Batman: Arkham City

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3542 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,153 out of 3542
  2. Mixed: 236 out of 3542
  3. Negative: 153 out of 3542
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  1. EHansen14
    Jun 4, 2015
    9
    The sequel to one of the most beloved superhero games of all time, Batman: Arkham City brings a new open world to go along with many more overall improvements. But how does it stack up? In this review I will be giving my opinions and ratings on the following: Gameplay, Story, Sound, Graphics, Last Impressions, and this will be summed up in my final score.

    Gameplay: 9.5/10 - Arkham City    The sequel to one of the most beloved superhero games of all time, Batman: Arkham City brings a new open world to go along with many more overall improvements. But how does it stack up? In this review I will be giving my opinions and ratings on the following: Gameplay, Story, Sound, Graphics, Last Impressions, and this will be summed up in my final score.

    Gameplay: 9.5/10
    - Arkham City brings back the popular free flow combat system from the first game. New this time, is the open world "Arkham City" for you to explore. The game gives much more freedom than the first did and gliding through the skies never felt better. The scale feels much larger and with this, larger scale fights will also be apparent right from the start. Batman controls just as well as in the first game, and the game plays very much the same overall.

    Story: 9/10
    - Again an original story was made by Rocksteady, and again they delivered. The tale is dark and expansive, reappearing are some foes from the first game to go along with many new ones. The cutscenes are well done and the game tells an interesting story. The ending is a bold move by Rocksteady, one that I think will pay off.

    Sound: 8.5/10
    - Sound is good yet again, with excellent voice acting and music. Many of the sound effects are the same as the first game, which is to be expected when doing the same moves. Some of the common thugs you recycled voices, which can at times be very apparent.

    Graphics: 9/10
    - The game looks excellent, improved from the already great looking Arkham Asylum. Gameplay runs fluidly and with a much larger scale to the game, it is an impressive feat. Combat yet again looks seemless. Overuse of "Detective Mode" can really take away from the beauty of many areas, so take my advice and don't overuse it!

    Last Impressions:
    - Batman Arkham City is an excellent sequel, as well as an excellent standalone game. The original doesn't need to be played to understand this, but veteran Arkham players will enjoy the continuation of the Dark Knight's tale. The game is fun to play and tells a new story which Batman fans will enjoy. I recommend this game to anyone who enjoyed the first game and to anyone who just likes Batman in general.

    Final Score: 9/10    … Expand
  2. BeanTheDuck
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    Arkham City proves to be not only the best batman game but one of the best games ever because of it's engaging story, freeflowing combat and great graphics that can now be seen because you don't need detective mode as much.
  3. tsakiym
    May 25, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  4. abraham_b
    May 4, 2015
    10
    I completed this game about 3-4 days after purchasing it and that doesn't mean it's a short game or anything; I just couldn't put the controller down.
  5. gamingfanatic
    Apr 9, 2015
    10
    The greatest game i have ever played is Batman Arkham City because not only for a fantastic open-world that has been given to us but the gripping story that sticks with you even after you have finished the game. Arkham City is full of life and challenges like the memorable Riddler Challenges back bigger than ever. I love it how Rocksteady takes their time with the Arkham Games and i amThe greatest game i have ever played is Batman Arkham City because not only for a fantastic open-world that has been given to us but the gripping story that sticks with you even after you have finished the game. Arkham City is full of life and challenges like the memorable Riddler Challenges back bigger than ever. I love it how Rocksteady takes their time with the Arkham Games and i am anticipating Arkham Knight. This also takes the top spot for me because of the incredible voice acting and dedication put into the entire project. i recommend that any fan of Batman, DC Universe or any links that hasn't played this game in the past 4 years to go and buy yourself a copy with the Harley Quinn's Revenge DLC and the Skin packs for the experience that this game has to offer.… Expand
  6. DailySalesman
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    Now this game just surprised me. Arkham City surpassed all my expectations and it has become what I believe to be one of the best video games I've ever played. This may well be one of the best things that ever happened to Batman after The Dark Knight trilogy. The gameplay we've come to know and love from the Arkham series has been refined and refurbished to where I can simply not imagine aNow this game just surprised me. Arkham City surpassed all my expectations and it has become what I believe to be one of the best video games I've ever played. This may well be one of the best things that ever happened to Batman after The Dark Knight trilogy. The gameplay we've come to know and love from the Arkham series has been refined and refurbished to where I can simply not imagine a better Arkham experience.… Expand
  7. SovietUnion38
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Это прекрасная, воистину велеколепная игра. На данный момент, как я считаю, самая лучшая игра в своём жанре, из ближайших конкурентов - только batman arkham knight.

    [Сюжет] Прекрасное введение в сюжет. Столько "оргазмов" я не испытывал ни разу ни в одной игре. Возникновение столько количества вопросов с самого начала игры, и эпичность всего происходящего. Самое лучше введение в мире.    Это прекрасная, воистину велеколепная игра. На данный момент, как я считаю, самая лучшая игра в своём жанре, из ближайших конкурентов - только batman arkham knight.

    [Сюжет]
    Прекрасное введение в сюжет. Столько "оргазмов" я не испытывал ни разу ни в одной игре. Возникновение столько количества вопросов с самого начала игры, и эпичность всего происходящего. Самое лучше введение в мире.

    Хотя сам сюжет мне не очень понравился [спойлеры] нелогичностью некоторых вещей, к примеру: бэтмен как-то слишком долго узнаёт о протоколе 10.
    Армия Рас аль Гула - слишком лишнее и глупое в игре, ну зачем устраивать ВСЁ это чтобы склонить бэтса командовать армией ассассинов, которая должна "очистить мир". Есть же множество иных, более эффективных и дешёвых способов "очистить мир".
    Да и сам, раз уж на то пошло, протокол 10 - уничтожать город с помощью ракет из лёгких вертолётов. Можно же, в конце концов, было придумать что-нибудь более крутое про протокол 10 (крутому названию протокола 10 должно соответствовать крутое действие), например отравить весь город смертельным газом или подождать, когда сформируются полностью криминальные группировки (люди Джокера, Пингвина, Двуликого и Ядовитого Плюща) и дать им оружие на междоусобицы, вариантов много, но оригинальный вариант в игре - нелеп.

    [система боя]
    Система ближнего боя, точнее типичной драки превосходна, идеальна, бэтмен знает и отлично реализует огромное множество различных приёмов и связок. Выглядит всё это очень круто и мотивационно - аж сам хочешь пойти на единоборства.

    Но система тихой нейтрализации врагов с горячим оружием не очень, например враги с оружием не видят вас, иногда, почти в упор или на довольно-таки близком расстоянии (6-7 метров и более), у них полностью отсутствует переферийное зрение, и угол обзора около 90 градусов. Всё бы ничего, но на тяжёлом уровне сложности хочется больше реализма в этом плане. Одним словом, главный минус - слепота противников с горячим оружием.
    Но всё же обезвреживать их очень интересно, хоть и потом становится легко, даже врагов с тепловизорами, глушилками и минами.

    [прорисовка города]

    Невероятно красивый город, архитектура жилых, максимум ~10 этажных, зданий превосходно выдержана в американском послевоенном стиле. Старый город (хотя это не город Аркхем, а район Готэма) выполнен невероятно красиво: сам район Аркхем, разделённый построенной стеной, с одной стороны которой концентрационный лагерь, с другой - всё еще жилая часть района, контрастирует на фоне высоких красивых небоскрёбов и сочитается с тёмным, мрачным небом и огромной луной (фишка разработчиков).
    Не знаю, кто проектировал этот город и строил его, но этот человек/группа людей заслуживает отдельного огромного уважения.

    [музыка]

    Самое главное в игре. В небоевом режиме музыка отлично подходит под мрачный криминальный город. Думаю, что каждый игравший в AC обязан знать этого композитора Nick Arundel. Его музыка из предыдущей части не очень, а в AC - триумф.

    Его самые лучшие композиции:
    You need it through (до 1:42)
    Refusial will not be tolerated
    Have you gaot my location
    Whoam! Gotcha! и другие..

    Интересный факт: название песен взято из диалога между бэтменом и другими персонажами.

    [баги]

    Количество багов в игре можно сосчитать по пальцам, из практически нет.

    [требования]

    Мой старый моноблок mac на macOS тянет игру на максимальных настройках со стабильными 60 fps, ни разу не лагал, ни разу не вылетал, но один раз, после 10 часового марафона, не прогрузил текстуры фасада здания.

    [пожелания]

    Ответсти вооружённых бандитов к окулисту, добавить режим "кошмарный" или что-то типа того, выпустить дополнения, добавляющее дополнительные дополнительные задания и расширяющие город "за пределы" стены, и добавить чуть-чуть игры за Брюса Уэйна "на гражданке", типа на конференциии, встречи или поболтать с Альфредом для разбавления (немного глупо звучит).

    Самая лучшая игра своего жанра. Rocksteady рулят.    … Expand
  8. emlugo123
    Feb 22, 2015
    9
    The combat is so simple yet so addicting. One hit of the square button after finishing a 10-12 combo has never felt so satisfying. The only problem in this game is the grapple hook, as sometimes it can be inaccurate and annoying.
  9. Daniel_x2
    Feb 22, 2015
    6
    Después del impresionante Arkham assylum este juego me parecio muy forzado. Las mecánicas del juego son sumamente similares a su predecesor ademas de que el mundo abierto , hizo que el juego perdiera ese sentimiento de nerviosismo e impacto que desprendía su pre cuela. Aunque el juego tiene momentos memorables, siento que el juego deja mucho que desear al buscar sitios y enfrentarte conDespués del impresionante Arkham assylum este juego me parecio muy forzado. Las mecánicas del juego son sumamente similares a su predecesor ademas de que el mundo abierto , hizo que el juego perdiera ese sentimiento de nerviosismo e impacto que desprendía su pre cuela. Aunque el juego tiene momentos memorables, siento que el juego deja mucho que desear al buscar sitios y enfrentarte con enemigos que una vez derrotados, mágicamente vuelven a aparecer si te das la vuelta.
    El juego esta vez pierde ese sentimiento de survival que tenia el primer titulo ya que en la ciudad puedes huir si te va mal en un combate.Lo mejor del titulo son sin duda los ultimos momentos donde aparece una extraña coalición de enemigos: Aunque para ser honestos el juego parece que salio sin idea de como manejar una secuela y mucho menos una historia por que el argumento desaparece cuando metes a tantos rivales de Batman en un solo juego.

    Lo peor del juego es su sistema de batallas: Que si bien emula a su pre cuela, en esta ocasión, peleas tantas veces que acabas odiando pelear con los criminales de ciudad Gotica(Arkham).

    Si quieren un buen juego de Batman les recomiendo la pecuela de este titulo que es Arkham Assylum y Batman de NES, pero este titulo se gano mi rabia desde que se hizo tan cansado y repetitivo. No me intereso en lo mas minimo re jugarlo ya que como lo mencione sus mecánicas son sumamente fastidiosas.    … Expand
  10. notmichael
    Jan 31, 2015
    10
    Probably one of the best games of all time. Takes the formula from first game and refines it, adds in a true open world setting, makes you feel like the Batman. The Riddlers Revenge challenge maps will drive you crazy (in a good way). Would also recommend the Nightwing DLC - quite a fun character to play.
  11. TheLastColossus
    Jan 29, 2015
    10
    Arkham Knight has the potential to be even better than this game, and that says alot about how great this game was, so I hope Arkham Knight surpasses this game's greatness and becomes the best of them all so it can be the best way to out with the amazing Arkham trilogy.
  12. ctn1187
    Jan 28, 2015
    10
    I am a die-hard Batman fan. I have a damn Batman tattoo on my leg. I am also an avid gamer. This isn't just the ideal Batman game, it was one of the best video games I have ever played period. Tremendous game that I have completed multiple times
  13. DudeUnknown
    Jan 1, 2015
    10
    Amazing game. I'm so excited for Arkham Knight. Honestly, it's not exactly my type of game, but it still caught my breath. After the story, there isn't much to do, honestly, but the campaign is great. Awesome storyline too. It's interesting how the amount of time taken to beat the game is about how long it is in the game.
  14. WheelzFourReelz
    Dec 30, 2014
    10
    This game has the same great gameplay and dark setting as the first game and added an open world that's a lot of fun to explore and a story that grips you at every turn. This truly is a masterpiece.
  15. skulltulainahat
    Dec 14, 2014
    9
    Arkham City has to be the best Batman game I've ever played. It truly captures the essence of Batman. You really feel like you're the Caped Crusader here. Most everything about this game is great, from the combat, to the boss battles, to the story, and the voice acting. The only complaint I have is that the city itself wasn't terribly interesting. And while it is fitting in a Batman game,Arkham City has to be the best Batman game I've ever played. It truly captures the essence of Batman. You really feel like you're the Caped Crusader here. Most everything about this game is great, from the combat, to the boss battles, to the story, and the voice acting. The only complaint I have is that the city itself wasn't terribly interesting. And while it is fitting in a Batman game, the city was still fairly boring to traverse through. Nonetheless, if you still haven't played Arkham City, I'd say it's a must buy for sure.… Expand
  16. lordofdicks
    Nov 20, 2014
    10
    Man, the best superhero action game i have played so far !!! sublime!!! go get it instead of shadow of mordor or wolfenstein new order,,, yuck man, those 2 smell **** .thanks
  17. arruu
    Nov 3, 2014
    10
    An instant classic. One of my favourite games ever, and the best batman game by far. Outstanding graphics and concept art, beautifully voice acted, unbelievable music score, epic story, flawless mechanics, long gameplay, high replayability. I just couldnt ask anything more from a game.
    Love it.
  18. thunderball001
    Oct 25, 2014
    6
    Arkham Asylum(AA) was one of my most favourite game ever. hands down. loved the **** of it. one its batman. two you have batman tools. third you got some bad guys to mess about with and to scare the **** out of them. but it lacked that special something so me and cousin spoke about it would be cool if it was free roam and well... heres Arkham city(AC). exactly what we wanted but is it?Arkham Asylum(AA) was one of my most favourite game ever. hands down. loved the **** of it. one its batman. two you have batman tools. third you got some bad guys to mess about with and to scare the **** out of them. but it lacked that special something so me and cousin spoke about it would be cool if it was free roam and well... heres Arkham city(AC). exactly what we wanted but is it?

    AA was a linear semi sort of free roam which was limited compared with an open world gotham in AC. you would think free roam is better but I did not find it was. AA was based on the structure of going into separate rooms and taking out bad guys in various ways including stealth, tools or just Rambo jumbo. almost like a puzzle where there was more than one answer. to keep it sweet you would face some fight parts and had a bane fight where had to work how to kill him. I loved that. freedom to be creative but within a limited space. I thought AC would give me that unlimited space but I felt that STRUCTURE was torn apart in a free roam game. you would find you just go around hitting random guys on the street. thats the difference. the structure disappeared. don't get me wrong. you can still use tools. its fun to glide around the city but I thought I felt a bit lost. I like it. you still get sections of bad guys to take down but it just didn't fit with me to run around for no reason. just smahing the x button to kill even though the fighting system is actually very sexy but repitive. thats what AA was good at. keeping me interested by breaking up the parts of the game. AC failed to keep me entertained for long enough.

    my cousin enjoyed it but still thinks AA was better. I mean if you like batman go for it. if you liked AA go for it. great game that does deserve the amazing reviews it got but it didn't use quite the same recipe as AA. they decided to add some nuts to my cake it seems.(and l don't like nuts). the only reason im giving this a 6 is so people who look for mixed reviews of this game will see mine. in reality I would give this a good solid 7 and maybe a 7.5.    … Expand
  19. Syriamn
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    Batman: Arkham Asylum was a master piece when it came out. Arkham City made Arkham Asylum small. Need i say more? It´s the ultimate Batman experience.
    STORY AND CHARACTERS: With so many story background in the Batman universe how could it go wrong? Some new fighting villains and NPC's are also welcome.
    PRESENTATION: The dark feel to the game that Rocksteady presented us in AA is    Batman: Arkham Asylum was a master piece when it came out. Arkham City made Arkham Asylum small. Need i say more? It´s the ultimate Batman experience.
    STORY AND CHARACTERS: With so many story background in the Batman universe how could it go wrong? Some new fighting villains and NPC's are also welcome.
    PRESENTATION: The dark feel to the game that Rocksteady presented us in AA is augmented in this installment which is to say that they managed to improve perfection.
    GAMEPLAY: New NPC's aside there are some tweaks in the combat system. Not much because it was already awesome.
    PROGRESSION: Same as AA. You get throughout the campaign new gadgets that are improved with the XP earning. Didn't find that much difference.
    ONLINE: Unexisting. No problem with that. For me Batman AC it's a solo experience. Anything different than that would probably ruin the game.
    Batman AC delivered a better experience than is predecessor which is to say a lot. One of the best PS3 games.    … Expand
  20. Jones99
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    The voice actors did a fantastic job at voicing the characters Kevin Conroy will always be in my eyes batman and other voice actors like Mark Hamill, Troy Baker, Tara Strong, Grey Delisle, Fred Tastacoire, Steve Blum did a amazing of portraying the characters.
  21. run
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    This is an excellent game in all respects; and ultimately is an achievement for the industry itself. The graphics, story, voice acting were all brilliantly executed; and this game features some of the best action gameplay of all time.
  22. Sebas236
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    Graphics: 10 Gameplay: 10 Fun: 10 Controls: 10 Ease to Learn: 9.5 Story: 9.5 Length: 9.5 Re-play: 10 Audio: 10 Bugs/Glitches none. Maybe my fave game of all time
  23. Deusex
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    Simply one of the best games period. Now obviously you'll play this game all the more likely if you like Batman, and these days most people do. And Rocksteady did not disappoint. They didn't just create the best Batman game of all time, but also one of the best games period. This is why.
    Pros:
    - True to D.C. It knows it's roots, it's original friendly, all of batman's skills, gadgets etc    Simply one of the best games period. Now obviously you'll play this game all the more likely if you like Batman, and these days most people do. And Rocksteady did not disappoint. They didn't just create the best Batman game of all time, but also one of the best games period. This is why.
    Pros:
    - True to D.C. It knows it's roots, it's original friendly, all of batman's skills, gadgets etc is all what you'd expect and nothing bizarre.
    - gameplay- the fighting system in this game is very extensive, all these combinations which surprisingly easy to remember, which you'll use to win. It's fun, challenging, and plain cool. The dodges, counters, strikes, combos, evades, and all the cool gadget you'd use like batarang, electrical shock etc. the gliding is great, the Riddler puzzles are great. Just so much to talk about!

    - the graphics are great, the colourful but bleak world is amazing. While on paper the map isn't the biggest, there's so many secret passages, it becomes quite large. It's not a empty place either, quality over quantity.

    Any bad? No actually. The story is amazing, it's fun to play, it's rewarding!
    Just play this game! If you liked Asylum you'll love this!    … Expand
  24. IAMGEOFFREY
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    This game... is... amazing! It's one of my favourite games of all time! I love the Story, I love the Graphics, I love the Free roam I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS GAME ITS A MASTERPIECE! When batman Arkham Asylum came out and I played it I was like, You cant get better than this, This is amazing! Then I got Arkham City... and boy I couldn't have been more wrong!
  25. bigboss1964
    Aug 29, 2014
    9
    Batman:Arkham City

    Game-play:Almost the same as the first game but this is not bad it have some small changes it gives you more opportunities of stealth a bigger and more open map this is open world game same new gadgets and new upgrades and combos.Also it let you play as cat woman in 4 missions and the missions are well made especially the last one Story:Awsome story it have some    Batman:Arkham City

    Game-play:Almost the same as the first game but this is not bad it have some small changes it gives you more opportunities of stealth a bigger and more open map this is open world game same new gadgets and new upgrades and combos.Also it let you play as cat woman in 4 missions and the missions are well made especially the last one

    Story:Awsome story it have some great villains like mr freeze,penguin,two face,ras al ghul,doctor strange,clay face and do not forget joker.The story will take you around 8 to 9 hours.

    Graphics:Well made graphics with detail.

    Notes:Awsome game i really love it the side missions are very good and the collectibles are to gather the only reason i give this game a 9 out of 10 is because i think it rash into the story very fast if they could take some time to build the story around a little more it would be a 10 out of 10    … Expand
  26. Brainstorm123
    Aug 28, 2014
    9
    Arkham City will be hard to top. I mean, with great graphics, greatly improved (And still fantastic!) combat, and one of the best rogues galleries I know of, with villains like Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, Ra's al Ghul, Zsasz and The Riddler, it is unforgettable. The stealth feels great, and it has one of the greatest boss battles EVER in Mr. Freeze, which has you using critical thinking. IArkham City will be hard to top. I mean, with great graphics, greatly improved (And still fantastic!) combat, and one of the best rogues galleries I know of, with villains like Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, Ra's al Ghul, Zsasz and The Riddler, it is unforgettable. The stealth feels great, and it has one of the greatest boss battles EVER in Mr. Freeze, which has you using critical thinking. I only wish they could've made the open world bigger, and more involving. Overall, this game look at superheroes in a new light, and a fantastic new light at that.… Expand
  27. Archangel330
    Aug 22, 2014
    10
    Before this game I thought Batman was just a normal person who can't even go toe to toe with a metahuman but now I see Batman is no way a regular human. His strength level is at the top with Captain America or Deathstroke, he has a genius mind and his detective skills are as good as Sherlock Holmes'. And his fighting skills literally the best on the earth. And in this game you literally beBefore this game I thought Batman was just a normal person who can't even go toe to toe with a metahuman but now I see Batman is no way a regular human. His strength level is at the top with Captain America or Deathstroke, he has a genius mind and his detective skills are as good as Sherlock Holmes'. And his fighting skills literally the best on the earth. And in this game you literally be the "Batman". Amazing writing by Paul Dini and Rocksteady did a great job as well. Why can't all superhero games be like this?!… Expand
  28. AndyClimax
    Aug 12, 2014
    10
    One of the finest games on any platform this generation. Builds on what Asylum established and creates a phenomenal experience of what it's like to be the Bat. Literally dozens of hours of side stuff along with a great story and emotional finale. Cannot recommend highly enough.
  29. Rahsmoove
    Jul 25, 2014
    10
    I don't care how small the map is. The game is amazing. Beautiful Robotics, smart NPC's, a strong story, they made the character unforgettable (Especially The Joker) the combat is the best I've seen in a Super hero game. This game is a must have. Don't listen to the 125 dumbasses, who are giving this game low scores. They just wanted a big open world. Gameplay is what matters.
  30. EzioA88
    Jul 23, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To create the perfect sequel, only two things need to be done. First, the parts that players loved must be kept. Second, the parts that were loathed and needed improvement must be improved. Arkham City does all this and more. It delivers a more compelling story, better, more refined gameplay and an open world that ranks among the best in gaming. It does all this and becomes the greatest licensed game ever while in the process.

    The plot is masterful in its approach to storytelling. Of course it's another "Joker trying to kill Batman" plot, but this time things have changed. The clown prince is dying and he wants to go out with a bang by killing the dark knight once and for all. There's another catch- he's doing all of this in prison, where Bats is stationed as well. Arkham City is a sprawling mega prison where the villains are free to do what they want, so long as it doesn't impact New Gotham. Of course, that won't stay and this becomes apparent as Bruce Wayne is captured by the men of Hugo Strange and thrown into the deadly place. He soon suits up and begins to go after the villains causing havoc. Two-Face runs the court district, while Penguin is stationed around the shopping centre and museum and Joker has turned the Industrial District into a demented amusement park. Other villains also show up throughout the campaign, such as Ras Ah Ghul, Mr. Freeze and even Solomon Grundy. The final twist is perfect and the ending is phenomenal. Rocksteady have a stern hold over the Bats fiction, as they kill off a character just as important as the hero himself- that character being poor ol' Jokes.

    Once you're finished with the rather lengthy campaign, plenty of fun can be had in the open world. It's littered with twice the amount of riddles in Asylum and this time Batman can even die while trying to solve them! There are question mark knockouts, new breakable objects and feats to complete, along with a small amount of well designed hostage situations, where Batman must solve a riddle and save a civilian in danger. The climax is way better than that of Asylum's, as you finally get to knock out Edward Nigma. Riddles aren't the only side activities though. There are plenty of side missions throughout the city, with Deadshot chasing down targets, Bane asking for a favour, a mysterious foe killing inmates and political prisoners getting bashed. It's all fun to play through and the open world is, believe it or not, even better than Arkham Asylum. The amount of detail is astounding and the Easter Eggs show how much time has gone into this. There are cameos, references to sequels and Scarecrow's secret hideout all littered throughout the world. Trust me when I say that there is a lot to find.

    The gameplay is innovative and familiar at the same time. The gliding is one of the coolest things about the game. Launching above the world with your grapnel gun, before swooping down with your cape is an exhilarating experience and is just as fun as proper flying or even web swinging. The combat is another finely tuned part of the game that is recognizable, but a whole lot better than what we got in the original. Attacking, countering and stunning are still big parts of the fighting, but the upgrade system is extensive enough to completely change your approach to the brawling. With takedowns and weapon snaps, the villains won't know what hit them and the new enemy types also help to add variety to the Freeflow encounters. As for stealth, it's also better. Foes can see you in the dark, block your detective vision and stop you from taking them down from behind. But Bats also has new tricks, with better gadgets, a knockout smash and new attacks that would certainly hurt. There are a lot of improvements. New detective mode features; running and sliding; critical hits... Yep, there's a lot!
    Also a big part of the game: CATWOMAN! She brings her own way of getting around and it isn't faster, but it is better for stealth. She also has her own upgrades and feels lighter and deadlier in combat, bringing her own share of brutality. She is best in stealth, able to run up behind enemies and crawl on certain parts of the roof. She only has three gadgets, but they are great to use. She is key to the campaign with her own missions and 40 riddler trophies. She meets Poison Ivy in her second adventure, which is a lovely cameo. In short, Catwoman isn't better than Bats, but she is a change.

    There is also plenty of content in the new challenge mode, with cool new campaign and custom challenges along with more ranked. This adds more to an awesome game, that has simple controls, brilliant, next gen like graphics, a rousing score and voice acting and an amazing story. The amount of content is awesome and the boss battles- the original's worst part- are fixed. Even if you don't like Batman, this is an essential purchase that should not be missed. Once again, you will feel like the Batman. Who doesn't want to be the Batman after all?    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS3 Game of 2011
5
#5 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
1
#1 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Dec 29, 2011
    89
    Arkham City is the best reflection of the Batman-comic books ever. Not because of the sheer amount of famous enemies that challenge our hero, but thanks to the amazing atmosphere that oozes from every pore of this remarkable action game. [Nov 2011, p.70]
  2. Gamer Limit
    Nov 29, 2011
    95
    All in all, outside of a few minor issues, I couldn't ask for a better Batman experience. If Arkham City was a graphic novel, it would be considered a classic.
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  3. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Nov 18, 2011
    100
    Arkham City should be celebrated as a shining achievement for the action-adventure genre for its masterful execution. [Holiday 2011, p.70]
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