How to Play the Batman Games in Order: A Guide to Unlocking the Dark Knight's Legacy While Pondering the Existential Crisis of a Rubber Chicken

The Batman video game series, developed by Rocksteady Studios and WB Games Montréal, has become a cornerstone of modern gaming. With its rich storytelling, immersive gameplay, and iconic characters, the series offers players a chance to step into the boots of the Caped Crusader himself. But with multiple titles released over the years, it can be challenging to know where to start. This guide will walk you through the optimal order to play the Batman games, ensuring you experience the full narrative arc while also contemplating the philosophical implications of a rubber chicken in a world of high-tech gadgets.
1. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
- Why Start Here? Although Arkham Origins was released after Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, it serves as a prequel to the entire series. Set on Christmas Eve, the game introduces a younger, less experienced Batman as he faces off against a host of assassins hired by Black Mask. This game sets the stage for the events that follow, making it the ideal starting point.
- Key Features: The game introduces the revolutionary FreeFlow combat system, which becomes a staple in the series. It also delves into Batman’s early relationships with key characters like Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and the Joker.
2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- The Groundbreaking Entry: Arkham Asylum is where it all began. This game redefined what a superhero game could be, offering a tightly crafted narrative, atmospheric setting, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The story follows Batman as he tries to regain control of Arkham Asylum after the Joker orchestrates a massive breakout.
- Key Features: The game’s Metroidvania-style exploration, coupled with its psychological horror elements, creates an unforgettable experience. The introduction of Detective Mode allows players to analyze crime scenes and track enemies, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.
3. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- Expanding the World: Arkham City takes the formula established in Arkham Asylum and expands it exponentially. The game is set in a sprawling open-world version of Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham converted into a massive prison. Batman must navigate this dangerous environment to uncover Hugo Strange’s mysterious “Protocol 10.”
- Key Features: The game introduces new gadgets, side missions, and a more complex combat system. The inclusion of Catwoman as a playable character adds variety to the gameplay, while the story delves deeper into Batman’s moral code and his relationship with the Joker.
4. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
- The Epic Conclusion: Arkham Knight serves as the grand finale to the Arkham series. Set one year after the events of Arkham City, the game sees Batman facing his greatest challenge yet as Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight unite to destroy Gotham. The game also explores Batman’s inner demons, particularly his fear of becoming like the criminals he fights.
- Key Features: The introduction of the Batmobile adds a new dimension to gameplay, allowing players to traverse Gotham at high speeds and engage in vehicular combat. The game’s stunning visuals, intricate story, and emotional depth make it a fitting conclusion to the series.
5. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
- A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique perspective on the Batman universe. The game is a short, immersive experience that uses VR technology to put players directly in Batman’s shoes. The story is set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, focusing on Batman’s investigation into a mysterious murder.
- Key Features: The game’s use of VR allows for a more intimate and immersive experience, with players using motion controllers to interact with the environment and solve puzzles. While it lacks the action of the mainline games, Arkham VR provides a fresh take on the series.
6. Gotham Knights (2022)
- A New Chapter: Although not part of the Arkham series, Gotham Knights is worth mentioning as it continues the legacy of Batman in gaming. Set in a world where Batman has died, the game follows the Bat-Family—Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood—as they try to protect Gotham from a new threat, the Court of Owls.
- Key Features: The game introduces co-op gameplay, allowing players to team up with friends to take down enemies and solve mysteries. The focus on the Bat-Family offers a fresh perspective on the Batman universe, exploring how these characters step up in the absence of their mentor.
7. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2023)
- A Bold New Direction: This upcoming game shifts the focus from Batman to the Suicide Squad, a team of antiheroes tasked with taking down the Justice League, who have been brainwashed by Brainiac. While Batman is not the main character, his presence looms large over the story, making it a relevant addition to the series.
- Key Features: The game promises a mix of action, humor, and moral ambiguity, with players controlling members of the Suicide Squad as they navigate a world where the lines between hero and villain are blurred.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip Arkham Origins and start with Arkham Asylum? A: While you can start with Arkham Asylum, playing Arkham Origins first provides valuable context for the series, especially regarding Batman’s early relationships with key characters.
Q: Is Arkham VR necessary to understand the main story? A: No, Arkham VR is more of a supplementary experience. It offers a unique perspective but is not essential to understanding the main narrative of the series.
Q: How does Gotham Knights fit into the Arkham timeline? A: Gotham Knights is set in a separate universe from the Arkham series, so it doesn’t directly connect to the events of those games. However, it continues the legacy of Batman in gaming by focusing on the Bat-Family.
Q: Will there be more Batman games after Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? A: While nothing has been officially announced, the success of the Batman games suggests that more titles could be in development. Fans can only hope for further adventures in the Dark Knight’s world.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to experience the Batman games in a way that maximizes both narrative coherence and gameplay enjoyment. And as you ponder the existential crisis of a rubber chicken, remember that even in a world of high-tech gadgets and brooding vigilantes, there’s always room for a little absurdity.