Batman: Arkham Knight is the first game in the Arkham trilogy where you truly feel like Batman. The rewind and fast-forward version of detective mode from Batman: Arkham Origins makes a return. There are even scenes where the player must look through specific frames of camera footage and then analyze them for clues. Developer, Rocksteady, has crafted a completely mesmerizing Gotham. Split into three districts, each one feeling just as large as the last, it feels incredible to glide high above the skyscrapers of Gotham. Batman can glide as a method of travel, but he also has one other option, the Batmobile. That's right; for the first time ever in the Arkham games, the Batmobile is a fully drivable force to be reckoned with. The Batmobile can pretty much obliterate anything in its path by running through it or by using its weapons. Armed with a 60mm cannon, a machine gun and a riot suppressor for subduing criminals, you do NOT want to mess with this behemoth of a vehicle. The Batmobile has the ability to essentially transform itself into a tank. During specific moments of the game, the Batmobile's "Battle Mode,"
The story here follows Scarecrow, who has forced most of Gotham's population to evacuate with his threat of detonating a chemical weapon and unleashing his fear toxin all over Gotham. Alongside Scarecrow, a new nemesis, designed by Rocksteady, is the "Arkham Knight." Throughout the game, as Batman and the Arkham Knight interact with each other, it becomes increasingly clear that the Arkham Knight knows almost everything about Batman, from his true identity to the weaknesses in his Batsuit. Watching the two of them interact, playing this game of "cat and mouse," it's quite exciting. But wait, there are still more villains. The other villains in the game are part of side-missions. We have Riddler, Two-Face, Penguin, Firefly and a couple of other surprise appearances as well. Missions can now be selected more easily than in the previous games. You can open up a radial menu and select from there.
It's clear that Rocksteady did not want to hold back on their storytelling and design capabilities with Arkham Knight. Both character development and design are at their finest in the final installment. As the story went on, I found myself becoming more and more engrossed with it because of the ingenious writing that went into crafting a story with all of these characters. There are many surprises in store for players that will make their jaws drop multiple times. Design-wise, Arkham Knight is definitely the best looking in the trilogy. What's really cool about it is that Rocksteady fully utilized the power of new-generation consoles to provide a more realistic looking world, while still maintaining some comic book aspects. It's always raining in Gotham, lightning shooting across the sky, rain drops sliding down Batman's cape; this game is beautiful. The three different sections of the city are extremely well-detailed, with easter eggs littered throughout, but the most noticeably detailed would have to be the Chinatown area on Bleake Island. Neon signs everywhere glisten, as their bright lights reflect on Gotham's streets. Character models are shockingly realistic. They can be examined in even closer 
Fast, bone-crunching fury... is unleashed as Batman strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. With new moves and new abilities, Batman is as ready as he'll ever be to defend the city he has sworn to protect. There are six unique skill trees, allowing for many possible upgrades. After a couple of upgrades to the grapnel, you can practically fly through the air like Superman. "Waynetech Points" (Experience) are earned through main/side missions and challenge maps. New enemies have been introduced, each with their own attack strategy. There's a new counter system where depending on your timing of your counters, you can throw enemies away from you. Batman can now pick up enemies' melee weapons for his own use. New combo moves are available and even environmental takedowns make their debut. The new "Fear Takedown" ability allows you to take out multiple enemies at once in a quick succession. Combat is much faster than in the previous games. Batman punches and kicks like his fists and feet are made of pure titanium. Bright flashes of color appear around Batman's attacks each time he lands a hit. I loved these because of how gimmicky they felt. It was almost like they came straight out of the 60's Batman show with Adam West. Also new to the Arkham games, "Dual-Play." Dual-Play is employed during specific missions of the game and allows the player to switch back and forth between Batman and one of his allies, such as Nightwing, Robin, or Catwoman. I found Dual-Play to be a satisfying part of Arkham Knight, but I'm also glad that it wasn't overused. This time around, Arkham Knight is unfortunately lacking in the challenge maps department. There are very few combat and predator maps. The other challenge maps just use the Batmobile. You don't even have the option to play as other characters. Rocksteady chose to focus most of their attention on the story, while focusing less attention on the side content. Speaking of less attention focused on things, what the heck happened to all of the cool boss fights? There are rarely any boss fights in Arkham Knight and the ones that do exist are pitiful attempts.
The voice-acting and soundtrack could not have been better. John Noble as Scarecrow left me trembling with fear each time I heard his voice. Wally Wingert's Riddler made me annoyed, but determined to show the Riddler that I wasn't some idiot and could solve his riddles and collect his trophies. Troy Baker as Two-Face reminded me of Batman: The Animated Series. The best performance though? Kevin Conroy as Batman, hands down. I could hear every emotion being conveyed through his voice in every scene. The soundtrack, of course, is as brooding and beautiful as ever.
Batman: Arkham Knight is Rocksteady's swan song to the caped crusader and it certainly shows. By the time I reached its conclusion, I couldn't bear to see it end. Which is why I caved and purchased the season pass for more Bat content. Arkham Knight is a testament to what comic-based video games and other games should be like. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a new game plus to start.
PROS:
- You truly feel like Batman
- The Batmobile
- Fantastic story
- Beautifully designed
- Revamped combat
- Voice-acting
- Soundtrack
CONS:
- Lacking and disappointing challenge maps
- Boss fights?
Final Score: 9.5/10
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