Batman: Arkham City Review

Old enemies clashed again in battle — this time in a huge, fenced-off area of Gotham City. How this game concept changed the gameplay, as well as the graphics and storyline, read in the review!

Rocksteady has done a tremendous job on Batman: Arkham City. A new, completely seamless world has been created, and the game's graphics have been improved. The controls, abilities, and gadgets of the main character have been slightly changed. Annoying difficult scuffles with opponents, especially bosses, have disappeared. The storyline has been significantly revised, and this is the main advantage: in terms of cinematic quality, Batman: Arkham City easily surpasses Call of Duty. Essentially, we have a new Batman movie! Given such significant developments, the game's release a month later than originally planned can be forgiven.

The gameplay in the new Batman game has hardly changed: it still features insanely fast-paced battles with crowds of enemies. However, thanks to some changes in controls and the combat system, playing on the keyboard is much more convenient and easier than it was in Asylum. Finally, you don't have to bother memorizing new combinations — methodical left-right left-right is also effective. Quick actions fit perfectly into the combat system — it's convenient to scatter enemies with batarangs or, if you prefer, use freeze, a shocker, and even a grappling hook.

There are no changes in the stealth mode, although nothing needs to be changed here — we can still take out enemies one by one using all available methods. However, the fistfighting mode now competes with stealth: if it was previously deadly to expose yourself to machine-gun bullets, now a couple of new, effective fist moves give a few seconds' advantage over enemies, allowing you to reduce their numbers.

Of course, the storyline scenes are interspersed with scuffles with bandits, some of whom are armed with machine guns, shockers, and shields. Each such enemy requires a special approach. By abandoning dull fights with powerful mutants, the developers replaced them with specialized bosses. An excellent move, as in Asylum, all those mutants pumped up with titan were irritating.

No expense was spared in developing the world of Arkham City — it's quite large, and exploring each part can take a lot of time. Considering that there isn't a place in the game untouched by a designer's or decorator's hand, Arkham City easily competes with Deus Ex: Human Revolution in terms of visual design.

Since the game takes place in winter, the city's atmosphere matches: there's snow in some places, sometimes you can find festive garlands (especially loved by the Joker), and the enemies themselves are warmly dressed and occasionally comment on the weather: "I'd kill for a bottle of moonshine," "Is Mr. Freeze at it again?" Of course, it's a small detail, but still pleasant.

The game's signature feature — object physics using Nvidia PhysX technology — is also pleasing. One can only sympathize with AMD graphics card users — they won't experience full immersion in the game. The announced DirectX 11 here resembles a fifth wheel, and the quality of some textures could be higher. Despite this, the game meets the highest graphic standards!

Who is behind the creation of Arkham City prison inside Gotham? What are the most dangerous supervillains plotting? How do ordinary bandits live? Throughout the game, we find answers to many questions and encounter numerous cool plot twists. According to the script, we see several of our "old acquaintances," but don't think these will be standard "fly in-talk-win" encounters. Each such meeting has an appropriate atmosphere and opponents. No scene in the game is repeated, which is a huge plus.

Not only the main campaign is interesting, but also the side quests, surprisingly numerous. Like other elements of the game, they are crafted "by hand" — you won't find "go there, bring this" tasks. Each quest is meticulously thought out (just catching the maniac Zsasz or freeing the Riddler's hostages is worth it!) and quite lengthy.

The idea of changing the playable character to Catwoman and (in DLC) to Robin deserves special praise. The thing is, when you change the character, the gameplay changes significantly. For example, Catwoman doesn't have Batman's strength, and the enemies are stronger than her. Therefore, she uses completely different tactical techniques and arsenal for combat. Getting used to Batman, you don't immediately remember this.

Batman: Arkham City is one of the most anticipated games of the year. The game is excellently executed: you will encounter not only great graphics but also an engaging storyline and exciting gameplay. The developers didn't skimp on the unique "leveling" of the hero — as you gain experience, you get new opportunities to improve the costume, gadgets, and combat techniques. The main storyline is well-structured, and after completing the game, its events will be neatly organized in your memory.