(Note: Unlocking Catwoman requires a pass code provided with new copies of the game.)Īll told, “Batman: Arkham City” does everything a sequel to a successful game should do - it takes what was accomplished, polishes and expands it, and uses it to tell a compelling story.
Players even get the chance to play as the infamous Catwoman. These aren’t silly quests, either - these are full-fledged narratives featuring even more classic villains and tremendous set pieces. In addition to the original game’s Riddler challenges, greatly expanded in number, the game features a vast selection of side missions for a player to find. Once the main campaign is finished, “Arkham City” still provides oodles more to do. Also back are all the trademark Bat-gadgets seen the first time, plus oodles more - if anything, the game may be a bit too overpopulated with gadgetry, as it’s a lot to keep up with, but man does it feel cool. The original game’s excellent combat mechanics have been retained, as fights with a group of enemies flow with a grace of power and skill. There’s also an overriding sense of doom, aided by the returning Joker, who appears to be dying of a mysterious malady. The plot sees Batman traversing the city in an effort to learn the truth behind the institution’s existence, and why a madman like the villain Hugo Strange has been put in charge of it. The feeling that you are stepping into the Caped Crusader’s shoes is more powerful than ever. Enter the sequel, “Arkham City.” Now, a massive chunk of Gotham - turned into a city-sized prison where the inmates are allowed to run wild - is the setting, giving the player an incredible amount of freedom to roam and explore. If there was one thing that could be held against “Asylum,” though, it would be that its setting was somewhat confined.