Why Batman Arkham Asylum is Brilliant

I committed a crime. No, I didn't stab a granny or not recycle a milk carton. I didn't play Batman Arkham Asylum for 2 years since its release. TWO YEARS? I hear you shout from the roof tops of hatred (?). However, after delving into AA and completing it, I can safely admit that I was an idiot. I wasted TWO YEARS playing other crappy titles. when I could have been taking out henchman, well, like Batman. So as you can gather, I like Batman Arkham Asylum and I truly believe that it deserves more credit that it was given, here's why:

Ridiculously detail

Rarely are us gamers treated to such a highly detailed world. The world you walk around breaths and feels just like it has been ripped out of a comic. The sadistic screams, the words scratched into the wall, the remains of a body, the world is chock full of little details that make the game, as a whole, feel entirely alive. The game may be quite linear and simple in places, but the pure breadth of detail is mind blowing.

One for the Fans

Much like the meticulous attention to detail, Rocksteady have rammed Arkham Asylum with nods to Batman's other darkest villains. The references aren't forced upon you, with some requiring a surprising amount of exploration to discover, meaning that Rocksteady are adding these gems in for themselves, not just us, showing their real passion for the material. Whether it be the eerie puppet of Scarface or the dismantled soldiers of Humpty Dumpty, each reference is executed with passion and detail, resulting in a beautifully crafted comic book world.

Simple but Sweet

Much like me, Batman Arkham Asylum is not exactly the most intelligent game out there, but what it does, it does very well indeed. Whilst most comic book games copy and paste God of War's concrete gameplay style, AA is not afraid to be different. It simplify's the combat, but like all good systems, it is easy to learn, but near impossible to master. Consisting of only 3 buttons (and occasionally a fourth) the combat relies heavily on timings. Watching Batman leap around the screen, countering moves and destroying henchmen is a thing of beauty, an experience that makes you feel like you are Batman, not controlling him on screen. It goes to show, a deep combat system does not always mean enjoyment when playing.

Its dark, but funny, cheesy, but serious.

This is a point that only I seem to pick up on, but let me explain myself. The word 'gritty' is thrown about a lot in games, and normally it means that the game is slightly dark and someone dies. However, Batman is very gritty. The setting is dark but still manages to seem alive and colourful whilst Batman's enemies are actually skilled and aren't afraid to feed Bats with lead. But, look past the exterior and AA becomes quite cheesy. The storyline isn't exactly Shakespeare and there is fun to be had in places. Harley Quinn raises a few laughs and if you take you time to listen to guards conversing , some humorous lines to pop up. Once again though, with every joke or witty comment, a Scarecrow meeting or Lunatic scream whips you back into reality. 

Revitalising a whole genre

This is the biggy for me. Batman Arkham Asylum was highly praised for its setting, characters etc, but not many reviews picked up on how Batman made the superhero game suddenly cool again. Yes, many claimed it to be the greatest superhero game of all time, but to be honest, was there much competition? Before AA the comic book genre was abused, acting as money grabbers to screamy movie fanboys. But, now Batman has come along, the comic book game is now cool. Rocksteady showed that if you take time to research your material, make real innovations and think about the world and its place, then you can have a 10/10 hit on your hands, critics and commercial alike. Although not many recent superhero games have bucked the trend by taking full inspiration from Rocksteady, there a few games that are certainly better than before, Captain America for example. Batman Arkham Asylum won many GOTY awards and so it deserves them, but when a game can revitalise a whole genre and style of games, then that it certainly something special.

There we go. I know its late, two years in fact, but I just wanted to express my surprise and amazement at AA. It was a incredible experience and I do believe that it deserves more credit than it was given. Anyway, Batman Arkham City is tantalizing close, so lets wait and see what Rocksteady and deliver second time round, when expectations are shy high.....

Best Game Openings

First Impressions count. That phrase is widely used in every day culture, but is ever so prevalent in gaming. If you start your game with a bang then people will be engrossed and urged to continue, but a 20-hour tutorial will make people flee (Final Fantasy!). So, when an opening literally causes your face to melt, you know that you are in for something pretty special. These are the games with the best openings, like, eva:


Bioshock

Bioshock was an incredible game and is hailed as one of the greats, but it was its memorable opening that really set it apart. After a plane crash your are forced to swim towards a mysterious lighthouse. Things happen and you  plunge to the ocean depths when suddenly the wonderful sight of Rapture bestows your eyes. Partnered with the unnerving commentary from crazed-creator Andrew Ryan, Bioshocks opening scene is one of mystery, intrigue, sadness and terror. Not only did the beginning blow gamers minds, it also acted as a gateway to gamings greatest settings.


Mass Effect 2
All great sci-fi tales have a great opening. Whether it be Star Wars epic space battle or Bladerunners fiery dystopia, the sci-fi genre relies heavily on a strong setting and first impression. Not only did Mass Effect 2 match Star Wars and Bladerunner for story and action, but it beat them with its explosive beginning. Running through your flaming ships corridors attempting to outrun the foreboding flames was an adrenaline shot straight into gamers arms. The death (or is it) of pilot Joker and sudden peace and floatiness in space meant that Mass Effect 2's introduction was a masterclass in action, story and pacing. Just how we like it! 

Final Fantasy VII
The pinnacle of the Final Fantasy franchise and RPG genre was Final Fantasy VII. Whoever thought that a game could be so emotive? FFVII was one of the first games to use music and atmosphere for effectively for its humble introduction. The eerie sounds build as the camera rises over a calm sea when images flash of the future and suddenly FIGHT! No one was expecting to witness such a thing of beauty as FFVII grabbed the gamer and sucked them in, refusing to let them out.  Great game, great intro!

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Yes, yes, yes, my little baby of a game is one this list. Although Uncharted 2 was the GREATEST GAME OF ALL TIME, Naughty Dog still found space to squeeze in every little 'thing' they could. Famed for its set pieces, the Uncharted franchise relies on its epic moments to really get the juices flowing, but straight at the beginning? WoW! Nathan Drake (swoooon) awakes on a hanging train and suddenyl falls, grabbing dramatically onto a coincidentally placed pole. The camera zooms out when suddenly BANG! The train is over hanging a pretty big drop. The size and scale of UC2 opening scene is massive and give a glimpse of what the gamer is likely to expect from this beautiful masterpiece. For the record, this was the moment I fell in love with Drake.....


Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Blah blah blah, I hate Call of Duty, you all know the drill. However, much like the gaming community, I hold my opinion the CoD4 is the best entry in the ever expanding franchise. The story was actually pretty damn good and the gameplay seemed to be less arcadey, that is why we all love it. Whilst its massive sequel Modern Warfare 2 sold millions and millions, gamers were slightly disappointed with its lacklustre story, especially after CoD4's emotionally charged narrative. The opening was universally brilliant. The first person viewpoint of being driven around an incredibly unstable country was amazing, giving insight and willing to go places that little games have done before. However, only at the end do you realise what is happening. You are the one being killed. A wonderfully hidden twist, puts Keyser Soze to shame!


God of War III
This isn't a top whatever list, but if I were to choose the greatest game opening ever, GOWIII would definitely be the top. The GOW franchise prides itself on its massive levels and its ridiculous introductions. Instead of wheening the player in with silly tutorials, the first levels of each God of War literally chuck you straight into the action. Whilst the first two were not exactly dull, numero three utilised the power of the PS3 and delivered an absolutely unforgettable experience. Riding on the back of a titan who is then being attacked by some weird horse crab water thing was only the start. With only 20 minutes of gameplay, Kratos is already destroying a god and jabbing peoples eyeballs all over the place. God of War 3 was simply a fantastic game, but the opening really made it. GOWIII held firmly onto your balls and did not let go until the stupid 'hope' scene. Oh well. It was God of War!!