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CRITIK

Batman: Arkham Knight

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Batman: Arkham Knight
Item: Batman: Arkham Knight
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, Fighting, Stealth, Single Player

AvailableJun 23, 2015

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperRocksteady Studios

Overview

Batman: Arkham Knight brings the award-winning Arkham trilogy from Rocksteady Studios to its epic conclusion. Developed exclusively for New-Gen platforms, Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady's uniquely designed version of the Batmobile. The highly anticipated addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the Arkham series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City. In this explosive finale, Batman faces the ultimate threat against the city that he is sworn to protect, as Scarecrow returns to unite the super criminals of Gotham and destroy the Batman forever.

Elsewhere

9.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Batman: Arkham Knight are quite varied. Many critics praised the game for its engaging and thought-provoking narrative, with unexpected twists and turns. Critics such as Eurogamer Poland, Digital Spy, and Gaming Nexus highlighted the engaging and gripping nature of the story, with complex and multi-dimensional characters. The storytelling was commended for delving deep into Batman's mentality and pushing him to his breaking point, as mentioned by Guardian and COGconnected. The narrative was also praised for its exploration of Batman's history, psyche, and the dark side of Gotham, as mentioned by IGN and GameSpot. The inclusion of memorable moments and clever plot twists was also highlighted by Game Informer and Attack of the Fanboy. However, there were also several criticisms regarding the story of Batman: Arkham Knight. Critics such as EGM and Riot Pixels criticized the story for being messy, disappointing, and filled with plot holes. The identity of the Arkham Knight was deemed predictable and the character underdeveloped by PC Invasion and GRYOnline.pl. The execution of the story was also criticized for its ham-fisted dialogue, uninteresting mystery, and wasted potential of key characters, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral and Game Over Online. Some critics, like Game Revolution and Pure Xbox, felt that the plot suffered from juggling multiple antagonists and lacked the impact of previous installments in the series. The repetitive nature of the fear gas storyline was also mentioned by GamingTrend. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the story of Batman: Arkham Knight is mixed. While there are critics who praised the narrative for its engaging and thought-provoking nature, there were also criticisms regarding its execution, predictability, and wasted potential. The story was commended for its exploration of Batman's psyche, dark themes, and memorable moments, but criticized for its messy plot, underdeveloped characters, and ham-fisted dialogue. Despite the mixed opinions, it is evident that the story of Batman: Arkham Knight had its strengths and weaknesses, leaving some critics satisfied with its conclusion while others felt let down compared to previous games in the series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Batman: Arkham Knight's story. Some praise its engaging narrative, deep dive into Batman's psyche, and unexpected twists. However, others criticize it for being messy, predictable, and filled with plot holes. While some appreciate the exploration of dark themes and memorable moments, others feel let down by underdeveloped characters and juggling multiple antagonists. Overall, opinions vary on whether the story successfully delivers on its potential.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

Overall, the majority of critics found the gameplay of Batman: Arkham Knight to be very good, with several positive aspects highlighted. The combat system, a staple of the Arkham series, was praised for its fluidity, complexity, and the addition of new moves and abilities. Critics such as Gaming Age and Digital Trends commended the tight controls and fast-paced combat, while GameCrate and Atomix appreciated the introduction of new abilities like Fear Multi-Takedown and Environmental Takedown. The Freeflow Combat System was described as empowering, satisfying, and one of the best in the genre by GamesVillage.it and Worth Playing. The stealth sections, known as Predator Mode, were also well-received, with Gameplanet and The Escapist highlighting their brilliance and clever level design. However, there were some negative aspects of the gameplay that were mentioned by critics. One common criticism was the overreliance on the Batmobile, which some felt intruded on the overall experience. Critics like Game Revolution and Shacknews mentioned that the Batmobile dominated too much of the gameplay, taking away from the stealthy approach that the series is known for. The shooting mechanics in the Batmobile's tank mode were also criticized by GameWatcher and The Digital Fix for feeling out of place and frustrating. Additionally, some critics, such as TheSixthAxis and Game Over Online, mentioned that the handling of the Batmobile could be problematic, and its excessive use in tank battles and chase sequences became repetitive. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus of the critics is that the gameplay of Batman: Arkham Knight is very good. The positive aspects, such as the refined combat mechanics, the introduction of new gadgets and moves, and the seamless integration of different gameplay elements, were highlighted by multiple critics. The gameplay was described as enjoyable, polished, and offering a solid and varied experience. The addition of the Batmobile, while divisive, was generally seen as a positive addition that added a new layer of excitement and allowed for creative puzzle-solving. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Cheat Code Central mentioned that the gameplay made players feel like they were truly playing as Batman, with a sense of flow and access to cool gadgets. Overall, the majority of critics found the gameplay of Batman: Arkham Knight to be a strong and enjoyable experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised Batman: Arkham Knight's gameplay for its fluid combat system and new abilities, but some felt the Batmobile was overused and disrupted the stealthy approach. Despite mixed feelings about the Batmobile, critics agreed that the gameplay offered a solid, varied experience with polished mechanics and a sense of truly playing as Batman.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Batman: Arkham Knight, considering it to be very good. Many critics commended the game for its stunning visuals, attention to detail, and impressive character models. Vandal, for example, highlighted the highly detailed and atmospheric rendition of Gotham City, with well-crafted character models and fluid animations. The Escapist also praised the new Gotham, describing it as wonderful with bright colors, neon lights, and on-point lighting effects and character design. The Jimquisition, on the other hand, found the environment more exciting and enjoyable to explore, with bright and colorful new areas. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of the game. Softpedia mentioned that the PC version of Batman: Arkham Knight had massive performance issues, making it unplayable on most PCs. Digital Trends felt that the graphical presentation became overwhelming with excessive detail. PC Invasion noted that the graphics had been lowered to maintain a higher framerate, and GameStar mentioned reports of frame drops and overall technical performance issues, even after patches. It is worth noting that these negative aspects mainly revolve around technical issues rather than the actual visual design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Batman: Arkham Knight boasts impressive graphics and visual design. The game is praised for its stunning visuals, detailed environments, atmospheric city design, and attention to detail. Critics such as Game World Navigator Magazine, Guardian, and Worth Playing commended the game for its aesthetic appeal and the detailed portrayal of Gotham City. The game's visuals were described as worthy of being framed and hung on a wall by Riot Pixels. The Digital Fix called it a technical marvel with sumptuous moody looks. The positive opinions of the majority of critics indicate that the graphics and visual design of Batman: Arkham Knight were a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Batman: Arkham Knight's top-notch graphics and visual design, praising the stunning visuals, attention to detail, and impressive character models. However, some critics noted technical issues like performance problems on PC and excessive graphical detail. Overall, critics agree that the game's graphics are impressive, with detailed environments and a beautifully crafted Gotham City.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Batman: Arkham Knight, considering it to be very good. They commended the impressive sound design, immersive atmosphere, and impactful sound effects. 3DJuegos, Gameblog.fr, Hobby Consolas, and Multiplayer.it specifically mentioned the immersive sound design, while Atomix and GameTrailers highlighted the game's soundtrack adding to the immersive atmosphere. The voice acting was also highly praised, with critics such as ActionTrip, Attack of the Fanboy, Digitally Downloaded, Game Informer, GameSpot, Impulsegamer, LaPS4, PlaySense, Push Square, Riot Pixels, SpazioGames, Vandal, Xbox Achievements, and GameCrate commending the strong performances and talent of the voice actors. They mentioned notable performances from Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and John Noble as Scarecrow. The Spanish and Italian voice acting were also highlighted as positive aspects of the game by LaPS4, Vandal, and Multiplayer.it. However, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Everyeye.it mentioned the lack of standout ideas and moments compared to previous titles, while Hardcore Gamer felt that the soundtrack was not as impressive as the visuals, lacking the epic feel of previous games. Worth Playing mentioned that while several of the villains had fantastic voice work, others didn't work very well and actually detracted from scenes. The Digital Fix mentioned that while the voice acting for the Scarecrow and the Joker was superb, the rest of the characters felt copy and pasted from past adventures. The Escapist also pointed out that while the voice acting was on point, the workhorse dialogue was stilted and Batman's constant internal monologue became annoying. GameWatcher found the music to be boring compared to the first two games' soundtracks. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Batman: Arkham Knight were very good. The majority of the critics praised the impressive sound design, immersive atmosphere, and impactful sound effects. They also commended the strong voice acting performances, particularly from Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and John Noble. While there were some criticisms regarding the lack of standout ideas in the soundtrack and occasional issues with voice acting, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive. The sound design and music of Batman: Arkham Knight were considered to be a significant strength of the game, enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in the world of Gotham City.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about the stellar sound design and music in Batman: Arkham Knight, praising the immersive atmosphere, impactful sound effects, and top-notch voice acting from Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and John Noble. However, some critics felt the soundtrack lacked standout moments, certain voice performances fell short, and the music was lackluster compared to previous titles. Overall, while there were some criticisms, the general consensus is that the sound design and music greatly enhanced the game, immersing players in the world of Gotham City.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

Overall, the voice acting in Batman: Arkham Knight received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the performances of the voice actors, highlighting their ability to bring the characters to life and deliver believable performances. Kevin Conroy, known for his iconic portrayal of Batman, was widely praised for his excellent voice work, with critics such as ActionTrip, Gamer.no, and GameCrate commending his portrayal of the Dark Knight. Mark Hamill's portrayal of the Joker was also highly praised by critics like IGN and The Escapist, with his menacing and darkly comic performance being a standout. John Noble's performance as Scarecrow was also widely praised, with critics such as Dealspwn, Gamestyle, and The Digital Fix commending his menacing and diabolical portrayal. However, there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Batman: Arkham Knight. Some critics, such as NZGamer and Telegraph, mentioned issues with certain performances. NZGamer specifically pointed out Commissioner Gordon's performance in the opening moments, criticizing the lack of emotion and off lip-synching. Telegraph also mentioned that Jonathan Banks' splendidly grizzled turn as Commissioner Gordon was sadly underused. Additionally, Worth Playing criticized the casting choices, stating that some villains had fantastic voice work while others didn't work well and actually detracted from scenes. Despite these criticisms, they were in the minority, and the overall sentiment towards the voice acting remained positive. In conclusion, the voice acting in Batman: Arkham Knight was widely praised by critics, with the majority of them considering it to be very good. The performances of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and John Noble as Scarecrow were particularly highlighted as exceptional. The voice acting was commended for its ability to bring the characters to life, convey emotions, and add depth to the overall experience. While there were some criticisms regarding certain performances and casting choices, they were outweighed by the positive reception from the majority of critics. Overall, the voice acting in Batman: Arkham Knight was a strong aspect of the game and contributed to its immersive and engaging narrative.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praised the voice acting in Batman: Arkham Knight, particularly Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and John Noble as Scarecrow. Despite some minor criticisms about certain performances and casting choices, the majority found the voice acting to be very good, bringing the characters to life and enhancing the game's narrative.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Batman: Arkham Knight, the PlayStation 4 (PS4) version received mostly positive reviews. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, AusGamers, Eurogamer Italy, God is a Geek, and PSX Extreme praised the game for its stable performance, smooth gameplay, and impressive visuals. They mentioned minimal to no frame rate drops or stuttering, even during intense moments or high-speed Batmobile sequences. The technical achievements and overall stability of the PS4 version were also highly regarded by Hobby Consolas and PlayStation Universe. These positive reviews indicate that the PS4 version of the game provided a satisfying technical experience for players. On the other hand, the PC version of Batman: Arkham Knight faced significant technical issues and received negative reviews from critics such as 3DJuegos, Digital Trends, Eurogamer Poland, GameStar, PC Gamer, and The Jimquisition. These critics highlighted poor optimization, frame rate limitations, stability problems, crashes, and compatibility issues with certain graphics cards and operating systems. The PC version was even temporarily pulled from sale due to its severe technical issues. Softpedia and Shacknews described the PC release as disastrous, with terrible performance, freezing, and various errors. These negative reviews indicate that the PC version of the game suffered from significant technical shortcomings, making it a disappointing experience for many players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the PS4 version of Batman: Arkham Knight provided a solid and enjoyable technical performance. The game was praised for its stable frame rates, smooth gameplay, and impressive visuals on the PS4 platform. However, the PC version received widespread criticism for its poor optimization, performance issues, crashes, and compatibility problems. Despite some minor technical issues mentioned by a few critics on both platforms, the PS4 version was generally considered the superior choice in terms of technical performance. It is important to note that while some critics had positive experiences with the PC version after patches, the overall sentiment suggests that the technical issues were more prevalent and impactful on PC compared to PS4.

TL;DR

technical performance

PlayStation 4 version of Batman: Arkham Knight impressed critics with stable performance and visuals, while PC version suffered from major technical issues like poor optimization and crashes. PS4 was the preferred choice for a smoother gaming experience overall.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of Batman: Arkham Knight, it is evident that the game offers a significant amount of content and activities for players to engage with. Many critics highlight the numerous side quests, challenges, and collectibles that add to the overall replay value of the game. Critics such as Atomix, AusGamers, and Game Revolution commend the game for its extensive side missions and activities, with Game Revolution specifically mentioning that some supervillain missions are required to see the true ending(s), creating an extra incentive for players. The game's side quests are praised for their variety and quality, with critics from GamesRadar++, Gaming Nexus, and Pure Xbox emphasizing the fantastic and well-designed nature of these missions. The inclusion of a New Game + mode, augmented reality challenges, and DLC adventures are also mentioned as positive factors contributing to the game's replay value. However, there are some criticisms regarding the repetitive nature of certain aspects of the game. ActionTrip mentions that the repetitive mission design may limit replay value, while Digital Spy highlights the repetitive nature of the vehicular combat with the Batmobile. The Jimquisition also notes the repetitive secondary objectives and lack of surprises in discovering new villains, which diminish the overall replay value. Destructoid mentions that while there is a lot of content beside the main story path, most of it feels like busy work. Gameplanet echoes this sentiment, stating that some side missions can start to feel like busy-work and that full completion of the game is required for the "proper" ending. The excessive side activities and collectibles are also mentioned as potentially deterring some players from replaying the game by Game World Navigator Magazine. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Batman: Arkham Knight offers a substantial amount of content and activities, contributing to its replay value. The game's side quests, challenges, and collectibles are praised for their variety, quality, and integration into the main story experience. The inclusion of a New Game + mode, augmented reality challenges, and DLC adventures are seen as positive factors that enhance the replayability of the game. However, there are concerns about the repetitive nature of certain aspects, such as mission design and vehicular combat, which may limit the long-term replay value for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Batman: Arkham Knight provides a satisfying and enjoyable experience with significant replay value for fans of the series and completionists.

TL;DR

replay value

Batman: Arkham Knight offers extensive content with diverse side quests, challenges, and collectibles, praised by critics for enhancing replay value. However, repetitive mission design and vehicular combat drawbacks may limit long-term appeal. Overall, the game provides a satisfying experience with significant replay value for fans and completionists.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the critics' opinions on the overall verdict of Batman: Arkham Knight are largely positive. The game is praised for its engaging story, impressive visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and the sense of being the Dark Knight. Critics such as Game Informer and God is a Geek consider it a special and incredible experience, with the latter even calling it one of the best comic-book games ever made. The game is also commended for its attention to detail, fan service, and the satisfying conclusion it brings to Rocksteady's Batman trilogy. However, there are some negative aspects that critics point out. One common criticism is the overemphasis on the Batmobile. Shacknews mentions that it undermines the game by being overused, while PCWorld criticizes the game for its weak plot and the overemphasis on the vehicle. Metro GameCentral also mentions the repetitive and contrived use of the Batmobile as a frustrating aspect. Additionally, some critics, like EGM and PC Invasion, express disappointment with the muddled plot and deficiencies in the Batmobile gameplay. PCWorld further criticizes the game for feeling unfocused and squandering the potential of Batman's villains. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Batman: Arkham Knight is a highly recommended game and a fitting conclusion to the series. The majority of the critics thought the overall verdict of the game was very good. Critics such as Multiplayer.it, VideoGamer, and GameSpot consider it a masterpiece and one of the best games of this console generation. The game's impressive visuals, engaging story, improved gameplay mechanics, and extensive content are highlighted as its strengths. The Escapist praises the game for its strong gameplay, great graphics, and standout voice acting. Additionally, critics like Game Revolution and Giant Bomb find the game to be a satisfying conclusion to the Arkham series. In conclusion, Batman: Arkham Knight receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. While there are some criticisms regarding the overemphasis on the Batmobile and weaknesses in the plot, the game's strengths, including its engaging story, impressive visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and fan service, outweigh the negatives. The majority of the critics consider it a masterpiece, a fitting conclusion to the series, and one of the best games of this console generation. Overall, Batman: Arkham Knight is highly recommended for fans of the Dark Knight and the Arkham series.

TL;DR

Critics mostly love Batman: Arkham Knight for its engaging story, visuals, and gameplay, with some calling it a masterpiece and one of the best comic-book games. However, criticisms include the overemphasis on the Batmobile and weak plot points. Despite flaws, it's seen as a highly recommended and fitting conclusion to the series, praised for its strengths that outweigh the negatives. Ultimately, it's a must-play for fans of Batman and the Arkham series.

CRITIK

Reviews

163 reviews found

100

Polygon

PlayStation 4

Jun 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Batman: Arkham Knight is the best game of this console generation and that it has perfected the Batman experience. It also mentions that it is the last Batman game from Rocksteady.

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100

VideoGamer

PlayStation 4

Jun 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a masterpiece and the best Batman game ever made. It is praised for its impact, addictive nature, and being remembered for a long time to come.

100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Jun 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that this is the best game the reviewer has played so far this year and one of the best comic-book games ever made. It is described as an incredible story, visuals, and voice acting, with a fitting end to a phenomenal trilogy.

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100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Jun 28, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Batman Arkham Knight is a flawless Batman experience that surpasses its predecessors and sets a high standard for future superhero games.

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100

Attack of the Fanboy

PlayStation 4

Jun 22, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game's visual presentation, gameplay, and storytelling, and states that it captures the essence of Batman perfectly. It applauds Rocksteady Studios for their work.

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100

Digital Spy

PlayStation 4

Jun 29, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Batman: Arkham Knight is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, combining classic heroes and villains with six years of work. It is the definitive Dark Knight offering that fans deserve.

100

AusGamers

PlayStation 4

Jun 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as one of the most complete and perfect games ever played. It is engaging, challenging, and delivers in every aspect. It is recommended for Batman fans and even those who are not fans.

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100

Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Jun 27, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loves the game despite divided opinions from critics.

100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Jun 25, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arkham Knight is a resounding delight and an exemplary superhero experience, with a rare misjudgment in expanding the gameplay.

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GameCrate

Jul 2, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Batman: Arkham Knight is highly anticipated and delivers on its promises. The gameplay, graphics, and voice acting are top-notch, and the addition of the Batmobile adds variety to the gameplay. The technical performance on PC may vary, but the overall experience is captivating.