Although there have been tens of video games, this is the first title to be built around the original DC Comics IP and the related cartoon series. As such it adopts not only elements of the hand-drawn aesthetic and voice work from the originators of the Batman phenomenon, but it also picks up the darker, vigilante-fuelled approach to crime fighting.

Because of these facets, there is a similar clamour for Rocksteady's game as there was for the reboot of the with Batman Begins. The opportunity to hit the streets of Gotham and the famous asylum in particular is more than enough to get fans of both video games and comic books excited.

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The game is composed of three main elements. First there is the general brawling mechanic, complete with combos, special moves and ranged attacks. These picks up a simplistic approach to combat we first saw in Assassin's Creed. The player simply uses the analogue stick to direct the whilst pressing attack, counter or jump buttons. It's a scheme that is simple and effective and avoids unnecessary memorisation of complex combination button presses.

This combat takes seriously Batman's human sensibilities. Although equipped with a raft of impressive gadgets he is still an everyday person and vulnerable to firearms and other weaponed attacks. It only takes a couple of shots from a gun to put a stop to Batman's crime fighting intentions.

This brings us to the second aspect of the gameplay, the use of to avoid direct combat with enemies too heavily armed. Batman can switch to a super sense mode that enables him to identify the enemies in a space, their awareness and any weapons they are carrying. It takes the action towards the stealth action of Metal Gear whilst holding off implementing a pure sneak 'em up combat system. Once you get to within striking distance you are back to the brawling action to resolve the situation.

The third gameplay element is puzzle solving. Whether you need to use a hidden gargoyle to gain access to a vantage point or remove a ventilation grate to move through an air conditioning shaft, players soon find they need to use their noodle just as much as their fingers to do well here. These puzzle elements are interestingly integrated with the stealth action. For instance, when you need to tease-open a grate you do so by pressing a button. Press this slowly and you will quietly level this off, hammer it rapidly and you will rip it off quickly. It's a simple addition, but one that makes a difference to the feel of the game.

The game uses the Unreal Engine, and as with all experiences built around the tech there is a certain 'family' resemblance. This slightly outlined look actually fits quite well with the comic book reference for the visual, while the whole game succeeds in creating a darker, moodier feel for this Batman experience.

Although the game is at times pretty brutal, some efforts to attain a younger rating have been made, such as the absence of any blood. The visuals are backed up with some spot on voice work from the actors of the original cartoon series.

Talking to the developers you get a strong sense that this is a game that aims to recreate the personality of Batman. They were content to sideline other features such as or co-op play so they could focus on making this the most Batman-y experience to date.

As such, even just half an hour with the game strongly connects you with this individual. A real sense of his vigilante roots comes through and is fleshed out by both his higher detective qualities and his brooding revenge driven purpose.

The game will stand or fall on whether you enjoy this time spent with the winged crime fighter. Those that connect to him, through either a previous interest in the series or an enjoyment of the brawler, sneaking and detective gameplay will determine its success. As such this will be a love it or hate it affair for most people. We'll need to spend a little longer in Arkham before we can tell where it lands for us.

By Paul Govan