Full game Rocksteady Studios · WB Games

Batman: Arkham City

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4 trailers · 7 screenshots

Synopsis

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.

What it’s like

Batman: Arkham City transforms Gotham into a sprawling, vertical playground where movement feels as vital as combat. The experience centers on mastering the Bat’s iconic toolkit—gliding, grappling, and using detective mode to unravel a dense conspiracy involving a corrupt warden and a deadly plague. The tone is gritty and cinematic, balancing dark noir mystery with high-octane superhero action. Gameplay shines through its fluid 'Freeflow' combat system, which rewards rhythm and precision over button-mashing, creating a satisfying dance of counters and gadgets. While the main narrative is tight and emotionally resonant, the open-world structure relies heavily on side activities like detective challenges and collectibles to fill out the map. The atmosphere is thick with dread and grandeur, supported by a stellar voice cast that brings classic villains to life. It captures the fantasy of being Batman through impeccable audio design and weighty, impactful physics.

Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCharactersCombatGameplay / MechanicsExploration / WorldPacingPolish / PerformanceStory / NarrativeVisuals / ArtWriting / Dialogue

Keep in mind The combat can become repetitive over time, lacking significant mechanical variety beyond chaining counters. Difficulty is generally low, making it accessible but potentially unchallenging for players seeking a rigorous test of skill.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, metacritic.com, reddit.com, nintendolife.com, gameblur.net, mybrainongames.com.

Release dates

PlatformRegionTypeDateTrack
Xbox 360 Worldwide Full release
PlayStation 3 Worldwide Full release
OnLive Game System Worldwide Full release
PC (Microsoft Windows) Worldwide Full release
Nintendo Switch Worldwide Full release