One Word Review

Awesome.

That pretty much sums up Batman: Arkham Asylum after ten or so hours worth of playtime.  Graphically, the game is stunning.  While it does have that plastic-like look that is typical of the UT3 engine, it still just reeks of style and of the dark, dank world which the caped crusader dwells.  Combat can come off as button-mashing mayhem, but that is only the surface.  If you want to really get the most of the combat engine, you need to chain massive combonations together through long series of attacks, evades, throws, and other variations of messing up the inmates with no remorse.  The story is right out of the comics, and has not left me wanting yet.  The downside of the story is the lip synching - it's downright abysmal.  However, you can look past that given the outstanding voice talent used in the game, including Mark Hamell back in the role of the Joker.

Is it worth $60?  Maybe, maybe not.  If you're into the whole superhero genre, then this is easily the best yet to be made.  However, given that is only has single player action (well, there is the competing on the challenge boards vs. friends...) the replay value is limited.  I'm sure I'll play through again on Hard as soon as I beat the game, and will do the collections for sure (the Riddler hiddens are simply great, especially those tied to a riddle).  I'm certain I'll get enough hours from the title when, combined with whatever I can get when I get rid of it, will make it entertainment value of pure gold.

Two thumbs up for the bat!