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Batman has been a beloved character for decades, with his dark and complex persona translating seamlessly into video games. Over the years, developers have tried to capture the essence of Gotham’s protector, delivering some incredible experiences. Let’s take a look at the best Batman games that have shaped the Dark Knight’s digital legacy.
Arkham Knight is the rare video game that offers the gamut of fan service: it is thrilling, intelligent, and contains more Batmobile action than one could ever imagine in a single game. Following Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, Arkham Knight adds Bat mobile and improves the experience to the upper level. It allows players scale down the side of tall buildings, it’s creator Rocksteady has created the ultimate Batman simulator.
Built on the foundations of the previous game, Arkham City brings our caped crusader out of the tight corridors of Arkham Asylum and into a fully realised open world setting. Possessing an impressive voice cast, an amazing story, and fine tuned game play it still ranks as one of the best superhero games ever made.
Arkham Asylum defines superhero games with stealth system, combat and detecting systems. Rocksteady’s level of detail and highly condensed, metroidvania-style design served as the basis for a series that would only grow and transform into one of the most successful licensed superhero game franchises of all time.
Arkham Origins is an origin story of the Dark Knight and is set before the event of the original Arkham game. Although not architected by Rocksteady it felt still close enough to encompass the fundamentals of the franchise. However, the game also added a new mode for multiplayer play where players can play as Batman or take on the role of his villains in an epic one on one battle.
Primarily a fighting game, Injustice 2 features Batman as one of its central characters. The game’s excellent combat system and compelling storyline put Batman in a battle against Superman’s authoritarian rule, giving the Dark Knight a spotlight among a cast of DC heroes and villains.
Telltale’s narrative-driven Batman games provided a fresh take on the Dark Knight, focusing on player choice and character development. The games explored Batman’s complex relationships with Gotham’s residents and reimagined familiar villains, like the Joker, offering an engaging and emotional experience.
For those nostalgic for the arcade classics, Return of the Joker combines Batman with Contra-style action. Despite its difficulty, the game delivers intense combat, engaging stages, and a final showdown against the Joker in a giant weaponized suit.
These games showcase the various ways Batman has been brought to life on screen, from heart-pounding action in the Arkham series to narrative-driven adventures in Telltale’s Batman. Whether you're a fan of classic beat-em-ups or modern open-world experiences, there's a Batman game for every type of player.
