Batman has been appearing in video games since 1986. In nearly four decades, the Dark Knight appeared on virtually every platform and starred in some outstanding titles. To make our list useful, we selected the best Batman games that you can easily buy and play on modern platforms. Oh, and one last thing: to be included in the list, the release must feature the Caped Crusader as a playable character.
Lego Batman: The Videogame
- Developer: Traveller’s Tales
- Release date: September 23, 2008
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360, Mac OS X.
Lego Batman: The Videogame is an action-adventure game that brings the charm and humor of Lego to the dark and thrilling world of Batman. It takes players to the brick version of Gotham City and allows them to assume the roles of Batman and his sidekick, Robin. The narrative offers an original story that revolves around the Dynamic Dup’s efforts to stop villainy.
In Lego Batman: The Videogame, players can build, drive, swing, and fight their way through Gotham City. The game offers a variety of gameplay elements, including puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration, all set within a delightful Lego-themed environment. Furthermore, special superhero power suits grant the characters new moves and abilities, altering the gameplay and making it one of the best Batman games.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Developer: Rocksteady Studios
- Release date: August 25, 2009
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Batman: Arkham Asylum is the first installment in Rocksteady’s Arkham series. This action-adventure masterpiece has been recognized as a genre-defining game due to its successful integration of different gameplay elements within a rich narrative context that has been copied until now. The game’s detailed environment, deep character development, and innovative combat system all contribute to an immersive Batman experience. It has also been praised for its faithful adaptation of the Cape Crusader universe, from its distinctive atmosphere to the addition of classic villains.
The story centers around Batman’s struggle to regain control of Arkham Asylum after it is seized by his arch-nemesis, the Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime transforms the compound’s inmates into his army and plots to use Arkham Asylum as a weapon against Batman. Players also encounter other iconic villains from the DC Comics universe, including the Scarecrow, who controls a nightmarish dreamscape within the crumbling ruins of Arkham Asylum, adding another layer of danger and suspense to the game. Throughout the game, Batman combines elements of stealth, melee combat, detective work, and exploration.
Batman: Arkham City
- Developer: Rocksteady Studios
- Release date: October 18, 2011
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation established in Batman: Arkham Asylum. Players are sent soaring into Arkham City, which is five times larger than the game map in the previous installment. The game incorporates a unique blend of melee combat, stealth, investigations, and speed-based challenge gameplay. One notable feature is the “Stealth Vision,” which transforms potentially intense stealth sections into strategic opportunities for players to wait for enemies to separate themselves before striking.
The game’s plot centers around a part of Gotham City that has been transformed into a private reserve for criminals, known as Arkham City. Batman is the only force of order and justice in this chaotic environment. The Dark Knight must navigate through the heavily fortified walls of Arkham City, facing off against numerous iconic villains from the Batman universe, including Ra’s al Ghul, Solomon Grundy, Mister Freeze, and Penguin. The Game of the Year Edition of Batman: Arkham City packages new gameplay content, including maps, playable characters, and skins.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
- Developer: Traveller’s Tales
- Release date: June 19, 2012
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Xbox 360, OS X, Wii U, iOS, Android
The Lego Batman: The Videogame sequel has been highly praised for its expansive world, original story, and a wide array of unlockable content. Its blend of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration gameplay, along with its charming Lego-themed graphics, makes it a favorite among fans of all ages. This time, Batman and his friends have to thwart the villains’ plan to make Lex Luthor the president of the USA.
One of the key features is the freedom to explore Gotham City. The open-world environment allows players to roam freely, giving them the opportunity to discover hidden secrets and complete side missions. This free-roaming aspect adds depth to the game and encourages exploration. Moreover, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is the first game in the franchise with spoken dialogue. Another notable feature is the ability to collect up to 50 DC Comics characters. Players can unlock these characters as they progress through the game, adding replayability and encouraging players to master new skills and abilities.
Batman: Arkham Origins
- Developer: WB Games Montréal
- Release date: October 25, 2013
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360
The sole Batman: Arkham game developed by WB Games Montréal has a group of vocal critics who blame it for a lack of innovation. We partially agree, as the developers probably played it too safe and remained too close to the original formula forged by Rocksteady. However, Batman: Arkham Origins is an exciting action-adventure game with polished gameplay and a compelling plot.
The narrative focuses on a younger and less refined Batman early in his career as a crime fighter. On Christmas Eve, Batman is targeted by Black Mask, the most feared gangster in Gotham City, who places a bounty on his head that attracts eight of the world’s deadliest assassins. Throughout the course of the game, players experience Batman’s transformation from an unrefined vigilante into the Dark Knight we all know and love.
Batman: Arkham Knight
- Developer: Rocksteady Studios
- Release date: June 23, 2015
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Batman: Arkham Knight is the final installment in Rocksteady Studios’ trilogy. One of the strongest aspects of Batman: Arkham Knight is its expansive and meticulously detailed open-world environment. Set in the heart of Gotham City, the game’s world is approximately five times larger than that of Batman: Arkham City. This allows players to explore iconic locations within the crime-ridden metropolis, dive into side missions, and uncover secrets hidden throughout the city. Another highlight is the introduction of the Batmobile. This is not just a mode of transportation but a crucial gameplay element. Batman uses this tank-like vehicle in high-speed chases, puzzle-solving, and combat.
The game’s combat system is also highly praised. It’s fluid, intuitive, and allows for a wide array of moves. Once again, Batman has a large arsenal of gadgets at his disposal. The game presents a compelling, mature storyline that delves deeply into the psyche of Batman. Not only did it use iconic villains, but it also introduced a brand new enemy, the eponymous Arkham Knight. This outstanding title is remembered for the poor technical state of the PC port on the release date. Fortunately, after a series of patches, the developer finally fixed it, so all ports of Arkham Knight may be included on the list of the best Batman games.
Batman: Arkham VR
- Developer: Rocksteady Studios
- Release date: October 11, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4
This virtual reality adventure game lets players see Gotham City through the eyes of Batman. The game is exclusively designed for VR, providing unprecedented immersion. You can don the cowl of the Dark Knight and use his gadgets to unravel a plot that threatens the lives of Batman’s closest allies. To complete this quest, you will use detective skills to investigate crime scenes, analyze evidence, and uncover the truth.
Through the power of virtual reality, players can experience what it feels like to be the iconic hero and face off against Gotham’s greatest villains. The Batman: Arkham VR narrative unfolds in first-person perspective, allowing players to explore locations, including Wayne Manor and the Batcave. One of the game’s standout features is the deep interaction with the characters from the universe. Players can engage in conversations and confrontations with these characters, which adds depth to the gameplay.
Injustice 2
- Developer: NetherRealm Studios
- Release date: May 11, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
It’s a fighting video game created by the studio behind the Mortal Kombat franchise. Injustice 2 follows 2013’s Injustice: Gods Among Us and continues the story set in its predecessor. The narrative culminates after the end of Superman’s totalitarian reign over Earth, as Batman and his allies attempt to piece the world back together. However, they face a new threat that could potentially undo their efforts.
The game allows players to power up and build the ultimate version of their favorite DC legends, such as Batman, Superman, Supergirl, The Flash, and Wonder Woman. With every battle, players earn gear to equip, customize, and evolve their roster. One of the game’s greatest advantages is an extensive single-player story mode with two alternative endings. Consequently, Injustice 2 is an outstanding fighting game and a compelling chapter in the Batman story.
Batman: The Enemy Within
- Developer: Telltale Games
- Release date: August 8, 2017 (the first episode) – March 27, 2018 (the last episode)
- Platforms: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch.
Batman: The Telltale Series, the first Telltale take on the Caped Crusader, has many flaws, but its sequel fixes most of them, making a giant step forward. Like its predecessor, The Enemy Within is an episodic point-and-click graphic adventure video game. Players take control of Bruce Wayne/Batman, navigating through a complex narrative that forces both characters into new roles. The story revolves around the arrival of a ruthless federal agent and the Joker, whom players’ actions may lead away from the path of crime. Batman must navigate uneasy alliances while Bruce Wayne undertakes a perilous series of deceptions.
It also involves solving puzzles and quick-time combat scenes, which have been praised for their creativity and impactful sound design. Like all Telltale games, The Enemy Within puts emphasis on player choice. Decisions made throughout the game have significant impacts on the narrative, shaping the relationships between characters and the direction of the story. The game also sees the return of the feature that allows players to plan out their tactics in combat scenarios before engaging enemies.
Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
- Developer: PHL Collective
- Release date: March 10, 2023
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Lego titles are not the only Batman games suitable for younger gamers. Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is an action-adventure set in an open world where players can suit up as popular superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman.
You have the freedom to explore Happy Harbor, the home of the Justice League, and participate in action-packed missions, grueling fights, and daring challenges leading to the ultimate goal – defeating Mr. Mxyzptlk, a powerful prankster from the 5th Dimension. Moreover, Cosmic Chaos features the option to play in a 2-player couch co-op, making it one of the best Batman games to play with your kid.
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