Batman Franchise

Batman game series – what is it about?

The Batman series is a widely acclaimed action-adventure game franchise primarily developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The series is known for its deep storytelling, engaging combat mechanics, and immersive open-world gameplay set in Gotham City. Players take on the role of Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, as he fights crime, unravels mysteries, and takes down his infamous rogue’s gallery, including the Joker, Bane, and Scarecrow.

The games revolutionized superhero gaming with their innovative Freeflow combat system, detective mode, and compelling narratives. Many titles feature open-world exploration, allowing players to glide through Gotham, solve puzzles, and experience an authentic Batman story.

When did the Batman Arkham series come out?

The Arkham series, the most notable part of the Batman game franchise, began in 2009 with the release of Batman: Arkham Asylum for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. It received widespread praise for its fluid combat, gripping story, and dark atmosphere. The franchise expanded with sequels and spin-offs, cementing itself as one of the best superhero game series of all time.

Full Batman Arkham game series in order:

There are four main games in the Arkham series, along with spin-offs and additional Batman titles.

1. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
2. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
3. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) (Prequel developed by WB Games Montréal)
4. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

Additionally, there are spin-offs and mobile games:

1. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
2. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
3. Batman: Arkham Shadow VR (2024)

What is the Batman timeline? If you’re new to the series, the recommended play order depends on whether you prefer release order or chronological order.

Chronological order (best for understanding the storyline):

1. Batman: Arkham Origins (Prequel)
2. Batman: Arkham Asylum
3. Batman: Arkham City
4. Batman: Arkham Knight

Each game builds upon the story and gameplay mechanics, with Arkham Knight serving as the grand finale of the main series.

There is also the Batman Lego Series:

1. LEGO Batman: The Videogame (2008)
2. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (2012)
3. LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (2014)

And Point and Click adventure Batman games from Telltale:

• Batman - The Telltale Series (2016)
• Batman: The Enemy Within (2017)

The best Batman Arkham games

Many consider Batman: Arkham City (2011) to be the best entry in the series, thanks to its expansive open world, compelling story, and refined combat mechanics. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) is praised for its tight, atmospheric storytelling, while Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) delivers the most visually impressive Gotham and gameplay enhancements. Arkham Origins (2013) serves as an underrated entry, adding an engaging prequel story and new gameplay features.

Who are the most iconic Batman Arkham characters?

The Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill, stands as the most iconic character in the Arkham series, providing unforgettable performances throughout the franchise. Other notable characters include Batman himself (voiced by Kevin Conroy), Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, and the Riddler. Arkham Knight introduced the titular antagonist, adding a new layer to Batman’s rogues' gallery.

What’s next for the Batman game series?

Following the conclusion of Batman: Arkham Knight, Rocksteady moved on to develop Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, while WB Games Montréal took on the next Gotham-based project.

The latest Batman-related game, Gotham Knights (2022), shifts the focus to the Bat-Family, Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin, following Bruce Wayne’s supposed demise. However, this game is not set within the Arkham timeline.