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

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

The Batman video game series, primarily developed by Rocksteady Studios and WB Games Montréal, offers a rich narrative experience that spans multiple titles. Deciding the order in which to play these games can significantly enhance your understanding of the story, character development, and the evolution of gameplay mechanics. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the dark alleys of Gotham and beyond.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)

  • Why Start Here? Although it was released after Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, Arkham Origins serves as a prequel to the series. It introduces a younger, less experienced Batman, setting the stage for the events that follow.
  • Gameplay and Story: The game focuses on Batman’s early years, dealing with a bounty placed on his head by Black Mask, leading to encounters with iconic villains like the Joker and Deathstroke. The combat system is refined from previous games, offering a more polished experience.

2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

  • The Beginning of the Arkham Saga: This is where the series truly began. Arkham Asylum is a masterclass in storytelling and atmosphere, capturing the essence of Batman’s struggle against his rogues’ gallery.
  • Gameplay and Story: The game is set within the confines of Arkham Asylum, where Batman must thwart the Joker’s plans to take over the facility. The combat system is intuitive, and the exploration of the asylum is both eerie and engaging.

3. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

  • Expanding the World: Following the success of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City expands the playable area to a section of Gotham City, offering a more open-world experience.
  • Gameplay and Story: The game picks up after the events of Arkham Asylum, with Batman imprisoned in Arkham City, a super-prison controlled by Hugo Strange. The narrative is deeper, with more side quests and a larger roster of villains, including Two-Face, Penguin, and Mr. Freeze.

4. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

  • The Climactic Conclusion: Arkham Knight is the final chapter in the Arkham series, bringing the story to a dramatic close.
  • Gameplay and Story: Set a year after Arkham City, the game introduces the Arkham Knight, a new villain with a personal vendetta against Batman. The Batmobile is a significant addition, offering new gameplay mechanics. The story is intense, with multiple twists and a fitting end to Batman’s journey.

5. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

  • A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional game, Arkham VR offers a unique perspective on the Batman universe.
  • Gameplay and Story: This VR experience allows players to step into Batman’s shoes, solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin. It’s a short but immersive experience that complements the main series.

6. Gotham Knights (2022)

  • A New Chapter: Although not directly connected to the Arkham series, Gotham Knights offers a fresh take on the Batman universe.
  • Gameplay and Story: Set in a world where Batman is dead, the game follows Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin as they protect Gotham from the Court of Owls. The gameplay is more RPG-focused, with co-op options and a larger open world.

7. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2023)

  • A Different Perspective: This game shifts the focus from Batman to the Suicide Squad, offering a new narrative angle.
  • Gameplay and Story: Set in the Arkham universe, the game follows the Suicide Squad as they are tasked with killing the Justice League, who have been brainwashed by Brainiac. The gameplay is more action-oriented, with a focus on team dynamics and combat.

Q: Can I play Gotham Knights without playing the Arkham series?

  • A: Yes, Gotham Knights is set in a different continuity and does not require knowledge of the Arkham series to enjoy.

Q: Is Batman: Arkham VR necessary to understand the main series?

  • A: No, Arkham VR is a standalone experience and does not impact the main storyline of the Arkham series.

Q: How does Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League connect to the Arkham series?

  • A: The game is set in the same universe and references events from the Arkham series, but it focuses on a different set of characters and storylines.

Q: What is the best order to play the Arkham series for the first time?

  • A: The recommended order is Arkham Origins, Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight to follow the chronological story progression.

Q: Are there any other Batman games worth playing outside the Arkham series?

  • A: Yes, games like Batman: The Telltale Series and LEGO Batman offer different takes on the Batman universe and are worth exploring for fans of the character.