Batman: Arkham City: PS3 Review

Batman: Arkham City: PS3 Review

Batman Arkham City 
Released by Rocksteady and Warner Bros 
Rating: M 

Wow. 

Simply put, there's very little else to say about this new release which once again puts you back into the Bat Boots as the Caped Crusader.

Expanding the world that was created in Batman: Arkham Asylum was always going to be a difficult task, but developers Rocksteady have made a game which incorporates the world of the Batman so seamlessly with its mythology that it becomes one of the best playing experiences around. 

In terms of plot - Bruce Wayne is captured and dumped behind the locked walls of Arkham City, a prison area of Gotham City. It's here the dregs and the deranged members of society are dumped - along with some of the Bat's deadliest foes -including his nemesis, Joker. 

So when Wayne awakes from his kidnapping, he's understandably keen to get out - and that's where the Batman comes in. Armed with help via comms from loyal butler Alfred, Batman's got to find out what's going on in Arkham City and how it can be stopped... 

The plot may sound a little generic but for fans of the Batman mythology, it's a shame to spoil the surprises and characters which crop up as the game progresses. 

As a playable landscape, Arkham City is just stunning; the world's been beautifully realized and feels like a pastiche of crime films and Blade Runner. Coupled with the cinematic touches and cutscenes, there's so much to immerse yourself in here that you really can lose yourself in Arkham City. Throw in top notch voice work from those who've been involved in the franchise for a very long time and you're aware this is a labour of love from the developers' point of view as well as a player's. 

Using stealth attacks, gliding, an array of Bat gadgets, there's plenty on show for you to build up your armoury, your stamina and your skills and the game really does reward continuous playing. As well as the main storyline, there are side missions too which pepper Gotham City and give you a bit of a breather from what needs to be done. 

Easily one of the games of the year, Batman Arkham City is one hell of an experience and one of the best entrants into the Batman genre; it embraces and expands the mythology and is a totally exciting and entertaining proposition for any gaming fan.