Batman: Arkham City

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1926 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,704 out of 1926
  2. Mixed: 125 out of 1926
  3. Negative: 97 out of 1926
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  1. HellzAssassin
    Nov 29, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Batman: Arkham City is the sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum. While Batman: Arkham City adds in tons of new gameplay and content the first game didn't have, Arkham Asylum was a lot more enjoyable if you ask me.

    Arkham City's graphics were polished, story was excellent, and gameplay was phenomenal. However, I didn't like the vibe I got from the game compared to the first one. The entire game just felt like just one big DLC. The game offers a huge area to explore with a bunch of secrets and goodies scattered everywhere, but, it just left a bad taste in my mouth. Another problem with it, at least for me, was that the game is very forgettable. While I remember big ordeals such as Joker dying, I forgot all about Hugo Strange being in the game; let alone being the main villain.

    Another problem, is all of the DLC nonsense. Catwoman's story, which is a BIG part of the actual story, is DLC. There's also useless DLC such as the Nightwing and Robin DLCs. I'm pretty sure I even remember a DLC that's all about what Harley Quinn did after the Joker died. All of this should've been in the game in the first place.

    Overall, however, Arkham City is a fantastic Batman game that any Batman will fall in love with. Personally, I enjoyed the game, but my expectations were not met.    … Expand
  2. flametail23
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    I have already reviewed most of the games I have played this year so far so I thought I would go back and review a few games I played a year or two ago.
    Batman Arkham City is the awesome sequel to the then best superhero game of all time Batman Arkham Asylum. Is this game better than Arkham Asylum? Yes it is, Arkham City improves on all most everything that needed improving from the first    I have already reviewed most of the games I have played this year so far so I thought I would go back and review a few games I played a year or two ago.
    Batman Arkham City is the awesome sequel to the then best superhero game of all time Batman Arkham Asylum. Is this game better than Arkham Asylum? Yes it is, Arkham City improves on all most everything that needed improving from the first game.
    10/10 One of the best games I have ever played    … Expand
  3. peterpace
    Sep 17, 2014
    9
    Bought this game a few months ago in May... Played nothing except BAC till mid-Aug. when I had to pack up my games & console cause of exams... This game is absolutely fantastic & immersing... The story is great & there has been a lot of work put into it in those 2 years from 2009-2011... From Riddler Challenges to the combat, this game is absolutely a masterpiece created by RockSteady...Bought this game a few months ago in May... Played nothing except BAC till mid-Aug. when I had to pack up my games & console cause of exams... This game is absolutely fantastic & immersing... The story is great & there has been a lot of work put into it in those 2 years from 2009-2011... From Riddler Challenges to the combat, this game is absolutely a masterpiece created by RockSteady... The AI is super intelligent... The graphics are satisfying seeing what a 2011 game should look like... I really fell in love with the Batman franchise... All thanks to this game... One of the best games I've ever played
    A few cons that I noted were the unresponsive counter button(sometimes) which caused me to die as Batman many times, a few glitches(very minor) For eg: I got stuck on a helicopter during the campaign & wasn't able to proceed further... But sorted it out when I quit the game & restarted it... Boss battles are nothing special... But my most favorite boss battle was against Ra's Al Ghul... Great replay ability, loads of content... One more special feature... Arkham City may not be as big as open worlds in GTA games... But is very deep & there is a lot of stuff to do & explore... Proud of RockSteady... Greatest job ever done by you guys at RockSteady... Hope Arkham Knight to be a huge success & the best installment in the Arkham series!    … Expand
  4. ChristianDiaz
    Sep 14, 2014
    9
    With intense combat, epic story telling, and more varieties of challenges than before, Batman: Arkham City is an astounding follow up to an already excellent predecessor.
  5. PatrykG
    Aug 18, 2014
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well everybody loved Arkham Asylum back when it came out it, it was considered the best superhero game of all time, then it was announced that a sequel, Batman: Arkham City was gonna come out. I was just as excited as everyone else. And when I heard everyone say it was better than Asylum, it didn't suprise me because unlike in movies, in video games sequels 99% of the time are better than the first. So I ignored it all and bought this game and - I was really underwhelmed by it, I was actually kind of shocked. Im sorry but Arkham City is overrated. Whether you agree or not here it goes......first of all this game is obviously and open world game, so you can go over the city and do side missions, collect riddler trophies and go on the main story but when you complete everything which doesn't take long, you are left nothing to do except for fighting the same thugs over and over again. Then you have the story which for the most part is good but then there is that needless filler like when you have to go to Mr Freeze to get the cure but all of a sudden you have to take down penguin but then before you can you have to disable 3 jamming devices all over the city just to open a door, then when you finally go to stop penguin, you have to rescue some guards and then get a gadget from Freeze that stops his weapons so then Batman goes to stop Penguin but has to fight Solomon Grundy which is again another problem, all the villains in the game aren't focused, Hugo Strange the supposedly main villain is not much in the game, Two Face is in the game for a short time and so is Joker and Penguin and Clayface etc. Which begs the question who is the main villain in this game, Strange ? No he was just a puppet for the most underwhelming plan, it turns out Ra's Al Ghul was the main villain and is quickly killed off, then Joker shows up again and tries to kill Batman's girlfriend but it turns out he was actually Clayface and I can't believe despite all the obvious clues nobody saw it coming except for me. The whole Protocol Ten is the plan to kill the criminals in the City it was just as silly as in Batman Begins but whatever, then there are parts in this game where you dont even know where to go. The boss battles haven't improved much except for the Mr Freeze boss battle. Also all that mystery that was in Arkham Asylum is lacking in Arkham City sure there is some but there isn't much. The side missions are disappointing because half of them are just set ups for Arkham Knight. Oh and Catwoman being a DLC is a middle finger to all those who don't have Xbox Live. So by now you probably think I hate the game but I actually think its decent. The combat is great, the ending is really good and so is the voice acting, and the gameplay is great. So I think Arkham City is the worst of the Arkham games, even worse than Origins. 4/10… Expand
  6. awesomenaut777
    Aug 17, 2014
    10
    Batman is one of the most well-known and superheroes ever created, and until Arkham Asylum, hadn't been portrayed in a video game properly. Arkham City does everything Asylum did, but bigger and better. The story, characters, gameplay, everything is just superb in this game. Gliding and grappling is fluent, and you just feel like you should as batman.
  7. lordT
    Aug 1, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Officially the best superhero game EVER!

    The new combat mechanics are like, making a high end Ferrari car even more faster, the voice acting is superb, thanks to old time veterans Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as Batman and The Joker, the story is even better than Asylum's story (Yeah I know, try to imagine). But it is the main villain, Hugo Strange, that makes this game work. The guy just plays it flawlessly. Oh yeah and the ending might shock you a little bit.

    So if you are looking for a open world superhero game that actually works, we got the game for you. Go out and try it, I recommend it to everyone. Comic book nerds(like my self) will love it, and the non comic book nerds will learn the franchise and also love it!    … Expand
  8. 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.
  9. EmblinGaming
    Jul 20, 2014
    10
    Batman: Arkham City is undoubtedly the best superhero game I have ever played. It features so many of Batman's most notorious villiains, like Two-Face, Penguin, and The Joker, and each one has their own specific part in the story. Combined with really cool collectibles, incredible boss fights, and a brilliantly designed environment, Arkham City is really in a league of it's own. But theBatman: Arkham City is undoubtedly the best superhero game I have ever played. It features so many of Batman's most notorious villiains, like Two-Face, Penguin, and The Joker, and each one has their own specific part in the story. Combined with really cool collectibles, incredible boss fights, and a brilliantly designed environment, Arkham City is really in a league of it's own. But the best thing about the experience is that you really feel like Batman, having a wide variety of gadgets to use and being able to take several approaches to combat. A truly fantastic game, worth every penny of it's asking price.… Expand
  10. MargaretL
    Jun 17, 2014
    9
    Love the dark atmosphere and the freedom to explore (although open world can be boring). Good story. Love to hunt the goons and hide in the shadows.
  11. paradox51
    May 23, 2014
    10
    As a raging bat-fanatic, Batman: Arkham City is everything I could've hoped for. Intense, fluid combat. A menagerie of some great villains. The best story I've seen in a superhero videogame. And an open world that's full of secrets to find. A must play.
  12. mowino
    Apr 8, 2014
    10
    Sequels to a game can be a challenge for some but when your a company as bold as Rocksteady Studios it comes natural to them. Its predecessor is labelled one of the best superhero games of our time from its combat system to its sheer scope and setting of the Asylum. Well what if I told you Arkham City is a far more diverse game from a stunning roster including Bane, Penguin and of courseSequels to a game can be a challenge for some but when your a company as bold as Rocksteady Studios it comes natural to them. Its predecessor is labelled one of the best superhero games of our time from its combat system to its sheer scope and setting of the Asylum. Well what if I told you Arkham City is a far more diverse game from a stunning roster including Bane, Penguin and of course The Joker. Gliding through skyscrapers is a fun feature and you honestly feel as if you are the caped crusader. Arkham City has over 400 Riddler challenges and more power ups than ever before. So many distractions from side missions and helping civilians cornered by thugs make the experience as long as ever. If you haven't played Arkham Asylum I advise you play that before this. Recommend it to all ages. Fly safe [10/10]… Expand
  13. jul320
    Apr 7, 2014
    9
    My favourite of the Batman Arkham Series. Wonderful, dark, gritty places to explore. Stealth and beat-em-up combat remains similarly the same, if not improved a bit. And I can play it with enjoyment while playing the story, or just roaming.
  14. Wolfie1987
    Mar 26, 2014
    9
    Spider-Man (PS1) & Spider-Man 2 (PS2) & The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction used to be the best superhero games until the Arkham series stole all their sunshine. Arkham City is arguably the finest creation in the Arkham trilogy.
  15. Deusex
    Mar 3, 2014
    5
    While it has good ideas, it doesn't live up. Due to technical issues.

    Pros:
    Your batman enough said.
    Good graphics.
    Good fighting system.
    Puzzles are good also.

    Cons:
    Bad story, wasn't interesting.
    Small world.
    All characters look similar.
    Bad boss fights.
    Too easy.
    Stealth was mediocre. Wasn't fleshed out enough like a splinter cell game.
  16. Ape
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    Great game and very promising. Almost perfect aside from a few frame dips. Tightest fighting mechanics I've found in quite a while. There's a few times you're not even sure how it reacts so fast and as precisely as it does but it's pretty amazing. Only downfall was how short the main story was. A few more hours would have been nice but aside from that it's fantastic. If you don't have itGreat game and very promising. Almost perfect aside from a few frame dips. Tightest fighting mechanics I've found in quite a while. There's a few times you're not even sure how it reacts so fast and as precisely as it does but it's pretty amazing. Only downfall was how short the main story was. A few more hours would have been nice but aside from that it's fantastic. If you don't have it already something must be wrong with you.… Expand
  17. boysfan4life88
    Jan 2, 2014
    10
    One of the all-time greatest games ever made. I enjoyed AA but AC expounded on the previous title and upgraded it in every way. I have no idea how anyone could not get into this game. It also has some of the best replay value out there, despite not being an RPG. Batman is again a bad ass in this game and the city is easy to navigate around. I replay through this game about 4 times perOne of the all-time greatest games ever made. I enjoyed AA but AC expounded on the previous title and upgraded it in every way. I have no idea how anyone could not get into this game. It also has some of the best replay value out there, despite not being an RPG. Batman is again a bad ass in this game and the city is easy to navigate around. I replay through this game about 4 times per year. If I could give it a higher score than 10, I would. The DLC wasn't that great (being Batman is WAY more fun than being Catwoman) but still worth getting. If you don't have this game, go buy it immediately.… Expand
  18. etb444
    Dec 27, 2013
    9
    Seriously, this game is a step up from asylum. Enhanced graphics, better AI and fighting techniques plus the freedom to roam this section of Gotham City that they allocated to prisoners. The story is very well written, and the best part is getting all new gadgets. Sadly, the game gets old and boring after a handful of missions and thugs to beat up when you roam around come in smallSeriously, this game is a step up from asylum. Enhanced graphics, better AI and fighting techniques plus the freedom to roam this section of Gotham City that they allocated to prisoners. The story is very well written, and the best part is getting all new gadgets. Sadly, the game gets old and boring after a handful of missions and thugs to beat up when you roam around come in small quantities. Overall, this is so great it should set a precedent for all other superhero action-adventures.… Expand
  19. thecurriepower
    Dec 25, 2013
    10
    I did not honestly think that this game could be better than its masterpiece of a predecessor, yet it was. Absolutely must buy for any gamer, this game is a masterpiece and one of the most engaging games I have ever played. You can play over and over again and not get bored. There IS SO MUCH TO DO. The graphics are a significant leap over arkham asylum with vivid colours and fine textures.I did not honestly think that this game could be better than its masterpiece of a predecessor, yet it was. Absolutely must buy for any gamer, this game is a masterpiece and one of the most engaging games I have ever played. You can play over and over again and not get bored. There IS SO MUCH TO DO. The graphics are a significant leap over arkham asylum with vivid colours and fine textures. It looks like a next gen game on teh xbox 360. BUY THIS NOW!… Expand
  20. Rem
    Dec 3, 2013
    8
    Batman Arkham City has one notable strength: it's stuffed with content. It also has one notable weakness: it's stuffed with content. Now don't get me wrong, I love a filled game as much as anyone else, but much of the content in here distracts me from the storyline or any storyline and when I do return to it, it becomes hard to remember why I was fighting Penguin. The combat this timeBatman Arkham City has one notable strength: it's stuffed with content. It also has one notable weakness: it's stuffed with content. Now don't get me wrong, I love a filled game as much as anyone else, but much of the content in here distracts me from the storyline or any storyline and when I do return to it, it becomes hard to remember why I was fighting Penguin. The combat this time around is much more diverse allowing me to use gadgets even in the heat of combat. I am not a huge Batman fan, so I may not appreciate the game as much as I would have liked. Despite this, this game stands as one of 2011's best and one of Batman's best games.… Expand
  21. Seamus100
    Dec 2, 2013
    8
    This game wasn't really my style, but I figured I'd try something different. It was alright and enjoyed playing it, but after finishing the major plots it got repetitive in the fighting, and boring trying to get all the Riddler's Trophies and solve his riddles so I didn't bother to finish it before trading it in.
    I also try Arkham Asylum and Arkham City was much better. At least Batman    This game wasn't really my style, but I figured I'd try something different. It was alright and enjoyed playing it, but after finishing the major plots it got repetitive in the fighting, and boring trying to get all the Riddler's Trophies and solve his riddles so I didn't bother to finish it before trading it in.
    I also try Arkham Asylum and Arkham City was much better. At least Batman responded to my controller inputs where-as in arkham asylum he would sometimes just sit there and get beat up.
    One thing I did notice was when Batman ran away from the Thugs, they would catch up to him. Why is that?
    You would like Batman appearing to be in much better shape would be able to out run them.
    Graphics and sound effects were good. I turned off the music so I don't know how it sounded.
    IMO I don't really think this game is a 10, but isn't as bad as some of those low, 5 or less, scores
    I would recommend someone trying this game, but for a 'Keep it to Play it again' type game, no.    … Expand
  22. huss2215
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    This batman game expanded arkham asylum and became open world but wasnt better in my opinion than the original. Anyway I gave the game a 9.5 out of 10.
  23. Tackett351
    Oct 30, 2013
    2
    Listen I'm a big gamer and I love a challenge, there's not a game I own that I don't crank it up to the highest difficulty, it was enjoyable until Y button and other associated buttons in conjunction made it annoying to play, I literally stopped playing it when the shield guys are introduced, I'm sure it may be fun for people on lower difficulties due to being able to get hit and stillListen I'm a big gamer and I love a challenge, there's not a game I own that I don't crank it up to the highest difficulty, it was enjoyable until Y button and other associated buttons in conjunction made it annoying to play, I literally stopped playing it when the shield guys are introduced, I'm sure it may be fun for people on lower difficulties due to being able to get hit and still stand a chance, I'm a huge batman fan and the developers attempt to make this game difficult is just plain (fart noise)+thumbsdown.… Expand
  24. BeatHour
    Oct 28, 2013
    8
    Its not 'better' than Arkham Asylum. They're two very different games in design. 'Asylum' was a much more well-rounded, better paced game. 'City' is like an episode of Batman The Animated Adventure, with little sense of direction and much more of an episodical nature, focused on encountering all your favorite characters rather than telling a story. In fact, the ending of 'City' is blandIts not 'better' than Arkham Asylum. They're two very different games in design. 'Asylum' was a much more well-rounded, better paced game. 'City' is like an episode of Batman The Animated Adventure, with little sense of direction and much more of an episodical nature, focused on encountering all your favorite characters rather than telling a story. In fact, the ending of 'City' is bland and disappointing. The pacing in-between is far-fetched, trope filled, and drags on.

    Don't get me wrong, it has plenty of good parts. But nothing in the game ever feels complete. Even when the game ends you never really feel like you accomplished or even finished anything, because the nature of the story-telling is so oblique (not in an artistic way) and generally lacking depth. Even completing the game 100% is unsatisfying, unlike the last game. The story between Cat Woman and Two-Face feels like it was translated from Korean into Serbian, then back into English on Bablefish. The Cat Woman parts, especially her interaction with Batman, rarely make sense.

    The design and atmosphere of Gotham is nice, if at times seeming unrealistic/fantastic, small, and strangely laid out.

    The combat has made a slight improvement from 'Asylum', and there are new gadgets, but few really get used in any remarkable or new way. The detective mode is still simply looking around the room until your cursor changes.

    There are plenty of bugs with combat, goons, and frustrating areas.

    I did enjoy this game, but it was quite disappointing for me. The length was nice, but the whole thing seemed rushed and poorly thought out, and gives the impression that it was the combination of several different development project. I'm calling this one a franchise milk. Its not nearly the open world wonder it claims to be, and where it excels just barely surpasses where it flounders.    … Expand
  25. joao1198pedro
    Oct 19, 2013
    10
    this game is pretty much the same from the first game (batman arkham asylum), the only difference is that this game is all the greater good, all systems were improved and the game has a better story, it is enough to give a perfect score the batman arkham city.
  26. ReubenIsAGod
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    The best thing about the game is the fact that the map is bigger and their is more to do, sadly that is also the biggest issue i have with the game, it just feels so goddamn overwhelming in fact it can be at times so overwhelming that i feel like im about to be sick, seriously though i can only play this game for s certain amount of time without feeling sick, still captures the sameThe best thing about the game is the fact that the map is bigger and their is more to do, sadly that is also the biggest issue i have with the game, it just feels so goddamn overwhelming in fact it can be at times so overwhelming that i feel like im about to be sick, seriously though i can only play this game for s certain amount of time without feeling sick, still captures the same experience of the first game and the story is captivating and interesting, and very UN predictable yet because everything feels like a big fat man is throwing stuff at you the game gets very overwhelming… Expand
  27. Danieldiabolico
    Aug 28, 2013
    8
    Very fun game how ever though, I didn't like it near as much as arkham asylum. I don't know why, but it didn't have the same feel as asylum did. Asylum had this really good batman feel to it. And this one didn't quite have it. It could have been because joker did not get enough screen time. And I was also disappointed That killer croc was an easter egg!!! He was one of my favorite villainsVery fun game how ever though, I didn't like it near as much as arkham asylum. I don't know why, but it didn't have the same feel as asylum did. Asylum had this really good batman feel to it. And this one didn't quite have it. It could have been because joker did not get enough screen time. And I was also disappointed That killer croc was an easter egg!!! He was one of my favorite villains in asylum. And you had to find him. He wasn't even a side mission. I also hated that they have his whole side mission thing. however it did give you something to do after you beat the game,Over all though it was still a very fun game. Not as cool as asylum I think, but still worth getting. And it felt like their were more boss battles in this. Which is a big plus.… Expand
  28. ZPFan0LAB
    Aug 24, 2013
    10
    Brilliant Combat, Terrific Bosses, Smart Puzzles, Open and Deep Map, Tons of Content, Excellent Cast and Characters, Unique Story, New Additions, Beautiful Models and Graphics-Batman Arkham City is the game of 2011
  29. GamingSoldier
    Aug 8, 2013
    9
    Ok so take animated batman comic batman a bit of Nolan batman with just a hint of burton batman along with no Schumacher batman mix them all together and you get arkham city in other words best superhero game ever. Pros: everything IOk so take animated batman comic batman a bit of Nolan batman with just a hint of burton batman along with no Schumacher batman mix them all together and you get arkham city in other words best superhero game ever. Pros: everything I said in my arkham asylum review is still in it, enemy variation makes the game harder especially near the end, the best boss battles I ever played ever (I'm looking at you mr freeze and ras all ghul) mark hamills epic final performance as joker, giant open world, more reason to collect riddler trophys as he has hostages which you must go through deadly tests to free them in a way similar to a certain horror movie franchise, every single sidequest! Cons: while the story is great there are many moments which are just excuses to introduce a villain oh whatever more villains= more boss fights= more epic, a little too easy towards the beginning with really only normal thugs that attack really slowly one at a time with no weapons luckily it gets harder as you go on) mark hamills final performance as joker, why is there so much sequel baiting if the next game is a prequel?!?!?! Ultimately you won't give two s$&ts about the cons so go back to playing arkham city or if you don't have it go buy it now. No really I am not biased because I am a huge batman fan it is a good game stop thinking I'm lying go get and play it because it is awesome… Expand
  30. EddieHokie
    Aug 7, 2013
    9
    This game is fantastic but there are two flaws

    1) It's Arkham Asylum but bigger which feels kind of like a cash cow. If it ain't broke, don't fix it mantra 2) Your never getting a 10 out of me by deliberately holding game play (catwoman story) for more money Still, I can't hate on this game. The graphics are glorious, but more than that, its the atmosphere of the whole city that's    This game is fantastic but there are two flaws

    1) It's Arkham Asylum but bigger which feels kind of like a cash cow. If it ain't broke, don't fix it mantra
    2) Your never getting a 10 out of me by deliberately holding game play (catwoman story) for more money

    Still, I can't hate on this game. The graphics are glorious, but more than that, its the atmosphere of the whole city that's captivating and so accurate to the Batman Universe.

    It is crazy fun so if you don't mind what feels like an extension to Arkham Asylum, Play it    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
6
#6 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 87 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 87
  3. Negative: 0 out of 87
  1. Planet Xbox 360
    Dec 22, 2011
    95
    Improved gameplay, new mechanics, and an even stronger story denote whether you care about Batman or not, it's still a game worthy of your time. With some easter eggs possibly hinting at plots for a third game, let's hope Rocksteady isn't quite done with the Dark Knight.
    Read full review
  2. games(TM)
    Dec 1, 2011
    90
    Arkham City handles its side-stories gloriously. [Christmas 2011, p.102]
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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