9. AndyClimax
    Aug 12, 2014
    9
    A breath of fresh air and truly revitalises the superhero video game genre. Superb voice acting and combat that literally defines a generation. If you're a fan of the animated series (as everyone should), or Batman in general, this is a must-play.
  10. IAMGEOFFREY
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    The Story is great, The graphics are great, almost everything about this game.. Is great! I really enjoyed playing this when I first got it full of action, stealth and armed goons ready too shoot your face off... Lets be honest the batman arkham franchise is the best super-hero franchise ever!
  11. MennoRx
    Aug 29, 2015
    9
    This is a very fine game. The combat is very good so is the music and voice acting. The graphics are excellent. There are cerntaintly some glitches, also, the narrative a bit cliché. One final con, the final boss battle is very disappionting, but overal, one of my favorite games.
  12. Malevolent
    May 29, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'll admit that I was afraid of this game when it came out. It just seemed too scary to me (the Joker looked creepy as hell). But then I finally got over my fear a couple years later after watching walkthroughs and I decided to get this game. I'm glad I did. It wasn't scary at all (except for the Scarecrow hallucinations). The story is great and the combat and stealth gameplay make you feel like you're really Batman. If you're a Batman fan, you would be crazy not to get this game.… Expand
  13. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Jan 8, 2022
    9
    "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is a video game adaption that matched the quality of the greatest Batman comics. A dark follow-up to "The Animated Series", it was named the best comic book game ever made by critics. Utilizing the Unreal Engine, the world of "Arkham" visually recalls "Bioshock" and the characters resemble the muscular soldiers from "Gears of War". Gameplay-wise, the game plays like"Batman: Arkham Asylum" is a video game adaption that matched the quality of the greatest Batman comics. A dark follow-up to "The Animated Series", it was named the best comic book game ever made by critics. Utilizing the Unreal Engine, the world of "Arkham" visually recalls "Bioshock" and the characters resemble the muscular soldiers from "Gears of War". Gameplay-wise, the game plays like "Metroid" complete with hidden rooms, scattered collectibles, optional objectives and backtracking.

    The story was inspired by Grant Morrison graphic novel "Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth". In the game, Batman spends an entire night tracking down the Gotham villains that have been broken out of prison by The Joker. The best aspect of the game is how it makes the player feel like the Dark Knight. It feels like a simulation since it cleverly integrates every aspect of the character (sans the Batmobile) into the gameplay. Both the stealth segments and combat mechanics are fluid and perfectly capture Batman's unique fighting styles. A cool aspect is Batman's cape that can be used in combat as well as flight, as you can use it to glide through the environments.

    As players progress, Batman will gain different abilities that can eventually be upgraded. Traveling through Arkham never feels like a chore since repetition is cut down to a minimum. You're always discovering new areas and abilities, while the action moments are used sparsely to compliment the adventure feel of the game. Additionally, combat challenge rooms open up to test your skill if you just want arcade-style fighting. The PS3 version includes exclusive Joker challenge rooms which include attack moves unique to the Clown Prince of Crime.

    Overall, this is a near-perfect "Batman" experience with an outstanding story, amazing visuals and terrific gameplay. At the time of its release, this game was a pleasant surprise since its developer had never made anything great before. I would "Arkham Asylum" with a 9.5 out of 10.    … Expand
  14. Inuit_Dude
    Mar 16, 2011
    10
    i absolutly love this game i never liked Batman or red or played any of the batman merchandise out there until i was recomended and reasured that it was a good game (also it was the deal of the day at EB games) and i am so glad that i bought it. i play this game religously now that i have sunk my teeth into this decedant piece of Batman merchandise and it has actually gotten me interestedi absolutly love this game i never liked Batman or red or played any of the batman merchandise out there until i was recomended and reasured that it was a good game (also it was the deal of the day at EB games) and i am so glad that i bought it. i play this game religously now that i have sunk my teeth into this decedant piece of Batman merchandise and it has actually gotten me interested in Batman and i want to learn and look more into Batman. i have not compleated the story yet but i have played a couple of hours and usually i have beeten the games by this point so i think it is safe to assume that this is a long story line. the graphics in this game are also amazing it is just like watching a movie and i dont mind the camera view because it changes when you fight and when you run so i basicly am never looking over the shoulder. there is also a very deep plot involved with the story to and is layered with lots of detail and is very interesting. i especially love the amount of villains in this game and the voice acting of every character is superb. this gmae has turned me onto the entire batman name and is defenatly in my top 10 favorite games if not my favorite and im glad i finally gave in and bought this game… Expand
  15. Mummu
    Jan 17, 2011
    9
    Even if you don't like Batman, this is an awesome game and the best game about the Dark Knight. Great voice acting, great visual and sound, great batman and comic details... definitely: a VERY GREAT game! must have!
  16. Rosco
    Mar 22, 2011
    9
    This was without doubt the biggest surprise of 2009. No one expected to great things but what a shock they were in for. Batman Arkham Asylum was one of, if not the game of 2009. And rightly so, it was a genuinely excpetional piece of gaming. It done exactly what the Dark Knight done for the Batman franchise on the big screen, except on a video-gaming level! Visually it is great, theyThis was without doubt the biggest surprise of 2009. No one expected to great things but what a shock they were in for. Batman Arkham Asylum was one of, if not the game of 2009. And rightly so, it was a genuinely excpetional piece of gaming. It done exactly what the Dark Knight done for the Batman franchise on the big screen, except on a video-gaming level! Visually it is great, they capture the Asylum to a tee and the voice acting is top notch. The single player mode is fantastic. It deals with the Joker being returned to the Asylum but he is set free and begins to cause havoc meaning they turn to Batman to intervene and restore order. Of-course there are other boss battles along the way before the showdown with The Joker (voice acted by Mark Hamill.) The combat system works really well and is is to get to grips with thats not to say its to easy, at times it may seem that way but one wrong move and Bats is out! Bane, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow are the villains you come across and thats were the only disappointment is boss battles at times are too easy, bar Poison Ivy who is at least a bit of a challenge and the showdown with Joker isn't what a final battle should be especially one at the end of such a great game like this. There's other challenges to, The Riddler finding his clues for one then ofcourse there's always online! So basically Arkham Asylum is just a wonderful game, and even now there are very few who can match it. An essential purchase for all PS3 owners. Now for Arkham City...… Expand
  17. nezj
    Jan 18, 2010
    10
    This is the best game I have played for ps3 hands down I've played uncharted 2 and it was awsome but I'm sorry guys it can't beat batman I wish there was a higher ranking so I could give it a 20
  18. ilovegames32
    Sep 18, 2012
    10
    Welcome to the mad house batman....THIS GAME IS NOT INTENDED FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT LIKE STORIES THAT MAKES SENSE,GREAT CONTROL,SMOOTH & REALISTIC ANIMATION...ETC!!! First the good:graphics are incredible from the lighting & shadows to the almost rustic/haunted look of atonal asylum!!! the control is perfect as you will freely take down Enemies quickly,skillfully..even stealthy so its veryWelcome to the mad house batman....THIS GAME IS NOT INTENDED FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT LIKE STORIES THAT MAKES SENSE,GREAT CONTROL,SMOOTH & REALISTIC ANIMATION...ETC!!! First the good:graphics are incredible from the lighting & shadows to the almost rustic/haunted look of atonal asylum!!! the control is perfect as you will freely take down Enemies quickly,skillfully..even stealthy so its very Accessible while remaining very challenging.the enemy designs look great each character is very detailed & last but certainly not least.....the story!! Just an amazing job when it comes to writing a fantastic story for batman arkham asylum!! Its well thought out & paced but I won't ruin it for those of you who haven't played it. Now for the bad parts...I honestly can't find anything I didn't like about it...its a great game with very little load times or bugs/flaws I highly recommend this game!! 10/10… Expand
  19. AbirH.
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    This game is just fantastic! It was a perfect experience for me. Everything from the story, graphics, design and especially combat. I would recommend this game to game to anyone who loves Batman or Action/Adventure games. Best Game This Year So Far!
  20. rodericrinehart
    Jun 8, 2015
    9
    SCORE: 8.7/10

    I can see why it's "overwhelmingly positive" as its just a fun game. It shows its age a bit and has some annoying parts like the lack of a manual save and auto saves that are just too far apart. I think that all games should have a manual save except for in combat and except for the highest difficulty levels. A lot of what went into this games exceptionally high review    SCORE: 8.7/10

    I can see why it's "overwhelmingly positive" as its just a fun game. It shows its age a bit and has some annoying parts like the lack of a manual save and auto saves that are just too far apart. I think that all games should have a manual save except for in combat and except for the highest difficulty levels.

    A lot of what went into this games exceptionally high review scores had to be fun, originality, and excellent work with an existing comic IP. It used to be that games based on comics and movies were generally not good, but the tides have turned and now they are mostly good or far better. See: Batman, Shadow of Mordor, all the Lego games, Telltale games, and more.

    For five bucks, it's a must buy!    … Expand
  21. shadraouf
    Jan 18, 2012
    9
    Rocksteady reinvents the Batman legacy in an entirely new and satisfying manner. The combat system makes this game rise above others. It's freeflow system is both intuitive, rewarding to watch and at the same time provides enough challenged for seasoned players. Batman's various gadgets serve their purposes well and are useful, which adds to the Batman flavor. The characters are allRocksteady reinvents the Batman legacy in an entirely new and satisfying manner. The combat system makes this game rise above others. It's freeflow system is both intuitive, rewarding to watch and at the same time provides enough challenged for seasoned players. Batman's various gadgets serve their purposes well and are useful, which adds to the Batman flavor. The characters are all magnificently portrayed and well played out, with the scare crow ranking above all bad guys. It's just a shame that the game is pretty short, but it compensates for it a great challenge mode with online rankings.… Expand
  22. Funkyfresh1017
    Mar 10, 2012
    9
    Arkham Asylum is the most underrated game ever made IMO. It rediefines "Comic book games", and outside of a poor final fight the game has great boss fights. Collecting the riddler challenges is fun although it can get old. Not alot of replay value, but its worth your money, as ive completed it 4 times.
  23. WheelzFourReelz
    Dec 30, 2014
    9
    Batman Arkham Asylum is a fantastic game where you actually feel like you're controlling the Dark Knight himself. Combat is satisfying and the setting is very dark, which suits the game well. Its only flaw is the poorly designed fight against Joker. That is the only problem with an otherwise flawless game.
  24. TeaFan556
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    [RU]
    Честно говоря, геймплей подкачал. Но, спасибо сюжету и атмосфере, что заставили меня пройти её до конца. Благодаря им, мне игра очень понравилась
  25. StewartH.
    Oct 12, 2009
    9
    One of the best games I have played since Fallout 3 and Fable 2 last year. Very similar in style to Bioshock but the quality throughout the game is faultless. The only reason I haven't given it a full 10 marks is the lack of multiplayer action.
  26. GlanceC
    Nov 21, 2009
    10
    its batman and the joker
  27. VitaliV.
    Aug 31, 2009
    10
    It's the Metal Gear Solid without the guns. I really enjoy all the possible ways to enter a single room or environment and all the options to take the enemies out. Moreover all the extras such as riddler trophies, riddles , bios, challenge modes and character models are amazing. Love this game.
  28. NelsonM
    Nov 17, 2009
    8
    This new Batman game goes facilitated as one of the finest adaptations of Batman videojug made to date. It has a good story mode, good modeling of the characters, especially Batman and the Final Boss. Of course this is not the best history of the gaming world (that place is reserved to Metal Gear Solid), but it's good and interesting and will keep you glued to the control until the This new Batman game goes facilitated as one of the finest adaptations of Batman videojug made to date. It has a good story mode, good modeling of the characters, especially Batman and the Final Boss. Of course this is not the best history of the gaming world (that place is reserved to Metal Gear Solid), but it's good and interesting and will keep you glued to the control until the end. Addition, it has several maps where you can separate or fighting against various enemies or eliminate creep.… Expand
  29. Spartan111
    Nov 10, 2010
    9
    This Batman was a huge surprise the star of the show was the joker he made the game, The gadgets were cool, the graphics was good, the only thing i didnt like about batman was batman and the bosses which were repetetive, overall a very good game.
  30. Zilcell
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    It is safe to say that Batman: Arkham Asylum is a lot better than everybody expected it to be and somehow more. The gameplay is smooth and the graphics look great.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PS3 Game of 2009
7
#7 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2009
5
#5 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    90
    The whole game is a class act. The fighting is sophisticated but arcade-addictive, the visuals are stylish, and the Lara-like exploration is smartly done. Plus the DC heritage feels all-encompassing like a big blanket. Arkham Asylum is comfortably the best comic book game that PlayStation's ever had, and is up there with the system's best actioners, full stop. [Sept 2009, p.95]
  2. Game Informer
    95
    Batman: Arkham Asylum is this year's "BioShock," not just from the connection established with the world, but from its ability to innovate where new ideas are needed, and moreover, deliver an adventure unlike any other. [Sept 2009, p.82]
    Read full review
  3. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    100
    Yes, this is the Batman you've been waiting for...It's a wonderful experience, beginning to end, never taking the easy or familiar route, and infusing each shift of the story with original ideas that cut no corners. [Oct 2009, p.70]
See all critic reviews »