With Christopher Nolan's 3rd chapter in the Dark Knight movie series hitting the big screen (caught the press preview just before diving into the game), this is an ideal opportunity to take your Batman obsession another step further. Following from the sturdy foundation established by the Arkham Asylum game, Arkham City steps it up to a new level.

Bruce Wayne seems to have some political interests, calling for the close of the Arkham City prison (a portion of Gotham City developed into a sprawling urban jail area, kind of like Escape From New York). As Vicki Vale reports Wayne is abducted by the man in charge of Arkham City, Hugo Strange. Alfred sends in a Bat-suit, and Batman is on the job, trying to find out what Protocol 10 is all about.

Classic characters and villains assemble (for a multi-faceted experience filled with action), including The Joker (voiced by Mark Hammill aka Luke Skywalker), The Penguin, Cat Woman, Two Face, Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Besides kicking the asses of a multitude of thugs in this dangerous place, there is also a variety of investigative techniques applied as you dig deeper into the narrative, illustrated with amazing graphics and sound. The cut-scenes and great look of the city gives you that feeling of being inside your own movie.
(While Nolan's films are great, the New York realism and plenty of daytime scenes is contrasted by this cool, dark and grimy comic style Gotham City look).

Besides Story Mode, you can unlock Riddler's Revenge and access downloadable Catwoman episodes.
It is 3D TV compatible for extra eye popping fun.
The violence and other elements make this unsuitable for under 16s.

5 / B
- Paul Blom

A - Multiple Playing Prospects
B - Can be taken for another Run
C - Once Should Suffice