Batman: Arkham City 2011

Batman: Arkham City is a sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum that was released during 2009. Warner Brothers and Interactive Entertainment are behind the release while Rocksteady Studios is the producer of the game. Paul Dini writes scripts for both Arkham City and Arkham Asylum. These games are action role-playing games that involves as fast pace story line and requires practice and patients.

Arkham City has a main storyline and many subplots. The game has releases for Xbox, Playstation 3 and Microsoft Windows for the PC. The main story follows Bruce Wayne's imprisonment in Arkham City, a bigger jail compared to Arkham Asylum. As Batman, you will have Batman's usual gadgets: Batarang, Batclaw, cryptogenic sequencer and many more. However, Catwoman has lesser tools at her disposal, hence she will benefit from silent takedowns.

If you are a fan of Batman's comics by DC comics, then the villains and Batman's aides will be familiar to you. As you go along the story, you will unlock many character biographies; with the Riddler in the story, you can collect character trophies too. The main plot for Arkham City is straightforward and easy with Batman and Catwoman swapping scenes during the game. It is the subplots that will make you wonder and think before acting.

Since Batman does not kill, hence he does not have guns or grenades. Taking down enemies requires sneaking up to them and taking them down silently, or using Batclaw to disarm them and pull them down walkways. Melee fights will give you bonuses with each successful hit and counter, although you can use all the tools you have to help you win the fight. The combat bonus allows you to use special attacks, but to activate you need to accumulate at least eight consecutive bonuses.

In Arkham City, the favourite and fastest mode of travelling is by gliding through the air and grappling on to corners of buildings. Beware of enemies lurking by the next building, as they will attack you when you land. While Batman has smoke bombs, Catwoman will have to rely on her dexterity to stay out of sight or out of bullet's way as she fights her way to victory. The enemies get harder to fight as the story progresses, going from melee to blades and guns, hence silent takedowns become more important in surviving the game.

The graphics and the music soundtrack is skilfully done, it is impressive as playing the game also makes you feel like you are watching a movie. The story is fast paced, and you can opt to do the mini quests later when the main one is done. In short, Batman: Arkham City is a productive game for all Batman fans who wants to enjoy a good story and playing Batman who is not running all the time. It is just a pity that Batmobile is not included this time.

Ailyn Koay is a pharmacist in Adelaide, Australia. She is looking to become a writer, if you are interested in her work please contact ailynkoay@gmail.com.