The Batman Arkham series has a somewhat non-linear timeline, so the order in which you play the games depends on whether you're looking to play them by release date or by chronological story events.
By Release Date (Recommended for Gameplay Experience): Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
This was the first game in the series and introduces you to the open-world mechanics and story of the Arkham universe. It has a tight, contained experience with some of the best storytelling in gaming.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
This is the direct sequel to Arkham Asylum and expands on the open-world elements. It continues the story and includes a bigger cast of characters, more side missions, and improved gameplay mechanics.
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
This is a prequel set years before the events of Arkham Asylum, focusing on a younger Batman early in his crime-fighting career. It doesn't continue the story from Arkham City but explores Batman's early days and his relationships with characters like the Joker.
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
This is the final chapter in the main series, taking place after the events of Arkham City. It wraps up the storyline and introduces new mechanics like the Batmobile, plus a high level of polish to the gameplay. It’s the culmination of the story arc that began in Asylum.
By Chronological Story Events: Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Set years before Arkham Asylum, it shows Batman’s early career and interactions with key figures like the Joker, Black Mask, and other iconic villains.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
After Origins, you move into the events of Arkham Asylum, where Batman is trapped inside the infamous psychiatric prison.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
The sequel to Arkham Asylum, it continues the story with a larger world and new challenges for Batman.
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
The final game in the timeline, taking place after Arkham City and wrapping up the story of Batman and his greatest enemies.
Final Thoughts: By release order offers the best progression in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and narrative development. You’ll get to experience the growth of the series in the way the developers intended.
By chronological order gives you the story in the order of events within the Batman universe, so you’ll experience the events as they unfold in Batman's life.
If you’re new to the series, playing by release order is probably the best way to enjoy the full experience. However, if you're already familiar with the general plot and want to experience the story in its timeline order, chronological works as well.
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The Batman Arkham series has a somewhat non-linear timeline, so the order in which you play the games depends on whether you're looking to play them by release date or by chronological story events.
ReplyDeleteBy Release Date (Recommended for Gameplay Experience):
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
This was the first game in the series and introduces you to the open-world mechanics and story of the Arkham universe. It has a tight, contained experience with some of the best storytelling in gaming.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
This is the direct sequel to Arkham Asylum and expands on the open-world elements. It continues the story and includes a bigger cast of characters, more side missions, and improved gameplay mechanics.
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
This is a prequel set years before the events of Arkham Asylum, focusing on a younger Batman early in his crime-fighting career. It doesn't continue the story from Arkham City but explores Batman's early days and his relationships with characters like the Joker.
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
This is the final chapter in the main series, taking place after the events of Arkham City. It wraps up the storyline and introduces new mechanics like the Batmobile, plus a high level of polish to the gameplay. It’s the culmination of the story arc that began in Asylum.
By Chronological Story Events:
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Set years before Arkham Asylum, it shows Batman’s early career and interactions with key figures like the Joker, Black Mask, and other iconic villains.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
After Origins, you move into the events of Arkham Asylum, where Batman is trapped inside the infamous psychiatric prison.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
The sequel to Arkham Asylum, it continues the story with a larger world and new challenges for Batman.
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
The final game in the timeline, taking place after Arkham City and wrapping up the story of Batman and his greatest enemies.
Final Thoughts:
By release order offers the best progression in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and narrative development. You’ll get to experience the growth of the series in the way the developers intended.
By chronological order gives you the story in the order of events within the Batman universe, so you’ll experience the events as they unfold in Batman's life.
If you’re new to the series, playing by release order is probably the best way to enjoy the full experience. However, if you're already familiar with the general plot and want to experience the story in its timeline order, chronological works as well.