Batman: Arkham Asylum has made a lot of noise even before it could set foot onto consoles. We had reported a few months back that the game release would be delayed from summer to fall. Eidos Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment are finally unleashing Batman: Arkham Asylum in stores this Friday. The title is developed by Rocksteady Studios for the PS3 and Xbox 360. The Games for Windows Live version will release on September 18, 2009.
Based on DC Comics’ Batman license, the title incorporates a diverse gameplay into its storyline. Batman: Arkham Asylum neatly merges all the ingredients of a great superhero game complete with dark adventure and action. The title sees the dark knight trapped in the psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane called Arkham Asylum. The clown prince of Crime, The Joker, has conspired along with the other deranged inmates of the asylum to get rid of Batman for good.
“This has been an immense collaborative effort and we’re extremely proud of Batman: Arkham Asylum. From the reactions we have already received, we truly believe it will not only stand out as one of the games of the year but establish itself as one of those rare action adventure games you simply cannot forget,” stated Lee Singleton, General Manager, Eidos Game Studios.
“Batman is one of the most recognizable and iconic characters around the world and with the high quality launch of Batman: Arkham Asylum we are establishing the brand as a triple-A franchise. We are extremely proud of Batman: Arkham Asylum and consider it critical in developing and growing our key franchises,” commented Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
“The team at Rocksteady has poured an immense amount of love and effort into developing a game that Batman fans and gamers will enjoy. We’re very proud of Batman: Arkham Asylum. We are excited about the incredible response from the press and even more excited that everyone will now finally get their chance to play the game,” shared Sefton Hill, Game Director at Rocksteady Studios.
For a more authentic feel, the game includes the voice talents of Mark Hamill for The Joker and Kevin Conroy for Batman. Batman: Arkham Asylum is based on an original story by acclaimed Batman author Paul Dini. He is well-known for his contributions to Batman: The Animated Series as well as Lost season one. Players will have to face some of Gotham’s most feared villains namely Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc and Bane in the game. They have taken over the asylum and have out numbered the Dark Knight.
In the PS3 version of the title, gamers will be able to take on the role of The Joker in eight Challenge Maps where he will be faced against the good guys. These maps can be downloaded for free via the PlayStation Network. Another treat for PS3 owners is that the game will unlock the Batman: Arkham Asylum Batcave Outpost in PlayStation Home. This exclusive place offers players Batwing, Batmobile and many more exciting features.
Batman: Arkham Asylum can be acquired in for a price of Rs.2,499 for the Xbox 360 and PS3. The Games for Windows version will have a price tag of £34.99 (approx. Rs.2,785).