Batman™: Arkham Knight review

Stepping into the world of Gotham City again with Batman™: Arkham Knight, Rocksteady Studios concludes their Batman saga by amplifying the scale of the narrative, gameplay, and graphical grandeur. Be it exploring the large and intricately detailed Gotham City or experiencing the Batmobile in combat and puzzles, the game retains a sense of wonder while invoking a sense of finality.

A Revolutionary Combat Style

Arkham Knight enthralls players with the evolved strike-and-counter fighting pattern, now more dynamic and with heightened intensity. The game introduces fresh moves and new adversaries and allows players to team up in dual-play mode with Robin, Nightwing, or Catwoman in some high-stakes fight sequences. Though lacking traditional boss fights, Arkham Knight compensates with engaging climactic centerpiece fights. However, some encounter controls felt clunky, particularly the demanding tank-based platforming puzzles with the Batmobile, which seemed slightly out of place in this Batman universe.

One notable addition is the fully playable Batmobile, which is vital to both action sequences and puzzle resolution. From chasing villains to blowing up battle drones or its use as a remote tool for Batman's environmental puzzle-solving, the Batmobile feels like a groundbreaking feature in the game. However, the frame rate could falter in certain high-speed scenarios.

Graphics and Scenery: Gotham City Reimagined

Batman™: Arkham Knight presents a more vivid and expansive Gotham City. Neon-lit landmarks like Chinatown district, Wayne Tower, and Ace Chemicals enhance the cityscape's character, while weather changes and texture details create a visually captivating ambiance. A bustling underworld with rogue entities and high-speed police chases keep the otherwise evacuated city all the more lively.

Intrigue, Relationships, and Revelations

The 12-hour narrative effectively capitalizes on Batman's longstanding history with the Robins and the Gordons. The unveiling of the Arkham Knight doesn't quite hit as expected, but the storyline still manages to maintain suspense with unexpected twists and turns. The portrayal of darker, supernatural elements, although straying from Batman's realistic scope, adds an intriguing layer at the cost of some coherence.

Voice Acting: Star Performances

The game features robust vocal performances that enrich the personas within. John Noble's rendering of Scarecrow introduces a chilling sense of dread, and Kevin Conroy's portrayal of Batman, while impressive, does have moments of stiffness. Mark Hamill's Joker, delivered posthumously, resonates with exceptional fidelity to the original comic's spirit, though at times, the brilliance is slightly diminished by predictable lines in ancillary missions.

Conclusion

Batman™: Arkham Knight features an ambitious plot, dynamic combat, an expansive world, and impressive technical advancements despite minor hiccups. This concluding piece by Rocksteady manages to convey the message of Batman while providing a visually stunning and game-play-rich gaming experience.