Batman Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, 2009)

Set within Gotham’s most notorious institution, Batman: Arkham Asylum places players inside the walls of Arkham after a routine transfer of the Joker spirals into a full-scale takeover. With the asylum overrun by dangerous inmates and iconic villains, Batman must restore order, uncover the Joker’s true plan, and survive encounters with enemies like Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, and Killer Croc.

The game blends third-person action with exploration, stealth, and detective gameplay. Players navigate Arkham’s interconnected locations—including cell blocks, medical facilities, and underground caverns—using Batman’s acrobatics, gadgets, and investigative skills. Combat is built around a fluid counter-and-strike system that rewards timing and positioning, while stealth sections emphasize fear-based takedowns from the shadows using vents, gargoyles, and environmental awareness.

Progression is driven by experience earned through combat and exploration, unlocking new abilities, health upgrades, and enhanced gadgets such as the grappling hook, Batarangs, explosive gel, and zipline. Arkham Asylum is packed with optional challenges and secrets, including hundreds of Riddler puzzles, hidden lore, and bonus combat and stealth modes that extend replay value beyond the main story.

Key Features

• Story-driven action set entirely within Arkham Asylum
• Free-flow combat system with counters and combo-based attacks
• Stealth gameplay emphasizing fear, positioning, and takedowns
• Detective vision for investigation, puzzles, and enemy tracking
• Upgradeable gadgets, abilities, and exploration tools
• Optional Riddler challenges, collectibles, and bonus modes