Become the Knight. Become the shadows. Become vengeance. Become Batman.
The sensation of donning Batman’s iconic cowl is at the heart of every Arkham game. Who doesn’t want to be Batman? Kids, adults, childish adults, we have all wanted to glide through the sky and take down bad guys at one point or another. Fortunately, thanks to Rocksteady and WB Montreal’s stellar Arkham series, we can do just that.
With Gotham Knights recently being released and ‘Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’ just around the corner, it feels like the whole world’s eyes are on Batman; quite the opposite of what the caped crusader is used to. There has never been a better time to revisit the fantastic Arkham games.
So ready your utility belt, request a cup of tea from your beloved butler and sit down in your bat cave as we count down the best Batman Arkham games ranked from worst to best.
6. Arkham Origins: Blackgate (2013)
A side-scrolling Batman game.
Arkham Origins: Blackgate: Gameplay - https://youtu.be/5FbuARRH4fI
Perhaps unsurprisingly to any Batman fan or people who have actually played this side-scrolling adventure game, Arkham Origins Blackgate comes in last place.
Set three months after the Dark Knight’s dark night in Arkham Origins, the black gate spin-off follows Batman’s challenging attempt to stop a riot at Blackgate Penitentiary. The prison has been overcome and split into three sections, each run by one of ‘Bats’ biggest threats; Joker, The Penguin and Black Mask.
As you navigate your way around the prison, you begin a blossoming relationship with Catwoman for the first time and slowly piece together the twisted secret of how the breakout was orchestrated…
Whilst there is nothing explicitly wrong with Origins: Blackgate, it comes in last place simply because it doesn’t really bring anything new or exciting that hasn’t already been done in the franchise. It’s a brilliant game in comparison to other 3DS and PS Vita games, but when facing up against the legendary console versions of the Arkham games it simply can’t compete.
The game has some incredibly fun animated scenes and is something unique from the rest of the series, but like Batman himself, it belongs in the shadows. Although interestingly this is the only Arkham game to have multiple endings depending on the order it’s played, so it’s definitely worth a play or replay if you want a little fresh boost of nostalgia.
Choose this game if you like:
- Side-Scrolling Games – Arkham Origins: Blackgate is the only entry into the impeccable franchise that offers a 2d style side-scrolling mechanic; so, if this is your thing, definitely give it a go.
- Stylish Animations – In a wildly different style, many of the cutscenes in this game appear in a drawn or cartoonish style as opposed to a look of realism.
- Handheld Gaming – This is the first Arkham game to be playable on handheld devices such as the 3DS and Vita, making it the go-to choice for gamers on the go.
Rating: 40/100
5. Arkham VR (2016)
Become the Bat.
Arkham VR Gameplay: https://youtu.be/7AtezWMeh1s
Set in the timeline somewhere between Arkham City and Arkham Knight; Arkham VR sees you control Bruce Wayne and Batman as you desperately search for your missing allies. Alfred informs you that both Nightwing and Tim Drake’s Robin have gone missing. The following gameplay follows Batman as he slowly unravels what happened to his past and present dynamic duo members, or does it…
Whilst Arkham VR does a truly fantastic job of reaching its goal by completely immersing you in Gotham City and allowing you to truly become the Batman, it does so without being much of a game.
The game revolves heavily around the fact that you finally get to play as Batman meaning most players don’t realise that they aren’t technically doing much. It feels more like an interactive movie that you are the lead role in as opposed to a fully-fledged video game.
That being said, Arkham VR is a fresh take on the series and is brilliant, doing something that many gamers never thought they’d be able to do and doing it in a way that enables you to become the world’s greatest detective.
Interestingly Arkham VR features many secret easter eggs and clues that point towards the twist ending, some of which make the game very replayable. No spoilers here though.
Choose this game if you like:
- VR Games - It does what it says on the tin. Arkham VR is the only VR Arkham game, so if you want to experience much-beloved locations and characters in the first person, this is your only chance.
- Full Immersion – Despite ranking low on the list, this entry is arguably the most immersive game of the series. It comes the closest to making you think that you really are the billionaire philanthropist vigilante.
- Detective Gameplay – This game focuses heavily on the crime scene recreation mechanics of the previous games, so if you liked the small segments in those games, you’ll love Arkham VR.
Rating: 65/100
4. Arkham Origins (2013)
Experience the beginning.
Arkham Origins Gameplay: https://youtu.be/i6AoJB54Y2o
Play as a fresh-faced and inexperienced Batman in his early days of crime fighting. Eight years before the events of Arkham Asylum, Batman must face enemies for the first time such as Joker, Bane and Black Mask as well as the GCPD.
In Origins, Batman has had a bounty placed on him by Black Mask on Christmas Eve which puts him square in the targets of eight of the deadliest assassins on the planet, all whilst trying to bring the Joker to justice.
Whilst Origins is closer to Rocksteady’s original game than the likes of Origins: Blackgate and Arkham VR, it is still quite different from the classic Arkham Asylum, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. The game boasts a different suit, cast and general themes which unfortunately fall just short of the mark. The gameplay is a little less fluent than Rocksteady’s and feels a little jagged in some places.
However, not all is doom and gloom. The story is amazing, the gameplay allows you to learn at the same time as Bruce Wayne does, and Origins is the first game in the series to include a multiplayer mode.
As you may know, Origins is actually unlike the other three complete games as it is created by Warner Brothers Montreal instead of Rocksteady Studios. Whilst the entry is slightly worse than some others, it did give them the experience they needed to create another Batman Game in Gotham Knights.
Choose this game if you like:
- Early Days Batman – If you enjoy young Batman in comics such as Batman Year One then this entry may be the one for you.
- Multiplayer Madness – Origins has the best multiplayer features out of all the games, with a fan-favourite mode that puts you in a gang war between Joker and Bane.
- Brilliant Boss Battles – Where Origins’ gameplay may feel clunkier than others, it arguably has the best boss battles and major fights out of any in the series.
Rating: 70/100
3. Arkham Asylum (2009)
The classic.
Arkham Asylum Gameplay: https://youtu.be/T8bu2Y_cZb8
Dark, ominous, eery and suspenseful. Those four words sum up the creepy sensation of prowling through the haunted corridors of Arkham Asylum better than any. You are made to harness your best stealth skills, detective forensic ability and brute force as you battle your way through hordes of aggressive and often drug-fuelled criminals on your way to foil the Joker’s evil plans.
Can you really beat the original? Arkham Asylum is an innovative game that acts as the goal for all other superhero games and brawling games. The fresh and free-flowing combat system was never seen before and is arguably still the best combat system in gaming history. Everything about this game felt perfect, from the engaging and intense plot to the varied gameplay; it was only let down by its slightly predictable and lacklustre ending.
Arkham Asylum is one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, with it being awarded: Best Action Adventure game, Best Game, and Game of the Year from various media outlets, as well as the Guinness World Record for ‘Most critically acclaimed superhero game of all time’.
Choose this game if you like:
- Superhero Horror – Regardless of the fact that this is a comic book game, it feels just like a thriller/horror game packed with terrifying suspense. There is something undoubtedly nerve-racking about being locked in Arkham Asylum.
- Stealth – Set in a small and enclosed map, Arkham Asylum requires great stealth skills, perhaps more than any other Batman game.
- Varied Rogues Gallery – Arkham Asylum takes what it has and runs with it. With deep lore set in stone by the comics and fantastic villains, Asylum takes full advantage of utilising every crazy fiend that you could ever hope to face. Including; Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, The Riddler, Bane and of course the Joker. You seriously can’t complain about the characters.
Rating: 85/100
2. Arkham Knight (2015)
This is where the legend ends.
Arkham Knight Gameplay: https://youtu.be/7q4U_QRcg84
Rocksteady really did finish their franchise on a high with Arkham Knight.
Arkham Knight sees a criminally underused villain in Jonathan Crane, AKA The Scarecrow, taking centre stage as a horrifying and foul supervillain. Batman is forced to confront; his own rapidly warping mentality, Scarecrow’s threats to gas the whole of Gotham, and an anonymous assassin that wants nothing more than to see Batman broken and then killed. Who is this killer you ask? The man under the alias of Arkham Knight…
Rocksteady proved that they know what their fans want with this entry. They kept everything that worked well in the previous releases, improved the flaws and added features such as the Batmobile, just to make the die-hard fans jump with ecstasy. Some incredible features of Arkham Knight were Batman’s new armoured suit, the incredibly detailed and enormous city of Gotham and the much-deserved finales to every previous villain’s story.
However, a few things didn’t quite work, such as the Batmobile being overused and becoming a little boring, the obvious plot twist and did I mention the total over-reliance on the Batmobile!
All in all though, Arkham Knight was an incredible success, partly due to its humungous scale. The game has the biggest map, gametime, collectables, number of supporting characters and variety of mechanics.
Choose this game if you like:
- The Bat family – Arkham Knight lets you play as multiple members of the bat family, with the best arguably being Nightwing’s complete takedown of the Penguin’s operations.
- Gotham – Whilst the other games featured parts of Gotham or focused on more focalised aspects of the city such as Arkham Asylum, Arkham Knight allows players to glide and roar through the streets of the entire city.
- Satisfying Conclusions – Arkham Knight rounds off the story of every character with a great homage to previous games. If you like seeing the legend of Batman come to a close then Arkham Knight is a must-play.
Rating: 90/100
1. Arkham City (2011)
The ultimate Batman game.
Arkham City Gameplay: https://youtu.be/944Ty9YpjEs
Somewhat unexplainable, Arkham City quite simply has the best atmosphere and overall vibe of every entry, making it top of this list.
The story centres around Arkham City, a cordoned zone of Gotham City, created with the sole intention of keeping all criminals and madmen locked within. Hugo Strange reveals a troubling secret that no one should know about Batman, a dying Joker threatens to infect Gotham with his infected and tainted blood, and the league of assassins works towards the goal of a twisted and unknown motivation. Arkham City is jam-packed with thrilling subplots.
Arkham City seamlessly took every amazing aspect of its predecessor and blew it up into a masterpiece of gaming. The plot was ambitious and paid off perfectly. The game was riddled with side missions but didn’t feel overwhelming and the graphics, combat system and overall quality were just upgraded with newer technology. For some, perfect may be too strong a word, but this game honestly took the heart and soul of Batman and morphed it into a complete work of art.
Without a doubt, Arkham City deserves the top spot on this list, and if you disagree then perhaps there is a spot waiting on Professor Strange’s operating table for you…
Like Arkham Asylum, City is considered to be one of the best games ever made, with it winning a plethora of jaw-dropping awards, through multiple different mediums.
Choose this game if you like:
- Easter Eggs – Arkham City is full of easter eggs and call-backs to the comics; my personal favourite is a terrifying nod to what Scarecrow has planned for Arkham Knight.
- Batman – If you haven’t played any Batman or Arkham games before but you want to try one, make it this release. Arkham City is the optimum game that highlights the best aspects of every other in the franchise.
- Gaming – If you’re a true gamer then you owe it to yourself to play Arkham City. Some games may appear more impressive today, but in its time nothing came close to the brand-new, stunning game of Arkham City. I think that makes it a pretty damn special game to play.
Rating: 95/100
