For your first Batman game, start with Batman: Arkham Asylum.
So, you’re diving into the world of the Dark Knight and wondering, “what batman game should i play first?” It’s a great question, with a lot of options to explore. The sheer variety can feel overwhelming for a new player.
But don’t worry, the journey into Gotham’s criminal underworld begins with a specific entry. This gives you a perfect introduction to the character, combat, and compelling storytelling that the series offers.
What Batman Game Should I Play First?
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of Batman video games? That’s awesome! But with so many titles out there, it can feel a bit like facing the Joker in a hall of mirrors – confusing and a little intimidating. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you. Picking the right Batman game to start with is important because it can set the tone for your entire experience with the Dark Knight in the gaming world. It’s about finding the game that best introduces you to the mechanics, the story, and the overall feel of being Batman. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Batman Game Landscape
Before we pick a specific game, let’s take a quick look at the different types of Batman games. These generally fall into a few categories, and knowing them will help you figure out what you’re looking for:
- The Arkham Series: These are the most well-known and critically acclaimed Batman games. They focus on combat, stealth, and a deep story. They are known for their amazing free-flow combat system.
- LEGO Batman Games: These games are lighter, funnier, and good for all ages. They’re great if you want a less serious, more playful experience. These are perfect for playing together with friends or family.
- Telltale Series: This focuses on the narrative and decision making. Your choices impact the story, making it a unique experience. There isn’t as much action compared to other categories.
- Other Batman Games: This includes a few games that don’t fit into above categories, for example, games based on animated series or older titles.
Why the First Game Matters
Your first Batman game can really shape how you see the character and his world. A challenging game might make you feel like a true detective, while a more accessible game can help you appreciate the humor and the fun side of Batman. Starting with the “wrong” game could make you feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed. If you start with a very difficult game, you may give up on Batman games, and that would be very sad. If you start with too simple of a game, you might not be so excited to try the more complex ones. This is why it’s good to pick wisely!
Considering Your Play Style
What kind of games do you usually enjoy? This is a really important question to answer. Thinking about this will narrow down the options and help you decide which Batman game is best for your first play through:
- Action Lovers: If you love fast-paced combat and thrilling fights, the Arkham series is probably right for you. These games will let you beat up bad guys using awesome combos and gadgets.
- Story Buffs: If you enjoy a good story and making choices that change the game, the Telltale Batman games will be your cup of tea. These games are more like interactive movies.
- Casual Gamers: If you just want a fun, easy-to-play game, the LEGO Batman games are excellent. They’re simple to play and very charming.
- Explorers: If you enjoy open-world games and exploring a city, Arkham Knight is the best bet, offering a huge Gotham City to roam around in.
Age and Experience
Your age and experience with video games also matter. Younger players, or those new to gaming, might find the LEGO games more enjoyable as a starting point because they’re easier to control and have a lighthearted story. If you are a seasoned gamer, who can handle complex mechanics and intense combat, then the Arkham series will not be overwhelming, and you can get into the groove of being Batman very quickly.
The Case for Arkham Asylum: A Great Starting Point
If you ask many Batman fans which game they would suggest you start with, they will likely say Batman: Arkham Asylum. There’s a very good reason why:
- Introduction to Mechanics: Arkham Asylum is the first game in the Arkham series, and it does an excellent job of teaching you the basic mechanics of combat and stealth. You start learning to fight and use Batman’s gadgets gradually, which is excellent for new players.
- Engaging Story: The story is contained, very well written, and puts you right in the middle of Batman’s world. It’s easy to follow, and you don’t need to know much about Batman beforehand.
- Atmosphere and Design: The game’s design is excellent. It creates an eerie, creepy setting within Arkham Asylum, which really captures the feel of Batman’s universe.
- Less Overwhelming: While later games in the series introduce more complicated mechanics, larger open worlds, and extra characters, Arkham Asylum keeps things simpler and more focused. This makes it easier to learn and enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed.
What Makes Arkham Asylum Stand Out
What makes Arkham Asylum different from the other games in the series? The map is contained in a specific place (Arkham Asylum), which doesn’t make it very overwhelming, unlike Arkham City or Arkham Knight. This approach gives you an opportunity to get used to the combat and stealth mechanics without getting too confused with a large map. It also has a great story that focuses on Batman’s ability to solve problems and beat the Joker in the most difficult situations.
Why not Start with Arkham City or Arkham Knight?
While these are great games, they can be a bit much for a beginner:
- Arkham City: This game has a larger open world which can be difficult for the beginner to navigate. Also, the story is a bit more complicated, with many characters showing up. It’s best to play Arkham City after you’ve gotten a good feel for the basics from Arkham Asylum.
- Arkham Knight: This game is very challenging and adds a complicated element to the game which is the Batmobile. It might be too much to handle for a beginner. The story is also more complex, and it can be difficult to understand if you haven’t played the previous games.
Considering the LEGO Batman Series
If you are looking for a less serious, lighter, and fun experience, the LEGO Batman games are also a great option. They are suitable for all ages, especially children. Here are some advantages of starting with a LEGO game:
- Easy to Pick Up and Play: These games are very easy to control, making them great for younger players or anyone who wants a relaxed gaming session.
- Humorous and Charming: The LEGO games are full of humor and lighthearted moments, which is different from the dark and serious tone of the Arkham series.
- Co-op Play: You can play these games with a friend or family member, which is excellent if you like to play games together.
Which LEGO Batman Game to Start With
Of the LEGO Batman series, LEGO Batman: The Videogame is a good starting point. It introduces the basic mechanics of the LEGO games, with a simple, easy to follow story. The controls are straightforward, and the game isn’t too challenging, making it perfect for a fun, laid-back experience. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is also a good option because it adds a lot more characters from the DC Universe, but you should start with LEGO Batman: The Videogame as your first.
The Telltale Batman Games: A Different Approach
The Telltale Batman games (Batman: The Telltale Series and Batman: The Enemy Within) are different from the other games in our list. They emphasize a strong story and character interaction rather than combat:
- Emphasis on Narrative: These games focus on the story and decisions you make. Your choices shape the game, making for a very unique, personal experience.
- Less Focus on Combat: The action is less prominent. It is replaced by character interactions and choices you make through dialogues.
- Exploring Batman’s Character: These games explore Batman’s personality in a way that other games don’t. They present him as a person with conflicts and challenges.
Should You Start With Telltale?
If you are more interested in a good story and character development rather than action, then the Telltale series will suit your preference. If you want to experience fast paced action, then this should not be your first game. Both Batman: The Telltale Series and Batman: The Enemy Within are good starting points if you like this type of story-driven gameplay.
Other Notable Batman Games
There are other Batman games that do not fall under these popular series, although, these are less recommended as your first game. These include games based on Batman animated series or older titles. While some of these games are great in their own right, they don’t make the best introduction to Batman’s world for new players.
A Quick Guide Table
To make it easier, here’s a table summarizing the best first Batman games based on different preferences:
| Game | Best For | Why it’s a Good Start |
|---|---|---|
| Batman: Arkham Asylum | Action/Adventure Lovers | Introduces core mechanics, contained story, and balanced gameplay. |
| LEGO Batman: The Videogame | Casual Gamers, Younger Players | Easy controls, humorous, and can be played with friends and family. |
| Batman: The Telltale Series | Story Enthusiasts | Emphasizes narrative and character, with choices that impact the game. |
Ultimately, the best first game depends on what kind of gaming experience you are looking for. Batman: Arkham Asylum is a strong starting point for anyone looking for action and adventure, the LEGO series is excellent for casual players, and the Telltale series is great for story lovers. Choose the one that best matches your preferences, and you will have a great time playing Batman.
No matter which game you decide to play first, the most important thing is to have fun and get immersed in the world of Batman. Each game offers a different take on the character and the city of Gotham, but they all share a common bond – the awesome feeling of being the Dark Knight. So, go ahead and choose your game wisely and begin your journey to protect Gotham. We hope this article provided you with a helpful overview, and we are sure you will make a wise decision.
Ranking All 5 ArkhamVerse Games
Final Thoughts
If you seek a strong starting point, begin with Batman: Arkham Asylum. It introduces the core combat and detective gameplay mechanics smoothly. The story also is compelling and easy to follow.
This game provides a great foundation for later Arkham titles. It is less complex than its sequels. So, what batman game should i play first? Asylum must be your initial choice.
