Game: Batman Arkham City
Platform: X-Box 360, Ps3, Pc
Company: Rocksteady studios
Age Rating: 15
Release date: 21/10/11
Standard Price: £39.99 RRP
Collectors Edition: £ 59.99 RRP

In this much awaited sequel to Batman Arkham Asylum, Batman Arkham City sees the Dark knight prowling the streets of the new maximum security city around Arkham Asylum, a move by Gotham to try to contain the deranged and murderous inmates of Arkham that escaped during the events of the last game.

The villains have doubled you will face: Two face, Mr Freeze, the Penguin, Hugo strange, Talia al ghul (daughter of Raz al ghul), and Deadshot just to name a few. We see the Joker make a come back along with long suffering girlfriend Harley Quinn, the Riddler actually makes an appearance in this game rather than the disembodied voice coming from batman’s listening/connection to Oracle that the Riddler had high jacked, he has also upped is game so that instead of just giving him annoying riddles around Arkham asylum this time if you don’t stop him there are deadly consequences. Poison ivy also makes a comeback in this game.

An interesting concept for this game is the introduction of femme fatale Selina Kyle better known as the vigilante Catwoman. It is her that brings Batman into Arkham City after being captured by disgraced District Attorney Harvey Dent “Two Face”.  You not only play as the Dark Knight but you also play as Catwoman who has her own branching storyline for you to play through although theses sections of the game appear to be an optional thing to do.

Now most people just like to by the Game to play it and that’s that, but for the selects few of you Gamers out there like collectables and Rocksteady have a nice selection of collectable goodies for all your fan needs. Ok granted the collectors edition for Batman Arkham Asylum was a bit of a let down with some of the Fans  what with the  some may say “cheaply made” Batarang that was modelled on the ones used by the caped crusader in the game. Some were disappointed with the case studies and the extra features that came with it. This time how ever Batman Arkham City collector’s edition offers you 

• Batman: Arkham City game
• Custom Batman statue produced by Kotobukiya
• Collectible art book
• Early access to the Iceberg Lounge Challenge Map and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns skin
• Batman: Arkham City album from WaterTower Music including original songs by hit artists, available via digital redemption
• Bonus DC Universe animated original movie, Batman: Gotham Knight

by Thomas Rainsford