It took a few play-throughs over the years, but "Arkham City" really grew on me. Almost uniquely so. Somehow, the Gotham City that seemed rather empty was a place I couldn"t wait to get back to. You could easily kill a few hours at a stretch just gliding around and beating on people.

Part of it"s the added content (I was playing the GOTY edition). Harley Quinn"s Revenge is some of the best DLC I"ve ever played, and only enhances the theatricality. Hell, even just the addition of skins is a real bonus. It"s somehow much more fun to beat up criminals as Animated Series or Dark Knight Returns.

You"ve gotta hand it to the studio for putting together a blockbuster Batman game; the voice talent is top-shelf, the story"s ambitious, and the gameplay is addictive. It"s easily accessible as a button- mashing free-for- all, but once you get the hang of the combat, it"s just plain exciting.

This was a real gem.

11/10

No other game, film, or book has more effectively captured the experience of exploring the universe. Lonely, hostile, and unforgiving, Hello Games" effort works so hard to reject conventional game design that it"s easy to understand why those expecting something more traditional might come away disappointed.

The game’s unique approach challenges players to adapt and find their own path. Its vast, procedurally generated universe offers endless opportunities for discovery and adventure.

10/10