For Batman fans, Rocksteady Studios’ Arkham series has become synonymous with exceptional storytelling and thrilling free-flowing combat.
But with several titles spanning years, navigating the order in which to play these adventures can be tricky. Fear not, citizens of Gotham!
This guide will illuminate the chronological order of the Batman Arkham games, including some lesser-known titles, to ensure you experience the saga in its full, batarang-wielding glory.
The Arkham Chronology: A Night in Early Gotham
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
While released later, Arkham Origins serves as the prequel to the series, introducing a young and untested Batman in his second year of crime-fighting. A ruthless contract is placed on his life, attracting eight of Gotham’s most lethal assassins. Throughout the game, you’ll face iconic foes like Deathstroke and Deadshot for the first time, and witness the early development of key relationships, including the strained dynamic with James Gordon.
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
This 2.5D side-scroller bridges the gap between Origins and Arkham Asylum. Here, Batman investigates a prison riot at Blackgate Penitentiary, encountering familiar villains like Penguin and Black Mask. While shorter than the main entries, Blackgate offers a satisfying expansion of the Arkham Origins storyline.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
The title that launched the Arkham phenomenon, Arkham Asylum, throws Batman into the heart of Gotham’s notorious mental institution. Joker has orchestrated a takeover, trapping both doctors and criminals inside. This claustrophobic environment forces Batman to rely on his detective skills to navigate the asylum’s twisted corridors and confront deranged inmates like Two-Face and Killer Croc.
Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)
A mobile spin-off set between Asylum and City, Lockdown is a short but action-packed experience. Players control Batman as he navigates a prison transport under siege by Penguin’s goons. While not essential to the main story, Lockdown offers a bite-sized dose of Arkham brawling.
Rising Tensions: A City on the Brink
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Arkham City expands the series’ scope dramatically. This walled-off megacity houses a growing criminal population, with inmates like Two-Face and Riddler carving out their own territories. With a ticking clock and the life of Commissioner Gordon at stake, Batman must infiltrate this lawless zone, take down gang leaders, and unravel a complex plot orchestrated by Hugo Strange.
Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
Taking a virtual detour, Arkham VR allows players to step into the Batcave and become the Dark Knight himself. While not a full-fledged game, VR offers a unique perspective on solving puzzles and facing off against iconic foes like Scarecrow.
The Grand Finale: A Knight’s Final Stand
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
The epic conclusion to the Arkhamverse (excluding the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League), Arkham Knight throws Gotham into chaos. Scarecrow has unleashed a fear toxin that has crippled the city, and a mysterious Arkham Knight with advanced weaponry stalks the streets. Facing the most formidable challenge yet, Batman must utilize his upgraded arsenal and gadgets to take back Gotham and confront a shocking revelation about his past.
Beyond the Mainline: A Rogues’ Gallery of Extras
The Arkhamverse extends beyond the core numbered entries. Here are some additional titles to consider:
- Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016): This mobile game flips the script, letting players command a team of Batman villains to take over Gotham’s criminal underworld.
- Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014): This animated film serves as a prequel to Arkham Knight, depicting the government’s desperate attempt to infiltrate Arkham Asylum by sending in a team of supervillains.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order: A Tactical Decision
While this guide has focused on the chronological order, there’s merit to playing the games in their release order as well.
Arkham Asylum introduces core gameplay mechanics that are progressively refined in later entries. Starting with Asylum allows players to appreciate the evolution of the series and the growing sophistication of the design.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, detective. Whether you crave a historical exploration of Batman’s early years or a streamlined dive into the heart of the action, the Arkham series offers a thrilling journey through the criminal underbelly of Gotham.
So, don your cowl, equip your gadgets, and prepare to soar through the night sky, ready to protect Gotham from the shadows.
FAQs
Q: In what order should I play the Batman Arkham games?
There are two main ways to approach the series: chronological order (story order) and release order.
- Chronological Order:
- Batman: Arkham Origins
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (Optional Mobile Game)
- Batman: Arkham City
- Batman: Arkham VR (Optional VR Experience)
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Release Order:
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Batman: Arkham City
- Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (Optional Mobile Game)
- Batman: Arkham Origins
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Batman: Arkham VR (Optional VR Experience)
Q: What’s the difference between chronological and release order Batman Games?
Chronological order follows the story’s timeline, while release order reflects when the games were actually released. Playing in release order allows you to experience the improvements in gameplay and graphics as the series progresses.
Q: Are any of the games skippable?
The core story unfolds across Arkham Origins, Asylum, City, and Knight. The other titles offer additional experiences but are not essential to grasp the main plot.
Q: I heard there’s a mobile game?
There are actually two! Batman: Arkham Lockdown is a short, action-packed experience set between Asylum and City. Batman: Arkham Underworld flips the script, letting you control a team of villains taking over Gotham.
Q: Should I play VR?
Batman: Arkham VR is an optional experience that lets you step into the Batcave and solve puzzles in virtual reality. It’s not necessary for the main story but offers a unique perspective.
Q: What’s the best order for a first-time player?
Both approaches have merits. Release order lets you appreciate the gameplay improvements, while chronological order provides a smoother story flow. Ultimately, the choice is yours!
Q: What about Batman Games Chronologically: Assault on Arkham?
This 2014 animated film serves as a prequel to Arkham Knight, depicting a government mission to infiltrate Arkham Asylum with a team of supervillains. While not a game, it offers interesting backstory for some characters you’ll encounter later.
Q: Is there anything else coming out?
Yes! Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is an upcoming game set in the Arkhamverse, featuring the titular squad facing off against a mind-controlled Justice League. Keep an eye out for its release!
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