How to Play Batman Arkham Games in Order: A Journey Through Gotham's Shadows and Beyond

blog 2025-01-22 0Browse 0

The Batman Arkham series is a critically acclaimed collection of action-adventure games that have captivated fans with their immersive storytelling, intricate gameplay, and faithful representation of the Dark Knight’s universe. To fully appreciate the narrative and character development, it’s essential to play the games in the correct order. This guide will walk you through the sequence of the Arkham games, offering insights into each title and how they interconnect.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)

Setting the Stage: Although released after Arkham City, Arkham Origins serves as a prequel to the entire series. It takes place on Christmas Eve, early in Batman’s career, when he is still establishing his reputation in Gotham City.
Gameplay and Story: The game introduces players to a younger, more raw Batman, who is not yet the seasoned crime-fighter we know. The story revolves around a bounty placed on Batman’s head by Black Mask, leading to a night of chaos as eight of the world’s deadliest assassins descend upon Gotham.
Key Characters: Black Mask, The Joker, and Deathstroke are central to the narrative, with the game exploring the origins of Batman’s rivalry with The Joker.

2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

The Beginning of the Arkham Saga: Arkham Asylum is where it all began. This game is set entirely within the confines of Arkham Asylum, where Batman must thwart The Joker’s plan to take over the facility and unleash chaos on Gotham.
Gameplay and Atmosphere: The game is praised for its tight, Metroidvania-style gameplay, where players explore the asylum, solve puzzles, and engage in combat. The atmosphere is dark and oppressive, perfectly capturing the essence of Batman’s world.
Key Characters: The Joker, Harley Quinn, and Commissioner Gordon play significant roles, with the game delving into the psychological battle between Batman and The Joker.

3. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

Expanding the World: Arkham City takes the action to a larger, open-world setting within a walled-off section of Gotham City, transformed into a super-prison. Batman must navigate this dangerous environment to uncover Hugo Strange’s mysterious “Protocol 10.”
Gameplay and Depth: The game expands on the mechanics of Arkham Asylum, introducing new gadgets, combat techniques, and a more extensive roster of villains. The story is more complex, with multiple side missions and a deeper exploration of Batman’s relationships with his allies and enemies.
Key Characters: Hugo Strange, The Joker, Catwoman, and Two-Face are central to the plot, with the game exploring themes of power, corruption, and redemption.

4. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

The Final Chapter: Arkham Knight is the culmination of the series, set one year after the events of Arkham City. Gotham is under siege by Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight, who leads a militarized force against Batman.
Gameplay and Innovation: The game introduces the Batmobile as a playable vehicle, adding a new dimension to gameplay. The story is darker and more personal, with Batman facing his greatest fears and the possibility of his own downfall.
Key Characters: Scarecrow, The Arkham Knight, and Oracle (Barbara Gordon) are pivotal, with the game exploring the psychological toll of being Batman and the sacrifices he must make to protect Gotham.

5. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique, immersive experience that delves into Batman’s detective skills. Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the game focuses on solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
Gameplay and Immersion: The game is designed for virtual reality, allowing players to step into Batman’s boots and experience Gotham from his perspective. It’s a shorter experience but offers a deep dive into the detective side of Batman’s character.
Key Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and The Riddler play significant roles, with the game emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration over combat.

6. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)

A Side Story: Released alongside Arkham Origins, Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scrolling action-adventure game that serves as a companion piece to the main series. It takes place three months after Arkham Origins and follows Batman as he investigates a riot at Blackgate Prison.
Gameplay and Style: The game combines elements of platforming, combat, and exploration, with a focus on Batman’s detective skills. It’s a different experience from the main series but offers additional context to the Arkham universe.
Key Characters: Catwoman, The Joker, and Black Mask are central to the story, with the game exploring the aftermath of the events in Arkham Origins.

7. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

A Mobile Spin-off: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that shifts the perspective from Batman to his rogues’ gallery. Players take on the role of a crime lord, building their own criminal empire and recruiting iconic villains to carry out heists.
Gameplay and Strategy: The game focuses on base-building, strategy, and resource management, offering a different take on the Arkham universe. It’s a lighter, more casual experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a wide array of Batman’s villains, including The Riddler, Harley Quinn, and Killer Croc, allowing players to explore the criminal side of Gotham.

8. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)

A Mobile Combat Game: Lockdown is a mobile fighting game that focuses on one-on-one combat with Batman facing off against various villains from the Arkham universe.
Gameplay and Combat: The game is more action-oriented, with players using touch controls to execute combos and special moves. It’s a simpler, more arcade-style experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a roster of villains, including The Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke, with each offering unique challenges in combat.

9. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique, immersive experience that delves into Batman’s detective skills. Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the game focuses on solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
Gameplay and Immersion: The game is designed for virtual reality, allowing players to step into Batman’s boots and experience Gotham from his perspective. It’s a shorter experience but offers a deep dive into the detective side of Batman’s character.
Key Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and The Riddler play significant roles, with the game emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration over combat.

10. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

A Mobile Spin-off: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that shifts the perspective from Batman to his rogues’ gallery. Players take on the role of a crime lord, building their own criminal empire and recruiting iconic villains to carry out heists.
Gameplay and Strategy: The game focuses on base-building, strategy, and resource management, offering a different take on the Arkham universe. It’s a lighter, more casual experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a wide array of Batman’s villains, including The Riddler, Harley Quinn, and Killer Croc, allowing players to explore the criminal side of Gotham.

11. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)

A Mobile Combat Game: Lockdown is a mobile fighting game that focuses on one-on-one combat with Batman facing off against various villains from the Arkham universe.
Gameplay and Combat: The game is more action-oriented, with players using touch controls to execute combos and special moves. It’s a simpler, more arcade-style experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a roster of villains, including The Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke, with each offering unique challenges in combat.

12. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique, immersive experience that delves into Batman’s detective skills. Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the game focuses on solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
Gameplay and Immersion: The game is designed for virtual reality, allowing players to step into Batman’s boots and experience Gotham from his perspective. It’s a shorter experience but offers a deep dive into the detective side of Batman’s character.
Key Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and The Riddler play significant roles, with the game emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration over combat.

13. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

A Mobile Spin-off: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that shifts the perspective from Batman to his rogues’ gallery. Players take on the role of a crime lord, building their own criminal empire and recruiting iconic villains to carry out heists.
Gameplay and Strategy: The game focuses on base-building, strategy, and resource management, offering a different take on the Arkham universe. It’s a lighter, more casual experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a wide array of Batman’s villains, including The Riddler, Harley Quinn, and Killer Croc, allowing players to explore the criminal side of Gotham.

14. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)

A Mobile Combat Game: Lockdown is a mobile fighting game that focuses on one-on-one combat with Batman facing off against various villains from the Arkham universe.
Gameplay and Combat: The game is more action-oriented, with players using touch controls to execute combos and special moves. It’s a simpler, more arcade-style experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a roster of villains, including The Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke, with each offering unique challenges in combat.

15. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique, immersive experience that delves into Batman’s detective skills. Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the game focuses on solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
Gameplay and Immersion: The game is designed for virtual reality, allowing players to step into Batman’s boots and experience Gotham from his perspective. It’s a shorter experience but offers a deep dive into the detective side of Batman’s character.
Key Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and The Riddler play significant roles, with the game emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration over combat.

16. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

A Mobile Spin-off: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that shifts the perspective from Batman to his rogues’ gallery. Players take on the role of a crime lord, building their own criminal empire and recruiting iconic villains to carry out heists.
Gameplay and Strategy: The game focuses on base-building, strategy, and resource management, offering a different take on the Arkham universe. It’s a lighter, more casual experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a wide array of Batman’s villains, including The Riddler, Harley Quinn, and Killer Croc, allowing players to explore the criminal side of Gotham.

17. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)

A Mobile Combat Game: Lockdown is a mobile fighting game that focuses on one-on-one combat with Batman facing off against various villains from the Arkham universe.
Gameplay and Combat: The game is more action-oriented, with players using touch controls to execute combos and special moves. It’s a simpler, more arcade-style experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a roster of villains, including The Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke, with each offering unique challenges in combat.

18. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique, immersive experience that delves into Batman’s detective skills. Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the game focuses on solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
Gameplay and Immersion: The game is designed for virtual reality, allowing players to step into Batman’s boots and experience Gotham from his perspective. It’s a shorter experience but offers a deep dive into the detective side of Batman’s character.
Key Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and The Riddler play significant roles, with the game emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration over combat.

19. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

A Mobile Spin-off: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that shifts the perspective from Batman to his rogues’ gallery. Players take on the role of a crime lord, building their own criminal empire and recruiting iconic villains to carry out heists.
Gameplay and Strategy: The game focuses on base-building, strategy, and resource management, offering a different take on the Arkham universe. It’s a lighter, more casual experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a wide array of Batman’s villains, including The Riddler, Harley Quinn, and Killer Croc, allowing players to explore the criminal side of Gotham.

20. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)

A Mobile Combat Game: Lockdown is a mobile fighting game that focuses on one-on-one combat with Batman facing off against various villains from the Arkham universe.
Gameplay and Combat: The game is more action-oriented, with players using touch controls to execute combos and special moves. It’s a simpler, more arcade-style experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a roster of villains, including The Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke, with each offering unique challenges in combat.

21. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique, immersive experience that delves into Batman’s detective skills. Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the game focuses on solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
Gameplay and Immersion: The game is designed for virtual reality, allowing players to step into Batman’s boots and experience Gotham from his perspective. It’s a shorter experience but offers a deep dive into the detective side of Batman’s character.
Key Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and The Riddler play significant roles, with the game emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration over combat.

22. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

A Mobile Spin-off: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that shifts the perspective from Batman to his rogues’ gallery. Players take on the role of a crime lord, building their own criminal empire and recruiting iconic villains to carry out heists.
Gameplay and Strategy: The game focuses on base-building, strategy, and resource management, offering a different take on the Arkham universe. It’s a lighter, more casual experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a wide array of Batman’s villains, including The Riddler, Harley Quinn, and Killer Croc, allowing players to explore the criminal side of Gotham.

23. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)

A Mobile Combat Game: Lockdown is a mobile fighting game that focuses on one-on-one combat with Batman facing off against various villains from the Arkham universe.
Gameplay and Combat: The game is more action-oriented, with players using touch controls to execute combos and special moves. It’s a simpler, more arcade-style experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a roster of villains, including The Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke, with each offering unique challenges in combat.

24. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

A Virtual Reality Experience: While not a traditional entry in the series, Arkham VR offers a unique, immersive experience that delves into Batman’s detective skills. Set between Arkham City and Arkham Knight, the game focuses on solving a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
Gameplay and Immersion: The game is designed for virtual reality, allowing players to step into Batman’s boots and experience Gotham from his perspective. It’s a shorter experience but offers a deep dive into the detective side of Batman’s character.
Key Characters: Nightwing, Robin, and The Riddler play significant roles, with the game emphasizing puzzle-solving and exploration over combat.

25. Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)

A Mobile Spin-off: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game that shifts the perspective from Batman to his rogues’ gallery. Players take on the role of a crime lord, building their own criminal empire and recruiting iconic villains to carry out heists.
Gameplay and Strategy: The game focuses on base-building, strategy, and resource management, offering a different take on the Arkham universe. It’s a lighter, more casual experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a wide array of Batman’s villains, including The Riddler, Harley Quinn, and Killer Croc, allowing players to explore the criminal side of Gotham.

26. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)

A Mobile Combat Game: Lockdown is a mobile fighting game that focuses on one-on-one combat with Batman facing off against various villains from the Arkham universe.
Gameplay and Combat: The game is more action-oriented, with players using touch controls to execute combos and special moves. It’s a simpler, more arcade-style experience compared to the main series.
Key Characters: The game features a roster of villains, including The Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke, with each offering unique challenges in combat.