Since first bursting onto the comic-book scene all the way back in 1939,Batmanhas captured the imaginations of generation after generation. Branching out from the comic-book medium, The Caped Crusader has made his way into TV, film, and video games over the years.
Of the many games to focus on thecrime-fighting exploits of Gotham City’s protector, a select few have managed to stand out from the rest. Some games have provided classic takes on the character that highlight his mastery of crime fighting. Others, meanwhile, have given less conventional looks at other directions the character could go. Regardless of the creative direction, the following games all succeeded in providing thrilling gaming experiences surrounding one of the superhero genre’s most recognizable protagonists.
This point-and-click take on Batmanprovided players with a more intimate look at the hero’s double life. With equal parts Bruce Wayne and Batman to play through, gamers are able to get more fully into the character’s psyche.
On the surface,the Telltale takeon Batman is fairly traditional and comics-accurate. However, the freedom of choice on offer for players provides the chance to move The Dark Knight’s personality in certain interesting directions. Players can craft their own noble, kinder Batman, or take the character into darker, crueler territory, providing surprising new options for the classic hero. Overall, the wide-branching storytelling and moral choices in Tell-Tale games make for an intriguing fit for The Caped Crusader.
4LEGO Batman
LEGO provides a lighthearted mood and plenty of referential humor for the character.
Unsurprisingly, theLEGOseries offers a lighter,more fun take on the beloved DC hero. Taking inspiration from the comedic world of the ‘60s Batman live-action series, these games provide zany, cartoonish action to go with their lighthearted narratives.
Chock-full of locations and references, the games also impress by overflowing with classic Batman characters.From key sidekicks such as Robin and Nightwingto seminal villains like The Joker and Bane, the game is brimming with funny, playable takes on the many colorful members of the Batman mythos.
In a bleak timeline where Superman has succumbed to darkness, it falls to Batman to take him on. The hard-hittingInjusticeseries sees Bruce Wayne lead the Insurgency, a group focused on rebellion. Driven to murder by The Joker’s crimes, Superman begins putting forward a new take on justice.
Leading the One World Regime, the Man of Steel serves as a high councilor in a one-world government regime with a variety of both heroes and villains on his side. Batman, meanwhile, works in the rebellion, bringing heroes to his side who oppose the oppressive nature of Superman’s new outlook. The gamesprovide a compelling look at Batman’s moral code, as well as his place in a chaotic world torn apart by the destruction of the Justice League.
2Batman: Vengeance
Great voice-acting and action brought the ’90s golden period of superhero animation to video gaming life.
For fans of the classicsBatman: The Animated SeriesandThe New Batman Adventures, this game is a must-play.With Kevin Conroyand Mark Hamill in action, the game also utilizes a cartoonish esthetic.
The result is a video gamethat brings classic ‘90s Batmananimation to life. With The Joker, Mr Freeze, and Poison Ivy serving as the lead antagonists, Batman must unravel an increasingly bizarre conspiracy following the alleged death of The Clown Prince of Crime. The result is a thrilling, well-paced storyline that moves into an explosive climax that threatens all of Gotham City. As an adaptation of a golden era in Batman’s animated media, this game provides a classic rendition of the DC hero.
Arguably the definitive take on The Dark Knight in the video-gaming medium, the Arkhamverse Batman has everything fans could want. From Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill’s elite-level voice-acting to crisp combat controlsand epic storytelling, theArkhamgames nailed the Batman experience all-round.
Starting withArkham Asylum, each game sees The Caped Crusader endure one hellish night of criminal mayhem. From The Joker’s Venom-infused hijinks in the original, all the way up to the grim return of Jason Todd inArkham Knight, each game provides players with an action-packed, villain-stuffed gaming experience. Batman is usually on top form in these games, utilizing everything from his mastery of various martial arts to his genius-level intellect to solve crimes, puzzles, and take down all manner of enemies. A wildly popular series, theArkhamgames captured just about everything fans have come to love about the DC icon over the years.
