Batman: Arkham Asylum is an upcoming action-adventure stealth video
game for Microsoft Windows, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360, and is based on DC Comics' Batman. It is being developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics and will be released on July 15, 2009 in North America and July 18, 2009 in Europe.[3][4] It is based on the long-running comic book mythos, as opposed to most other Batman
games which are adaptations of the character in other media besides the source material.
The
game has a more closed
gameplay atmosphere. In a description by
Game Informer, the
gameplay is reminiscent of BioShock.[5]
Gameplay places just as much focus on Batman's role as a detective as on his combat prowess. Most of the
game is played from Batman's perspective through an over-the-shoulder, third person perspective, similar to that of Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space.[6] It has been hinted that certain villains might be playable at some point in the
game although this may be as an unlockable element after completing the
game.[5] The Joker was announced to be a playable character on the Playstation 3 version of the
game.[7]
Arkham was chosen as a location because of its limitations including the fact that it's located on an island. Arkham will be a persistent location that the player is able to freely roam, including an area that serves as Batman's secret on-site Bat Cave. Arkham will make use of Batman's many gadgets to accomplish tasks and take down foes, such as using the grapple gun to get a better perspective on a particular area.[8]