The combat system in the game deserves a mention on its own. Dubbed the “Freeflow” system, it allows players to truly feel like they are an ass-kicking superhero capable of dispatching armies of foes without ever taking a hit, which is exactly what Batman is supposed to be. It takes a bit of time to get used to it, but once you do, you’ll marvel at its incredible simplicity and robust functionality. It relies on only four buttons: attack, counter, stun and evade. Players can switch instantly from pummelling one opponent to countering another to stunning another to flipping out of the way – all in a single breath. If you can keep on bashing you foes without getting hit or missing a strike, you’ll start a combo counter. The longer the combo continues, the more experience you’ll earn. When Batman gains enough experience, he’ll level up, allowing players to upgrade his equipment and combat moves. With this in mind, you’ll want to master the Freeflow combat system as quickly as possible to earn huge amounts of experience points.
Sometimes direct combat will not be an option. In these circumstances, Batman must remain hidden and dispatch his foes quietly without drawing attention. He has a veritable bag of tricks to use to achieve this, and there are more ways to silently pick off enemies one-by-one than we have space to describe here. But needless to say, swooping down and grabbing an unsuspecting enemy and leaving him hanging from a gargoyle is one of the most satisfying of the lot.
As Batman progresses through the game, he’ll have to engage in combat with one of the game’s bosses: Harley Quinn, Bane, Killer Croc, The Scarecrow, Poision Ivy and the Joker himself. These boss fights are incredibly well thought-out and really tax the player’s ability to stay cool in combat with gangs of henchmen while keeping their mind on the method of defeating the super-villain they’re battling.
From time to time, Batman will also have to follow clues by using his special Detective Vision mode, which allows him to see fingerprint trails, DNA samples, alcohol vapours and so on. This vision mode has other uses too. It highlights secret areas and other items of interest, and allows Batman to see his enemies through walls and distinguish between armed and unarmed foes, which is very useful information when you’re planning one of those en-masse stealth assaults.
The only thing that could make this game any better is if it were well presented. Well then, you’ll be happy to hear that not only are the graphics incredible, but the performances put on by all of the actors in the game are absolutely terrific. Kevin Conory voices the Dark Knight and Mark Hamill voices the Joker, and between their performances and the great writing, you’re in for some of the best videogame cinematics in a long while.
Apart from that, there’s really not a lot more to say other than this is probably the best superhero-based videogame since X-Men 2 on the Megadrive, and if you like the sound of that, then give it a go.
