The Batman franchise expanded over the years beyond comic books and television, eventually conquering the worlds of movies and video games. The Caped Crusader's adventures have received numerous adaptations over the years, each one distinctively different and with its own unique purpose.
Batman video games are never shy about exploring deeper and darker ideas and plots, taking full advantage of the medium's attributes. Over the years, the Dark Knight has appeared in multiple games as both a leading character and a supporting player. Not all of them received critical acclaim, though, but Batman keeps going, delivering adventure after adventure to his millions of loyal fans.
Batman: Arkham Origins - 73
Set eight years before Arkham Asylum, Origins focuses on a less-refined Batman dealing with a horde of enemies after Black Mask puts a bounty on his head. The game focuses on Batman's stealth and detective instincts, and even introduces the ability to recreate crimes.
The game received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The PlayStation 3 version is the only one with a "Generally positive reviews" score in Metacritic. It received widespread praise for its challenging boss battles, although much of the criticism centered on the game's familiarity and the lack of innovation in gameplay.
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham - 74
Released in 2014, Beyond Gotham centers on a large group of DC heroes who join Batman and Robin to stop Brainiac's plans to take over the Earth. It received versions for multiple consoles, including the DS, Wii U, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Beyond Gotham received mixed reviews from critics. Many praised the game's humor and characters, but multiple aspects of the game received criticism, with reviewers expressing confusion at the franchise's overall direction.
Batman: Arkham VR - 74
Arkham VR takes place between Arkham City and Arkham Knight. It follows Batman as he investigates the disappearance of his partners, Nightwing and Robin. The game employs virtual reality headsets that allow the player to experience Gotham from Batman's perspective.
Arkham VR received mixed reviews from critics. The virtual reality gimmick divided reviewers, with many claiming it was an impressive step forward for the franchise, while others disliked it and considered it unnecessary and pretentious.
Lego Batman: The Videogame - 75
The first entry in the Lego Batman series, the game features Batman and Robin fighting their rogue's gallery, who split into three groups of five. Each group has a different plan and leader, and thus receives its own individual storyline.
Critics appreciated the Lego twist to the Batman canon and enjoyed the game's humor, voice cast, and a throwback to the original 1960s television show. They also expressed confusion, however, at the plot's relative safety and the fact that the game didn't do more with its fresh premise.
Batman: Return To Arkham - 77
A compilation that features remastered versions of both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, Return to Arkham received a 2016 release. It includes all previously released DLCs for both games, as well as improved graphics and upgraded environments.
Return to Arkham received mixed reviews from critics. The graphics and lighting effects sharply divided reviewers, although they did praise the improvements to the shading and texture. The game's 30 FPS rate also received heavy criticism.
Batman: The Enemy Within - 80
Batman: The Enemy Within serves as a sequel to Batman: The Telltale Series and features an episodic format. The plot gives equal importance to both Bruce Wayne and Batman and follows the character as he infiltrates a group of supervillains that call themselves "The Pact."
The game received praise for its story and action sequences. The first four chapters received mixed to positive reviews, but the last one earned critical acclaim, sharply increasing the game's overall score. The choice to prevent the Joker from becoming evil was particularly well-received.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes - 80
DC Super Heroes follows Batman and Robin as they join forces with Superman to prevent the Joker and Lex Luthor from placing the latter as the President. The Justice League also features in the game, eventually helping the three titular heroes in their fight.
Considered the best entry in the Lego Batman series, the game received praise for its gameplay, original story, humor, and voice acting. It received some criticism for sporadic technical failures and glitches, while some others suggested the open-world needed some improvements.
Batman: Arkham Knight - 80
Set nine months after Arkham City, the game follows Batman as he faces Scarecrow, who launches an attack on Gotham City with the help of the mysterious Arkham Knight. Like other games in the Arkham series, Arkham Knight focuses on Batman's stealth, combat, and detective skills.
Arkham Knight was wildly divisive when it first came out. Praised for its narrative, gameplay, combat, and visuals, the game received criticism for the Batmobile's excessive use in the plot. Above all, the characterization of the titular Arkham Knight also divided critics and audiences, with the reveal of his identity being considered too predictable.
Batman: Arkham Asylum - 91
The plot of Arkham Asylum finds Batman facing against the Joker, who plans to take control of the titular Arkham Asylum and trap Batman within its walls. Released in 2009, the game features the return of many veteran actors who voice characters of the Batman franchise.
Arkham Asylum received critical acclaim at the time of its release, with many critics considering it one of the best superhero video games ever. Most praise centered on the game's ambitious storyline, innovative ideas, and simple-yet-engaging combat mechanics.
Batman: Arkham City - 91
The sequel to Arkham Asylum, Arkham City follows Batman as he gets incarcerated in Arkham City, a prison enclosing the slums of Gotham. There, he'll have to uncover a sinister plot and punish the man behind it, the prison's warden, Hugo Strange.
Arkham City received even better reviews than its predecessor. Most aspects of the game, including the plot, narrative, character development, visuals, ambiance, soundtrack, and gameplay, were lauded. Like Asylum, Arkham City often ranks highly in many critics lists of the best video games ever.