I’ve only played the game a little bit so far and apart from some issues with the camera angle when walking, which I am sure I will get used to, it’s pretty great! I played the demo months ago and I really wanted this game back then, but I never got the time. Well now it’s time to make time!
Batman: Arkham Asylum is at heart an Action-Adventure game, but it includes stealth similar to the Metal Gear Solid games, and the fighting brings me back to old side-scrolling beat ‘em ups. It is played in an over the shoulder third person view. Which works for me, though the camera when walking is gonna take a bit getting used to as the character is not centered on screen. It makes you see more while still being close to the character, though when you run or crouch it is centered.
It’s based on the Original DC Comics’ Batman rather than one from the movies or other media.
The Plot
Batman is on to the Joker
The Joker attacks Gotham City’s Mayor’s office but is foiled by Batman, who escorts him to Arkham Asylum. Due to a recent fire at Gotham City’s Blackgate Prison, a large number of sane prisoners have been temporarily relocated to Arkham, many of whom are in the Joker’s gang. As Batman accompanies the guards taking the Joker inside, the asylum’s security is overridden by Harley Quinn, allowing the Joker to escape and take control of the facility as he enlists the Blackgate prisoners as well as other rogue characters imprisoned at the asylum. Batman quickly realizes that these events, including the Blackgate fire, have all been part of Joker’s plan and that the Joker had bribed a security guard to help him escape. The Joker threatens to detonate bombs scattered around Gotham City should anyone attempt to enter Arkham, forcing Batman to work alone; however, Batman is able to rely on Commissioner Gordon and other loyal guards after Batman is able to free them. Additionally, Oracle is able to guide him through the Asylum over the radio. Batman is able to gain access to an adjunct of the Batcave he had set up years ago on the island and is able to use his sleuthing skills to learn of Joker’s plan. – from the Wikipedia article about Batman: Arkham Asylum
KaPow! – Sploosh – Zok!! – Whamm!! – Ooooff!
Batman surrounded by thugs
The fighting system is simple, but not too simple, and includes a very rewarding display of it all. Slow-motion at times, good animation, and queues telling you when you can counter, etc.
All in all the game makes you feel awesome, similar to how Prototype can make you feel, though not as extreme. And it is forgiving in a similar fashion. I accidentally jumped down into some poisonous gas and I was immediately told what button to press to get out of it.
I use an Xbox 360 controller when playing, and as the game was developed for consoles as well that works really well.
The graphics are pretty good, and the game from what I hear is supposedly really well optimized. I ran the game at max settings and I experienced no slowdowns, but then again I have a computer that was pretty top-notch when this came out.
I only played until I defeated the game’s first boss, which was sort of simple, but it taught you a new command, which is how games should teach you stuff. Tutorials are really annoying, and I hate that like 50% of all Flash Games require you to play a tutorial instead of letting the game slowly teach you everything.
I will probably be writing more posts about this game as I play it more.
And oh, Mark Hamill is pretty great as the Joker’s voice, if you didn’t already know, he’s the guy that has been doing the voice for the Joker in the animated series of Batman. (Best known for his role as Luke Skywalker)
Batman: Arkham Asylum is an action-adventure stealth video game based on DC Comics‘ Batman for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. It was developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game were released on August 25, 2009 in North America and August 28, 2009 in Europe, and the PC version was released on September 15 in North America and on September 18 in Europe. – from the Wikipedia article about Batman: Arkham Asylum
Fredrik 'Grey Fox' Henriksson is an avid Civilization and StarCraft 2 player as well as a wannabe game designer. When he isn't playing games or working on mods he likes to paint digital art, watch tv-series, a movie or just hang with good company. 
I got hooked by the demo too. I wasn’t a fan of Batman but the critical acclaim it received stunned me, so I decided to give it a try. Really didn’t regret it. It has good graphics, pretty solid gameplay, lots of content to unlock and – most importantly – ultra fun to play!
Granted, I played it on PS3, but I guess the difference from PC shouldn’t be that great.