Batman Arkham City is a model sequel. Combat is more responsive to inputs and new gadgets/takedowns add layers of depth. New enemy types requiring specific uses of batman's arsenal makes mastering the combat a treat. Stealth is similarly refined with smarter enemy ai, new gadgets for batman, mooks with heat vision/jammers and well designed areas creating a fun sandbox for players to express themselves in.
The scope of the game is increased from Arkham island to an open world set in a portion of Gotham city. The increased scope allows more villains to be featured in more significant roles through side quests, which range from decent to great in terms of quality. New mobility options makes traversal visceral and fun. The Riddler returns on steroids with over 400 challenges to solve with fun puzzle rooms being unlocked gradually throughout. Speaking from experience It's not worth going for all the them!!!
The boss fights are the biggest improvement compared to its predecessor with each fight being a spectacle and great uses of batman's arsenal of gadgets.
The game's story is great with fantastic performances and swerves that I didn't see coming.
Bonus content is a bit of a mixed bag as each new character with there own takes on the Arkham formula are great fun to play keeping the game fresh. The story content for cat woman and Robin feels a bit cobbled together and lower quality than the base game. The challenge maps are back and are better than before with all 4 characters (Nightwing as well) being playable with there own stealth medal challenges. Riddler campaigns involving three challenges being played in a row with a set of modifiers being used over the campaign are a cool idea but didn't captivate me to spend much time with them. Alternate costumes are fun to mess with as is the addition of new game plus.
Overall Arkham CIty is an improvement over its predecessor in almost every way. My heart may belong drawn to Asylum's Metroidvania style but no doubt City is an all time classic.
The scope of the game is increased from Arkham island to an open world set in a portion of Gotham city. The increased scope allows more villains to be featured in more significant roles through side quests, which range from decent to great in terms of quality. New mobility options makes traversal visceral and fun. The Riddler returns on steroids with over 400 challenges to solve with fun puzzle rooms being unlocked gradually throughout. Speaking from experience It's not worth going for all the them!!!
The boss fights are the biggest improvement compared to its predecessor with each fight being a spectacle and great uses of batman's arsenal of gadgets.
The game's story is great with fantastic performances and swerves that I didn't see coming.
Bonus content is a bit of a mixed bag as each new character with there own takes on the Arkham formula are great fun to play keeping the game fresh. The story content for cat woman and Robin feels a bit cobbled together and lower quality than the base game. The challenge maps are back and are better than before with all 4 characters (Nightwing as well) being playable with there own stealth medal challenges. Riddler campaigns involving three challenges being played in a row with a set of modifiers being used over the campaign are a cool idea but didn't captivate me to spend much time with them. Alternate costumes are fun to mess with as is the addition of new game plus.
Overall Arkham CIty is an improvement over its predecessor in almost every way. My heart may belong drawn to Asylum's Metroidvania style but no doubt City is an all time classic.