Released October 19, BAC is an open-world action-adventure RPG released by Rocksteady Studios. Incorporating the same free-flow combat system and predator/stalker modes that made its 2009 predecessor Batman Arkham Asylum so successful, the game not only maintained the familiar move sets and gadgets, but also provides more moves, more counters and plenty of bat-gadgets to keep the throngs of villainous thugs at bay. The use of gadgets is easily incorporated into the combat system to allow for a far greater and more natural feel to dispatching your foes. However, if at any moment you tire of pounding thugs with the Dark Knight, BAC allows you to take control of the sultry thief Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. And in mere moments of using this character, you learn that she is just as capable of dispatching foes. Gameplay with her is addicting enough you might not even want to switch back.

Batman is known for his gallery of rogues, and BAC does an excellent job of incorporating them naturally without letting them feel too rushed or forced in for some kind of fan service. Of course big names like the Joker, Two Face, Penguin, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy all make appearances, but so do lesser known favorites such as Dead Shot, Harley Quinn, Hugo Strange, Talia Al Guhl and, my personal favorite, Victor Zsasz. And each one of them has incredible voice acting befitting each character; including Tara Strong as the Joker’s bubbly and dangerous assistant Harley, Tom Kane as crooked Mayor Quincy Sharp and, reprising their roles from the critically acclaimed animated series are Kevin Conroy as the caped crusader and film legend Mark Hamill making his final performance as the clown prince of crime.

Our game takes you quickly to the action as Bruce Wayne is almost immediately abducted by the forces of Hugo Strange and thrown into Arkham City; a large block of Gotham City that has been cut out by the mayor and given over to Strange as an overseer. After dispatching of a few thugs and acquiring your suit and gear sent by Alfred, you must find Professor Strange, find out what his “Protocol 10” is and stop it. The story is completely immersive and addictive, begging you to continue. However, if you rush through the story and complete it, you are merely completing approximately a third of what the game has to offer.

Only a sparse collection of Batman’s villains has anything to do with Strange’s plot; the rest are attempting to use the anarchy within the walls to cut out some territory for themselves. As the Dark Knight, it is up to you to solve the clues and stop these criminal geniuses and madmen from harming the other inmates. Whether that is stopping assassinations from the absurdly talented Dead Shot, rescuing hostages from the demented serial killer Mr. Zsasz or rescuing police officers from the clutches of the Riddler, the game offers enough side missions and collectibles to keep you playing long after you’ve saved the citizens of Gotham. In addition, with 58 achievements in the game, BAC will keep you playing for more than the standard 12 to 20 hours of gameplay.

It is truly rare for a game to be so universally acclaimed by critics, and there is good reason. This game series is the only games thus far to give a truly good feel for what it means to take full control of the dark knight and what he is truly capable of. I am personally reluctant to give out a perfect score, but there is nothing wrong with this game that isn’t overly opinionated nitpicking. Gameplay is smooth and the controls are completely responsive. There are no long load times and no camera issues. The visuals are breath taking and the music score is inspiring and moving. The characters are interesting and sympathetic. The replay value is very high and there is enough credibility and loyalty to the comics to keep any Batman fan happy.

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