One Batman Game To Rule Them All

Reviewed on Xbox One.

Batman: Arkham Knight was released in 2015.

It followed the groundbreaking hits Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, released on the Xbox 360.

Since we likely won't see another Batman game for some time, (at least from Rocksteady) I thought I'd play Arkham Knight again.

I shouldn't have to say this, but here goes anyway- there are spoilers ahead. If you haven't played the Arkham games before, stop reading this now and go play them!

Asylum was an atmospheric wonder. Dark, rooted firmly in noir and well written, it was the first blockbuster superhero game. It also set the bar for 3rd-person action games with it's fighting mechanics and gameplay.

Batman: Return to Arkham Asylum on Xbox One.

The follow-up, Arkham City was a worthy successor and gave us a large chunk of Gotham to explore, new heroes and villains, and a huge shock - the death of the Joker.

Batman: Return to Arkham City on Xbox One.

Arkham Knight takes place a year later, and begins with the cremation of the Joker at the hands of Commissioner Gordon.

Jim Gordon incinerates the Joker's corpse personally.

Let's get right to the main gripe- The Arkham Knight. Critics expressed disdain over Jason's Todd's depiction as the main villain.

I personally felt that this whiny, butthurt portrayal of Jason was accurate-his main story arc has always involved being held captive by Joker and getting brainwashed into holding a grudge against the Dark Knight.

The issue I have with the story is how obvious it is that the Arkham Knight and Jason Todd are one and the same. Huge hints are dropped frequently, showcasing his hatred, resentment and expertise, even going so far as to show flashbacks with Jason being tortured by Joker long before he reveals himself.

He constantly talks about how he knows Batman's methods and will use them to bring him down-basically the only surprise is that it takes Batman so long to figure it out.

The Arkham Knight gets the jump on his predecessor.

Despite some story flaws, literally everything else about Arkham Knight makes it the best Batman (and superhero game) to date.

-Gameplay options-

The open world sandbox approach is fantastic. Feel like putting the main story on the back burner and going after someone else?

With the touch of a button, you can pick virtually any target at will. With so many foes to take down, you'll never get bored.

The linear missions feel more sandbox due to open world encounters. For instance, you might be on your way to a robbery downtown when suddenly a giant vampire bat attacks.

Exhibit A- the Manbat.

-Combat-

The combat has been improved here-so much so that when I went back to play Arkham Asylum and City, I no longer felt excitement when fighting.

Not that the previous games were flawed, but Arkham Knight spoiled me.

It's like playing Batman V Superman's warehouse scene.

The Caped Crusader has some sick moves.

Arkham Knight ramped up the gadget and tech abilities from the last two games, as well as Batman's combat options and speed.

The controls are great, enabling you to move seamlessly between the Batmobile's standard and combat modes, as well as flight and hand-to-hand gadget-assisted combat.

Some critics disliked the batmobile combat, calling it "too tank like" and overused.

I enjoyed it, but I do wish they had left it out of boss battles.

Especially the fight with Deathstroke.

Batman subverts the Knight's attempt to take down a police cruiser.

-Graphics-

There are some 'die-hard' gamers who will tell you that graphics don't matter. I call bullshit.

I appreciate older games and play them often, but when I'm standing atop the spires of Gotham, heavy rain sluicing down my cape, the neon glow of the city lights reflecting off wet metal, photorealism means everything.

Graphical improvement lends itself to immersion, which is the whole reason we're playing this, right?

Gotham has never looked so good.

Arkham Knight excels in this regard, showcasing beautifully rendered environments and effects.

Neutralizing criminals has never been so satisfying.

With a huge rogues gallery and a plethora of Easter eggs, Arkham Knight is the definitive Batman game.

-DLC-

Harley Quinn Story Pack

Harley Quinn's DLC takes place before the events of Arkham Knight. As Harley, infiltrate the Bludhaven police department, and rescue Poison Ivy.

The Red Hood

Red Hood takes place after the events of Arkham Knight. Play as Jason as he hunts Black Mask.

Batgirl: A Matter of Family

You'll play as Batgirl in this DLC. Taking place before the events of Arkham Asylum, Batgirl and Robin must save Commissioner Gordon from the Joker without Batman's help.