I recently revisited Batman: Arkham Asylum for a second playthrough, and this time I paid more attention to its intricacies. Beyond the combat system’s mindless button-pushing and occasional counterattacks, there is a wealth of content that adds depth to the game. This includes listening to the interview tapes of Gotham’s various criminals, uncovering the deranged psychopathology of Amadeus Arkham, deciphering clues from the Riddler to uncover trophies and pictures, and unraveling the Joker’s plot as you navigate through the buildings on Arkham Island.

The story begins with Batman driving to Arkham Asylum with the Joker as his prisoner. Upon arrival, Batman follows the Joker through the admission process, suspecting that he is up to something. His fears are confirmed when the Joker frees himself and takes control of the island with the help of his partner, Harley Quinn. As Batman, you must navigate through the island’s buildings and sections to stop the Joker, encountering a stunning portrayal of Poison Ivy and surreal, vivid experiences with Scarecrow’s neurotoxins along the way.

As you explore the island, you unlock new gadgets and areas, engaging in side quests that require forethought and investigation to outwit the Riddler. Even with the map, you must still prove you are the world’s greatest detective by finding hidden interview tapes that provide insight into the minds of various criminals, personal journals of Amadeus Arkham that reveal his demented history, and trophies often hidden in out-of-the-way places.

Batman doesn’t use guns, so the combat focuses on two aspects: stealth and hand-to-hand combat. Sneak around in the shadows and through tunnels to perform silent takedowns, or engage in fast-paced combat with combos, stuns, dodges, and counter moves. Occasionally, you may need to confront enemies with guns, but it’s best to avoid this as much as possible due to the damage they inflict. The unarmed combat can pit you against numerous foot soldiers, sometimes up to ten at a time.

Overall, these features work together to tell a compelling story that will keep you engaged with its twists, turns, surprises, and balance between combat and investigation. If you enjoy action-adventure games or are a Batman fan, we highly recommend giving this game a chance.