The WhatsNext verdict
If you want to feel like Batman through fluid brawling, aerial traversal, and a richly packed gothic city, this delivers unusually well for its era. Players who dislike checklist-heavy open worlds or semi-automated combat may find its breadth less compelling than its first impression.
What it does best
Fluid free-flow combat with satisfying impact and rhythm
Gliding and grappling turn the city into a playground
A dense gothic prison-city built for discovery
What might put you off
Some fights feel automated and repetitive
The open world can become a checklist
The setup
What you are walking into
Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City, the new maximum security "home" for all of Gotham City's thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
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