Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight is my favorite entry in the Arkham series. Which feels strange to say. I believe this entry has some of the highest highs, but, also some of the lowest lows *cough cough Batmobile cough cough. First, let's talk about the highs. The classic combat system comes back in its most refined form, providing the most fluid experience yet. You can get by with simple maneuvers but for those who wish to delve deeper, there is a lot to experiment with. You can intertwine your combos with take-downs and an array of gadgets.

There is another facet of gameplay that is new to the arkham series, the Batmobile. When you're zooming down the streets of Gotham, swerving around cramped streets, mowing down thugs, and engaging in vehicle pursuits the Batmobile is an absolute blast. Unfortunately, the Batmobile can enter into a tank mode. At first, it seems pretty fun, just another way to vary up the gameplay. However, it gets boring after a handful of times, annoying after ten or so, and mind-numbing when you're well into double digits. It's a real shame that such a good experience has this one major flaw. To be clear, tank combat isn't bad, there's just too many encounters and it is so much more shallow when compared to playing as Batman on foot. I am willing to forgive the tank combat because the rest of the package is so good.

I enjoyed the story, but, my standards to enjoy a story are pretty low so take my opinion on it with a grain of salt. I thought it was pretty good but not as good as Arkham City. There is a twist that I as someone who is not a Batman fan could see coming from a mile away. When it happened I couldn't tell if I was supposed feel surprised or not, it just fell flat on its face. I honestly don't think that it detracts much from the story but I am aware that it's something that people aren't happy with. I don't have much to say on the story front as I'm bad with dissecting and analyzing them.

Arkham Knight is filled to the brim with side content. The side missions (except maybe for the Riddler) are pretty good and worth doing just to experience their side narratives. Some are weaker than others but for the most part they are pretty decent. There is bunch of other stuff that is a complete waste of time. I am largely sick of Ubisoft style checklist open-world activities, so if you aren't tired of that style then you'll love what's here. You have riveting activities such disable mines (aka Batmobile time), take out enemies in one of many generic outposts, collecting too many riddler trophies, etc. I got some enjoyment from doing some of those activities but I have no desire to do them all. I want a game not a 9 to 5.

Overall, Batman Arkham Knight is an excellent game with some notable blemishes. There was enough good to outweigh the bad for me but others may have a lower tolerance.