I didn't expect to be blown away replaying this game in 2026 but here I am.
What an absolute blast this was. It reminded me at the core what a good game really is.
This game is a dream come true for Batman fans. It hits that classic, mysterious Batman which is cold, calculated, experienced, and always focused. The graphics still hold up today, and the atmosphere is incredible. Some areas even managed to scare me, which says a lot due to the enemy design, sound design and overall mood of the game.
There are plenty of villains to face and many areas to explore. The map feels tight and focused, but the Asylum's courtyard and buildings are filled with secrets, unlockables, and challenges. The combat is smooth and satisfying, it's not overly complicated. It's very fun, especially on hard difficulty.

The art style is fantastic. You can tell this was made in a time when developers cared about every detail, even the main menu. Browsing through it feels satisfying.
The story delivers, and the unlockables add a surprising amount of depth to the villains. You actually want to read about them which is rare. Discovering the island's history through old relics and recordings adds another layer to the experience.
The cutscenes, voice acting, and overall tone are entertaining, dark, and sometimes even unsettling.
Not everyone will walk out of Arkham Asylum unscathed.
The attention to detail is everywhere. As you progress, Batman grows a bit of a beard, his suit gets damaged, his cape tears, and he starts to look bruised and worn down. It keeps you immersed from start to finish.

The only weak point is the final boss fight...it's a bit of a letdown and mostly just waves of enemies.
But honestly, the rest of the game is so strong that it barely matters.
This is still one of the best superhero games ever made: rich story, great atmosphere, amazing voice acting, smooth gameplay, and tons of content to unlock.

10/10

For the longest time, I've only known of the Arkham series through watching gameplay on YouTube. Hearing how highly regarded it is by so many, I decided to begin my trek through the series myself sans Origins (no hate on Origins, just doesn't really pull me in like the others). With that, my first introduction into Arkham Asylum was an interesting one.

To start, the gameplay; more importantly, its highly praised freeflow combat system. And let me tell you, it was... rough, to say the least. Obviously, anyone who's playing a game like this for the first time isn't going to be a master off rip, but I had on rose-tinted glasses hearing how 'fluid' the combat was and watching gameplay of it, only to be slapped upside the head going in. It's even more of a pain when you discover just how janky certain elements in the fighting are, such as enemies being able to knock you out of your combo when you're in the middle of a ground takedown without any way to cancel out of it, or how sometimes the game doesn't like to recognize when an enemy is knocked to the ground (which I've been told by my friend does get improved upon in the later games).

It also didn't help that I had to figure out the controls on keyboard and mouse, which the game wasn't built for in mind. I did try it out with controller, but it felt easier for me to fat finger a wrong button and lose my combo, so I toughed it out.

But honestly, that's the only fault I can give the combat itself. Once you DO get into the swing of things, however, oh man does it feel satisfying. As my friend ever so eloquently put it,

"You don't walk to the next enemy, you punch to them."

And the game is so much more than a brawler, as it switches frequently between a melee brawler, an open-world free roam, and some stealth/predator sections where the power fantasy of being the Dark Knight is complete.

Then there's the story. It's as Batman as you can get -- being thrown into a literal madhouse as the Joker takes control of the Asylum, with Batman having to unravel his latest scheme and put an end to it. Though you are limited to the confines of Arkham Asylum, it manages to immerse you in the world of Gotham through amazing set pieces and distinct art style in a plot that never loses steam and is graceful enough to be over before it gets old. All the while, you're introduced to many memorable characters from the batman mythos, from allies to some well known villains in Batman's Rogues Gallery, most of whom were wonderfully voice acted. And just as a side note, it was nice to hear the likes of Kevin Conroy and Tom Kane again.

As the first of many in its series, I can see how Arkham Asylum really made its mark as being a true Batman game, encompassing the best of action, platforming, exploration and stealth that feels in-line with the character, all within a fitting narrative.

Overall, I give Arkham Asylum a solid 7/10.

9/10