What Order to Play Batman Arkham Games: A Journey Through Gotham's Shadows

The Batman Arkham series has become a cornerstone of modern gaming, offering players an immersive experience into the dark and gritty world of Gotham City. With multiple titles released over the years, it can be daunting to decide the best order to play these games. This article will guide you through the optimal sequence to experience the Arkham saga, ensuring you get the most out of the narrative and gameplay.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)

• Why Start Here?
  • Chronological Order: Arkham Origins is set before the events of the other games, making it a natural starting point. It introduces a younger, less experienced Batman, providing a fresh perspective on his early years.
  • Character Development: The game delves into Batman’s relationships with key characters like Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and the Joker, setting the stage for future interactions.
  • Gameplay Introduction: While it shares many mechanics with the later games, Origins serves as a good introduction to the combat and stealth systems that define the series.

2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

• The Foundation of the Series:
  • Narrative Depth: Arkham Asylum is where the series truly began, offering a tightly woven story that pits Batman against his greatest foes within the confines of the infamous asylum.
  • Gameplay Evolution: This game refined the combat and stealth mechanics, creating a blueprint that future titles would build upon.
  • Atmosphere: The dark, oppressive atmosphere of Arkham Asylum sets the tone for the entire series, immersing players in Batman’s world.

3. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

• Expanding the World:
  • Open-World Exploration: Arkham City takes the action outside the asylum, offering a larger, more open environment to explore. This shift in scale allows for more varied gameplay and side missions.
  • Story Continuation: The narrative picks up after Arkham Asylum, with Batman facing new threats and old enemies. The stakes are higher, and the story is more complex.
  • Character Arcs: Key characters like Catwoman, Two-Face, and Hugo Strange play significant roles, adding depth to the overall narrative.

4. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

• The Grand Finale:
  • Technological Advancements: Arkham Knight represents the pinnacle of the series in terms of graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. The introduction of the Batmobile adds a new dimension to the gameplay.
  • Emotional Depth: This game explores Batman’s psyche more deeply, dealing with themes of fear, guilt, and redemption. The relationship between Batman and the Joker reaches its climax.
  • Conclusion: Arkham Knight serves as the conclusion to the Arkham saga, wrapping up the storylines and character arcs that have been building throughout the series.

5. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

• A Unique Experience:
  • Virtual Reality: Arkham VR offers a different kind of experience, placing players directly in Batman’s shoes through VR technology. It’s a shorter, more focused experience that complements the main series.
  • Narrative Connection: While not essential to the main storyline, Arkham VR provides additional context and insight into Batman’s world, making it a worthwhile addition for fans.

6. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)

• A Side Story:
  • Handheld Experience: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that serves as a companion to Arkham Origins. It offers a different gameplay style but maintains the series’ core themes.
  • Story Expansion: The game expands on the events of Arkham Origins, providing additional context and character development.

7. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

• A Different Perspective:
  • Mobile Gameplay: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that allows players to take on the role of Gotham’s villains. It offers a unique perspective on the Arkham universe, though it’s not essential to the main series.
  • Fan Service: For those who enjoy the darker side of Gotham, this game provides a fun, albeit less critical, experience.

Conclusion

The Batman Arkham series is a masterclass in storytelling, gameplay, and atmosphere. By playing the games in the order outlined above, you’ll experience the evolution of Batman’s journey from a fledgling vigilante to the Dark Knight at the height of his powers. Each game builds upon the last, creating a cohesive and immersive narrative that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I skip Arkham Origins and start with Arkham Asylum?

• A: While you can start with Arkham Asylum, playing Arkham Origins first provides valuable context and character development that enhances the overall experience.

Q: Is Arkham VR necessary to understand the main story?

• A: No, Arkham VR is not essential to the main storyline, but it offers a unique perspective and additional depth to the Arkham universe.

Q: How does Arkham Knight compare to the previous games?

• A: Arkham Knight is the most advanced in terms of graphics and gameplay, with a more complex story and deeper character exploration. It serves as the culmination of the series.

Q: Are the mobile games like Arkham Underworld worth playing?

• A: While not essential, Arkham Underworld offers a fun, alternative perspective on the Arkham universe, especially for fans of the series’ villains.

Q: What is the best way to experience the Arkham series for a new player?

• A: The best way is to play the games in chronological order, starting with Arkham Origins and ending with Arkham Knight. This ensures a cohesive narrative and a gradual introduction to the gameplay mechanics.