In case you haven't figured it out by now, I am completely enamored with the new Batman: Arkham Asylum for the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, and PC. I believe that it is the best Batman game ever made and just cannot shut up about it, so even though the game was not on my review assignment list from Kombo for the month, when the Kombo staffer slated to handle it mentioned not being able to turn in his text for another week or so, I eagerly volunteered to take the reins. Now my glowing review has been published over at Kombo.
While the gameplay is divided into these two major parts, Arkham Asylum's storyline and voice acting deserves to stand in praise as well. Written by Paul Dini of the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, the plot centers on the eternal conflict between Batman and the Joker, but manages to integrate other figures from the popular rogues gallery in an appropriate way. None of the major characters that appear feel shoehorned into the storyline, and while the Joker's endgame becomes obvious a little too soon, it's still satisfying to see it play out. Part of that satisfaction comes from hearing Kevin Conroy as Batman verbally sparing with Mark Hamill's Joker, both reprising roles from the aforementioned animated series (along with a few other familiar voices). Joker constantly appears on Arkham's closed circuit TV and public address system to taunt Batman, give orders to his goons, and provide sarcastic commentary on events. While Heath Ledger's portrayal of Joker in The Dark Knight turned the character into a force of nature, Hamill's performance here reminds once and for all that he is the true voice behind the character. I could not get enough of his remarks, and while I could quote a few of my favorites here, I wouldn't want to spoil the experience of hearing them for yourself.
I really don't know how I can emphasize this more: Play. This. Game. You will not be disappointed.
