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GameInformer reviews Batman: Arkham Asylum - 9.5/10 - "This Year's Bioshock"

August 13, 2009 in Reviews comments 14

GameInformer Magazine recently reviewed Batman: Arkham Asylum and they were very impressed with the final product.

They praised the "beautifully designed" gameplay, the "amazing" storyline, the "reality-warping vein of Eternal Darkness" moments, and the design of Arkham itself - comparing the "strangely mesmerizing" atmosphere to Bioshock's Rapture.
GameInformer's main complaint was the disappointing final boss battle; "A good idea gone to waste". Despite that "major letdown", they called the game "This Year's Bioshock".

If the game is as incredible as reviews lead us to believe, then we're in for one hell of a ride!

Discuss in the Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum is this year's Bioshock, not just from the connection established with the world, but from its ability to innovate where new ideas are needed, and moreover, deliver an adventure unlike any other.
Miss Razz via neoseeker.com »
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  • 1
    chautemoc Aug 13, 09
    Gaming journalism is so stupid.
    If they aren't a PR machine, they sure sound like one..I guess I should be thankful they didn't call it a "BioShock killer." Aruuuuuugghh.
    I am such a bitter old bastard -- someone sedate me with independent games.
    • 2
      kspiess Aug 14, 09
      Dude... YOU'RE A GAME JOURNALIST! Hahah...
  • 0
    Principality Aug 13, 09
    Comeon! Comparing it to BioShock?

    It had better be good.
    • 0
      Miss Razz Aug 13, 09
      Interestingly enough, this isn't the only review to compare it to Bioshock in both innovation and atmosphere/design.

      I mean, Arkham's a pretty spiffy place so far, but spiffier than Rapture? Guess we'll wait and see. If Rockstar have managed to capture the eerie gothic nature of Arkham then I wouldn't be surprised if it's up there with Rapture. There's so much potential with Gotham's locations.
      • 0
        chautemoc Aug 14, 09
        There's no way it beats Rapture -- sorry. I'm sure there's a game that could (or does), but I don't think any Batman game ever could come close.
        • 2
          FinalFantasyFanaticc Aug 14, 09
          I actually reckon that from playing the demo, Arkham is actually coming close already to beating the feeling of rapture, i mean sure, theres no insanely crazy big daddy's there, but the way arkham is presented it just feels like a mad house to me and that around every corner anything could be waiting.
        • 3
          Hideo1 Aug 14, 09
          I think the main reason why in people's opinions it can or does beat it is because Batman has a longstanding history with almost everyone inside of Arkham Asylum, so having The Joker commentating and reminding you that he is the one who has you trapped with some of your deadliest enemies means a lot more then having Atlas guiding you etc., and knowing that one wrong move will lead to being riddled with bullets (no Edward Nigma pun intended) when in a room full of guards definitely means a lot. Plus with things like fear, detective work and gadgets playing such a huge role in all aspects of the game it does give you the feeling that you are playing as Batman, not just as a poor imitation like in other games, which means a hell of a lot.
  • 0
    Storm Aug 13, 09
    Sigh, another comparison, wonderful. Still, the reviews keep coming in, and are rather high...only making me want the game that much more.
  • 1
    Hideo1 Aug 14, 09
    It amuses me that gaming journalism is at such a poor level that people can't describe a game without having to draw comparisons. This is either because they assume everyone is so much thicker then them that they can't understand what's being said without one, or they're just dumb-asses parading as journalists. TBH, it's probably both.
  • 0
    FinalFantasyFanaticc Aug 14, 09
    Just pre-ordered my collector's edition.

    Batarang here we come!
    • 1
      Hideo1 Aug 14, 09
      You are aware it's plastic and permanently attached to the stand, right? Just checking.
      • 0
        FinalFantasyFanaticc Aug 14, 09
        Yeah, couldn't care less not like i want to throw it at anyone, just want it as a decoration in my room.

        Plus main thing i can't wait for is the 48page doctors journal.
  • 0
    Miss Razz Aug 14, 09
    I'm intrigued by the "reality-warping vein of Eternal Darkness moments" part. Eternal Darkness had some *bleep*ing insane moments, so I can't wait to find out what the reviewers meant. *better not be disappointed*
  • 0
    kspiess Aug 14, 09
    I said before: Going peg the metacritic average for this game 3 months from now at 89 or 88. Just my guess.

    Certainly looks like a top-flight game.

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