Batman has been fighting crime in Gotham City across comic books, television, and film for over 80 years, capturing the imaginations of fans around the world. This iconic character has also starred in many memorable video games, letting players experience the life of the Dark Knight like never before. From the revolutionary Arkham series to retro adventures, these are the 10 best Batman video games every diehard fan should own.
1. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Kicking off Rocksteady Studios‘ genre-defining trilogy, Arkham Asylum set a new bar for superhero games in 2009. After Batman captures his arch-nemesis Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime escapes custody and takes control of the infamous asylum. This trap forces the Dark Knight to survive a night of hell while confronting his Rogues Gallery.
Regarded as one of the greatest superhero games period, Arkham Asylum brings the best facets of Batman to life. The engaging stealth and combo-based combat make you feel like the legendary hero, while facing classic villains such as Killer Croc and Scarecrow in dark, haunting environments straight from the comics. Batman‘s detective skills are also tested through mysteries spread across the asylum grounds. This exceptional title laid the blueprint for all future Arkham entries.
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
2. Batman: Arkham City
Expanding on Asylum‘s foundation, Arkham City propels the Dark Knight into a sprawling open-world right in the heart of Gotham. After Hugo Strange construction a walled-off district filled with Gotham‘s most dangerous criminals, Batman is imprisoned in "Arkham City" and must uncover Strange‘s mysterious "Protocol 10" scheme for the area. This puts him on another collision course with iconic rogues like Two-Face and Mr. Freeze.
Allowing players to freely roam the streets as Batman for the first time, Arkham City is bigger and better than the original in every way. Gliding and grappling across rooftops to uncover side quests and take down thugs never gets old. Rocksteady also expanded Batman‘s arsenal with new gadgets and combat moves, while facing a more diverse set of villains compared to Asylum. As one of the most critically-acclaimed superhero games in history, Arkham City is a must-play.
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
3. Batman: Arkham Origins
A prequel set before the Rocksteady titles, Arkham Origins depicts early days in Batman‘s crimefighting career. On a Christmas Eve plagued by a destructive blizzard, Black Mask places a $50 million bounty on the Dark Knight‘s head drawing eight assassins to Gotham. While more unpolished than later series entries, Origins captures Batman‘s detective roots through compelling mysteries.
With a younger, aggressive Batman voiced by fan-favorite actor Roger Craig Smith, Origins focuses on the Caped Crusader‘s more vulnerable early years. New enemy fights also stand out, like the intense showdown with mercenary Deathstroke. While WB Games Montreal‘s first attempt may not reach Rocksteady‘s creative heights, Origins has enough enjoyable content for big Batman fans.
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
4. Batman: Arkham Knight
Rocksteady Studios thrilling Arkham trilogy concludes with the biggest, baddest entry yet – Arkham Knight. Set one year after Arkham City, Gotham faces its darkest hour when the Scarecrow threatens the city with his powerful new fear toxin. A mysterious military force commanded by the mysterious Arkham Knight also assists Scarecrow‘s terror plot. This endgame shakes Batman to his core, testing his resolve like never before.
Letting players take control of the Batmobile for the first time, Arkham Knight features vehicle combat and puzzle sequences that add variety to core gameplay. Gliding through the most expansive version of Gotham City is breathtaking, especially when clearing out militia forces in a rooftop stealth attack or chasing down high-value targets in the Batmobile. While the Arkham Knight‘s identity is controversial among fans, Rocksteady delivers an epic cinematic climax worthy of their award-winning trilogy.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
5. Batman: The Telltale Series
Unlike action-based Arkham games, Batman: The Telltale Series from acclaimed studio Telltale Games delivers a gripping episodic point-and-click graphic adventure. Set in its own continuity, The Telltale Series puts players in the role of Bruce Wayne as shocking revelations threaten to destroy everything he believes in.
With Telltale‘s signature decision-based gameplay, your choices ultimately determine Batman‘s fate across the five-episode first season. Major decisions also influence his relationships with allies like butler Alfred and partner Catwoman. Although lacking combat and gameplay variety compared to other Batman titles, the excellent writing and voice acting bring the complexities of Bruce Wayne/Batman to life like never before.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mobile
6. Batman: Return to Arkham
For those seeking enhanced versions of Rocksteady‘s first two masterpieces, Batman: Return to Arkham bundles Arkham Asylum and Arkham City complete with graphical improvements worthy of modern platforms. Beyond polished 4K visuals running at 60 frames per second, improved lighting, effects and textures make exploring the first two Arkham settings even more immersive.
Both landmark superhero games also include all previously released downloadable content for the complete experience. For PlayStation 4 owners, an exclusive add-on adventure – "The Matter of Family" – is included, letting players control Robin in his search for Batman. So if you missed out on Rocksteady’s beginnings or just want a refreshed take, Return to Arkham brings Arkham Asylum and City to new heights.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
7. Batman: Arkham VR
For virtual reality owners, Rocksteady Studios‘ Arkham VR teleports players directly into Batman‘s boots better than any title before. Built exclusively for PS VR, Arkham VR‘s engrossing crime scenes let you use motion controls to investigate Gotham disturbances as the World‘s Greatest Detective.
Getting hands-on with Batman‘s gear in VR builds unparalleled immersion. Using the Batcave computer to digitally recreate crime scenes makes you feel like the brilliant vigilante. Iconic locations like Wayne Manor and the Monarch Theatre also take on new life through virtual reality‘s atmosphere. Clocking in at about an hour of gameplay, Batman: Arkham VR‘s short yet sweet crime-solving adventure remains an impactful showcase of what the iconic hero experience would truly be like.
Platform: PlayStation VR
8. LEGO Batman Trilogy
For more family-friendly LEGO adventures, TT Games‘ Lego Batman trilogy offers endearing takes on the Caped Crusader‘s blocky universe. Using LEGO’s signature humor and charm throughout, Lego Batman: The Videogame adapts Batman‘s first cinematic adventure battling iconic baddies from his extensive Rogues Gallery. The fun continues in LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes as the Dark Knight teams with Superman to defeat Lex Luthor and Joker’s worldwide villain plot.
The lighthearted trilogy concludes with LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, an epic intergalactic saga featuring over 150 characters from DC lore. With plenty of secrets and unlockables across all three, the LEGO Batman series offers open world gameplay and co-op mane full of block-busting toy brick fun.
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360. Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
9. Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame
Based on the beloved cartoon Batman: The Brave and the Bold that ran from 2008-2011, this companion video game adapts the show‘s acclaimed episodic format. Just like the cartoon, Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame features acclaimed DC voice talent highlighting lesser-known villains and heroes at Batman‘s side.
The entertaining action platformer does the cartoon justice, recreating the show‘s bright vivid visuals across key episodes. Team-ups span from expected allies like Robin to more obscure figures like Jaime Reyes version of Blue Beetle. With enjoyable gameplay and comedic writing just like the cartoon, Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a treat for fans.
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
10. Batman Begins
Released on the heels of Christopher Nolan‘s landmark 2005 film, Batman Begins brought the legendary movie‘s gritty fight scenes and stealth predator gameplay to consoles for the first time. Set before his many clashes with outlandish villains, Begins focuses on Bruce Wayne‘s early days training with the League Shadows before donning the cowl.
Although more linear than modern Batman titles, Batman Begins‘ intense combat and fear takedowns make you feel like the cunning vigilante Christian Bale made famous. Stealthily moving across decrepit Gotham architecture to avoid gun-toting thugs also emphasizes resourcefulness mirroring Nolan’s grounded, realistic vision. For fans of The Dark Knight trilogy, Batman Begins lets players experience Bruce‘s definitive origin story hands-on.
Platforms: PS2, Xbox, GameCube
Wrapping Up
Through revolutionary titles like Rocksteady‘s heralded Arkham series to LEGO‘s endearing toy-based adventures, Batman‘s history in gaming is right up there with his long-running comic exploits. These 10 best Batman video game greats prove why the Dark Knight continuously thrives in interactive mediums just as well as film and television. Spending hours perfecting combos, investigating crime scenes, or just cruising through Gotham City as the legendary Caped Crusader never gets old across decades of memorable virtual adventures. So whether you seek groundbreaking gameplay experiences or endearing tributes to Batman lore, these acclaimed titles deliver interactive excitement for any fan of DC’s enduring icon.
