LogFAQs > #923616855

#21: Batman: Arkham City

This game is just solid. The core gameplay cycle of rhythm/pattern recognition combat, stealth hunts, zelda item obstacles, unique boss battles, and flying (sorry, i mean gliding around, propelled by hook shots) around is so fluid.

I wouldn't even consider myself a Batman fan (marvel, all the way) but this is a great time. The giant city is great for enabling flight, but it does lack a little bit of focus. The riddler items are not particularly interesting.

The two things that really make this game stand out are the combat and controls. The combat is just impeccable. It feels like a rhythm game where you set your own music, and highly rewards skill despite the fact that the attack animations are variable. I think this was the first game that would pretty much just teleport you across the room to hit whatever enemy you were trying to punch.

Only facet that could be improved is that the vault/flip is too good- it lets you stall indefinitely (barring a specific enemy type) while maintaining your combo. Oh, second thing. Too much of the game is spent in 'detective vision' mode.

Related point- if you're not focused on advancing the plot, it's fun to try to mix up as many moves as possible into a routine combat to get the highest combo possible. There are some neat challenge modes. I think you can also play as catwoman as a change of pace.

It's been so long since I've played this that I kind of forget the story, but I remember it being passable. Bruce Wayne and pretty much everything about Gotham and Batman's rogue gallery is really dumb, but I like the goon dialogue. Side note, the way they ragdoll after batman sends his NONLETHAL CONCUSSION BOOM PUNCH (the crunching/explosion sound effect is nice) into their skull is funny- once you get over the obvious death that is occurring.
---

You did indeed stab me in the back. However, you are only level one, whilst I am level 50. That means I should remain uninjured.