1. Batman: Arkham Asylum
There was a time when good Batman games were rare commodities, but the past few years have blessed us with a range of excellent options. When Batman: Arkham Asylum first arrived no one knew what to expect. Once players dug into its intricate world and discovered the robust stealth and combat systems, they discovered an all-time classic.
2. Batman: Arkham City
After the surprise success of Arkham Asylum, Rocksteady Studios followed up with a massive open world for Batman to explore. In addition to being a near perfect Batman game, Arkham City also features a playable Catwoman. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have controlling the devious cat burglar.
3. Injustice: Gods Among Us
The creators of Mortal Kombat clearly have a soft spot for DC Comics superheroes. Injustice feels like it was made with a lot of love, and the Batman characters are the best of the roster, including the Joker, Harley Quinn, Bane, Solomon Grundy, Catwoman, and the Caped Crusader himself.
4. LEGO Batman: The Videogame
There are a few great LEGO Batman games to choose from, but the first one in the series gets the edge for its classic feel. The world may be a little smaller than in the sequels, but it feels more personal because of it, and the humor is spot on. Holy Collectathon, Batman!
5. Batman Returns
Some people swear that the Batman games were a barren wasteland until Arkham Asylum appeared, but there are certainly some early gems awaiting the dedicated crime fighter. This SNES brawler had astounding graphics for its era, and it played like a fun spinoff of Streets of Rage or Final Fight.
6. The Adventures of Batman & Robin
The Sega Genesis got some Batman love too with The Adventures of Batman & Robin. The Sega title was distinct from the Konami game of the same name for the SNES, with a separate story focusing on Mr. Freeze, Mad Hatter, and Harley Quinn. The Genesis version is still appreciated today for its beautiful visuals and intense challenge.
7. Batman: The Video Game
It’s hard to overstate how big of a hit Tim Burton’s first Batman movie was. When the NES received a tie-in game to accompany the film, everyone went wild for it. It’s a great game to revisit, and its cool wall jump mechanic feels straight out of Ninja Gaiden, a perfect fit for a masked fighter who hides in the shadows.
8. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
There’s no reason Marvel vs. Capcom should have all the fun. Pitting Mortal Kombat characters against Batman and Superman felt like a playground argument come to life. While the finishing moves were a bit tame, it still felt deviously awesome to impale Batman with Scorpion’s spear.
9. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
LEGO Batman 2 is simply one of the best LEGO games you can play, but because its expanded universe includes other DC characters, it loses some of its Batman-centric focus. If you don’t mind Batman sharing the spotlight, though, this game’s still a top-notch adventure.
10. Batman: Return of the Joker
This early game for the NES feels like Contra re-skinned with Batman characters. It may be a bit strange to play as a Batman that’s constantly spraying (probably) non-lethal projectiles, but if you can jump that mental hurdle, this classic title holds up quite well.
11. Gotham City Impostors
If the disheveled, off-brand Batmen above didn’t give it away, Gotham City Impostors doesn’t feature the genuine, real-deal Batman. But this fun multiplayer homage does feature a frantic cast of Batman and Joker look-alikes who descend into all-out gang warfare. It’s a fun, atmosphere-drenched diversion.
12. Batman: Arkham Origins
After the incredible high provided by the first two Arkham games, most players felt let down by the lack of originality in Arkham Origins. The prequel serves as an extension of Arkham City, though, so “more of the same” is pretty light criticism when “the same” is pretty stellar to begin with.
13. DC Universe Online
It’s not quite a premium-level MMO like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, but DC Universe Online does have a surprisingly robust set of features for a console-based online multiplayer game. It’s worth a look just to take a stroll through a living, breathing, digital Gotham City.
14. Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame
If you’ve got young kids in the house, this game works perfectly as a “My First Batman Game.” Released on both Nintendo DS and Wii, it has an excellent sense of humor, and the side-scrolling brawler gameplay has a gentle difficulty curve, allowing anyone to jump in and have fun.
15. Batman: The Video Game
This was one of the first games available for Nintendo’s revolutionary Game Boy handheld. It isn’t mentioned frequently these days, but its tight controls, stiff platforming challenges, and surprising Batwing shooter levels made it an exciting showcase for the new system.
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