
The Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, has become a cornerstone of modern gaming, blending intricate storytelling, immersive gameplay, and a deep love for the Batman mythos. With multiple entries in the series, newcomers often find themselves asking: What order should I play the Arkham games in? The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think, as the series weaves a complex narrative that can be approached in several ways. Let’s dive into the chaos and brilliance of the Arkhamverse and explore the best order to experience these iconic games.
1. Release Order: The Classic Approach
The most straightforward way to experience the Arkham series is to play the games in the order they were released. This approach allows you to witness the evolution of the series’ gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling.
-
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): The game that started it all. Arkham Asylum introduces players to the dark, claustrophobic world of Gotham’s infamous psychiatric hospital. It’s a tightly crafted experience that focuses on Batman’s detective skills, combat prowess, and stealth abilities. The story, written by Paul Dini, is a masterclass in pacing and tension, pitting Batman against his greatest foes, including the Joker, Scarecrow, and Poison Ivy.
-
Batman: Arkham City (2011): Building on the foundation of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City expands the scope of the game world, allowing players to explore a sprawling open-world version of Gotham’s most dangerous district. The story delves deeper into Batman’s relationships with his allies and enemies, culminating in a shocking and emotional finale.
-
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): Developed by WB Games Montréal, this prequel explores a younger, less experienced Batman as he faces off against a host of assassins on Christmas Eve. While it doesn’t reach the same heights as Rocksteady’s entries, it’s still a solid addition to the series, offering a fresh perspective on Batman’s early years.
-
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): The epic conclusion to Rocksteady’s trilogy, Arkham Knight introduces the Batmobile and a darker, more mature storyline. The game explores themes of fear, identity, and legacy, as Batman confronts the mysterious Arkham Knight and the return of the Joker in unexpected ways.
2. Chronological Order: A Story-Driven Experience
For those who prefer to experience the story in chronological order, starting with the prequel and moving forward can provide a unique perspective on Batman’s journey.
-
Batman: Arkham Origins: Set five years before Arkham Asylum, this game introduces players to a younger Batman who is still learning the ropes. It’s a great starting point for understanding the origins of Batman’s relationships with characters like the Joker, Gordon, and Alfred.
-
Batman: Arkham Asylum: After Origins, Arkham Asylum feels like a natural progression, showcasing a more seasoned Batman who is fully in control of his abilities.
-
Batman: Arkham City: The stakes are higher in this sequel, as Batman faces a city-wide conspiracy that pushes him to his limits.
-
Batman: Arkham Knight: The final chapter in the series, Arkham Knight ties together the threads of the previous games, delivering a satisfying and emotional conclusion.
3. Thematic Order: A Focus on Gameplay Evolution
If you’re more interested in the evolution of gameplay mechanics than the story, you might consider playing the games in an order that highlights their unique features.
-
Batman: Arkham Asylum: Start with the game that introduced the revolutionary Freeflow Combat system and the Predator stealth mechanics. It’s a great way to appreciate the series’ foundational elements.
-
Batman: Arkham City: Move on to the game that expanded the open-world formula, allowing for more exploration and side missions.
-
Batman: Arkham Knight: Finally, experience the game that introduced the Batmobile and refined the combat and stealth systems to near-perfection.
4. The “Skip Origins” Approach
Some fans argue that Arkham Origins, while enjoyable, isn’t essential to the overall narrative. If you’re short on time or want to focus on Rocksteady’s vision, you can skip Origins and play the trilogy in release order.
5. The “Reverse Order” Experiment
For the truly adventurous, playing the games in reverse order (Knight, City, Asylum) can offer a unique perspective on the series. You’ll start with the most polished and expansive entry and work your way back to the simpler, more focused original. This approach can be particularly interesting for longtime fans who want to revisit the series with fresh eyes.
6. The “DLC and Spin-Offs” Deep Dive
Don’t forget about the DLCs and spin-offs! Games like Batman: Arkham VR and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (upcoming) expand the Arkhamverse in exciting ways. While not essential, they add depth to the overall experience.
Conclusion: Choose Your Own Adventure
Ultimately, the best order to play the Arkham games depends on your priorities. Whether you’re a story purist, a gameplay enthusiast, or a curious newcomer, there’s a path through the Arkhamverse that’s perfect for you. So grab your cape, fire up the Batcomputer, and dive into one of the greatest gaming series of all time.
FAQs
Q: Is Arkham Origins necessary to understand the story?
A: While not essential, Arkham Origins provides valuable backstory and context for Batman’s relationships with key characters.
Q: Can I play Arkham Knight without playing the previous games?
A: Yes, but you’ll miss out on important story elements and character development. It’s best to play the series in order.
Q: Are the DLCs worth playing?
A: Absolutely! DLCs like Harley Quinn’s Revenge and A Matter of Family add depth to the story and offer new gameplay experiences.
Q: What about the mobile games and spin-offs?
A: While not as impactful as the main entries, games like Arkham Underworld and Arkham City Lockdown can be fun diversions for fans of the series.
Q: Will there be more Arkham games in the future?
A: While Rocksteady has moved on to other projects, the Arkhamverse continues to expand with titles like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The future of the series remains bright!