Eidos and Rocksteady did a great job by creating an 'unexpectedly' good game in which Batman and Joker are facing each other in the most dramatic way causing collateral damage and therefore a good justification for giving the player the chance to play one of the best virtual experience from the Batman's universe.

In general, games that were inspired from DC or Marvel franchises failed dramatically due to low budgets, or insubstantiality in the developing process. But Batman: Arkham Asylum is an exception, as you can find a totally new and consistent story, amazing graphics, and an addictive gameplay where fast paced action meets stealth action in the best possible way.

Obviously you will play as Batman who is walking along one of his biggest enemies (the Joker) while entering the Arkham Asylum after a very easy capture operation. The intro cinematic scene will make you realize that Joker is actually eager to enter this asylum making his capture operation being just a puzzle piece from a bigger plan involving taking control of the entire island and later the whole Gotham City. Without losing too much time, you will be thrown in the battle immediately after Joker escapes the security, making contact for the first time with the melee combat system. As theatrical as it may look like, the combat is easy to handle using most of the time just two commands: the attack and the counter attack button. Timing your attacks will cause chain combos which will increasingly inflict damage, a higher ranked combo causing terminal damage. You don't have to be a dexterity guru to handle the combat moments, the control being intuitive enough. From the visual point of view the melee attacks look amazing including a complete collection of take-downs, slo-mo counter attacks and stun effects so appropriate to Batman's capabilities.