What Order to Play Batman Games: A Journey Through Gotham's Shadows

Batman, the Dark Knight, has been a staple in the gaming world for decades. With a plethora of games spanning various consoles and generations, it can be daunting to decide where to start. This article aims to guide you through the labyrinth of Batman games, offering a suggested order to play them, while also exploring the thematic and narrative connections that make each game unique.

1. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)

Why Start Here? Although it was released after Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, Arkham Origins serves as a prequel to the series. It introduces players to a younger, less experienced Batman, setting the stage for the events that follow.
Gameplay and Story: The game focuses on Batman’s early years, dealing with a bounty placed on his head by Black Mask. It’s a great entry point for newcomers, offering a fresh perspective on the character.

2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

The Groundbreaking Classic: This is where the modern Batman gaming saga truly began. Arkham Asylum revolutionized superhero games with its tight combat mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and compelling story.
Narrative Depth: The game pits Batman against the Joker, who has taken over Arkham Asylum. It’s a psychological thriller that delves deep into Batman’s psyche and his rogues’ gallery.

3. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

Expanding the World: Arkham City takes the formula of Arkham Asylum and expands it into an open-world setting. The game introduces a larger cast of villains and a more complex narrative.
Themes and Gameplay: The game explores themes of justice and morality, with Batman navigating a city turned into a prison. The gameplay is more refined, with new gadgets and combat techniques.

4. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)

The Epic Conclusion: Arkham Knight is the final chapter in the Arkham series, offering a grand, cinematic experience. The game introduces the Batmobile, adding a new layer to gameplay.
Story and Atmosphere: The narrative is darker and more intense, with Batman facing his greatest fears and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game’s atmosphere is unparalleled, with a rain-soaked Gotham that feels alive.

5. Batman: The Telltale Series (2016)

A Different Perspective: This episodic adventure game offers a unique take on Batman, focusing more on Bruce Wayne’s personal life and moral dilemmas.
Interactive Storytelling: The game’s strength lies in its narrative choices, allowing players to shape the story and Batman’s relationships with other characters.

6. Batman: The Enemy Within (2017)

Continuing the Story: A sequel to The Telltale Series, this game delves deeper into Batman’s world, with a focus on the Joker’s origin and his complex relationship with Batman.
Character Development: The game offers a more nuanced portrayal of the Joker, exploring his descent into madness and his bond with Batman.

7. Batman: Arkham VR (2016)

Immersive Experience: This virtual reality game offers a short but intense experience, allowing players to step into Batman’s shoes like never before.
Narrative Focus: The game is more about exploration and puzzle-solving, with a narrative that ties into the larger Arkham series.

8. Batman: Gotham Knights (2022)

A New Chapter: Set in a different universe from the Arkham series, Gotham Knights focuses on the Bat-family after Batman’s apparent death.
Co-op Gameplay: The game introduces cooperative play, allowing players to team up as Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood to protect Gotham.

9. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)

A Side Story: This 2.5D Metroidvania-style game serves as a companion to Arkham Origins, focusing on Batman’s investigation of Blackgate Prison.
Gameplay Mechanics: The game offers a different gameplay experience, with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.

10. Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame (2010)

A Lighter Tone: Based on the animated series, this game offers a more lighthearted take on Batman, with a focus on teaming up with other DC heroes.
Family-Friendly Fun: The game is perfect for younger players or those looking for a less intense Batman experience.

11. Batman: Vengeance (2001)

A Classic Adventure: This game, based on The New Batman Adventures, offers a more traditional action-adventure experience.
Nostalgic Appeal: For fans of the animated series, this game is a nostalgic trip, with voice acting from the original cast.

12. Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (2003)

A Unique Villain: This game introduces Sin Tzu, a new villain created specifically for the game, offering a fresh challenge for Batman.
Co-op Gameplay: The game features cooperative play, allowing players to team up as Batman, Robin, Nightwing, or Batgirl.

13. Batman: The Video Game (1989)

A Retro Classic: Based on Tim Burton’s Batman movie, this game is a classic platformer that captures the dark, gothic tone of the film.
Historical Significance: As one of the earliest Batman games, it holds a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts.

14. Batman: The Caped Crusader (1988)

A Pioneering Title: This early Batman game is a point-and-click adventure that offers a unique take on the character.
Innovative Gameplay: The game’s focus on detective work and puzzle-solving sets it apart from other Batman games of its time.

15. Batman: Dark Tomorrow (2003)

A Flawed Gem: While not as well-received as other Batman games, Dark Tomorrow offers a unique story and gameplay experience.
Ambitious Narrative: The game’s story is ambitious, with Batman facing off against a global conspiracy.

16. Batman: The Movie (1989)

A Movie Tie-In: This game, based on the 1989 Batman movie, offers a mix of driving and platforming levels.
Nostalgic Fun: For fans of the movie, this game is a fun, if somewhat dated, experience.

17. Batman: Return of the Joker (1991)

A NES Classic: This game is a side-scrolling action platformer that captures the essence of Batman’s battle against the Joker.
Challenging Gameplay: The game is known for its difficulty, offering a tough but rewarding experience.

18. Batman: The Animated Series (1993)

A Faithful Adaptation: This game captures the look and feel of the beloved animated series, with voice acting from the original cast.
Classic Gameplay: The game offers a mix of platforming and combat, with a focus on Batman’s detective skills.

19. Batman: Chaos in Gotham (2001)

A Handheld Adventure: This Game Boy Color game offers a portable Batman experience, with a focus on action and exploration.
Simplistic Fun: While not as complex as other Batman games, it’s a fun, bite-sized adventure.

20. Batman: Gotham City Racer (2001)

A Racing Game: This game offers a unique take on Batman, with a focus on driving and racing through Gotham City.
Different Genre: For those looking for a change of pace, this game offers a different kind of Batman experience.

21. Batman: Toxic Chill (2003)

A Mobile Adventure: This mobile game offers a short but engaging Batman story, with a focus on puzzle-solving and combat.
On-the-Go Fun: Perfect for quick gaming sessions, this game offers a portable Batman experience.

22. Batman: The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1994)

A SNES Classic: This game is a side-scrolling action platformer that captures the spirit of the animated series.
Co-op Gameplay: The game allows players to team up as Batman and Robin, offering a fun cooperative experience.

23. Batman: Justice Unbalanced (2003)

A Mobile Puzzle Game: This game offers a unique take on Batman, with a focus on puzzle-solving and strategy.
Brain-Teasing Fun: For those who enjoy a mental challenge, this game offers a different kind of Batman experience.

24. Batman: The Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)

A Movie Tie-In: This game, based on the animated movie, offers a mix of action and detective work.
Faithful Adaptation: The game captures the look and feel of the movie, with voice acting from the original cast.

25. Batman: The Dark Knight (2008)

A Movie Tie-In: This game, based on The Dark Knight movie, offers a mix of action and stealth gameplay.
Cinematic Experience: The game captures the tone and style of the movie, offering a cinematic gaming experience.

26. Batman: The Telltale Series – Shadows Edition (2018)

A Definitive Edition: This version of The Telltale Series includes all episodes and additional content, offering a complete Batman experience.
Enhanced Graphics: The game features improved graphics and performance, making it the best way to experience the series.

27. Batman: The Enemy Within – The Telltale Series (2018)

A Complete Experience: This version of The Enemy Within includes all episodes and additional content, offering a complete Batman experience.
Enhanced Graphics: The game features improved graphics and performance, making it the best way to experience the series.

28. Batman: Arkham Collection (2019)

A Comprehensive Package: This collection includes Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight, offering a complete Arkham experience.
Enhanced Graphics: The games feature improved graphics and performance, making it the best way to experience the series.

29. Batman: Arkham VR – The Complete Experience (2019)

A VR Masterpiece: This version of Arkham VR includes all additional content, offering a complete VR Batman experience.
Enhanced Graphics: The game features improved graphics and performance, making it the best way to experience the series.

30. Batman: Gotham Knights – The Complete Edition (2023)

A New Era: This version of Gotham Knights includes all additional content, offering a complete Batman experience.
Enhanced Graphics: The game features improved graphics and performance, making it the best way to experience the series.

Q: What is the best order to play the Batman Arkham games? A: The best order to play the Batman Arkham games is Arkham Origins, Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight. This order follows the chronological timeline of the series.

Q: Are the Batman Telltale games connected to the Arkham series? A: No, the Batman Telltale games are set in a separate universe and are not connected to the Arkham series.

Q: Can I play Batman: Gotham Knights without playing the Arkham games? A: Yes, Batman: Gotham Knights is set in a different universe and does not require knowledge of the Arkham series.

Q: What is the most challenging Batman game? A: Batman: Arkham Knight is often considered the most challenging due to its complex combat mechanics and intense boss battles.

Q: Are there any Batman games that focus more on detective work? A: Yes, Batman: The Telltale Series and Batman: Arkham VR place a strong emphasis on detective work and puzzle-solving.

Q: Which Batman game has the best story? A: Batman: Arkham City is often praised for its compelling narrative and deep exploration of Batman’s character.

Q: Are there any Batman games suitable for younger players? A: Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame and Batman: The Animated Series are more family-friendly and suitable for younger players.

Q: What is the most visually impressive Batman game? A: Batman: Arkham Knight is widely regarded as the most visually impressive, with its detailed graphics and immersive open-world environment.

Q: Are there any Batman games that focus on co-op gameplay? A: Yes, Batman: Gotham Knights and Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu offer cooperative gameplay, allowing players to team up as different members of the Bat-family.

Q: What is the best Batman game for fans of the animated series? A: Batman: The Animated Series and Batman: The Adventures of Batman & Robin are both excellent choices for fans of the animated series, capturing the look and feel of the show.