The latest addition to the Batman franchise is the video game “Batman: Arkham Asylum”, which was released on Aug. 24.  The action takes place in Gotham City’s Arkham Asylum, the holding place of some of Batman’s greatest adversaries including Poison Ivy, Bane, Killer Croc and, of course, The Joker.  The game begins with Batman returning The Joker to Arkham, only to have him break loose and take control of Arkham Island.  As the Dark Knight, players use a dynamic free-flow combat system and the skills of the world’s greatest detective to take down the Clown Prince of Crime and regain control of the facility.

The game also includes a challenge mode with varying requirements to complete each level ranging from achieving a given score to performing certain moves on enemies.  One disappointment of the game is that when a character is defeated they go into the ragdoll effect, meaning their bodies flail uncontrollably as they fall to the ground.  Making the defeat of characters more realistic would make the game more engaging.  Also adding more key, but omitted, villains of the series, such as Mr. Freeze, would make game play more enjoyable to the hardcore Batman fan.  Nonetheless, the overall story and game play lives up to, if not surpasses, the previous Batman standards. This game gets a 10 out of 10.

Batman was created by Detective Comics, more commonly known as DC, in 1939 and has since been the basis for several more comic book series, animated series, movies, videogames and a live action television show.

“Batman: Arkham Asylum” is rated “T” for alcohol reference, suggestive themes, tobacco reference, violence and blood

Click here for “Predator Mode” gameplay footage from comicbookresources.com

Official website: www.batmanarkhamasylum.com