Batman: Arkham
A video game series set in the Arkhamverse continuity.
The Batman: Arkham series is a collection of superhero action-adventure games based on the DC Comics character. Developed by Rocksteady Studios, WB Games Montréal, Armature Studio, and Camouflaj, the first game was published jointly by Eidos Interactive and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, with later games published solely by Warner Bros. Games. The core conflict in the franchise revolves around the ongoing struggle between Batman and his primary nemesis, the Joker. The series includes five main games and one spin-off, plus a handheld title, three mobile games, two virtual reality experiences, various tie-in comics and novels, and an animated film. The shared storyline across these games is commonly called the "Arkhamverse."
The main entries in the series have been commercially successful and widely praised for their narratives, voice acting, character work, world design, visuals, and gameplay mechanics. Combined, the games have sold over 32 million copies worldwide.
The first game, Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009), was written by veteran Batman writer Paul Dini and developed by Rocksteady. The entire story takes place on Arkham Island, home to the asylum where many of Batman’s most dangerous enemies are held. The plot follows Batman as he tries to stop the Joker, who has taken over the asylum and set hidden bombs across Gotham City. Batman must fight through the inmates and restore order while learning that the Joker has obtained a large supply of Titan, a chemical derived from Bane’s Venom. The game features voice actors Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Arleen Sorkin reprising their roles from the DC Animated Universe as Batman, the Joker, and Harley Quinn. Post-release downloadable content added new challenge maps and, on PlayStation 3 and the Return to Arkham version, the ability to play as the Joker.
Batman: Arkham City (2011) is the sequel, written by Paul Dini along with Paul Crocker and Sefton Hill. Set eighteen months after the first game, Bruce Wayne is imprisoned in Arkham City, a massive super-prison built in Gotham’s slums by former asylum warden Quincy Sharp, now the city’s mayor.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Batman: Arkham
- Developer
- Rocksteady Studios · WB Games Montréal · Splash Damage · Human Head Studios · NetherRealm Studios · Armature Studio · Turbine, Inc. · Turn Me Up · Camouflaj
- Publisher
- Eidos Interactive (2009) · Warner Bros. Games (2009–present) · Oculus Studios
- Writer
- Paul Dini · Corey May · Dooma Wendschuh · Adam Beechen · Sefton Hill
- Genre
- Action-adventure, Stealth
- First Release Version
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
- First Release Date
- August 25, 2009
- Latest Release Version
- Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Latest Release Date
- October 21, 2024
- Parent
- Batman video games
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The main games in the Batman: Arkham series include Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009), Batman: Arkham City (2011), Batman: Arkham Origins (2013), Batman: Arkham Knight (2015), and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024). Arkham Asylum, the first game, was written by veteran Batman writer Paul Dini and developed by Rocksteady. It takes place entirely on Arkham Island, where Batman must stop the Joker from using a chemical called Titan. Arkham City, the sequel, features a bigger cast and a story again written by Paul Dini, along with Paul Crocker and Sefton Hill. It introduces side missions and DLC with Catwoman as a playable character. Arkham Origins is a prequel developed by WB Games Montréal, set eight years before Arkham Asylum, and features a younger Batman with a bounty on his head. Arkham Knight, the fourth main game, concludes the Arkham storyline with a mature 'M' rating, as does the later entry Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Reader's Guide
The Batman: Arkham series has been met with success and critical acclaim, with praise for its narratives, voice acting, characters, world design, graphics, and gameplay. The games have collectively sold more than 32 million copies worldwide. The series established the 'Arkhamverse' continuity, which includes tie-in comic books, novels, and an animated film. Key voice actors include Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, who respectively voice Batman and the Joker in multiple installments, reprising their roles from the DC Animated Universe. The series introduced innovations such as side missions in Arkham City and the Batmobile as a driveable vehicle in Arkham Knight. A spin-off, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, was released in 2024 and is set after the events of Arkham Knight. The series' legacy includes influencing subsequent superhero games and maintaining a dedicated fanbase.
Did You Know?
- The series consists of four main installments and a spin-off, along with handheld, mobile, and virtual reality games.
- Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill voice Batman and the Joker in Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight, reprising their roles from the DC Animated Universe.
- Arkham Origins is a prequel set eight years before Arkham Asylum and features Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker as Batman and the Joker.
- Arkham Knight is the only game in the series to receive an 'M' rating and introduces the Batmobile as a driveable vehicle.
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