Batman: Arkham Knight: Overview & Critic Reception

Combat

Freeflow combat chains strikes, counters and dodges. Returning tools include the grapnel gun, batarangs, the counter system, Detective Vision and the Remote Hacking Device, with the Voice Synthesizer added to lure thugs. Fear Takedowns let Batman subdue up to five undetected enemies in a row, brutes must be stunned before they can be attacked, and Dual Play lets you switch to Robin, Nightwing or Catwoman during combat.

The Batmobile

The Batmobile can be summoned on foot or while gliding, and can jump, boost and smash obstacles. Pursuit mode is for travel and driving challenges, and Battle mode turns it into a tank. Upgrades include an EMP device and a drone virus that turns enemy vehicles against each other.

Story and open world

On Halloween, Scarecrow threatens Gotham with fear toxin and bombs and the citizens are evacuated. The Joker's infected blood gives Batman hallucinations, and the Arkham Knight is revealed to be Jason Todd, the former Robin. Batman activates the Knightfall Protocol at the end. Most Wanted missions and the 243 Riddler challenges make up the side content.

Platforms and the PC launch

The PC version launched on 23 June 2015 with a frame rate capped at 30 fps and drops to about 10 fps while gliding or driving the Batmobile. Warner Bros. suspended PC sales on 24 June and offered refunds. A patch on 4 September 2015 fixed crashes and some performance problems, and sales resumed on 28 October 2015 alongside a patch that added all earlier DLC. The Switch port (December 2023) was criticised for lower visuals and a frame rate often below 30 fps. Metacritic scores are 87 (PS4), 85 (Xbox One) and 70 (PC).

Summary

The game was the highest-selling of June 2015 and has a good reputation on console, but the PC launch and the Switch port both drew heavy criticism for technical problems.

Pros & Cons