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[Randomizer]

Bosses:

Spoiler

Poison Ivy

was the only enjoyable and interesting boss fight in the entire game. Everything else was a Bane clone of dodging the charging bull or a series of minion gauntlets

The part where you had to fight two of those Bane clones at the same time was the worst part of the game. It was so frustrating and the complete opposite of fun. I sometimes wonder how developers decide to keep parts like this in their games, don't they play test these things and have focus groups to inform them that they are shit.

Agreed. For me, its not only the most satisfying 3d combat, its the best. Im playing Yakuza 3, now that feels bland, unispired and tedious.

This game is one of best games this gen, right up there with RE4.

Really? I assume that you have never played any action games? Devil May Cry, Bayonetta and Ninja Gaiden all have much better combat. This games combat is laughably simplistic in comparison.

 

[Shrennin]

Really? I assume that you have never played any action games? Devil May Cry, Bayonetta and Ninja Gaiden all have much better combat. This games combat is laughably simplistic in comparison.

Used to be a big Ninja Gaiden fan - I prefer Batman: AA's combat.

The game's combat requires a ton of skill to master - it's easy to use, hard to master. Complexity isn't everything in a combat system.

Not quite. Only once I can drive the Batmobile freely around Gotham City will I have everything I could ever want from a Batman game.

Not saying I want the Arkham series to become Grand Theft Batman, just saying. I think they can gradually increase the scope, AC seems like a step in the right direction.

I see your point, somewhat. Based on where Rocksteady is going with its sequel, we may get Batmobile sections in the sequel to AC. However, I'm not sure if it can be done effectively so for now Batman: AA is more than I could have hoped for in a Batman game (let's remember that super hero games before this one, for the most part, have been below sub par).

 

[Ghost23]

I actually just bought this game today. It is pretty fun so far, but I have a question. When I try to clear a room without being seen, I feel like the only thing to do is grapple to gargoyles and glide kick everyone. I know I'm super early in the game, but will there be more variety as the game progresses?

 

[KenOD]

Make sure to play the game again someday without using Detective Mode (unless forced to by story). Actually look around to see all the various clues, hints, and just damn good visuals they put a lot of work into that disappears in that mode.

I actually just bought this game today. It is pretty fun so far, but I have a question. When I try to clear a room without being seen, I feel like the only thing to do is grapple to gargoyles and glide kick everyone. I know I'm super early in the game, but will there be more variety as the game progresses?

Aye, you get more toys to use and increased combat abilities to mess around with. However in plenty of places there are context sensitive moves that you can do, such as pulling people over ledges. So experiment if you want.
Personally I had more fun throwing a batarang somewhere so that grunts would get in a good location - sneak up behind them - kick them over a railing.

 

[Cheesyhobo]

If we're talking about brawlers, I'm stupefied someone thinks AA's combat is better than God Hand.

 

[Ephemeris]

Welcome to BatGAF, Inc. Jazzy. Shirt's in the mail.

Really? I assume that you have never played any action games? Devil May Cry, Bayonetta and Ninja Gaiden all have much better combat. This games combat is laughably simplistic in comparison.

Much better? Most Definitely, from a technical standpoint. But satisfying? I'm with him on that one. Pulling a 40+ hit combo with a full string of throws, counters, batarangs and dodges?

That's god damned satisfying right there.

 

[Jazzy Network]

Croc's Lair was epic. Was scared shitless lol.

 

[Nappuccino]

Croc's Lair was epic. Was scared shitless lol.

Speaking of this, i've been playing on the pc with a quick throw batarang as my primary way of using that. Quick thrown batarangs never seem to hit the croc, is that a common problem or is something messed up on my end?

 

[Fjordson]

Croc's Lair was epic. Was scared shitless lol.

Yeah! I was super scared down there also. I really hate water in games. Especially when it's that dark and murky.

Arkham Asylum was amazing, but I think Arkham City will be twice as good. The open city environment is going to be incredibly fun to play in.

 

[FunnyBunny]

Speaking of this, i've been playing on the pc with a quick throw batarang as my primary way of using that. Quick thrown batarangs never seem to hit the croc, is that a common problem or is something messed up on my end?

It's not you. Quick throws don't work, you need to aim for his collar.

 

[pedr0theli0n]

just played this for the first time myself as well. Once the combat clicked for me, I was in heaven. This game just nails the feeling of being batman so well... beating the crap out of thugs, flying around, using gadgets, solving riddles... they even managed to get

Spoiler

the batcave

in there. Just beat the game tonight, and I'll probably be playing the challenges for a while... so addicting. Only part that felt subpar was the

Spoiler

poison ivy

boss battle.

 

[KevinCow]

Really? I assume that you have never played any action games? Devil May Cry, Bayonetta and Ninja Gaiden all have much better combat. This games combat is laughably simplistic in comparison.

The original Donkey Kong uses a joystick and one button. You can pretty much just move left and right, climb ladders, and jump. It's about as simplistic as games get.

Yet 30 years later, people are still playing the game, fighting for the high score.


Complexity is not the same thing as depth.

 

[Riposte]

Wow, people got tensed up with Croc's Lair? Honestly surprises me.

Don't you know you can easily knock him away with like two buttons?(lock-on, throw batarang). Seems obvious after the first time you do it. Then it just becomes a really slow march to the entrance. Almost a parody given the big disparity between music effect and reality. Probably the worst part in the game, closely followed by the final boss.

The original Donkey Kong uses a joystick and one button. You can pretty much just move left and right, climb ladders, and jump. It's about as simplistic as games get.

Yet 30 years later, people are still playing the game, fighting for the high score.


Complexity is not the same thing as depth.

Depth only comes from complexity though. The reason apparently simpler games can be more fun is that they can be more elegant. Elegance means more refinement so you get games which rules don't trip over themselves and can lead to unbalanced boring games or fine games with harmful aspects littered throughout. For example JRPGs and WRPGs can be wildly complex, but very few are interesting strategic challenges(and less so than vanilla strategy games even then). Also at the end of the day a refined concept is always entertaining for at least awhile, even if it has been replaced by slightly less refined, but overall better games.

That aside Donkey Kong is pretty fucking boring to what we have today unless you are playing it at the highest level. EDIT: I am being needlessly harsh, lol. Simply, its appeal wears very thin if you've experienced gaming of today and recent yesterday(Super Mario Bros will do). If you don't make such an unfair comparison, it is an amazing game.

Arkham Asylum's combat system is both simplistic(this applies both to what it physically demands and the tools you are given) and unrefined(overpowered techniques piled upon overpowered techniques). At its highest level(the very strict challenge rooms) it is still less fun than fucking around in more competent games.

EDIT: I will say this though: Something about AA's battle system is extremely seductive. I think it might be the speedy/automatic pace of attacking(gets to people to call it "rhythmic" lol) and aesthetic appearance(which is satisfying to look at) and the general ease of the game probably didn't hurt. Shallow, but charming.

 

[Feindflug]

Probably one of my Top 10 games of the generation. It really did feel like a 3D Metroidvania (although a bit on the linear side). For some reason though, I'm not getting a good vibe from Arkham City.

Same here, hopefully we are both wrong with this one because Arkham Asylum was a really awesome game.

BTW why even compare the combat of AA to DMC's or NG's? They are completely different games...sure AA's combat is inferior to the top Japanese action games but it's still a great combat system for what it is.

 

[Marco1]

GOTY for me.
I played it on xbox360 then bought it for £5 on PC and replaying at 1920x1200 with everything on high at 60FPS was heaven. The physx effects are subtle but beautiful.
The whole walkthrough at the start with joker and meeting croc at the lift was the perfect start to the perfect game.
I have been waiting for this game since batman the movie on commodore amiga.
Rocksteady ticked off one of my sentences on my bucket list so please let me live until arkham city releases.

 

[viewtifulsub]

Probably the worst part in the game, closely followed by the final boss.

I was so close to uninstalling the game once I reached the final boss.

Spoiler

A roided up Joker with a mohawk? Come on. The actual fight itself was also rather pathetic

 

[amdnv]

Croc's Lair was epic. Was scared shitless lol.

I felt pretty tense down there. Great atmosphere.

I love this game. It's sooooo good. Make sure to play on hard difficulty because the combat is way more rewarding when you have no indicators. I don't usually play these types of games and thought the hard difficulty was spot on. Not too easy, not too difficult.

 

[Pie and Beans]

The game felt like a Metroidvania to me. I love this game so much.

Totally! especially when you go after all the Riddler stuff. Thats when the games Metroid like set-up really reveals itself. Bit worried this will be lost in the open world sequel. Was the most enjoyment I've ever had from the Metroid formula in 3d...

 

[goodfella]

Only bad point of the game is that you only grapple and hide on identical gargoyles throughout the whole game

 

[JacksUsername]

Such a fantastic game - played it on the 360 when it came out. Now replaying it on PC from the Steam sale. I remember first playing the game at a Gamestop demo kiosk and just kind of looking down at the combat as simplistic, but once you really get the groove of things, it's so much fun. After being burnt so many times in the past with bad Batman games, this was truly a gem and a surprise. Can't wait for the sequel.

 

[The Technomancer]

Totally! especially when you go after all the Riddler stuff. Thats when the games Metroid like set-up really reveals itself. Bit worried this will be lost in the open world sequel. Was the most enjoyment I've ever had from the Metroid formula in 3d...

You're worried that it will lose its non-linear "hidden stuff" aspect when it goes open world? I'm the opposite.

 

[Carbonox]

I only got round to the game a couple of months ago and MOTHER OF GOD it was incredible.

Makes me want a Predator game in the style of this. Would be sooooooo suitable, using similar gameplay mechanics and stuffz. If only devs were so savvy.

Bring on Arkham City.

 

[Pie and Beans]

You're worried that it will lose its non-linear "hidden stuff" aspect when it goes open world? I'm the opposite.

Its a lot easier to do the intricate Metroidvania corridors trick when youre a little more boxed in. Also Bats' versatility seems to be off the charts right from the start so there wont be that sort of progression beyond what other power-ups the game has in store. We'll see! Hopefully I'll be blown away!

My favourite moment from Asylum:

Spoiler

The BatWing crashing into the conservatory and handing out an awesome new power-up.

Now THAT felt like Metroid too!

 

[darkjedi187]

A true classic of this gen. Cannot wait till Arkham City!!

 

[FoxSpirit]

Arkham Asylum's combat system is both simplistic(this applies both to what it physically demands and the tools you are given) and unrefined(overpowered techniques piled upon overpowered techniques). At its highest level(the very strict challenge rooms) it is still less fun than fucking around in more competent games.

EDIT: I will say this though: Something about AA's battle system is extremely seductive. I think it might be the speedy/automatic pace of attacking(gets to people to call it "rhythmic" lol) and aesthetic appearance(which is satisfying to look at) and the general ease of the game probably didn't hurt. Shallow, but charming.

I belong in the rhytmic camp. AA's system is all about nailing a rhytm, find a way to never let the combo break yet never get hit.

You can't even aim for that kind of perfection in games like Ninja Gaiden and DMC. They feel completely random to me. Dash, combo, combo, dash. For me, combos are just a feature I don't care for at all. I want a single attack, and then have someone think up the Super Meatboy equivalent of abusing this basic premise to the max.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[JimmyRustler]

Had it lying around for like 6 months and then thought I give it a try during my vacation in June. 2 weeks later I had the 1000 GS full and the game finished twice. AWESOME!

 

[Riposte]

I belong in the rhytmic camp. AA's system is all about nailing a rhytm, find a way to never let the combo break yet never get hit.

You can't even aim for that kind of perfection in games like Ninja Gaiden and DMC. They feel completely random to me. Dash, combo, combo, dash. For me, combos are just a feature I don't care for at all. I want a single attack, and then have someone think up the Super Meatboy equivalent of abusing this basic premise to the max.

Different strokes for different folks.

Hearing that makes me want to say: "Softer strokes for softer folks."

The rhythm is more obvious because there is less to the game, but the that kind of rhythm is everywhere in games(I say more so with intricate combo systems/combo extenders like Bayonetta). I guess there is an appeal to that, but I don't think AA does much with it. I understand the concept though. Dashing/dodging toward opponents takes away the automatic nature of the game.

 

[RPGCrazied]

I just beat this the other day. I have played it on the 360 when I had one awhile back, but wanted to play it again on the PS3 with trophies. Question though, why does the 360 get the better version?

I remember no screen tearing in the 360 version, but saw some in the PS3 version.

 

[Leckan]

Loved the subtle detail of Batman looking more and more worn and beat up and as the games goes on. By the end of it he looks like he just wrestled a bear.

Also DAT ASS on Ivy.

 

[FoxSpirit]

Hearing that makes me want to say: "Softer strokes for softer folks."

The rhythm is more obvious because there is less to the game, but the that kind of rhythm is everywhere in games(I say more so with intricate combo systems/combo extenders like Bayonetta). I guess there is an appeal to that, but I don't think AA does much with it. I understand the concept though. Dashing/dodging toward opponents takes away the automatic nature of the game.

I'd seriously like to play Bayonetta, but I only have a PS3. Is it decently playable or will the port smash in my eyeballs?

And yeah, stuff like DMC is so much about dodging and avoiding. I'm seriously missing a counter button there. Though I must admit I probabyl never trained enough to use royal guard effectively.
For me AA feels so tightly knit together in it's system instead of mashing out combos in five styles.

For me, AA is a bit like a rhytm game and I liiiike rhytm games. I'm curious if they'll extend on the combat in Arkham City because I seriously like the basis that is already there.

 

[Keikoku]

This game is amazing, PC version is gorgeous. That's it, I'm reinstalling it. A shame that I lost my save, I wish I'd be able to use the suit you unlock after your first playthrough (unless you can only use it for the challenges ?)

 

[f0rk]

The combat is better on hard. Think I'll start on hard for Arkham City.

 

[Extra Sauce]

Hard is the proper way to play this game. I play most titles on the Normal setting, but Arkham Asylum's is too easy. On Hard, outsmarting enemies becomes necessary and you'll actually feel like you're Batman.

 

[Balehead]

I bought this during the Steam Summer Sale and strangely didn't feel any regret at all. Took me 9 hours to finish the game and it's probably my GOTY over Portal 2 and Witcher 2.

I really liked the look after I got over the initial meathead scare, and the attention to detail really impressed me. Collectathons aren't my thing so I only solved/collected what ever was straight on my path, none of the collectable tapes were too interesting so I didn't feel any urge to find those either. The challenge mode doesn't do it for me either, but the SP campaign was outstanding. I've never read any superhero comics, so most of the characters were new but they were introduced well enough to make things work. Combat felt great outside of bossfights. All of those were more or less boring, especially

Spoiler

Poison Ivy but the Scarecrow moments made up for the rest of them

. The amount and quality of voicework blew me away and perhaps was the single best thing.

 

[Riposte]

Hard is the proper way to play this game. I play most titles on the Normal setting, but Arkham Asylum's is too easy. On Hard, outsmarting enemies becomes necessary and you'll actually feel like you're Batman.

Still think it is too easy on Hard(though I did end up dying a lot on the very first battle lol, but after I got my bearings that hardly ever happened). Counter probably becomes less broken, but I hardly ever needed to counter. Dodge over head + punching is god tier.

EDIT: And yep, the only other time I died was the boss mentioned below. Weird camera angle fucked me over against some attacks.

 

[HawksWinStanley]

Great game currently replaying it on hard, only fight I am not looking forward to is

Spoiler

Poison Ivy

I literally just finished the game on Hard yesterday (second play through) and that fight took me about 6 or 7 tries. It was definitely the worst one.

Still think it is too easy on Hard(though I did end up dying a lot on the very first battle lol, but after I got my bearings that hardly ever happened). Counter probably becomes less broken, but I hardly ever needed to counter. Dodge over head + punching is god tier.

Agreed. After playing through on hard I got a much better grasp on the combat system; actually watching enemy's movements instead of just waiting for the lightning bolts and stuff. Now challenge maps are a breeze.

 

[Ghost23]

Ugh, now I'm a few hours in the game and debating whether I should start over and play on hard (I'm on normal).

 

[DimmuBurgerKing]

Started playing this game a few days back and damn is it good. Didn't realize how much fun this game would be. Doesn't feel much like a superhero game at all. Collecting the Riddler stuff is also a great time waster. Do you get anything other than achievements for getting them? So far I'm up to the part where Joker just released the titan formula on Ivey's plants. About how much more of the game do I have?

Also I have the regular version. Is there anything in the DLC that expands on the game story or is it just challenges?

Can't wait to beat it and go on to Arkham City. Didn't realize how good the game is.

Haha, I totally read the bolded as "Ivey's pants." This was my GOTY back then. Glad you're enjoying it.

 

[CornBurrito]

I've got to say that so far I'm not really enjoying the game all that much, but I've only just started playing.

What the hell is the Batarang even for? It does practically no damage.

edit: KB+M or Xbox360 controller? Which is superior for this game?

 

[GekigangerV]

Still think it is too easy on Hard(though I did end up dying a lot on the very first battle lol, but after I got my bearings that hardly ever happened). Counter probably becomes less broken, but I hardly ever needed to counter. Dodge over head + punching is god tier.

EDIT: And yep, the only other time I died was the boss mentioned below. Weird camera angle fucked me over against some attacks.

In story mode there are hardly ever enough enemies on screen for them to be too much of a problem even on hard mode.

Just got platinum this morning. Had to do Rumble in the Jungle and Sewer Bat extreme. I love the last part of Sewer Bat. 15ish enemies on screen and two gun cabinets you have to keep an eye out for really makes it an intense stage.

I didn't realize until yesterday that doing the ground pound attack was X100 for points. Once I figured that out, I just got my variation as soon as possible and tried to take out as many opponents as possible with the ground pound with a high number combo.

 

[HawksWinStanley]

I've got to say that so far I'm not really enjoying the game all that much, but I've only just started playing.

What the hell is the Batarang even for? It does practically no damage.

edit: KB+M or Xbox360 controller? Which is superior for this game?

Well I fell in love with the game since the very beginning when you're walking Joker through the asylum before the actual gameplay gets started. I guess it's not for everyone.

And the batarang is more for crowd control and setting traps/picking off single targets in large rooms with enemies sweeping the place. Don't use it to knock out an enemy because like you said it won't do the trick. That's what fists are for.

I've only played with a controller and I thought it was well suited for the game. With all the lock on features present I don't think KB+M is necessary so whatever is most comfortable for you.

 

[FoxSpirit]

Hard is the proper way to play this game. I play most titles on the Normal setting, but Arkham Asylum's is too easy. On Hard, outsmarting enemies becomes necessary and you'll actually feel like you're Batman.

Uncharted 2 is another candidate for "normal=easy". Played it on hard, nice challenge. In normal you probably can simply walz through, boring.

 

[echoshifting]

Game of the generation for me as well, but to be fair I haven't put a lot of time into Uncharted 2 yet, and that one seems to come up a lot.

It is definitely on the easy side, but the "satisfying" praise rings true to me. There are many technically superior titles but the sense of actually being Batman is just unreal. I've gotten to be a lazy gamer in my old age so the difficulty wasn't really a problem ;p

 

[CrunchyFrog]

Boss fights were shit, the rest of the game is awesome, however. God that freeflow combat never gets old.

 

[Pimpbaa]

Uncharted 2 is another candidate for "normal=easy". Played it on hard, nice challenge. In normal you probably can simply walz through, boring.

I found Uncharted 2 on normal far more difficulty than normal on most games. On hard it was impossible for me to get past that stupid bullet sponge "boss" on the train level. Also, I find Batman's normal difficulty just perfect (except for the last fight, where it took me way too many tries).

 

[Mascot]

This was easily my GOTY. I couldn't fault it in any way.
An obvious labour of love for the developers.

 

[Diprosalic]

i got bored with the game on the xbox like 1-2 hours in. but after seeing all the praise it gets i think i need to give it another shot. is the PC version good?

 

[FoxSpirit]

I found Uncharted 2 on normal far more difficulty than normal on most games. On hard it was impossible for me to get past that stupid bullet sponge "boss" on the train level. Also, I find Batman's normal difficulty just perfect (except for the last fight, where it took me way too many tries).

That boss is all about figuring out how to beat him, if you just pump him full of bullets you can't win that fight.

And by last fight, you mean

Spoiler

Joker

? Because that was ridiculously easy since you got xp between the waves which heal you. The fight before was much tougher.

i got bored with the game on the xbox like 1-2 hours in. but after seeing all the praise it gets i think i need to give it another shot. is the PC version good?

PC version is excellent and if you have something like a 6850 you can Super-Sample it at 1080p. Looks really superb on my TV.

 

[Dany]

I just did my first 40 hit combo along with combining every move possible. It was awesome!

 

[Tylahedras]

This is in my backlog and damn I really need to get to it. I love good comic book games.