In Batman lore, there's a few iconic locations that the Caped Crusader frequents on his endless fight for justice in the rundown Gotham City: From the tired, but stalwart GCPD, to the sky-grazing Wayne Tower, where Bruce's day job occasionally takes precedent over his work as the Batman. Perhaps the most recognizable is the setting for 2009's Batman: Arkham Asylum, where The Dark Knight endures his longest night yet as he attempts to stop Joker's plan to take over the famous hospital for the criminally insane.
The halls of the Asylum have been the unconsenting home to some of the most unsettling characters in all comics, and its influence can be felt on the immersive, and accurate take that Batman: Arkham Asylum presents. It's the perfect location for horror elements to emerge, as many fans of the genre will find more satisfaction in the first of Rocksteady's trilogy than any other. However, this doesn't mean that it doesn't cater to non-horror fans; as Arkham Asylum's focus on action and heroic, powerful protagonist, makes it an experience that has enough horror elements to keep the story immersive, never making players feel out of control.
The Batman is the Predator, Enemies are the Prey
The horror genre has plenty of useful and smart ways to heighten tension. From the stereotypical creaking of floor boards, to the carefully crafted approach to sound design, horror is so often executed effectively using means that are tried and tested. One such way is to present a less-than-capable protagonist, one that emits a plucky, unexpected heart of stone, and have them take on a terrifying setting that makes their place in the story feel like they're doomed from the start.
Arkham Asylum, with its dilapidated halls, and unhinged inhabitants, is a setting that oozes horror potential. In-over-their-heads staff members are dotted all around the game-changing Batman: Arkham Asylum, but the role the player assumes is the furthest thing from fragile.
Above all else, Batman is capable. He's a man that is proficient in so many combat styles, and has an intellectual edge over almost anyone who crosses his path. For non-horror fans, this is a real relief, as the vessel that carries them through the often-eerie halls is a protagonist who never truly feels out of control. Rocksteady's take on the Caped Crusader is Batman at his best, and having such an effective protagonist makes players feel like any threat that the Asylum presents can be overcome by the Batman.
Action and Horror in Equal Measure
Being a game that builds its fundamental combat mechanics around fast-paced, combo-based melee action, the skirmishes that often come as a result of Batman's physical capabilities do well to break up the moments of true tension. Unlike games like Outlast that have no real battle mechanics to speak of, or Resident Evil 4 that has a somewhat restricted approach to it, the Arkham series is one of the finest examples of engaging combat players have become accustomed to.
Tension subsides somewhat when the focus shifts from exploring the asylum, to besting a handful of enemies in a room, and the pockets of combat encounters that litter the story do well to never make the atmosphere get too dark for too long.
Furthermore, Batman: Arkham Asylum has enough explosive gel, Riddler trophy distractions, and grapple points to ensure that players are never truly submerged in the horror elements of the game. There are always explosions to be made, or collectibles to scoop up, and heading back out to the island to fight a smattering of goons does well to make the asylum feel less restrictive, as well as making Batman feel more assertive over his surroundings.
The synopsis of the game, with Joker taking control of the asylum, and Batman attempting to stop him, is clearly inspired by the exceptional Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth graphic novel. However, whereas the book is both captivating, and terrifying thanks to the sublime artwork and stellar writing, Batman: Arkham Asylum is a game that takes the disturbing source material and makes it more appealing, not just to non-horror fans, but superhero fans at large.
It's proof that a litany of villains, and a tense setting don't have to cater only for those who find enjoyment in a fright. By putting players in the shoes of the most capable man in comics, Batman: Arkham Asylum cements itself as quite possibly the most accessible 'horror' game ever released.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is available on Mac, PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.