How to Play the Arkham Games in Order: A Journey Through Chaos and Brilliance

How to Play the Arkham Games in Order: A Journey Through Chaos and Brilliance

The Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios and WB Games Montréal, is a masterpiece in the world of action-adventure gaming. With its intricate storytelling, immersive gameplay, and iconic characters, the series has captivated fans worldwide. However, diving into the Arkham universe can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the chronological order of the games. This guide will not only help you navigate the series in the correct order but also explore the thematic connections and narrative depth that make the Arkham games a unique experience.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)

  • Release Order: Third
  • Chronological Order: First
  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC

Arkham Origins serves as a prequel to the entire series, set five years before the events of Arkham Asylum. This game introduces a younger, less experienced Batman who is still grappling with his role as Gotham’s protector. The story revolves around a bounty placed on Batman’s head by Black Mask, leading to a night of chaos as eight of the world’s deadliest assassins descend upon Gotham City.

  • Key Themes: The game explores Batman’s early days, his relationships with key characters like Alfred and Commissioner Gordon, and his first encounters with iconic villains such as the Joker and Bane.
  • Gameplay: While the core mechanics are similar to the previous games, Origins introduces new features like the “Crime Scene Investigation” mode, which allows players to reconstruct crimes using forensic evidence.

2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

  • Release Order: First
  • Chronological Order: Second
  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Arkham Asylum is where it all began. The game is set within the confines of Arkham Asylum, where Batman must thwart the Joker’s plan to take over the facility and unleash chaos on Gotham. The game is praised for its tight narrative, atmospheric setting, and innovative combat system.

  • Key Themes: The game delves into the psychological battle between Batman and the Joker, exploring themes of madness, control, and the thin line between heroism and villainy.
  • Gameplay: The “Freeflow Combat” system, which allows for seamless transitions between attacks, counters, and takedowns, is introduced here. The game also features a variety of gadgets and stealth mechanics that encourage strategic play.

3. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

  • Release Order: Second
  • Chronological Order: Third
  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC

Arkham City expands the scope of the series, taking place in a walled-off section of Gotham City that has been turned into a massive prison. Batman must navigate this dangerous environment to uncover the truth behind Hugo Strange’s mysterious “Protocol 10.”

  • Key Themes: The game explores themes of power, corruption, and the moral ambiguity of justice. It also deepens the relationship between Batman and the Joker, culminating in a dramatic and emotional climax.
  • Gameplay: The open-world design allows for greater exploration and freedom. New gadgets and abilities, such as the Grapnel Boost and the ability to glide, enhance traversal. The combat system is refined, offering more complexity and depth.

4. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

  • Release Order: Fourth
  • Chronological Order: Fourth
  • Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Arkham Knight concludes the main storyline of the Arkham series. Set one year after the events of Arkham City, the game sees Gotham City under siege by the Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight. Batman must confront his greatest fears and make the ultimate sacrifice to save the city.

  • Key Themes: The game explores themes of fear, identity, and redemption. It also delves into Batman’s psyche, revealing his inner struggles and the toll that his crusade has taken on him.
  • Gameplay: The introduction of the Batmobile adds a new dimension to gameplay, allowing for vehicular combat and traversal. The game also features a more refined combat system, enhanced stealth mechanics, and a larger, more detailed open world.

5. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

  • Release Order: Fifth
  • Chronological Order: Fifth
  • Platforms: PlayStation VR, PC (via Oculus Rift and HTC Vive)

Arkham VR is a virtual reality experience that takes place between Arkham City and Arkham Knight. The game focuses on detective work, allowing players to step into the shoes of Batman and solve a mystery involving the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.

  • Key Themes: The game emphasizes the detective aspect of Batman’s character, highlighting his intelligence and deductive skills.
  • Gameplay: As a VR experience, the game relies heavily on immersive interactions and puzzle-solving. Players use Batman’s gadgets to investigate crime scenes and piece together the story.

6. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)

  • Release Order: Sixth
  • Chronological Order: Sixth
  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, PC

Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2.5D side-scrolling action-adventure game that serves as a companion to Arkham Origins. The game is set three months after the events of Origins and follows Batman as he investigates a riot at Blackgate Prison.

  • Key Themes: The game explores the consequences of Batman’s actions in Origins and his ongoing battle against Gotham’s criminal underworld.
  • Gameplay: The game combines elements of the main series’ combat and stealth mechanics with a Metroidvania-style exploration system. Players must navigate the prison, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies to progress.

7. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2023)

  • Release Order: Seventh
  • Chronological Order: Seventh
  • Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is the latest entry in the Arkhamverse, set several years after the events of Arkham Knight. The game shifts the focus from Batman to the Suicide Squad, a team of antiheroes tasked with taking down a brainwashed Justice League.

  • Key Themes: The game explores themes of redemption, teamwork, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. It also delves into the consequences of Batman’s actions and the legacy he left behind.
  • Gameplay: The game features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing players to control different members of the Suicide Squad. Each character has unique abilities and playstyles, encouraging teamwork and strategy.

Q: Do I need to play the Arkham games in order to understand the story? A: While each game can be enjoyed on its own, playing them in chronological order (Origins, Asylum, City, Knight, VR, Blackgate, Suicide Squad) provides a more cohesive and immersive experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the narrative depth and character development.

Q: Are the Arkham games connected to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)? A: No, the Arkham games exist in their own self-contained universe, often referred to as the “Arkhamverse.” While they share characters and themes with the DCEU, the stories and continuity are separate.

Q: Which Arkham game is considered the best? A: This is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, Arkham City is often praised for its open-world design, compelling story, and refined gameplay, making it a fan favorite.

Q: Can I play Arkham VR without a VR headset? A: No, Arkham VR is designed specifically for virtual reality and requires a VR headset to play. It offers a unique, immersive experience that is best enjoyed in VR.

Q: Is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League a direct sequel to Arkham Knight? A: Yes, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is set in the same universe as the Arkham games and takes place after the events of Arkham Knight. It continues the story of the Arkhamverse, albeit with a focus on the Suicide Squad rather than Batman.

By following this guide, you can embark on a thrilling journey through the Arkham series, experiencing the evolution of Batman’s story and the rich, interconnected world that Rocksteady and WB Games Montréal have created. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, the Arkham games offer an unforgettable adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression.