To play Batman games in order, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum, proceed to Batman: Arkham City, then Batman: Arkham Origins, followed by Batman: Arkham Knight. Consider Batman: Arkham VR after Knight.
So, you want to know how to play batman games in order? It’s a common question, with a lot of different takes, since some games are prequels and some aren’t. We will guide you through the series to make the most of the dark knight’s gaming adventures.
We will focus on the core Arkham series, which builds a great narrative across multiple entries. Some people think they should play the prequel first. however, most people agree it flows best with the release order. This helps in understanding the game design progression.
How to Play Batman Games in Order
Batman games! They’re super fun, right? But with so many of them, it can get confusing figuring out where to start. Should you play the really old ones first? Or maybe jump into the newest adventure? Well, don’t worry, because we’re going to guide you through all the Batman games and how to play them in the order that makes the most sense. We’ll look at different ways you can organize your playthrough, discuss each major game series, and even talk about some of the ones you might have missed! Get your batarangs ready; let’s dive into the exciting world of Batman video games!
Understanding Different Ways to Play
Before we jump into the specific games, it’s helpful to understand there isn’t just one single ‘right’ way to play all the Batman games in order. There are a few different approaches you can take, depending on what’s most important to you. Think of it like choosing your own adventure!
Chronological Order
The most straightforward way is to play them based on when they were released. This is good if you want to see how the games and gameplay have changed over time. You get to experience the evolution of Batman games from the clunky classics to the super smooth modern experiences.
- Pros: See the technology and gameplay improvements in action.
- Cons: Some older games might feel a bit dated compared to the newer ones.
Story Order
Another way is to play the games in order according to the story they tell. Sometimes games are connected, like the Arkham series. Playing them in story order helps you follow the narrative and understand the bigger picture of Batman’s adventures. It’s like reading a really long comic book series! Sometimes, this order won’t follow the release order. We’ll show you how this works later on.
- Pros: Follows the events as they happen for Batman, creating a connected experience.
- Cons: Can be tricky to determine which games are direct story sequels.
Character Focus
Maybe you really like a specific character, like Robin or Nightwing. You could choose to play games where those characters are prominently featured. This is a more personal approach to playing all the games. This is where you get to explore the side characters within the Batman universe.
- Pros: Experience Batman from different perspectives.
- Cons: Can be hard if you want to play all the stories as a whole, and you may miss out on other cool parts of the stories.
The Main Batman Game Series
Now, let’s look at the major Batman game series. These are the most popular and frequently played, and they each offer something different!
The Batman Arkham Series
The Batman Arkham series is one of the most popular series for playing Batman games. They provide a really great story and great combat. These are often recommended as a great starting place for someone wanting to experience Batman gaming. Here’s the order to play them based on story and release, since they mostly match up:
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): The adventure begins here! Batman finds himself trapped in Arkham Asylum, and he needs to deal with all the escaped villains in the asylum and prevent a plot by the Joker. This game focuses a lot on stealth and fighting techniques.
- Batman: Arkham City (2011): The second game throws Batman into an enormous, walled-off part of Gotham City. Filled with criminals and chaos, you’ll need to stop Joker’s plan again but also face off against new villains, making the stakes higher. This game expands on the gameplay from Asylum, introducing more open areas to explore.
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): This one is a prequel (takes place before the others). You get to see a younger Batman as he faces several assassins that want him dead. Playing this one after the others gives some extra context, even though it came out before Arkham Knight.
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): The explosive finale where Batman battles Scarecrow and the Arkham Knight who are threatening to destroy Gotham. This game introduces the Batmobile in a big way. If you only want to play some games, start with Asylum, then play City, then Knight. This is a more traditional story flow.
There is also a smaller expansion, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, which is a side-story taking place after the main story of Arkham Origins. This game plays a bit differently, moving to a 2.5D style of gameplay and can be skipped to enjoy the main story without missing much.
Tip: Play the Arkham games in the order listed above if you want to experience the storyline the way it was intended, and experience the full Arkham experience. This series is considered by most players as the best Batman games, so don’t miss out.
The LEGO Batman Series
Want something a little more lighthearted? The LEGO Batman games are super fun for all ages. They have a lot of humor and fun puzzle-solving. Here is the order:
- LEGO Batman: The Videogame (2008): The first in the series. You’ll control Batman, Robin, and many other characters across Gotham to stop the super villains.
- LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (2012): Expands on the original and brings in other heroes like Superman. Batman and Robin join with other superheroes from DC. It also added voice acting for the first time.
- LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (2014): The team now goes into outer space. New heroes and villains join in the action.
Tip: These games are great for playing with friends or family, and are super enjoyable if you like the LEGO humor. It’s a great way to wind down after the more serious Arkham games.
Other Notable Batman Games
Besides the main series, there are some other Batman games that are worth playing, though their connection to each other or any one series is very loose. Here are a few that you should definitely be aware of:
- Batman (Various consoles, 1989): Based on the Tim Burton movie, this is one of the first big Batman games ever made. It has a challenging side scrolling gameplay and is quite different from modern Batman games. It’s good to play for the history.
- Batman Returns (Various consoles, 1992): Another movie tie-in that offered different gameplay styles depending on which system you played. It has side scrolling segments and beat ’em up areas.
- The Adventures of Batman & Robin (Various Consoles, 1994): Based on the animated series, this game is very colorful and has some great boss fights.
- Batman: Vengeance (2001): This game allowed more freedom in movement and a greater focus on detective style gameplay.
- Batman: The Telltale Series (2016) & Batman: The Enemy Within (2017): These games emphasize story and choices. You get to make decisions as Bruce Wayne and Batman and they impact the story of the game and your relationships with other characters.
Tip: Many of these games are on older systems, so you may need to have access to those. They can be a great way to see the history of Batman games. The Telltale games offer a very different, story-driven approach which many players enjoy.
Playing in Release Order
If you want to see how the games have developed over time, here’s a list in their release order. Some of the earlier titles on this list are harder to find now, and some of them may be considered less fun now due to age, but this method will show the history of Batman video games.
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1994)
- Batman: Vengeance (2001)
- LEGO Batman: The Videogame (2008)
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (2012)
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
- LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (2014)
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
- Batman: The Telltale Series (2016)
- Batman: The Enemy Within (2017)
This gives a more historical view of the Batman gaming universe. You can see how the characters, gameplay, and storytelling got more advanced over time.
The Best Starting Point
If you’re new to Batman games and aren’t sure where to start, you really can’t go wrong by jumping into the Arkham series. Start with Batman: Arkham Asylum, then continue through the Arkham City, then Arkham Knight. This gives you the best mix of story, gameplay, and modern game feel. It’s the perfect place to begin your Bat-gaming experience! However, the LEGO Batman games are also a great place for a casual experience or a younger player.
Tips for a Smooth Playthrough
Here are a few extra tips to make your Batman gaming journey even better:
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Enjoy the story, explore, and get used to each game’s combat and traversal systems.
- Listen to the Dialogue: The conversations and voice acting often give important story information.
- Look for Easter Eggs: Many games have hidden references to other Batman stories. These are often fun to find!
- Use the Internet: Don’t be afraid to search for tips online if you’re stuck in the game. There are a lot of online guides available.
- Have Fun: The most important thing is to enjoy the experience and explore the Batman games in the way that is most fun for you.
Playing Batman games in order can be an amazing experience, no matter how you choose to do it. Each game offers its own challenges and experiences that build upon the world of Batman. Whether you’re interested in the story, gameplay, or characters, there’s a Batman game that you can enjoy.
How To Play Batman Arkham Games in The Right Order!
Final Thoughts
To play Batman games in order, start with Batman: Arkham Asylum, followed by Arkham City. Then, play Arkham Origins, and continue with Arkham Knight. This sequence covers the core narrative.
There are also side games or spin-offs that exist. However, for the main story experience, the Arkham series must be played in that specific order. This helps you understand the evolving gameplay and story.
So, if you’re wondering how to play batman games in order, follow the mentioned chronology. This lets you enjoy the complete narrative arc of this iconic game series.
