In the past, DC’s Batman was a powerhouse in the gaming industry, with a new title seemingly released every couple of years. The character’s adventures, particularly those developed by Rocksteady Studios, revolutionized superhero gaming and greatly influenced its ongoing evolution. Yet, recently, the Caped Crusader has been somewhat sidelined in terms of video game representation.
Since the release of 2017’s The Enemy Within, there has been no substantial new Batman title, and updates about future games remain scarce. While comic book fans have a number of upcoming superhero titles to anticipate, those eager to embrace the role of Bruce Wayne must delve into the archives to uncover the best Batman games from yesteryear.
27 Batman: Arkham City Lockdown
Gone & Unfairly Forgotten
Unfortunately, Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is now no longer available for mobile purchase, which limits its ranking. The game served as a bite-sized adventure during the peak of the Arkham phenomenon but lacks the depth of its console counterparts. Released exclusively for iOS and Android, it is a beat ’em up that allows players to swap suits as they battle various henchmen and well-known bosses—yet without the option for exploration or meaningful gameplay customization.
26 Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu
Fun Beat ‘Em Up Based On The New Batman Adventures
This title holds a special place in the gaming legacy of Batman, as it features original villain Sin Tzu while drawing inspiration from The New Batman Adventures. Despite its similarities to the show, Rise of Sin Tzu stands out as a challenging beat ’em up game where players battle through waves of enemies culminating in boss fights introduced by the villain.
25 Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
The Arkham series is known for its quality, but Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate struggled to maintain that reputation. This side-scrolling Metroidvania game, set in a prison overtaken by iconic villains, fails to live up to the franchise’s standards, offering a lackluster narrative and uneven gameplay that ultimately feels inferior to its predecessor titles.
24 Batman
The First Adventure
While it may be challenging for modern audiences to revisit, the 1986 Batman game was ambitious for its time, showcasing isometric gameplay and intricate decision-making within a labyrinthine map. Players must navigate traps while collecting Batman’s tools, and the introduction of a save system was impressive for its era. Though the graphics are decidedly vintage now, the game remains a nostalgic piece of gaming history.
23 Batman: Arkham VR
Not Quite The Ultimate Batman Simulator
Although Rocksteady Studios made a name for themselves with their stellar work on Batman titles, Arkham VR does not quite match the bar set by its predecessors. Players inhabit the role of Bruce Wayne as he investigates a murder, enjoying moments of detective work, but they’ll find a lack of combat and overall depth. In light of more recent releases, Arkham VR may feel underwhelming, despite its unique take on the characters.
22 Batman Begins
Released alongside Christopher Nolan’s film, Batman Begins offers a unique perspective into the hero’s journey, though it often falls short of the benchmark set by later titles. Its impressive visuals and voice acting contributed to a rich atmosphere, while gameplay remains a mix of various approaches, making it feel somewhat disjointed yet enjoyable overall.
21 Gotham Knights
The Batfamily Gets Its Moment To Shine, And It Is Mostly OK
Although Gotham Knights features no directly playable Batman character, his legacy is undeniably woven throughout the story. The emphasis on the Bat Family as intriguing heroes provides an engaging narrative that thrives on character dynamics. However, the game is not without flaws; a hollow open-world structure and combat mechanics that can feel repetitive hold it back from greatness.
20 Batman: Return Of The Joker
Average Is Not Bad
This NES action-platformer may evoke nostalgia, but it is also emblematic of its time—featuring classic “Nintendo Hard”sections that can frustrate players. While its gameplay might seem simple, the charming presentation aligns with the Batman brand, offering a solid experience for those who appreciate retro gaming.
19 Batman: The Brave And The Bold – The Videogame
A Solid Romp For A Solid Show
Taking cues from its animated counterpart, Batman: The Brave And The Bold offers a light-hearted experience through its comedic narrative and colorful character roster. Although its gameplay does not strive for originality, it is an entertaining tribute to the animated series perfect for fans familiar with that specific interpretation of the Dark Knight’s adventures.
18 Batman Returns (SNES)
A Decent, If Not Great Beat ‘Em Up
Konami’s Batman Returns on the Super Nintendo is an example of a straightforward beat-em-up that lets players fight through movie-inspired levels against iconic villains. Despite a somewhat basic design, it holds up as a fun experience, providing a nostalgic nod to fans of the 16-bit era.
17 Batman: The Animated Series
For those looking back to licensed games of the past, Konami’s Batman: The Animated Series stands out for its dedicated adaptation of the source material. Using the Game Boy’s limited capabilities, it delivers solid gameplay and a charming aesthetic; as players control Batman and Robin, they tackle thematic stages against various villains, creating a wholly enjoyable experience.
16 Batman: Vengeance
Despite being overshadowed by the Arkham games, Batman: Vengeance still manages to win the hearts of some players for its engaging story and captivating visuals reminiscent of the animated series. It may not be a masterpiece, but its combat system was surprisingly intricate for its time, marking it as a notable entry worth examining.
15 Batman: The Video Game (NES)
Well-Done Action-Adventure Game
Retro gamers cherish this NES title for its engaging side-scrolling adventure that combines precise platforming and combat mechanics. With its inventive level design and memorable soundtrack, Batman: The Video Game remains a compelling addition to any fan’s collection, showcasing the Caped Crusader’s essence in a classic gaming format.
14 Batman: The Telltale Series
A Bit Disjointed, But Decent Look Into Bruce Wayne’s Psyche
Initially met with mixed responses primarily due to technical issues, Batman: The Telltale Series eventually won over players with its intriguing narrative. While occasionally disjointed, it delves into Bruce Wayne’s complex duality and provides a nuanced portrayal of his character, heightening the overall experience for fans invested in Batman’s psychological depth.
13 The Adventures of Batman & Robin (SNES)
Great Presentation, Mediocre Gameplay
Konami’s take on The Adventures of Batman & Robin stands out for its exceptional audiovisual representation. While the gameplay can feel repetitive, especially in its linear approach to level design, the stunning graphics and faithful renditions of the show’s music deliver an entertaining, if not groundbreaking, experience for fans of the animated series.
12 LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Open-World Lego Romp That Goes Well Beyond Just Batman
In LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, players engage in an expansive adventure that transcends Gotham, tapping into the broader DC universe. With a rich roster, this installment embraces a familiar blend of exploration, puzzles, and lighthearted combat, despite variances in the quality and depth of different locations within the open-world.
11 Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
DC’s Trinity Gets A Fun Little Adventure
Justice League: Cosmic Chaos may not strictly qualify as a Batman game, but it features the Caped Crusader as one of its primary heroes. Players can switch between Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman in an accessible and enjoyable brawler filled with engaging gameplay and humorous writing, which adds charm to the overall experience.
10 Injustice: Gods Among Us
Batman Goes Up Against The Ultimate Villain
Though often overshadowed by its sequel, Injustice: Gods Among Us remains a noteworthy title within the fighting genre. While its combat mechanics may exhibit some clumsiness, the narrative remains compelling, offering a fascinating exploration of Superman’s dark turn, which ultimately cements the game as a significant DC storyline from the 2010s.
9 LEGO Batman: The Videogame
Endlessly Charming Adventure With Co-Op Support
Before the LEGO games grew to include vast open worlds, LEGO Batman: The Videogame offered a charming level-based adventure filled with humor and collaborative play. The absence of voice acting does not detract from the engaging story and character-driven gameplay, making it a delightful romp for fans of the Dark Knight.
8 Batman: Arkham Origins
The Christmas Setting Works Wonders, And Still An Arkham Game At Its Core
Often dismissed as the black sheep of the Arkham series, Batman: Arkham Origins still deserves recognition for its Christmas setting and immersive world. With a captivating story and a rich atmosphere complimented by solid combat mechanics, this title, while not flawless, adds valuable context to the Arkham franchise.
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