Is Return to Arkham Asylum First?
The Batman: Arkham series has captured the hearts of many with its engaging storyline, intricate plots, and stunning gameplay. However, the order in which to play the series has been a subject of debate among fans. So, is Batman: Arkham Asylum the first game in the series, or do things unfold differently?
Game Release Order
Before delving into the narrative, it’s essential to discuss the release order of the Batman: Arkham games.
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
This reveals that Batman: Arkham Asylum is not the first game chronologically, but rather fourth in the release order. However, this does not directly answer the question about which game to play first, as the storyline unfolds sequentially.
Story Chronology
To determine the order in which to play the games, let’s take a closer look at the story chronology:
Batman: Arkham Knight: The game concludes the trilogy, featuring an already-aged Bruce Wayne (Bat) and a series finale that wraps up many characters’ story arcs. Playing this game first will deprive you of key storyline moments and character introductions.
Batman: Arkham City: Taking place two years after Arkham Asylum, the sequel sees Bruce Wayne working within Arkham City to free his allies and expose Harley Quinn’s betrayal.
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate: Set six years before Arkham City, this game explores Bruce’s early days as a vigilant hero, delving deeper into his psyche.
Batman: Arkham Origins: This prequel highlights the events that took place eight years before Arkham Asylum, shedding light on the origins of Commissioner Gordon and Bruce’s heroic beginnings.
Batman: Arkham Asylum: The original game sees Arkham Asylum breached by the Joker, causing a chain reaction that puts citizens in danger.
By comparing the story chronology and release order, we see that Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Blackgate serve as early origins stories, setting the foundation for the trilogy that would follow. Playing them second will provide essential character introduction and backstory, ensuring the full impact of the overarching narrative.
Return to Arkham: Gameplay Integration
The 2016 release, Return to Arkham, brought an HD remaster of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City to current-generation platforms. This allowed fans to relive the early classic while enjoying updated visuals.
However, when switching between Arkham Asylum and Arkham City within the remastered package, make sure to:
Important: Highlight the Game Hub for Batman: Return to Arkham – Arkham Asylum or Batman: Return to Arkham – Arkham City. Press [Down Arrow] on the d-pad to activate the 3 dot icon next to the [Download] or [Play] button, then press the [X] button. This will enable game mode selection.
Arkham Origins and Arkham Origins Blackgate: Alternate Methods
For Arkham Origins and Arkham Origins Blackgate specifically, consider playing each game in a similar chronology:
- Highlight the Game Hub.
- Select [Down Arrow] on the d-pad.
- Activate the 3 dot icon using [X].
You now have the ability to freely switch between playing as the Batman and Catwoman as you explore Arkham Asylum and Arkham City.
Conclusion
Returning to Arkham Asylum first is not a straight-forward answer, but taking a closer look at the story chronology, gameplay integration, and remaster package reveals a recommended ordering. To experience the core storyline and characters to the fullest, we suggest starting with Batman: Arkham Origins (first chronologically) or jumping straight into Arkham City (following two years after Asylum) before exploring Arkham Origins Blackgate.
Now you can embark on this electrifying adventure with Batman while knowing the optimal game-to-play order, free of spoilers and plot dislocations.
Order for Arkham Series:
- Batman: Arkham Origins
- Arkham Origins Blackgate (optional, can play concurrently)
- Arkham Asylum
- Arkham City
- Batman: Arkham Knight
Play to find out!