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
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. RyanDerossi
    Nov 5, 2011
    8
    This is the best batman game i have ever played since a particular title at ps1. A solid adventure, i love the fight sequence and controls. It do have resemblance of a matrix fight sequence. Amazing voice acting, and superb visuals. What not to like about Joker and Harley Quinn. Many aspects of the game are well presented. The only downside of this game are the poor camera angle view andThis is the best batman game i have ever played since a particular title at ps1. A solid adventure, i love the fight sequence and controls. It do have resemblance of a matrix fight sequence. Amazing voice acting, and superb visuals. What not to like about Joker and Harley Quinn. Many aspects of the game are well presented. The only downside of this game are the poor camera angle view and no presence of navigation system to help gamers navigate around the island.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. ZANIACK
    Oct 22, 2011
    10
    This is, simply put, one of the best video games of this generation. When it was released it was undisputively one of the greatest superhero/comic book/licensed games of all time. Batman Arkham Asylum is a true masterpiece, anyone can enjoy this superb third person action game.
  4. PhenomHeat
    Oct 20, 2011
    9
    Although it can get a little bit repetitive at times, its still one of the greatest games I've ever played. Great voice acting, visuals, gameplay, and to top it all, a story that will keep you entertained for hours to come.
  5. Deuterium
    Oct 19, 2011
    9
    This was easily my favorite game of 2009. I loved every aspect of this game, even the imperfections. This game was so great on so many levels and really is worthy of being a Batman game. The classic Batman characters brought about in this game were excellent and fun to play against. Although the third person view over the shoulder took some getting used to, but I enjoyed it along withThis was easily my favorite game of 2009. I loved every aspect of this game, even the imperfections. This game was so great on so many levels and really is worthy of being a Batman game. The classic Batman characters brought about in this game were excellent and fun to play against. Although the third person view over the shoulder took some getting used to, but I enjoyed it along with the overall game play. The story was well done and the more you explored the more Arkham Asylum really came to life. An instant classic.… Expand
  6. skim123
    Oct 18, 2011
    6
    This game is very overrated. The reviewers only gave it such high scores because they were too distracted by the visuals and appeal of the "Batman" brand. The gameplay itself is just not that challenging, interesting or enjoyable. If this exact game had been released as a new character, it wouldn't have received such high scores. WAY TOO MUCH of the game consisted of repetitive, mindlessThis game is very overrated. The reviewers only gave it such high scores because they were too distracted by the visuals and appeal of the "Batman" brand. The gameplay itself is just not that challenging, interesting or enjoyable. If this exact game had been released as a new character, it wouldn't have received such high scores. WAY TOO MUCH of the game consisted of repetitive, mindless button mashing. The fighting sequences were just so repetitive and dumb. I don't see how a game that has so much button mashing could get such high scores. There were entire 5-10 minute stretches of this game where all I did was mash attack buttons until my thumbs were tired - how is that interesting or enjoyable? I liked the stealth sections, because at least then I had to think and use some strategy...I wish more of the game relied on stealth and strategy, and less of it relied on mashing buttons - a monkey could do that crap. I wish game developers would stop dumbing down their games just to appeal to the limited abilities of 10-year-olds and mentally challenged adults.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. DeadshotCRYSIS
    Oct 13, 2011
    9
    I'm very sceptical about superhero games. When it was first announced, I was impressed with the trailer but not sure if the game would live up to hype the trailer produced. Fortunately, RockSteady was able to deliver the best superhero game to date (Batman Arkham City not included) and one of the best experiences of 2009. From the incredible visuals, the fluid combat system, the tacticalI'm very sceptical about superhero games. When it was first announced, I was impressed with the trailer but not sure if the game would live up to hype the trailer produced. Fortunately, RockSteady was able to deliver the best superhero game to date (Batman Arkham City not included) and one of the best experiences of 2009. From the incredible visuals, the fluid combat system, the tactical stealth and the interesting presentation/background to the supervillians and superheroes, Batman Arkham Asylum is a must play.… Expand
  9. TF_94
    Oct 7, 2011
    9
    This game is very spectacular! It is great because unlike many other similar games, in Batman AA fighting is very addictive.
    Then, don't forget this is a 2009 game and it's one of the best games ever: the story takes you until the end, by the favor of an incredible graphic.
  10. detroithardcore
    Sep 14, 2011
    9
    I can honestly say there has never truly been a great Batman game until this arrived. I've played most iterations of the dark knights games, stretching all the way back to the days of the original Nintendo!

    The visuals in this game are downright stunning, and the atmosphere is plucked right out of a movie set. The characters all look great, and the levels themselves will give you a real    I can honestly say there has never truly been a great Batman game until this arrived. I've played most iterations of the dark knights games, stretching all the way back to the days of the original Nintendo!

    The visuals in this game are downright stunning, and the atmosphere is plucked right out of a movie set. The characters all look great, and the levels themselves will give you a real sense of dread when you enter areas like the sewers Killer Croc roams, or the morgue.

    The controls are very intuitive, but the combo system can take some serious getting used to. There were some trophies for doing giant combos that I feel are nearly impossible. None of this will detract from the game too much though, because the combat is tight and the gadgets all work great!

    Lots of side quests will keep you going for hours, like solving Riddles. Locating hidden items, and separate game modes like challenge modes really keep the replay value high.

    If ever there was an action adventure game you should go right out and buy this is one of them. The game has quite a few jaw dropping moments, that you'll certainly be telling your friends about.

    The game has been out for a long time now and the sequel is about to be released, so you can find it relatively cheap. This game is worth every penny you spend on it, and an adventure you'll be glad you paid to be a part of!    … Expand
  11. Paulo_RS
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    I had play many batman games before this one, and never liked very much. Then I bought the game for curiosity, and I am very happy to say: "this is the best game of action-adventure ever made". I spend hours trying to resolve the "puzzles in the game, but I liked , it was action and intrigue from the first to the last moment. I recommend and , I think that every body should try it.
  12. 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
  13. kitsoon
    Aug 25, 2011
    9
    This game makes you feel like a badass, makes you feel like you're Batman. The combat system is cool and kind of like God of War. Stealth is a big part of this game, which I enjoy intensely. The only criticism I have for this game is that you can turn on bat vision or whatever its called, which allows you to see through walls and enemies are highlighted, there's really no reason to everThis game makes you feel like a badass, makes you feel like you're Batman. The combat system is cool and kind of like God of War. Stealth is a big part of this game, which I enjoy intensely. The only criticism I have for this game is that you can turn on bat vision or whatever its called, which allows you to see through walls and enemies are highlighted, there's really no reason to ever turn this off! This is too bad because the graphics/artstyle is great and will be wasted because of this.… Expand
  14. xXRenTyrellXx
    Aug 23, 2011
    9
    I think I speak for most gamers, when I say how surprised I am how this game turned out. I mean, the most we would expect, is for it to be at least a decent game. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bagging on Batman himself, he is after all my favorite "super hero" of them all. It's just, this game turned out to be really, really good, a huge success. A game worth playing again and again, toI think I speak for most gamers, when I say how surprised I am how this game turned out. I mean, the most we would expect, is for it to be at least a decent game. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bagging on Batman himself, he is after all my favorite "super hero" of them all. It's just, this game turned out to be really, really good, a huge success. A game worth playing again and again, to relive the very entertaining campaign.… Expand
  15. mearshall
    Aug 13, 2011
    10
    The BEST superhero game out there. The gameplay is fantastic and the graphics are nice and crisp. I did find the lack of Online challenges a bit poor but maybe they will sort that with City. All in all a great game and worth a 9 in my book.
  16. Penisvanlesbian
    Jul 30, 2011
    9
    Really good game but I had a couple of gripes. The detective mode basically allowed you to cheat and the combat was too easy and the [spoiler] lunatics were just plain annoying. However, the combat looked really good, the game was fun and an amazing stealth game. 9 out of 10.
  17. kissnaffe
    Jul 20, 2011
    8
    Maybe the best beat em up/sneak on em games of its generation. The atmosphere, the story, will get you going. One, if the best, Batman games ever made.

    GG Batman!
  18. bowlesy101
    Jul 15, 2011
    9
    Batman: Arkham Asylum is a great game. The gameplay is great with a solid fighting system and the gadgets are pretty sick. The story is great with Arkham giving nice thriller settling which will have you on the edge of your seat for most of the time. The graphics are great and it really complements the Asylum's gothic look, and its a great way to bring in all the villain into the story.Batman: Arkham Asylum is a great game. The gameplay is great with a solid fighting system and the gadgets are pretty sick. The story is great with Arkham giving nice thriller settling which will have you on the edge of your seat for most of the time. The graphics are great and it really complements the Asylum's gothic look, and its a great way to bring in all the villain into the story. But one of the boss fights I found really tedious and some of the puzzles aren't explained properly which was annoying. But this is truly a great game with the Caped Crusader.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. mattonify
    Jul 7, 2011
    5
    I'm sorry but there's really only a one good thing about this game, its story but that is truly captivating but when you have finished that you know where all the hidey holes are, you know where all the routes through are and i have just put it down and not played it for months.
  21. Lieufa
    Jul 3, 2011
    9
    It's a general rule that games which borrow superhero characters as their central protagonist will not be taken well by players. While the voice actor for Batman seemed exaggeratedly monotonous, and the Joker was exceedingly 'high-strung', I was still legitimately enjoying Arkham Asylum as the Platinum trophy appeared on my screen. For me, the one shortcoming is that the game was notIt's a general rule that games which borrow superhero characters as their central protagonist will not be taken well by players. While the voice actor for Batman seemed exaggeratedly monotonous, and the Joker was exceedingly 'high-strung', I was still legitimately enjoying Arkham Asylum as the Platinum trophy appeared on my screen. For me, the one shortcoming is that the game was not nearly as psychologically thrilling as the graphic novel of the same name, but that's subjective to the player's interests. With its intriguing collectibles and a near perfect juxtaposition of stalking sections against combat sections, this is one of the 'do-not-miss' titles for the PlayStation 3.… Expand
  22. DemonWithin
    Jun 1, 2011
    10
    Besides the SNES game The Adventures of Batman and Robin this is the BEST Batman game I have ever played. The combat is a blast and never got old I played the combat challenges over and over just to experience all the moves and excitment of it.I'm so glad they added the challenges to show off the combat engine.Only downfall I had of the game was the detective vison. Once you turn it on youBesides the SNES game The Adventures of Batman and Robin this is the BEST Batman game I have ever played. The combat is a blast and never got old I played the combat challenges over and over just to experience all the moves and excitment of it.I'm so glad they added the challenges to show off the combat engine.Only downfall I had of the game was the detective vison. Once you turn it on you pretty much leave it on to see the enemies.I tried to play without it but found myself leaving it on 90% of the time.10/10 if you haven't played it,you're missing out on the best Batman game ever.… Expand
  23. coolev
    May 18, 2011
    8
    This game was a big surprise. I least expected a DC game this good, since I'm a marvel fan. Very long, challenging, you'll return to it always. I recommend it.
  24. jpresario82
    May 12, 2011
    10
    Are you kidding me? This was one of the best games of 2009. It actually feels like a throwback to classic Super Metroid's awesome exploration and I love it. Prior to this game I couldn't remember the last time a game grabbed me and got me excited to finish it. My only complaint would be the lack of reward for solving all the RIddler's Puzzles, but at least they were fun to solve!
  25. 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
  26. ChildOWilDo
    May 1, 2011
    10
    FINALLY! Detective aspect: check
    Awesome gadgets: check
    Memorable characters: check
    Fun storyline: check
    Kick-a$$ moves: check
    Batmobile: check
    Batcave: check!!!
    No Robin: CHECK
  27. gm101
    Apr 23, 2011
    9
    Wow, just awesome! As a Batman fan, I'm glad to say that this is a very good game. It's like they mixed the best parts of Batman: The Animated Series and The Dark Knight to create this wonderful game. The only complaint I have was that you could sometimes get lost, not knowing were you have to go next, but don't let that complaint bring your enjoyment down. Go buy this game now!
  28. 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
  29. will321
    Mar 22, 2011
    10
    This is by far the best batman game of all time and is with in my top three for the PS3. I mean come on, what more could a batman fan ask for, Joker, Quinn, Killer Croc, Scarecrow, Poison Ive, Zasz, even the Riddler gives you challenges beyond that of many other games. And of course, beating up all of the henchmen never gets old. Batman Arkham Asylum rocks!
  30. starlet025
    Mar 19, 2011
    9
    The measure of a great game for me as apposed to a good game or a not so good game is whether it stays with me for good or whether it goes on an auction website. Lets just say I won't be selling Batman Arkham Asylum as I enjoyed it immensely. Right from the word go you plunge straight into the action and from then on it's a roller coaster ride to the finish. The voice acting for almostThe measure of a great game for me as apposed to a good game or a not so good game is whether it stays with me for good or whether it goes on an auction website. Lets just say I won't be selling Batman Arkham Asylum as I enjoyed it immensely. Right from the word go you plunge straight into the action and from then on it's a roller coaster ride to the finish. The voice acting for almost all of the main characters is excellent, especially the Joker and the whole atmosphere of the game is spot on for a gritty, dark, superhero game. I won't spoil anything for those who haven't played it but the gameplay and cut scenes for one of the villains whenever he turned up were so much fun I actually looked forward to his next appearance! Also the inventive strategies you sometimes have to use to deal with the goons is great and using any of the Batman gadgets, a joy. The only reason I didn't give it a ten was the boss fight at the end was slightly disappointing and at one point the game bugged so I couldn't get through a door and had to restart the Playstation but overall these were only minor points and if I could give it a 9.5 I would, but as it is this game is brilliant and I tip my hat to those that worked so hard to bring us such a wonderful game.… Expand
Page:

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 »