In What Order Should I Play the Batman Arkham Games?
The Batman Arkham series has been a beloved franchise for many gamers, offering a unique blend of action, stealth, and exploration. With four main games and several spin-offs, it can be overwhelming to determine the best order to play them. In this article, we’ll break down the chronology and gameplay of each game to help you decide the perfect order to play the Batman Arkham series.
Chronological Order vs. Release Order
Before we dive into the order, it’s essential to understand the difference between chronological order and release order. Chronological order refers to the order in which the games’ stories take place, while release order refers to the order in which the games were released.
Release Order:
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
Chronological Order:
- Arkham Asylum
- Arkham City
- Arkham Origins
- Arkham Knight
Why Chronological Order Matters
While you can play the games in release order, playing in chronological order will provide a more cohesive narrative experience. The story of each game builds upon the previous one, and playing in chronological order will help you understand the characters, plot twists, and themes more effectively.
A Guide to Playing the Batman Arkham Games
Here’s a breakdown of each game, including its story, gameplay, and recommended playing order:
Arkham Asylum
- Story: The game takes place in Arkham Asylum, where Batman must stop the Joker and his accomplices from escaping and taking over the city.
- Gameplay: Explore the asylum, solve puzzles, and fight against the Joker’s minions.
- Recommended playing order: Start with Arkham Asylum to set the tone for the series and understand the characters.
Arkham City
- Story: After the events of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City is built to house the city’s villains, but the Joker has other plans.
- Gameplay: Explore the walled city, fight against the Joker’s army, and uncover the truth behind Arkham City.
- Recommended playing order: Play Arkham City after Arkham Asylum to continue the story and build upon the characters.
Arkham Origins
- Story: Set on Christmas Eve, Arkham Origins takes place before the events of Arkham Asylum and follows a younger Batman as he faces off against the Eight Assassins.
- Gameplay: Explore the streets of Gotham, fight against the Assassins, and uncover the truth behind their motives.
- Recommended playing order: Play Arkham Origins after Arkham City to see the events that led up to Arkham Asylum.
Arkham Knight
- Story: Set after the events of Arkham City, Arkham Knight follows Batman as he faces off against the Scarecrow and the Arkham Knight.
- Gameplay: Explore the streets of Gotham, fight against the Arkham Knight’s army, and uncover the truth behind their motives.
- Recommended playing order: Play Arkham Knight after Arkham Origins to conclude the story of the series.
Conclusion
Playing the Batman Arkham games in chronological order will provide a more cohesive narrative experience and help you understand the characters, plot twists, and themes more effectively. Start with Arkham Asylum, followed by Arkham City, Arkham Origins, and conclude with Arkham Knight. With this guide, you’ll be ready to embark on an epic adventure through the world of Batman.
Additional Tips:
- Play the spin-offs: Batman: Arkham City Lockdown and Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate offer additional storylines and gameplay mechanics to enhance your experience.
- Use the collectibles: Collectibles such as Riddler trophies and Arkham City’s various collectibles will provide additional context and insight into the story.
- Explore the world: Take your time to explore the environments, as they are rich in detail and offer a unique experience.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the Batman Arkham series and enjoy the thrill of exploring the world of Batman.