Batman: Arkham City
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Action, TPP, sandbox, DC Comics, Batman, Detective, comics, superheroes, beat 'em up, singleplayer
Steam
A sequel to the 2009 Batman: Arkham Asylum. Just like its predecessor, the game was produced by British studio Rocksteady in cooperation with Warner Bros. Interactive. The story campaign in Batman: Arkham City is set several months after the events of the first game. An old district of Gotham City was walled off and the most dangerous criminals were put inside.
Last Update: November 7, 2011
Batman: Arkham City Game Guide
This guide to Batman: Arkham City contains a very thorough walkthrough of the main story mode of the game.
Videos and Screens
The main pros of the game
- Engaging Story and Characters: Many reviews highlight the compelling narrative, with twists and interactions between iconic characters like Batman and the Joker being particularly praised.
- Improved Gameplay Mechanics: The combat system is noted for being fluid and satisfying, with new gadgets and abilities enhancing the experience. Players appreciate the upgrades from *Arkham Asylum*.
- Immersive Open World: The game's expansive and detailed Gotham City provides a rich environment for exploration and side missions, keeping players engaged.
- Visual and Audio Quality: The graphics are still considered impressive for a game of its age, and the voice acting, especially by Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Mark Hamill (Joker), is universally praised.
- Variety of Playable Characters: The inclusion of multiple characters, each with unique abilities, adds depth and variety to gameplay.
The main cons of the game
- Repetitive Combat and Side Missions: Some users feel that while the combat is enjoyable, it can become repetitive over time. Additionally, the Riddler challenges and side missions can feel overwhelming or tedious.
- Performance Issues: Occasional bugs and performance issues, particularly in open-world segments, have been reported, detracting from the overall experience.
- Catwoman's Limited Role: Many reviews express disappointment regarding Catwoman's gameplay, feeling that her sections are short and lack depth compared to Batman's.
- Linear Mission Design: Some players noted that certain missions can feel linear despite the game's open-world design, which may limit exploration.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- More Depth for Catwoman: Users desired a more significant role for Catwoman, with more missions and abilities, rather than her current limited involvement.
- Better Navigation Options: Some players wished for improved navigation mechanics, as the initial traversal abilities can feel restrictive until certain upgrades are obtained.
- Enhanced Detective Elements: While the game includes detective aspects, some players hoped for a more robust detective gameplay experience similar to what might be found in other titles.
- Less Tedious Side Content: A number of reviews mentioned that the sheer volume of side missions, particularly the Riddler trophies, could be overwhelming and detracted from the main story.
Summary
- Overall, Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition is celebrated as a significant achievement in gaming, particularly for superhero titles, with a mix of nostalgia and enduring quality that captivates both new and returning players.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 8526 votes. 4480 players anticipated the game.
Batman: Arkham City Description
Batman: Arkham City for PC, X360 and etc. is a sequel to an action game that took players into the universe of comics about the Batman. The game was developed by Rocksteady Studios, who previously developed the excellent Batman: Arkham Asylum, as well as Urban Chaos: Riot Response (PS2, Xbox).
Story
The game starts a few months after the events from the first part. Quincy Sharp, the former warden of Arkham Asylum, becomes the mayor of Gotham, after taking all the credit for Batman’s work. One of his first decisions is to buy out a large part of a local slum district, eject its inhabitants, fence it, and then fill with Arkham prisoners. Surprisingly, instead of killing one another, the thugs grouped themselves into several gangs, each lead by a super villain known from Batman comic books. On behalf of the mayor the prison district is managed by a mysterious madman known as Hugo Strange. He gives the inmates full freedom, the only rule being no attempts of escape.
Gameplay
The overall gameplay mechanics in Batman: Arkham City for PC, X360 and etc. is very similar to the previous game. Depending on your preferences, Batman may engage into direct combat, making use of a wide variety of strikes (kicks, knock-outs, counterattacks, dodges, combos, etc.), or stay hidden and focus on taking the enemies by surprise. Combat is even more exciting, and in many cases more difficult than before, since it puts you up against prisoners equipped with guns, shields, armor, knives, or stun guns. There are also some thrilling duels with bosses, when you must make use of your creativity and manual skills.
Apart from combat, Batman is also busy exploring the area and solving numerous puzzles. The game’s world is much more open than before, and it offers more activities. In addition to unfolding the main story, you can do side missions, solve puzzles scattered throughout the area, or find Riddler’s collectables. In the sequel there are all the gadgets known from Batman: Arkham Asylum, whereas some of them went through significant changes (e.g. you can now change the direction of movement while using the grappling hook). Batman can also make use of a variety of new tools, like the Remote Electrical Charge Gun or freezing grenade (works both on humans and selected environmental objects).
During his stay in Arkham City the main character encounters even more characters known from DC universe than in the last game. In addition to Joker they are: Harvey “Two-Face” Dent, Penguin, Mr. Freezee, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Hugo Strange, and others. Interestingly, apart from controlling Batman himself, the game also allows you to play as Catwoman. The sexy kitty has a unique range of skills and gadgets, including the whip. Beyond that, Catwoman has her own challenges and story missions.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
11
GAMES
in Batman: Arkham Game Series
Game Series
Batman: Arkham Series
Based on the DC Comics license, an action game series starring the Bat-Man. The series is overseen by UK-based Rocksteady Studios, which since 2010 has been owned by Warner Bros. Games. Nevertheless, over the years, such development teams as NetherRealm Studios, WB Games Montreal, Armature Studio, Turbine Entertainment and Camouflaj have also had their fingers in the series.
11 video games
Batman: Arkham City Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows November 22, 2011
Nintendo Wii U November 18, 2012
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Batman: Arkham City System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Core 2 Duo 2.5 GHz, 2 GB RAM (4 GB RAM - Vista/7), graphic card 768 MB (GeForce GTX 460 or better), 17.5 GB HDD, Windows XP/Vista/7, Internet connection
Batman Arkham City Sold Over 12.5 Million Copies
Thanks to a CV of a former marketing specialist at Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, we learned that Batman: Arkham City sales exceeded 12.5 million copies.
video games
Adrian Werner
July 26, 2020
Batman Arkham Collection Confirmed by Rocksteady
Yesterday, there was a leak on Amazon that suggested that Batman Arkham Collection should appear on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in September this year. Today this information has been confirmed by the developer Rocksteady.
video games
Agnes Adamus
July 8, 2019
Batman: Arkham Knight delayed. Arkham Asylum and Arkham City will release on PS4 and XONE
Warner Bros has announced that Batman: Arkham Knight has been delayed until June 23.
video games
March 24, 2015