Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Batman: Arkham Knight (PS4) Review
Released in 2015, Batman: Arkham Knight is the fourth installment in the highly successful Batman: Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios. The game serves as a conclusion to the Arkham saga, bringing an end to the trilogy that began with Batman: Arkham Asylum. Set in an open-world Gotham City, the game puts players in the shoes of the Dark Knight as he faces the ultimate threat in the form of the Arkham Knight, a mysterious villain with a personal vendetta against Batman. The game expands upon the franchise's signature gameplay, introducing new mechanics, a larger world, and the Batmobile, while offering an unforgettable narrative experience. However, its technical issues and reliance on certain repetitive mechanics keep it from reaching perfection.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Batman: Arkham Knight builds upon the core gameplay of its predecessors, offering an engaging blend of combat, stealth, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Heres a closer look at what it brings to the table:
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Combat System: The free-flowing combat system remains one of the franchise's highlights. Batman is an unstoppable force, capable of taking down multiple enemies at once with a combination of punches, counters, and special moves. The combat is fluid, fast-paced, and deeply satisfying. The addition of new gadgets like the Remote Hacking Device and Smoke Pellets enhances tactical combat, allowing for even more strategic approaches to battles.
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Stealth & Predator Mechanics: Stealth gameplay is as thrilling as ever. Youll frequently be tasked with taking out enemies silently, using Batman's shadows and gadgets to your advantage. The Detective Mode is essential for spotting weak points in enemy positions, letting you plan out your attack or avoid confrontation entirely. The tension that builds as Batman silently eliminates foes one by one is fantastic.
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The Batmobile: The Batmobile is a major addition to Arkham Knight, and it plays a crucial role in both exploration and combat. Players can summon the Batmobile at any time to help traverse Gothams sprawling streets or engage in vehicle combat. The Batmobile is equipped with an arsenal of weapons and gadgets that aid in puzzle-solving and combat against enemies. While the Batmobile adds variety, it feels intrusive during certain sections, especially when forced into tank-like combat sequences.
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Exploration & World Design: Gotham is massive and beautifully designed. The open-world nature of the game allows for a sense of freedom, with side missions, Riddler puzzles, and hidden collectibles scattered throughout. The verticality of the city is impressive, offering opportunities to swoop down on enemies from high vantage points or glide across the skyline.
While the gameplay is polished and full of depth, the forced Batmobile sequences and occasional repetitive combat sections detract from what could have been a more seamless experience.
Story & Character Development
Batman: Arkham Knight delivers a compelling narrative that ties up many story arcs from the previous games in the series:
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Plot: Set one year after the events of Arkham City, the story centers on the rise of the Arkham Knight, a mysterious new villain with a personal vendetta against Batman. With the city in turmoil, Scarecrow returns with a devastating new weapon, and Batman is forced to
