Should I Play Arkham City Before Asylum?
When it comes to the Batman: Arkham series, there’s a common debate among gamers about the order in which to play the games. Specifically, the question on everyone’s mind is: should I play Arkham City before Arkham Asylum? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Gotham City and explore the answer to this question.
The Story Behind the Games
Before we dive into the answer, let’s take a look at the story behind the games. Batman: Arkham Asylum is the first game in the series, released in 2009. The game follows Batman as he tries to stop the Joker from taking over Arkham Asylum, a maximum-security prison for the city’s most notorious villains. The game was a critical and commercial success, praised for its engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, and immersive atmosphere.
Batman: Arkham City, released in 2011, is the sequel to Arkham Asylum. The game takes place a year and a half after the events of the first game and follows Batman as he tries to stop the Riddler from taking over the city of Gotham. The game introduces new characters, including Catwoman and Penguin, and expands on the gameplay mechanics introduced in the first game.
The Order of Play
So, should you play Arkham City before Arkham Asylum? The answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:
- Story Continuity: Arkham City builds upon the story of Arkham Asylum, with many of the characters and plot points from the first game playing a significant role in the sequel. Playing Arkham City without playing Arkham Asylum first would be like jumping into the middle of a movie without watching the first part.
- Character Development: Arkham Asylum introduces players to the main characters of the series, including Batman, the Joker, and Commissioner Gordon. Arkham City expands on these characters, adding new ones and deepening the story. Playing Arkham City first would mean missing out on the character development that occurs in Arkham Asylum.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Arkham Asylum introduces the basic gameplay mechanics of the series, including the combat system and stealth mechanics. Arkham City builds upon these mechanics, adding new moves and abilities. Playing Arkham City first would mean missing out on the opportunity to learn the basics of the gameplay mechanics.
The Benefits of Playing in Order
Playing the games in order has several benefits:
- Improved Story Understanding: Playing Arkham Asylum first provides a deeper understanding of the story and characters, making Arkham City a more engaging and immersive experience.
- Better Character Development: Playing Arkham Asylum first allows players to get to know the characters before they are introduced in Arkham City, making the game more enjoyable and emotionally resonant.
- Enhanced Gameplay Experience: Playing Arkham Asylum first provides a solid foundation for the gameplay mechanics, making Arkham City a more challenging and rewarding experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, playing Arkham City before Arkham Asylum is not recommended. The story, characters, and gameplay mechanics of the series are designed to be experienced in a specific order, and playing the games out of order would mean missing out on the full experience.
If you’re new to the series, we recommend starting with Arkham Asylum and then moving on to Arkham City. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Additional Tips
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the games. Take your time to explore the world, complete the side quests, and get to know the characters.
- Use the Combat System: The combat system is a key part of the gameplay experience. Use it to take down enemies and solve puzzles.
- Explore the World: The world of Gotham City is full of hidden secrets and Easter eggs. Take the time to explore and discover them.
Table: Arkham Asylum vs Arkham City
| Arkham Asylum | Arkham City | |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Introduces the main characters and story of the series | Expands on the story and characters introduced in Arkham Asylum |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Introduces the basic gameplay mechanics of the series | Builds upon the gameplay mechanics introduced in Arkham Asylum |
| Characters | Introduces Batman, the Joker, and Commissioner Gordon | Introduces new characters, including Catwoman and Penguin |
| Atmosphere | Immersive and atmospheric, with a focus on stealth and strategy | More action-oriented, with a focus on combat and exploration |
References
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2023)
Note: The references provided are for the games in the series, as well as the upcoming game, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.