Batman: Arkham Asylum

{{DC Database:Video Game Template
 * Image                  = BatmanAA_XBOX_360_US.jpg
 * ImageSize              = 254px
 * Title                  =
 * Aliases                =
 * Universe               =


 * Developers             = Rocksteady Studios
 * Publishers             = {{sup|EU}} Eidos Interactive {{sup|JPN}} Konami {{sup|NA}} Warner Bros. Interactive DC Comics
 * Modes                  = Single-player
 * Genres                 = Action-adventure
 * Ratings                = ESRB: T
 * Platforms              = PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
 * Media                  = DVD-DL, Blu-Ray disc
 * Release Date           = June 23, 2009


 * Previous Game          = &mdash;
 * Next Game              = &mdash;

Featured Characters: Supporting Characters: Featured Villains: Other Characters: Locations: Items: Vehicles:
 * Appearances            =
 * Batman
 * Commissioner James Gordon
 * Oracle
 * Jack Ryder
 * Aaron Cash
 * Warden Quincy Sharp
 * Dr. Penelope Young
 * Frank Boles
 * Joker
 * Harley Quinn
 * Bane
 * Poison Ivy
 * Killer Croc
 * Scarecrow
 * Mr. Zsasz
 * The Riddler
 * Two-Face
 * Prometheus
 * The Great White Shark
 * The Ventriloquist
 * Professor Hugo Strange
 * Black Mask
 * Calendar Man
 * Catwoman
 * Maxie Zeus
 * Ra's al Ghul
 * Firefly
 * Amadeus Arkham
 * Thomas Wayne
 * Martha Wayne
 * Alfred Pennyworth
 * Scarface
 * Hush
 * Mad Hatter
 * Clayface
 * Humpty Dumpty
 * Tweedledum and Tweedledee
 * Ratcatcher
 * Mr. Freeze
 * The Penguin
 * Killer Moth
 * Gotham City
 * Arkham Asylum
 * Batarang
 * Sonic Batarang
 * Multi-Batarang
 * Remote Control Batarang
 * Explosive Gel
 * Batclaw
 * Ultra Batclaw
 * Cryptographic Sequencer
 * Line Launcher
 * Grappling Hook
 * Cowl's Vision Mode (Includes Detective Mode, Environment Analysis and Tracer)
 * Batmobile
 * Batwing

Gameplay
The game will have a more closed gameplay atmosphere, similar to The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. Paul Dini's style of story is reminiscent of the depth and twists of Bioshock. Gameplay places just as much focus on Batman's role as a detective as his combat prowess. Most of the game is played through an over-the-shoulder, third person perspective, similar to that of Resident Evil 4. It has been hinted that certain villains might be playable at some point in the game although this may be as an unlockable element after completing the game. Arkham was chosen as a location because of its limitations including the fact that it's located on an island. Arkham will be a persistent location that the player will be able to freely roam, including an area that serves as Batman's secret on-site Bat Cave.

Combat
Some boss battles are focused on combat while others will focus on gadgets. Combat description features Batman perched on a high ledge in a wide open room as he watches some of the Joker's thugs rifle through drawers. Batman switches to investigation mode using a blue tinted visor that among other things lets Batman see his enemies through walls and identifies things like guns and knives. One thug is carrying a machine gun, so Batman jumps off the ledge, spreads his cape, and stuns him. He then swipes his cape to stun his other enemies and engages them in combat. Combat is accomplished using only three buttons: Attack, Stun and Takedown.

During battle, a combo multiplier at the top of the screen will increase with every strike. Once the combo expires, a colony of bats will swirl around Batman and then contribute to an experience bar on the left side of the screen. In an RPG-like skill tree system players will be able to distribute points where they prefer. Gadgets are revealed by collecting items in secret rooms. The player will need gadgets to survive against certain enemies. There are sections that involve stealth, although the developers state that they prefer to call them "Predatory" gameplay sections, as stealth tends to imply weakness. Batman can create distractions with bodies and victims' yells, and then stalk the guards as they go to inspect. The realism of combat is heightened using realistic physics.

Detective
The developers have come up with a "CSI style" for forensic puzzles because Batman will always have the very latest gadgets. Investigative mode is the centerpiece in Batman's arsenal.While in detective mode the visors in the cowl will be engaged. The visor can highlight points of interest and scan items into your database.

As the story begins, Batman has once again captured the Joker and is escorting him to Arkham Asylum for imprisonment. He notes to Commissioner Gordon that the capture was far too easy. Sure enough, the clown quickly escapes and springs his trap, releasing all of the detained inmates (including some of Batman's most powerful foes) and turning the defenses of the Asylum against the Dark Knight. Batman must now brave the perils of Arkham in order to stop the Joker from detonating bombs that he has planted all around Gotham City.
 * Story                  =


 * Cast                   = * Kevin Conroy - Batman
 * Mark Hamill - The Joker
 * Arleen Sorkin - Harley Quinn
 * Clancy Brown - Killer Croc

Batman: Arkham Asylum is an action-adventure video game for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows, and is based on DC Comics' Batman. Developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics. It is based on the long-running comic book mythos, as opposed to most other Batman games which are adaptations of the character in other media besides the source material.
 * Notes                  =

Development
The story is being written by Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Detective Comics) while Wildstorm is crafting the appearances of the characters. Game Informer teases that Arkham Asylum will be the ultimate Batman experience and the voice cast will reflect that, featuring Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as The Joker  and Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn in the game, reprising their voice roles from the long-running DC Animated Universe.

The game will be based on the 70-year Batman series as a whole rather than being tied to any particular adaptation, and it is said to run on Epic Games Unreal Engine 3.

A Collector's Edition was announced by Gamestop. The Collector's Edition will feature:
 * A 14 inch Batarang in the style of the game (stand included)
 * A Wayne Tech collector's box
 * A 50 Page color character journal
 * A Bonus DVD including interviews with Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill and others.

It has recently been announced that the Joker will be a free downloadable character on the PS3's PlayStation Store. Players will only be able to use the character on challenge maps; there will be no single campaign.

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 * Trivia                 =
 * Links                  = * US Official Site