March 30, 1939. Germany was rampaging through Europe. America was on the brink of war. The world was on edge. However, a great hero was born that day. The caped crusader himself: Batman. Being around for nearly 90 years, the comic book icon has branched out into other mediums outside comic books. Movies, TV Shows, and, of course, video games. Part of being around for such a long time, Batman has appeared in multiple consoles starting in 1986 on 8 bit computers. Today, we’re reviewing the greatest Batman video games to be featured on the PC.
10. Batman: Vengeance (2002)
Batman: Vengeance Poster
Released in 2001, this spin off from ‘The New Batman Adventures’ follows Batman dealing with the fallout with the Joker’s apparent ‘death’. Villains such as Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and Harley Quinn as well as sidekick Batgirl. Kevin Conry and Mark Hamill reprise their iconic roles at Batman and Joker so one might think that this should be a masterpiece.
However, the deal breaker for most people is the graphics. The game is stuck somewhere between the N64 block era and the refined PS2 era. Some may find it unique and charming while others may have a hard time getting past the odd mechanics to go with the graphics.Overall, the game is a mixed bag. However, if this game is at the bottom of the list, then we’re off to a solid start.
Batman Vengeance Trailer
9. Adventures of Batman and Robin: Sega CD (1995)
Adventures of Batman & Robin: Sega CD
Another one from the creative team behind the classic Batman: The Animated Series, Batman and Robin: Sega CD was released just in time for Christmas in 1994. The gameplay is nothing special. The game is a generic platformer with some elements of a racing game when you drive to different stages of the game.
So why does this game deserve a spot on this list? Simple: The cutscenes are original animations from Batman: The Animated Series. In fact, many fans have called the story in this game as ‘The Lost Episode’. Joker, Riddler, Poison Ivy and a mystery villain all appear as well as Gordon and Dick Grayson’s Robin. In total, there is about seventeen minutes of original footage. If you don’t want to play the game, go ahead and watch the animations on Youtube. Batman brutally kills one of Poison Ivy’s monster plants with an ax. It's a delightfully macabre sequence.
Batman Sega CD: The Lost Episode Animation
8. Arkham Origins: Blackgate (2013)
Arkham Origins: Blackgate
The first of many appearances in the ‘Arkham’ series, ‘Arkham Origins: Blackgate’ is a spinoff set a few months after ‘Origins’. There is a riot happening at Blackgate prison and Batman is called to stop it. There are three main villains you must apprehend: Joker, Penguin, and Black Mask. Other villains appear (including my guilty pleasure favorite Solomon Grundy) as well as Batman’s first interaction with femme fatale Catwoman.
First things first, this might’ve been higher but I’m reviewing PC games. This game, for whatever reason, didn’t translate well to PC systems as well as handheld consoles. There are higher reviews for the PS3 and Xbox. Since Rocksteady wasn’t involved in this one (this game was made by Armature Studio), I think that’s where the game suffered. In the end, it’s a harmless game that adds more to the Arkham narrative.
Arkham Origins: Blackgate (Full Game Walkthrough)
7. Lego Batman Series (Starting 2008)
Lego Batman Poster
Let me just say it, I find the ‘Lego’ games fun but not masterpieces like so many people have declared them. They are simple games. That’s it. Nothing wrong with that. One positive thing about these games that I specifically want to highlight is how they are a great introduction to Batman characters for kids. In the first game, you have to fight classic villains like Joker and Penguin.
However, there’s a mission in which you actually have to fight Killer Moth. KILLER MOTH?!? Not even the ‘Arkham’ games feature Killer Moth (they picked the superior Firefly). I remember showing this game to my seven year old little brother and providing him backstory on the villains he hadn’t heard of. So, yes. These games are simple and fun. Nothing more. Nothing less. Long live Killer Moth.
LEGO Batman: Killer Moth Cutscenes
6. Injustice (2013)
Injustice Poster
A fighting game featuring DC Superheroes. A concept so simple yet effective. Both ‘Injustice’ and its sequel are excellent additions to the ‘Beat ‘em Up’ genre. The game has a wide variety of moves and combos, but can be learned in a very timely manner. Each character has their own set of special moves that can appeal to any player. I specifically always appreciated Aquaman stabbing his opponent then feeding them to a shark.
However, the game loses points in its story. I’ll go ahead and say, I don’t like alternative timelines. I find them boring and unoriginal. While I like some of the ideas ‘Injustice’ has for a story (Superman as a dictator), it loses me with the Timeline A Batman fighting Timeline B Batman. Just saying that out loud makes me cringe. Now its sequel…
Injustice: All the Super Moves
5. Injustice 2 (2017)
Injustice 2 Poster
Bigger roster? Check. Interesting campaign? Check. That’s the reason ‘Injustice 2’ is superior to its predecessor. My only major complaint is some of the graphics during the cutscenes feel…unfinished. However, my love for using characters like Gorilla Grodd and Darkseid outweighs whatever nitpicks I have.
Instead of the generic ‘multiverse’ plot of the first game, this one deals with the invasion of the infamous Brainiac. Batman and Superman must put aside their differences to save the world. The moves are slicker. The characters have some great personalities. Heck, I’ll even recommend checking out the spin off comic books. Starro joins the Red Lantern Corps!
4. Arkham Origins (2013)
Arkham Origins Poster
The hate this game has makes absolutely no sense to me. Does it suck that Black Mask isn’t the main villain? I guess, but just the fact Black Mask is even a major character is good enough for me. Is the campaign too short? Sure, but I’d counter that ‘Arkham Knight’ has too much going on for its campaign.
The game’s mechanics are standard Arkham. There’s plenty of ‘Predatory’ modes as well as solid boss fights with the likes of Killer Croc, Copperhead, and the great Deathstroke battle on Penguin’s ship. Its problems are there, but they aren’t deal breakers. Don’t listen to the mainstream critics. ‘Arkham Origins’ is very much a worthy addition to Rocksteady’s franchise.
3. Arkham Knight (2015)
Arkham Knight Poster
How do you top ‘Arkham City’? By going bigger, of course.
‘Arkham Knight’ is the conclusion to the Arkham series. Joker is dead. It’s Scarecrow’s city now. He’s teamed up with the mysterious Arkham Knight who seems to have a personal vendetta against Batman. Arkham Knight’s mercenaries have taken control of the streets leaving the police helpless. Gotham’s only hope is Batman who may be nearing the end of the line. So what works? Honestly, the narrative. There are some excellent emotional moments, some of which are the best in the series, that really add layers to characters you never thought had much depth. Even though Joker is dead, he’s still a major part of the game (less I say, the better).
What doesn’t work? Well, there’s just a lot going on in the game. First off, the Riddler trophies are out of control. I never cared for those trinkets in the first place, but Rocksteady should be ashamed of the plethora of neon participation trophies they scattered throughout the game. In addition to trophies, there’s a few too many side missions that don’t include Batman villains. For instance, you have to clear out drones and mines from all across Gotham city. And the batmobile…not a fan. I honestly enjoyed playing this game but I just can’t quite give it a perfect grade.
Arkham Knight: Scarecrow Trailer
2. Arkham Asylum (2009)
Arkham Asylum Poster
The one that started it all. Inspired by the Arkham Asylum graphic novel, this game is as much a horror video game as well as a superhero one. Joker starts a riot in Arkham Asylum and releases Poison Ivy, Bane, Killer Croc, Scarecrow and others. It’s up to Batman to stop the madness. In a series known for open worlds, I found myself enjoying the more restricted map in this one on replays. There’s also very little side missions in comparison to Knight which often brought that game to a halt.
All the boss fights in this game are top notch. Poison Ivy’s killer giant plant fight and Scarecrow’s nightmares are particular standouts. The real key to this game’s success is the tone. The whole game feels like a night in a haunted house that just so happens to have Batman’s rogues. Just short of a masterpiece
Arkham Asylum: Killer Croc Boss Fight
1. Arkham City (2011)
Arkham City Hugo Strange Poster
My favorite Batman game. Honestly, maybe my favorite game of all time. First off, I’m a die hard Hugo Strange fan so right away we’re off to a good start. To me, I think this game has the perfect blend of both Asylum and Knight. It’s an open world like Knight but the map is more contained like Asylum. There are some truly great emotional moments (the climax!) like Knight but has just a bit more to do than Asylum.
A few moments I want to highlight. Two Face vs Catwoman. The Mr. Freeze boss fight. The ‘riddle’ Easter Eggs. The climax. And last but not least, Penguin’s museum. I can’t find anything to complain about. Just go play it again!
