Xbox Game Tips and Tricks

Written by Impure King of Green Light Gamer

Graphics

Most superhero games tend to overlook the visual stylings of their perspective title in favor of focusing on fan service in regards to the gameplay. Batman: AA not only embraces the visual concepts of what gotham city’s infamous asylum should look like but also shatters any expectations that a batman game could ever have. You can’t help but be consumed by the dark harrowing halls of the asylum which truly engulf you into the chaos that is the dark knights situation. The environments are superbly detailed and all of the different areas of the island truly do stand out from one another. Add in quality cut-scenes that rival the best in the business and you have one of the best looking games ever made.

10/10

Story

The maniacal Joker has been detained and brought to the prominent prison to serve his time. However, it all was a clever ruse to get back into the asylum and now Batman is the prisoner as he is locked in amongst a sea of criminals and “super-criminals”. Although this is a basic concept for a story involving the dark knight, it is implemented so well that it still prospers. Between the jokers constant taunting (of batman as well as his own cronies) over the P.A. system and the constant traps/re-routing of the islands’ regions, you truly feel the joker’s control over the asylum. Also, the dialogue is impressive as each character’s quirky personalities are on full display but not in an overboard manner. Harley’s perkiness, the croc’s brutality, the terrifying scarecrow, all of these super-villains feel alive. This is a surprisingly gripping experience.

9/10

Gameplay

You can truly feel the effort Rocksteady has put into this area between some interesting mechanics, a visually impressive battle system along with a slew of entertaining collectibles to be found that actually enhance (and not detract) from the experience. The game is 50 percent combat and 50 percent exploration (The main campaign) and both are done fairly well, although I have some gripes with the combat engine. Also, they have challenge modes to play for the love of the game, 8 of them focusing on hand to hand combat and 8 focusing on the stealth end of the arena.
In regards to the combat, you can try to punch your way to fame but will only be dropped in shame. To truly thrive in the combat, you have to master the multiple offensive options at your disposal, including your counter attacks, stun cape, batarangs, and other toys you have on your person. This forces the player to be actively engaged in combat and prevents this from falling into the button masher category which is a phenomenal move. However, due to the fanciness put into the battle animations, you will find times that you press the counter button at the right time, only to be hit anyways which can be a frustrating for those trying to rack up points (which goes to much wanted/needed upgrades). Lastly, the approach to combat will vary greatly. Sometimes you have to fly in from the ceiling’s gargoyles. Other times you have to knock one down, go around, and then attack from behind. Sometimes you will have to run straight into battle. The variety of engagements and how you come across them is masterful.
As for the exploration, you will (early on) feel very limited as you seem to be able to explore nowhere that you see. That isn’t due to laziness on the dev’s part, its due to the fact you haven’t acquired the right gear. As the game progresses you come across different tools that open up the island and allow you to explore it to your hearts content. The variety of tools (from explosives to bat claw) are fun to use and will have you thinking about how to try and reach that hidden section. Sadly though, the first hour or so feels confining as you seem to go through an absurd amount of vents to get where you need to go. I understand why they put that in the game but it doesn’t make those sections any less boring.
Oh, and as for those 240 collectibles…many of them are actually fun to find and do reward the player with extra insight on the founder of arkham asylum in addition to the many super villains of batman. This is a great motivation to pick them up but the player is never forced to in order to progress.

8.5/10

Achievements

This game has a nice set up of story based chievos for those looking for GS but also has some very challenging ones and time consuming ones (in regards to collectibles and challenges) so it by no means is a “whore game”

7.5/10

Overall

You own a 360, you should own this game. As simple as that. Luscious graphics, tight gameplay, witty dialogue, well portrayed characters, this is a collage of great gaming elements that earns this game the title of “best superhero game” ever made.

9.25/10

Recommendation: Purchase