History Franchise / BatmanArkhamSeries

* ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamShadow'' (2024): A VR game exclusive to the [[Platform/OculusQuest Meta
Quest 3]].

On June 21, 2023, a [[CompilationReRelease port]] of the main Rocksteady trilogy was announced for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, and it released on December 1, 2023.

** [[/index]]''Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (2012)'': An UpdatedRerelease of ''City'' released exclusively on the UsefulNotes/WiiU, featuring gamepad and gyro integration, all of the DLC, and a new combat mode exclusive to the port.[[index]]

* ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamVR'' (2016): Originally a [[UsefulNotes/{{Playstation 4}} PlayStation VR]]-exclusive game, it has since been released on Steam.

* ''Batman: Arkham Trilogy'' (2023): A compilation featuring ports of ''Asylum'', ''City'', and ''Knight'' for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, with all DLC included. The ports for ''Asylum'' and ''City'' are developed by Turn Me Up Games (who had previously done the Switch ports of the ''VideoGame/{{Borderlands}} Legendary Collection'' and ''VideoGame/ItTakesTwo'') as opposed to Virtuos (the developers behind the ''Return to Arkham'' remasters).

On June 21, 2023, a [[CompilationReRelease port]] of the main Rocksteady trilogy was announced for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch with a release on December 1, 2023.

On June 21st, 2023, a [[CompilationReRelease port]] of the main Rocksteady trilogy was announced for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch with a release on December 1, 2023.

On June 21st, 2023, a [[CompilationReRelease port]] of the main Rocksteady trilogy was announced for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch with a release slated for that Fall.

** ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamKnight'' [[spoiler:ends with Batman unmasked before the world by Scarecrow. While the GoldenEnding leaves it ambiguous if Batman died or not, his classic career as a superhero is finished. His allies move on and Gordon becomes the New Mayor.]]

** ''Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (2012)'': An UpdatedRerelease of ''City'' released exclusively on the UsefulNotes/WiiU, featuring gamepad and gyro integration, all of the DLC, and a new combat mode exclusive to the port.

* NothingIsTheSameAnymore: The Arkham games inflict long-term changes and damages in a manner that the comics continuity does not. [[spoiler:Joker dies in ''City'' and stays dead, as does Hugo Strange, Ra's (he gets better, but for how long, it's up to you) and Talia. Batman gets outed as Bruce Wayne in ''Arkham Knight'' and goes underground]].

* ArtisticLicenseBiology: The idea that being rendered unconscious would consistently lower the average person's heart rate to around 30 bpm is pure fantasy. In fact, that would likely be a dangerous drop in heart activity.

In what was (at the time) a departure for most licensed games, the ''Arkham'' games are set in their own universe, nicknamed the Arkhamverse, which takes cues from all elements of the Batman mythos. AdaptationDistillation is in effect to create a setting that will have elements familiar to those with only a passing knowledge of Batman, but is free to tell its own story without adhering to a previously established continuity. The games are primarily based on the comics (the Post-Crisis continuity to be specific), naturally, and incorporate aspects from some of the Dark Knight's most iconic storylines, including ''[[ComicBook/BatmanADeathInTheFamily A Death in the Family]]'', ''ComicBook/TheKillingJoke'', ''[[ComicBook/BatmanHush Hush]]'', ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}'', ''[[ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns The Dark Knight Returns]]'', and more. From non-comic media, major influence comes from the [[Film/Batman1989 Tim]] [[Film/BatmanReturns Burton]] films, the [[Film/BatmanForever Joel]] [[Film/BatmanAndRobin Schumacher]] films, the [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan]] films, and ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'' and the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse in general. The last is more notable, as Creator/KevinConroy and Creator/MarkHamill reprise their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively. Additionally, ''Asylum'' and ''City'' were written by acclaimed DCAU writer Creator/PaulDini.

In what was (at the time) a departure for most licensed games, the ''Arkham'' games are set in their own universe, nicknamed the Arkhamverse, which takes cues from all elements of the Batman mythos. AdaptationDistillation is in effect to create a setting that will have elements familiar to those with only a passing knowledge of Batman, but is free to tell its own story without adhering to a previously established continuity. The games are primarily based on the comics, naturally, and incorporate aspects from some of the Dark Knight's most iconic storylines, including ''[[ComicBook/BatmanADeathInTheFamily A Death in the Family]]'', ''ComicBook/TheKillingJoke'', ''[[ComicBook/BatmanHush Hush]]'', ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}'', ''[[ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns The Dark Knight Returns]]'', and more. From non-comic media, major influence comes from the [[Film/Batman1989 Tim]] [[Film/BatmanReturns Burton]] films, the [[Film/BatmanForever Joel]] [[Film/BatmanAndRobin Schumacher]] films, the [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan]] films, and ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'' and the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse in general. The last is more notable, as Creator/KevinConroy and Creator/MarkHamill reprise their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively. Additionally, ''Asylum'' and ''City'' were written by acclaimed DCAU writer Creator/PaulDini.

** The dodge maneuveur doesn't deal any damage, isn't accompanied by any satisfying sound effects, and is more likely to extend the length of combat without making it any more interesting. However, since it reliably provides invincibility frames, dodging after each attack is one of the safest ways to wrack up high combos and scores, since even giant brutes and gunmen can't break Batman's combo while he dodges.

In what was (at the time) a departure for most licensed games, the ''Arkham'' games are set in their own universe, nicknamed the Arkhamverse, which takes cues from all elements of the Batman mythos. AdaptationDistillation is in effect to create a setting that will have elements familiar to those with only a passing knowledge of Batman, but is free to tell its own story without adhering to a previously established continuity. The games are primarily based on the comics, naturally, and incorporate aspects from some of the Dark Knight's most iconic storylines, including ''[[ComicBook/BatmanADeathInTheFamily A Death in the Family]]'', ''ComicBook/TheKillingJoke'', ''[[ComicBook/BatmanHush Hush]]'', ''ComicBook/{{Knightfall}}'', ''[[ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns The Dark Knight Returns]]'', and more. From non-comic media, major influence comes from the [[Film/Batman1989 Tim]] [[Film/BatmanReturns Burton]] films, the [[Film/BatmanForever Joel]] [[Film/BatmanAndRobin Schumacher]] films, the [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan]] films, and WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries and the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse in general. The last is more notable, as Creator/KevinConroy and Creator/MarkHamill reprise their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively. Additionally, ''Asylum'' and ''City'' were written by acclaimed DCAU writer Creator/PaulDini.

** Calendar Man's secret conversation in ''Arkham City''. To access it, you need to set the game's clock to December 13, 2004 (the date of Rocksteady's founding):
---> '''Calendar Man''': Do you remember [[VideoGame/UrbanChaosRiotResponse my early work? Flawed, but it showed promise]]. Just like you. As your skills improved, I perfected mine. Starting with seasons, and moving through the weeks, I became stronger. [[SequelEscalation My work more elaborate]]. [[LampshadeHanging Days were the secret, Batman]]. [[EndOfSeriesAwareness And the end of days is coming]]. I was there [[VideoGame/BatmanArkhamOrigins at your beginning]] and I will be there [[VideoGame/BatmanArkhamKnight at your end]]."
** In an amazing BrickJoke, [[spoiler:Calendar Man can be glimpsed in the crowd standing outside Wayne Manor as it blows up in the GoldenEnding of ''Arkham Knight''.]]

The games are famous for introducing the "Freeflow combat system" based around three main actions: Attack, Stun, and Counter. Similar gameplay styles have now been incorporated into many other games, most notably ''[[Videogame/MiddleEarthShadowOfMordor Shadow of Mordor]]'', ''VideoGame/SleepingDogs'', and ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidV''. The system here sees Batman face different types of enemies utilizing various weapons that require particular types of attacks to damage them, and you're encouraged to mix up Batman's different attacks and gadgets to take them down with both speed and style. However, badass though he may be, Batman is not invincible, and in encounters with multiple opponents, if you just leap into the fray he'll quickly die to a hail of gunfire or a few well-placed kicks and punches. This is where the [[StealthBasedGame stealth based]] "predator sequences" come in, when Batman can't engage his enemies directly and utilizes more discrete methods. As Batman is known to do, use his gadgets, environmental hazards, and good old-fashioned trickery, to strike your foes from the shadows and melt away before they realize you were there.

In what was (at the time) a departure for most licensed games, the ''Arkham'' games are set in their own universe, nicknamed the Arkhamverse, which takes cues from all elements of the Batman mythos. AdaptationDistillation is in effect to create a setting that will have elements familiar to those with only a passing knowledge of Batman, but is free to tell its own story without adhering to a previously established continuity. The games are primarily based on the comics, naturally, and incorporate aspects from some of the Dark Knight's most iconic storylines, including [[ComicBook/BatmanADeathInTheFamily A Death in the Family]], [[ComicBook/TheKillingJoke The Killing Joke]], [[ComicBook/BatmanHush Hush]], [[ComicBook/{{Knightfall}} Knightfall]], [[ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns The Dark Knight Returns]], and more. From non-comic media, major influence comes from the [[Film/Batman1989 Tim]] [[Film/BatmanReturns Burton]] films, the [[Film/BatmanForever Joel]] [[Film/BatmanAndRobin Schumacher]] films, the [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan]] films, and WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries and the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse in general. The last is more notable, as Creator/KevinConroy and Creator/MarkHamill reprise their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively. Additionally, ''Asylum'' and ''City'' were written by acclaimed DCAU writer Creator/PaulDini.

In what was (at the time) a departure for most licensed games, the ''Arkham'' games are set in their own universe, nicknamed the Arkhamverse, which takes cues from all elements of the Batman mythos. AdaptationDistillation is in effect to create a setting that will have elements familiar to those with only a passing knowledge of Batman, but is free to tell its own story without adhering to a previously established continuity. The games are primarily based on the comics, naturally, and incorporate aspects from some of the Dark Knight's most iconic storylines, including [[ComicBook/BatmanADeathInTheFamily A Death in the Family]], [[ComicBook/TheKillingJoke The Killing Joke]], [[ComicBook/BatmanHush Hush]], [[ComicBook/{{Knightfall}} Knightfall]], [[ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns The Dark Knight Returns]], and most. From non-comic media, major influence comes from the [[Film/Batman1989 Tim]] [[Film/BatmanReturns Burton]] films, the [[Film/BatmanForever Joel]] [[Film/BatmanAndRobin Schumacher]] films, the [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan]] films, and WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries and the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse in general. The last is more notable, as Creator/KevinConroy and Creator/MarkHamill reprise their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively. Additionally, ''Asylum'' and ''City'' were written by acclaimed DCAU writer Creator/PaulDini.

In what was (at the time) a departure for most licensed games, the ''Arkham'' games are set in their own universe, nicknamed the Arkhamverse, which takes cues from all elements of the Batman mythos. AdaptationDistillation is in effect to create a setting that will have elements familiar to those with only a passing knowledge of Batman, but is free to tell its own story without adhering to a previously established continuity. The games are primarily based on the comics, naturally, and incorporate aspects the Dark Knight's most iconic storylines, including [[ComicBook/BatmanADeathInTheFamily A Death in the Family]], [[ComicBook/TheKillingJoke The Killing Joke]], [[ComicBook/BatmanHush Hush]], [[ComicBook/{{Knightfall}} Knightfall]], [[ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns The Dark Knight Returns]], and most. From non-comic media, major influence comes from the [[Film/Batman1989 Tim]] [[Film/BatmanReturns Burton]] films, the [[Film/BatmanForever Joel]] [[Film/BatmanAndRobin Schumacher]] films, the [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan]] films, and WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries and the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse in general. The last is more notable, as Creator/KevinConroy and Creator/MarkHamill reprise their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively. Additionally, ''Asylum'' and ''City'' were written by acclaimed DCAU writer Creator/PaulDini.

In what was (at the time) a departure for most licensed games, the ''Arkham'' games are set in their own universe, nicknamed the Arkhamverse, which takes cues from all elements of the Batman mythos. AdaptationDistillation is in effect to create a setting that will have elements familiar to those with only a passing knowledge of Batman, but is free to tell its own story without adhering to a previously established continuity. The games are primarily based on the comics, naturally, and incorporate aspects the Dark Knight's most iconic storylines, including [[ComicBook/BatmanADeathInTheFamily A Death in the Family]], [[ComicBook/TheKillingJoke The Killing Joke]], [[ComicBook/BatmanHush Hush]], [[ComicBook/{{Knightfall}} Knightfall]], [[ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns The Dark Knight Returns]], and most. From non-comic media, major influence comes from the [[Film/Batman1989 Tim]][[Film/BatmanReturns Burton]] films, the [[Film/BatmanForever Joel]] [[Film/BatmanAndRobin Schumacher]] films, the [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy Christopher Nolan]] films, and WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries and the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse in general. The last is more notable, as Creator/KevinConroy and Creator/MarkHamill reprise their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker, respectively. Additionally, ''Asylum'' and ''City'' were written by acclaimed DCAU writer Creator/PaulDini.

The games are famous for introducing the "Freeflow combat system" based around three main actions: Attack, Stun, and Counter. Similar gameplay styles have now been incorporated into many other games, most notably ''[[Videogame/MiddleEarthShadowOfMordor Shadow of Mordor]]'', ''VideoGame/SleepingDogs'', and ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidV''. However, badass though he may be, Batman is not invincible, and in encounters with multiple opponents, if you just leap into the fray he'll quickly die to a hail of gunfire or a few well-placed kicks and punches. This is where the [[StealthBasedGame stealth based]] "predator sequences" come in, when Batman can't engage his enemies directly and utilizes more discrete methods. As Batman is known to do, use his gadgets, environmental hazards, and good old-fashioned trickery, to strike your foes from the shadows and melt away before they realize you were there.