Batman Arkham Asylum: A Horrifying Masterpiece

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Batman Arkham is a series that has undoubtedly influenced 3rd person action games more than any other superhero game. Spawning a number of sequels that have both surpassed and foiled fans' expectations there is no question that Batman and superheroes in general in the video game medium have seen a new lease on life and many would argue that this is due to the smash success of Batman Arkham Asylum. With a simplistic story of the Joker taking over a mental institution for the criminally insane, with complex narratives just under the surface, gameplay that while primitive is still as addicting as ever, and a presentation that still holds up to this day, Batman Arkham Asylum is a cornerstone in modern gaming and it’s sequels have to varying degrees added to this legacy.
Now as I’m sure a majority of you have seen, I have talked about nearly every Arkham game, barring Arkham VR, which is just too short for me to say anything on. Included in the list of Arkham games I’ve talked about, is Arkham Asylum, which may confuse some of you. No, I’m not running out of ideas, the reason I’m talking about this game again is simply because, when I did initially talk about this game I was very new to that style of video and as such, it wasn’t very good. By the time I got to the other Arkham games I had a better idea of how to make these bad boys and while they are by no means perfect now, I think there is a noticeable quality gap between my Arkham Asylum video and the rest of my Arkham videos. Most notably is that I did more to just describe the game than I did to actually give my thoughts on it, hency why I felt it was necessary to actually take a deeper look at it here. So with that being said let’s actually take a look at Batman Arkham Asylum. And of course, like with all my other videos, this isn’t an objective statement of the games quality and I don’t believe that my opinion is fact and I’d like to encourage friendly discussion about the game. If you disagree with some points, let me know why, we could probably both learn something from it.
Batman Arkham Asylum: A Horrifying Masterpiece by That Boy Aqua
The Introductions: 0:00
The Asylum: 3:44
The Batman: 11:55
The Villains: 27:59
The Spirit: 35:07
The Result: 42:17
Post Script: 44:33
It only makes sense that a game like this be compared to other video games even to this day as it served as such an influence on gaming as a whole. Arkham Asylum laid the groundwork for one of the most popular and arguably best Triple A series as of writing this video, with fans still wanting more. And that’s why I believe it is an isolated, expertly crafted, nostalgic, horrifying, masterpiece.
Batman Arkham is one of the most prominent triple A games out right now, sporting Batman Arkham Asylum, Batman Arkham City, Batman Arkham Knight. This is unfortunately the final That Boy Aqua Batman batman video but at least we are ending it on a Batman Arkham Asylum Critique. In this Batman Arkham Asylum Analysis we will look at Batman Arkham Asylum Gameplay, story, and presentation the same that I have in my, Batman Arkham City Critique, Batman Arkham Knight Critique, and my Batman Arkham Origins Critique. I truly believe this game is A Horrifying Masterpiece, and may be one of the Best Arkham Game. This is an Arkham Asylum Critique and is a little more in depth than my previous Arkham Asylum Review. If you have not played the game I suggest you buy it or search up an Arkham Asylum Walkthrough or an Arkham Asylum Explained video. This video concludes the That Boy Aqua Batman Arkham series and Arkham Retrospective.

[@ThatBoyAqua]

This is going to be the last full review in my Arkham Series retrospective. I will make two more videos, one talking about my personal experience with the series and my time making the videos, and another ranking all the games. Apologies if that disappoints some of you, but I, at this point, said all that I have to say on the franchise. Thank you guys for supporting me the entire way. I'm forever grateful for it. Any corrections will be posted here. The triple batarangs are useful for taking out the pollen spores that Ivy's plants shoot out. You can actually skip the talk with Cash at the mansion and head straight to the Intensive Treatment. This basically nullifies my criticism. You can play as the Joker on the remastered version on Xbox One, but not the 360 The use of the word masterpiece is meant literally. I don't think the game is perfect, and I should have clarified that the word masterpiece implies perfection. The game has flaws, but the overall product, in my eyes, is masterfully executed, hence the use of the word. You may notice the colour correction is off here. That is because when I recorded the video, I did so at night when the windows blue light filter was on. Meaning I had to try and colour correct it in the post. Apologies if it looks wonky.

[@stephenthedude4383]

👌

[@ThatBoyAqua]

@Mid Quacker Hi, I'm honoured that my little videos are capable of making such an impact, truly! I think I want to focus more on getting through the Assassin's Creed series for now but I am heavily tempted to talk about the Uncharted games. That won't be for a bit, but it's on the radar for sure.

[@Hitly96]

Just an FYI the main use for the triple batarangs is the three shots that come out of ivys plants. Super useful for that and almost nothing else lol

[@immortal.y]

@@ThatBoyAqua you deserve 1mill subs you take so long to make video to make them good you definitely deserve it

[@BLZ-ux5pd]

@@ThatBoyAqua Your voice kinda changed and it sounds good

[@squangleproductions1382]

So what I get from this is that... Arkham Asylum makes you feel like you’re Batman.

[@bubbastudios9797]

*Ahem* The GODAMN Batman

[@joshuamoore5377]

Knack 1 was good but knack 2 really makes you FEEL like Batman

[@thatdogeguy9108]

yes but i think arkham knight makes you feel like batman the most out of the four games

[@the_codex4449]

YOU SON OF A- the worst part is that you ain’t wrong

[@a-aron4148]

That’s funny cause there’s a video by Donkey Video Game that says that “you feel like Batman” but he doesn’t like the game because he has some reasons - Video Donkey is not very funny but some people think he is. His use of slurs for comedy is also lazy at best

[@theonlyjoe_]

It also gave us this gem: “Arkham asylum makes you feel like you’re Batman”

[@redlightning7625]

4real

[@Persholm1]

I'd argue that all Arkham does this, but Asylum did it first. And it did it so fucking well.

[@gruesomewolfgaming4735]

@@Persholm1 he's referring to the meme.

[@Persholm1]

@@gruesomewolfgaming4735 Wasn't aware there was a meme about it.

[@gruesomewolfgaming4735]

@@Persholm1 yeah, there's a meme about IGN or some other magazine saying "it really makes you FEEL like Batman" and people occasionally day certain things really make you feel like so and so

[@uchihabomber1296]

Seriously that scarecrow part where the screen just glitched gave me a small heart attack

[@quentinwinters1634]

Same I thought it was broken

[@JoseVega-zd6fk]

I remember that part. I played this game when I was little and I was so confused 😂

[@puremarblec]

At that part many a small child returned a game to gamestop thinking it was broken

[@puremarblec]

@@BP-ex8qp oh no it didn't happen to me my brother on the other hand

[@OracleandCormac]

i thought my system broke

[@tristans_]

Arkham asylums graphics are amazing for a game that came out in 2009. Is over a decade old and has hardly aged visually.

[@JoshJoshJoshJoshJoshJoshua]

Rocksteady are magicians. Arkham Knight could be released here in 2021 and people would still shit their pants

[@Qarth56]

@@JoshJoshJoshJoshJoshJoshua Arkham Knight is genuinely one of the best looking games ever and it always surprises me how little it's graphics get singled out for praise. The dark lighting definitely works in it's favour, but add ray tracing and it would look like a 2021 title no questions asked.

[@herschelschueler]

@@JoshJoshJoshJoshJoshJoshua hell yeah. It is still one of the best looking games ever. Shame we won't see the Original Arkham Games with the same graphics

[@user-ek2xg3ps5s]

@UCMWliu26g4_PzhQV1jaaxQA rAy tRaCiNg Oh fuck off already will you 🙃🙃🙃

[@theirishpotato6588]

@@user-ek2xg3ps5s no. It actually does make it look a little better v

[@grubfilms9043]

Playing the croc fight in the sewer for the first time was one of the most genuine horrifying experiences ive had in gaming

[@nuclearchez5644]

Fr

[@shuyo6073]

I'm used to resident evil games, but yes. Whe he started chasing me for the first time. I just started running and my heart started racing lmaooo

[@brewmaster2912]

I will never beat Arkham Asylum because of my crippling fear of Killer Croc

[@halimokasha9520]

@@brewmaster2912 I will never beat far cry primal because of my crippling fear of snakes

[@Actiontime70]

I was on my cousin’s ps3 playing it like 9 years ago in 2011 or 2012 and I was only 4 and when it was my turn I was in some sewers and he kept popping up and one of the times he popped up I fucking cried😂

[@Scarecrowbooger]

I always thought the Joker fight at the end of the game made sense in tone. The Joker's plan was basically to get Batman titaned up and have boxing match with titan Joker on the rooftops of Arkham Asylum. In Joker's twisted mind this would demonstrate to the world that Batman and him are just two freaks and the same.

[@Xehanort10]

Yeah Joker and Scarecrow wanted to drive Batman crazy and turn him into a monster with a combo of both fear gas and Titan so they could have a final battle probably because Joker had finally gotten bored of their years long conflict. Wanting to destroy Gotham with Titan monsters was just a bonus thing Joker would have done had he managed to kill Batman.

[@lukky6648]

ikr. paul dini is a genius

[@milindsharma7510]

but it was unlike of him to not have a contigency plan if things go south. thats the only thing that bothered me.

[@Scarecrowbooger]

@@milindsharma7510 Does the Joker really look like a guy with a plan? He's just a dog chasing cars... :)

[@milindsharma7510]

@@Scarecrowbooger ahh that's where you are wrong, he is crazy, cynical,mental, non predictable, but he is the guy with a plan. See injustice comic or even the Nolan version of joker. He is too smart always has plans

[@mysticfire7675]

I believe that the reason why the skeleton enemies are so easy is because the fear toxin causes batman to not hold back as much in combat and so we see more of what batman is really capable of. This is sort of reused in Arkham Knight when batman almost kills some mercenaries, in the blimp, after being exposed to the toxin.

[@ThatBoyAqua]

This is genius, I never thought about it that way and when framed that way is sounds so awesome!

[@johndoe6260]

Magnificent theory my friend

[@PhantomRaptor1]

To further support this, after that final Scarecrow encounter you find a bunch of unconscious thugs and two knocked-out Titans in the room Batman's standing in. It really goes to show the attention to detail Rocksteady put in these games, even with the very first one. It also kinda ruins Aqua's (very interesting) idea about pulling out the Titan's spinal cord, since... y'know. I definitely think it would be an interesting gameplay mechanic if there was a way to make it fit, though.

[@PatrickWentzell-jd9gq]

​@@ThatBoyAqua you forgot that as Batman you can do this victory bat dance on the floor . go Batman go Batman it's your birthday yeah very excellent .

[@hawksfan8870]

Without this game, superhero games today would never be the same.

[@poopgangster2.073]

fr dude, so much from the arkham combat system is borrowed in many superhero games now. only one i noticed was spider man ps4 (2018) it was very much like the arkham combat system. very very nice.

[@onyxt3589]

Not just Superhero games.

[@hawksfan8870]

True dat

[@da5hainy556]

@@poopgangster2.073 Spider-Man's combat is inspired more by Devil May Cry.

[@aryantandon4011]

@@poopgangster2.073 I haven't played the Spiderman 2018 game but I did play "The Amazing Spiderman 2" game and they borrowed a lot from Arkham Asylum. The Kingpin boss fight was basically the same as the fight against Bane in Asylum.

[@s7grem417]

Whenever aqua see Harley Quinn my boi can't hold in the inner monke

[@the_codex4449]

And we do the same but in our heads

[@yaboialex8862]

Ape mode

[@ccelite3782]

I saw an ape beating his junk one time

[@ThatOneStrayPixxel]

You might be joking but I would hit that Harley, polygons and all 😏

[@StupidNSimplesns]

@@ThatOneStrayPixxel wouldnt we all

[@christianallen6961]

Arkham Asylum's horror was the best aspect to me. The blend of the Batman mythos with the creepiness of the entire game fit perfectly! Killer Croc, the Scarecrow sequences, and the penitentiary segment were terrifying. I wish we get more horror integrated Batman stuff.

[@MatthewBreck]

lots of horror in the comics check them out

[@JdeMolay]

"What if Detective Mode was like Sonar?" Me: Like a submarine, Mr. Wayne, a submarine.

[@JdeMolay]

P.S. I thought the game was perfect until you mentioned the sonar idea. How awesome would that have been? Would have made the game 100X scarier too.

[@SuperJulianAnt]

@@JdeMolay uh t 100 bane boss battle tho

[@naodamdetsyon6929]

My favorite part of Arkham asylum is that it just felt like another Batman story. As if it were an arc in the comics but in video game form. I feel like subsequent entries strayed further and further from this

[@selinawalsh9075]

Tbf, I think that's because they started establishing the Arkhamverse as its own thing. I think it kinda works, the idea that this game's story, that feels like just another comic arc, creates massive ripples down the line that helps distinguish the Arkhamverse from mainline continuity. Stuff like Joker shooting himself with the Titan and Scarecrow getting attacked by Croc being presented so casually knowing what they'll lead to in future games is kinda chilling.

[@tomasbajer3355]

I literally replayed and completed Arkham Asylum like two hours ago and then you drop this video, that's scary man :D

[@vosswater2731]

I just beat it two....and then this video popped up in my recommended😳. At least I’m not the only one that found that weird😁

[@patrickoreilly6017]

would you say... horrifying?

[@timoberbanscheidt6284]

Did you collect al riddler trophies?

[@tomasbajer3355]

@@timoberbanscheidt6284 yes, I finished it on platinum

[@mrlc4974]

@@tomasbajer3355 Arkham city is the best Batman game ever

[@skxlter5747]

Arkham asylum should and always have that dark gothic atmosphere and environment to it its what makes the asylum so memorable and horrifying to the viewer and remains as a sacred staple of gotham city.

[@engihere5434]

Loved all the technology mixed in with 1800's architecture

[@skxlter5747]

@@engihere5434 yeah its what makes it truly a madhouse its a landmark stuck between time lol

[@thestarkknightreturns]

RIP Kevin Conroy. You'll forever be the voice of Batman.

[@gorpim]

Amen

[@Johnsmith99663]

No he won’t. He’s dead now.

[@fafflytailslogisonicuite104]

@@Johnsmith99663 Yeah, and people will copy his voice with A.I , and at least we'll have the memory of his voice through A.I, newer generations won't even be aware of the legacy he set in the past, they'll probably just think that '' batman sounds cool. ''.

[@ismaielsabet2036]

I always considered Arkham Asylum as a horror game. The Scarecrow and killer croc missions, in addition to the Chronicles of Arkham and the eerie map, created a feeling that will always stick in my mind

[@Charismaniac]

*We want a game with Asylum's beautiful and haunting atmosphere, City's lore and depth, Origins' boss fights and intensity and Knight's combat and stealth creativity!*

[@EvAn-tm3yb]

City's lore and depth with asylums atmosphere is fine with me but along with the other games is just 👌

[@batmasteryoda3671]

That could’ve been the Damian Wayne game

[@100gecsrbetterthangod5]

A batman beyond game with improved arkham knight graphics and combat, city level story, asylum atmosphere, and knights actor performances. Arkham Knights Scarecrow was probably the most well acted and voiced character in the entire damn arkham series. Riddler made me want to punch my tv when he kept going on and on but when scarecrow is talking I listen as closely as I could.

[@alejandrobernal4987]

Batman: Return to Arkham. A midpoint between Asylum and City

[@MaddyDoesStuff]

@@100gecsrbetterthangod5 Wait what about Joker in general?

[@princeofchaos7]

The Sinatra style song that plays before the party & Joker showdown was just perfection. The game had the best atmosphere and was closest feel to the animated series. No doubt due to Dini’s writing

[@david9243]

Dini is a genius

[@FMK03]

You can actually go to Killer Croc’s lair without going back to talk to Cash.

[@grant4488]

Your “sonar mode” idea is genius. If they ever make another Arkham game they need to implement this. This is coming from a veteran of the series.

[@weekly4038]

the only problem I have with the sonar thing is that people already know detective mode like why would bats use a technically weaker version of detective mode but i would love the idea and if they ever make a remaster or a brand new batman game i would love to see a sonar mode.

[@spiritofvengance9876]

@@weekly4038 but it can't get jammed out as the detective mode can. So they both have their strengths and weaknesses.

[@weekly4038]

@@spiritofvengance9876 what if someone just started screaming at the top of their lungs and disrupt the sonar

[@spiritofvengance9876]

@@weekly4038 I don't think that's how it works. But I'm pretty sure the game wouldn't add that in anyways lol.

[@weekly4038]

@@spiritofvengance9876 yeah but it'd be hella funny

[@ponchomkr]

I’m glad you touched on the supernatural feeling atmosphere. It was always felt haunting and uneasy when you’re just roaming the island post-game. Then you have the random lunatics who still pop out of nowhere that add to the spookiness. It’s as if Arkham Island is cursed to make its inhabitants to go insane and violent thus adding to the never ending cycle of Batman’s crusade against crime; the place he believes will help them actually tortures them: Psychologically, emotionally, and possibly physically.

[@artemis1993]

Akhram Island??? More like Gotham as a whole. I even read somewhere that a demon supposedly haunts Gotham City, which is the reason that place is so fucked up. Makes sense tbh.

[@Dylan-cu4ty]

*Asylum* will always be my favorite in the Arkham series. The atmosphere when you walk through those Arkham gates is unmatched.

[@dilly2023]

Facts man

[@gaykiller3757]

I am not returning to Croc's lair again

[@thebreakdown8843]

@@gaykiller3757 | I just finished Arkham again, and that was by far the scariest time for me, because I didn’t realize the first time that I could use batarangs. I forgot that somehow.

[@Rain-hc1jz]

Comment is a year old but yeah, I couldn't have said it better myself. The atmosphere is incredible in game, and in terms of atmosphere outside of the game, it makes me feel so nostalgic when I play it now

[@patrickroy3380]

Less was more this series could've last forever on a asylum level and by the time of knight it was all padding

[@aqibfreed4672]

One of the most underrated things about this game is the fact that throughout the asylum, you can hear the warden giving info + joker keeping you company in the backround. Loved it

[@avinashsinghtomar3965]

I totally felt the horror in these games. But my fear just decreased with time knowing the fact that I was The Batman here. Thats the beauty of Arkham Games. They make you feel like Batman. They give you that vibe that what Batman would feel in the situation.

[@huskycruxes7232]

This video slaps bro. Not much of a surprise tho, all of them do Love the scarlet fire backtrack too.

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@thatboyakira4202]

1 Day ago?

[@huskycruxes7232]

@@thatboyakira4202 If you subscribe to this gorgeous voiced man's patreon, one of the perks is being able to watch videos early. I highly recommend it. Money well spent

[@thatboyakira4202]

@@huskycruxes7232 I mean, the money will support our good Aqua, but money is expensive and I dont see any benefit in using it to SEE KZbin.

[@thatboyakira4202]

@@huskycruxes7232 and what the hell? 5 likes? Man you need to teach me some things.

[@channeljohnnyYT]

when this game first came out i was too pussy to walk down the hallways. that’s how horrifying the atmosphere is

[@david9243]

I always took comfort that i was THE Batman.

[@applehazeva2739]

@@david9243 yes

[@applehazeva2739]

Batman Games make you the Monster

[@david9243]

I just realised that Arkham Asylum is a trap from the Joker to show that it was lunatic inmates who was trapped in a asylum with Batman and not the other way around. What a game.

[@dilly2023]

Same lol

[@Aerondise]

OMG, I love the sound replacing Detective Mode idea!! I’ve had this thought too, and imagine it working like Joel’s hearing in The Last of Us. Imagine setting up high tech microphones in a stealth section to that highlight enemies when they walk or make sound near them. This ‘Sonar Vision’ could be used to amplify actual sound too and cancel out background noise, making it a super immersive experience with headsets.

[@judomaster0079]

This deserves more likes

[@Aerondise]

@@judomaster0079 Well, thank you lol

[@daniellaniganohara2456]

Pretty sure detective mode in Knight does that sound thing

[@Aerondise]

@@daniellaniganohara2456 In some cases, sure, but make the mode more limited, as though it needs to be used in situations where you would actually need to amplify sound. Not just click a button and see everyone at once.

[@daniellaniganohara2456]

@@Aerondise yeah they definitely improve it in the games after though. It actually is bothersome to always have on vs asylum where its always on

[@anthonyhernandez7799]

I always loved how Batman dabbled in the occult, it’s never straight up magic but rather like esoteric readings, cult stuff, and usually mental illness, but still very vague supernatural undertones.

[@toakovika]

Well, I suppose the League reaches straight-up magical elements, as does Killer Moth’s devil-dealing, Sharp’s (potential) possession, and vampire Batman, but one of those is another Earth item. But if I included other Earths beyond the Arkhamverse or Earth-1 outside Gotham, things would get very supernatural.

[@aidenstockton1692]

Came here for Sexy Harley, stayed for That Boy Aqua

[@hawksfan8870]

Everything about this game, the setting, the atmosphere, the environment, the story, and the gameplay, really make this game such a masterpiece of its own!

[@_CPP_]

Arkham Asylum and Arkham City will forever be one of my favorite games of all time! It's a classic masterpiece

[@crypt5129]

What about Knight

[@_CPP_]

@@crypt5129 Yeah, Knight is one of my favorite games too, but City and Asylum are better

[@991985gates]

I adored City and perhaps expected too much of Knight. The bat mobile ruined everything what I’d anticipated of the Batman gaming experience. While this wasn’t the only element, but I didn’t gel with the game at all. I’ve had some time away from Batman but after this video I believe Asylum should reinvigorate my enjoyment of the Batman gaming experience.

[@aliddas]

After going through your analysis of this game, I actually feel horrified now. Like, seeing how Arkham is like a torture house. And basically Gotham is funding this shit. Also that glitch part of the scarecrow, I thought my game was fucked.

[@kiloxman117]

the mini heart attack... followed up by a complete mind fuckkkk lol ill never forget that moment. idc what anyone says, asylum was THE best and NONE of the other arkham games made me feel like this

[@blackrocket4382]

5:25 you may be joking but I'm sure as hell not

[@potato_god_03]

We hope you’re doing good Aqua. I’m glad you could talk about Arkham Asylum again. After playing through all of the Arkham games throughout the last few years, I thought that Arkham Knight was my favorite and for a time it was (flaws and all). But revisiting Asylum during the pandemic, something changed. I appreciated the smaller things about Asylum, mostly the claustrophobic atmosphere. It felt great for the setting in the Asylum and I think it makes it stand out from any other Batman game.

[@TBrizzle01]

I never realized this but you take a LOT more damage in Arkham Asylum than you do in later games. It really adds to the atmosphere of the game. I'd love to see this game if it had an M rating.

[@thealgorithmluvsu3788]

I am replaying the Arkham series again after a few years and this game is fantastic. The atmosphere is so dark, dirty, and unsettling. The combat is satisfying and the story is simple and straightforward, works great. I honestly think this one aged the best in the series, but I'll have to finish the whole thing again to see.

[@MichaelOdendaal]

A few minutes ago I was like damn when last did Aqua post and then boom. Time to grab a coffee and watch!

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Hope the wait was worth it!

[@you-5-iver804]

Gotta put Harley on the thumbnail to draw attention. I respect that, cos it's one of her best looks ;)

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Do what you gotta do, my man ;)

[@MrLlewelc]

?

[@ThatBoyAqua]

@@MrLlewelc The thumbnail initially had Harley Quinn on it, but I eventually changed it.

[@MrLlewelc]

@@ThatBoyAqua the new thumbnail goes hard though 🔥🔥🔥

[@hecticscone]

'cause*

[@TheRoastingKid]

This game is the best because it’s like a nightmare for batman as he’s stuck on the island with monsters and cant leave, the first game that exposed me to batman

[@stompbaddess1772]

Yeah that makes me wonder how batman sleep at night after going through what he went through from his experience by being him walking in his shoes as I was playing the campaign storyline.

[@ice2557]

@@stompbaddess1772 I guess he's used to it.

[@soulrebel6309]

@@ice2557 yea once he witnessed his own parents being gunned down..nothing gives him fear anymore

[@Br-kc2jy]

No Arkham game has the same aesthetic as Arkham Asylum, the feeling, designs and even HUD in the game are just beautiful, definitely has a comic feeling

[@Oskar0424]

Yeah ikr the font is so cool

[@siggimatti1129]

How you don’t have way more subscribers baffles me, love your videos!

[@ThatBoyAqua]

Thank you!

[@william678910]

Back in the day when I played Arkham City and Arkham Knight I remember my combat signature was ending the fight with a batarang....watching it go slow motion and hitting the last thug always made me feel like a badass

[@superderfmen]

I've just recently been doing that. it's so fucking satisfying, knowing that they can just about never knock anybody out.

[@bradenhogan2]

Rocksteady knew about the over reliance on detective mode. In Arkham City, it was greatly nerfed so that, while you could see enemies from a distance, the environment looked much more foggy - especially from a distance. I may be wrong but I think the Remastered version of Arkham City was “fixed” so that the environment was sharper in detective mode

[@wififan5106]

I can still remember being a 14 year old kid trying to 100 percent the game.

[@RevZoneSafari]

Same I always played on the xbox

[@5679_]

That was me a year ago wow

[@MylesKillis]

This is the only game I have ever 100% and will ever 100%

[@snapchatsnacks3154]

I hate myself and here is why. I actually did get every achievement for Arkham Asylum on Steam. It took me 53 hours. I did the same for Arkham city taking me 134 hours. I wanted to do the same for origins but then I realized something. I can't, origins had a multi-player mode that has since been shut off. There are achievements tied to the multi-player. Meaning I can not get every achievement on origind even if I wanted to.

[@thrawnedits5860]

I am a 14 year old kid trying to 100% the game. Got it on city and knight, but still need to finish origins and asylum.

[@dylangrigsby3904]

I just started playing this again yesterday and I forgot how much fun it is. I love how story driven it is, rather than having a whole dense city full of side quests, you're just going through an asylum trying to catch up to joker before he unleashes his plan. That's all the game needs, it's done very well

[@punnyguy7072]

the remote batarang should be able to mark enemies you fly past so you could see them as if you were in detective mode without having to go in it. combined with the sonar idea that you had i feel that it would wake it a great and useful gadget.

[@dragonbreath9957]

I’ve recently found this video and it took me sometime to finish but I agree with it in the end. The little piano tune that plays in Asylum haunts you throughout your play through and doesn’t let up. I never thought of the game as horrifying (given I was 9 playing this game), but great points were brought up. I thoroughly enjoyed this video!

[@kssbusybsuuushusuus1568]

I recently finished this and honestly detective mode hurt my eyes and made combat more difficult to focus on, and I felt like the riddles are there to make you go back and see the details in almost every room

[@anonymousceleb1148]

Gliding around the cliffs and dealing with the titan in the river pumps was probably the most relaxing part to me, it is one of the reasons I play it again, sometimes.

[@NateJ6]

This video made me go back and replay Asylum, and I appreciate it so much more not only in the franchise but as a game in general. Thanks Aqua!!

[@robd1329]

Its a classic game!

[@MegaHeelhook]

Absolute masterpiece, no superhero game tops this one, even now.

[@nzpowa._.6662]

For anyone who accidentally returns to this video, and stumbles upon my comment, the killer croc part can be done with a bit of relation if you remember walking holding the battarang out aiming with it, counts as being stealthy. You can be prepared with a solid guess, and always be at your most quietest.

[@hawksfan8870]

Man, I remember first playing this game when I was only 8 years old! This game truly was scary for me back then! And still gives me a creepy vibe to this day!

[@lefonwastaken3393]

This game, imo, was the best one of the series. The environment, the aesthetics.. the feel of this game was amazing. The graphics and artwork, music, ui. Everything was on point. Played this game the year it came out and it was very creepy for me. Scarecrow segment, killer croc. I just wish they carried out that feel throughout the whole game and made it horror-ish type of hero game

[@gorpim]

No There's plenty of real horror games out there, go play one of those

[@schnellio9296]

the segments leading up to the scarecrow missions were by far the scariest, especially the fake crash, it genuinely made me unsettled like i was being watched or something

[@hawksfan8870]

What a freaking masterpiece! I’ll always remember this game as one of the best and funnest video games ever made!

[@spyderhuntz]

The Arkham series has the perfect representation of Batman and the spiritual successor to the Animated Series. When I go back to any of these games I feel like I’m playing as THE Batman. Not psycho killer Batman like Batfleck...

[@trevorphilips9065]

@@PlayboiWayne You act as if he murdered innocent people they were mercinaries ever heard of KG Beast?

[@trevorphilips9065]

@@PlayboiWayne He does every live action Batman kills once

[@trevorphilips9065]

@@PlayboiWayne On accident? He literally fucking tackled Harvey and shot a MISSILE at Talia.

[@alberttaylor5456]

Actually there are Batman the new Animated Series games prior to Arkham Series , Batman Vegeance for example that were indeed Batman Animated Series sucessor ,Anyway i get what you meant

[@trevorphilips9065]

@Trarr: the old man Why yes because they aren't Joker you seem to forget that Batman and Joker have a messed up relationship

[@evildman00]

Will never forget when I first downloaded the demo for this back in the day. I loved it so much. Next time I was at the store I saw it and picked it up.

[@Faded.Visuals]

When it comes a game's graphics the art direction/ style and lighting is what keeps the game looking fire even after several decades later

[@generalgerbus5412]

It really makes you feel like you're batman

[@someguy4003]

3:13 *feel like batman* "So that's where it all began"

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

To play this game that first time in 2009... when there hadn't been a good Batman game like.... ever...... it was unreal. Where it's not just a good Batman game but it was totally the best game of 2009.

[@cinimatics]

This is easily in the top 3 gaming experiences I've ever had. It was absolutely stellar.

[@docproc144]

This game is partially based on the Grant Morrison comic Batman Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, often just called Batman: Arkham Asylum for short. It’s considered by many to be one of the greatest Batman stories ever, as it masterfully blends psychological horror elements in with classic superhero comic themes. The comic follows Batman as he responds to a riot at Arkham Asylum, where he encounters many of his Rogue’s Gallery and learns through diary entries about the life of Amadeus Arkham.

[@xman40100]

Your sonar idea is absolutely brilliant.

[@LaBooF42]

This was a great video, man! Loved how you touch on the cruel design of The Asylum. It’s such a great touch to add atmosphere and depth. You just made me buy this game again to play! This game was such a beautiful love letter to Batman from the devs that it all really shows.

[@nathanielstoll4533]

This might be your best video yet. Really liked the style, editing, and how in depth you went with this one. Keep up the good work

[@rowanwalthall9045]

Love ya Aqua, only commenting for the algorythm. For some reason Al Gore's jazz funk band wants me to comment.

[@devinyt275]

I really like the transitions you used for this one. Keep it up!

[@thearkhamtropeognathus2181]

Okokokok, this, this right here, is the best Aqua video I’ve ever seen, and maybe one of the best analysis game I’ve ever seen, well done my man

[@RealJDGaming]

Great video, love these types of video essays about games, where you really know what you're talking about.

[@jacobweckerle3538]

Fucking A+ editing man! You've been stepping it up in the past few videos and it shows! Loved this one, another fantastic vid! Can't wait to see what else you put out

[@Dctctx]

I like how numerous times the game flips the game of cat and mouse on its head

[@cdukette465]

27:04 i love how the 3 tools joker has at his disposal during the steal segments, the chattering bombs, the gun, and the real x-ray glasses, are actually present in arkham knight, in the jokors own evidence locker, along with the titan dart shooter

[@Niggaface]

I'm new to your channel, I already loved the way how you started to present the video, your points were interesting to listen to. U got a new subscriber my friend and I wish that you get more ❤🙏🏻

[@danielwillcox9290]

These videos are incredible, you deserve way more subs.

[@shoogamoogaman]

I always thought of this game as Dead Space Light. These games even came out inbetween the releases of those games each year. Asylum scared the shot out of me in 2009. Took me about a year to actually play the Killer Croc segment by myself.

[@jimmyneutron5755]

This video is actually amazing, the editing is so cool, great job Aqua!

[@sunconfused]

This was an insanely deep game and thoroughly enjoyable. While playing this game, what I still remember from 2010 is, all the villains, specially Scarecrow and Joker played all sorts of tricks to make batman crazy, yet he held his ground and beat them. It had an allegorical connection with life itself, that the world is crazy, people are insane and lots of forces will try to make you go nuts, but you gotta hold your ground.

[@tydresen3905]

Hey man, I always love your content. Hope you sleep better now that you have the video out. Good luck.

[@sgd7726]

Wow typing in Arkham Asylum allowed me to find this gem! Planning on 100% every Arkham game before the next year of education.

[@scoopsahoychonce]

Have fun with knight

[@leonpaelinck]

Good luck with City

[@warflame5912]

@@scoopsahoychonce knight isnt that hard tbh and riddler trophies were actually quite fun

[@sgd7726]

@@azeplays3563 not sure. Whatever requires to get the 100% achievement

[@GavinMassey_]

Honestly I love the prerendered cuts cutscenes they give the game a feel I don't get from any more refined cutscenes from future games

[@SimonVaderSays]

I love your content! Your videos on the arkham games inspired me to make my own video essay about their musical symbolism!

[@pimpkin1926]

Arkham asylum is my favorite in the series it was my first exposure to Batman and it did so well I 100% a year ago and I loved the whole way I was like 5 the first time I played it

[@DrEcho]

This was masterfully done and I wouldn’t even say that about all your previous videos, though they are all certified bangers. You are honing your craft, my friend. PS: Your “sonar” idea was pretty well adopted in Splinter Cell Blacklist, though the “sonar” bit is taken out with the perfectionist difficulty nerfs. A gem of a stealth title in my admittedly controversial opinion.

[@calebmangold6355]

8:03 Perfect transition. Love your videos!

[@leolancaster6469]

Thank you for such thoughtful videos about my favorite game franchise.

[@Nicholas95583]

Sure i know i am a year late but i hope you guys will read this, arkham asylum is still my favorite game in the series and that's not necessarily because it's mechanically better than city origins or knight but because it was the first one, it had the magic factor i remember playing it a few days after it was released it was very early september 2009 on my ps3 and i was a 14 year old kid back then but i knew i was playing something special the combat the brilliant voice acting the atmosphere.... The other games didn't manage to capture that level of magic for me, i mean of course technically arkham city is the best game in the series it improved on everything open world scripted side missions the riddler challenges etc but it didn't have the same impact simply because it's the second game and you have already experienced the magic

[@Niico200]

Ive started watching this video about 30 hours ago. After the first 6 minutes i was hooked again, so i stopped, bought the Return to Arkham pack and played it again. Now that im dome with the Story i am back to watch the rest. I dont know if this is how it works but i had a lot of fun. Thank you for your work.

[@MostPeculiarWay]

Loved your video! A lot of great points and I agree with most. The only thing that is the complete opposite for me are the Riddler trophies and riddles. I personally loved searching for answers and trophies throughout this game and all the later ones. Idk maybe it’s just me, but I love puzzles and taking down Riddler after all the secrets are revealed is cathartic for me. And I still collect all his trophies, riddles and other challenges every time I replay any of the Arkham games, because these are my favourite part. Thank you for your video! I’m now heading to your Batman playlist to check out what you have to say about the other games of the series. Best of luck to you!

[@theHyderbadiGamer]

playing this game for the first time in 2022, and trying to stream my gamelplay the game has given me mind bending and horrifying experiences in a good way, your video summarizes it really well.

[@OriginalKingJulian94]

Well done Aqua as always, I don't think there is a video you put out here that hasn't made me satisfied. 👏🏼 Batman Arkham Asylum is very fun & enjoyable game, it definitely deserves more attention. This video is a very great example on how tell people how this game is really good. I really liked the background music you chose, the presentation, gameplay & story summary, final thoughts changed with different names along with The Joker singing from Batman Arkham Knight was one I was not expecting but very welcoming & match the tone of the video. I didn't mind the way you recorded the footage as I noticed in the beginning (thought you did this on purpose to make it spooky) 😉 But quickly grew on me a couple minutes later. As always your opinions & thoughts are always almost identical to mine (it's maybe Us being very passionate for the franchise 😅) with some being different. But I definitely love the tone of the game, the bosses, the enemies, gameplay mechanics & story kept a very simple but entertaining experience. I HIGHLY agree that Return of The Arkham Remaster games are not as good as the original game releases as these were NOT done by the developers & looks like a rushed remastered. Visuals like the environment make improvements but the character models & lighting in the games look terrible in my opinion. I really had a lot of fun watching your Arkham videos, it's one of my favorite videos out of them all. I can't wait for your two upcoming Arkham videos & I really hope one day you cover Gotham Knights & The Suicide Squad Game when they released. Overall a well worth video! I'm always patient with you because when you do it at your own pace you bring the out best in your videos. I hope you have amazing day & as always I can't for what you have next! ❤

[@skorpiontamer]

Only the cutscenes in the remasters are wack

[@josephbiondi8427]

Thanks for getting that Joker song stuck in my head, btw

[@Luminosity12445]

I played this game over 10 years ago, and i remember the day very well. This game impacted my childhood in a very good way, and to this day, it is still one of my favorite games of all time

[@kadansumner8540]

This has been my favourite game since I was 10, I love it so much. great video 😁

[@seangolding3107]

even though the game looks kinda scary it's still a masterpiece

[@Ace_5310]

I remember playing arkham asylum and mw2 for hours good times...

[@J0r-El]

The Arkham game series is like none other. It was an unforgettable experience. It was sad to see it all come to an end and it brings back a lot of great memories of playing it during the Fall/Winter seasons by the most part.

[@raymoney6503]

Your words about the atmosphere is so true, whenever I play this game I always feel on edge and feel alone in whatever I discover in the asylum.