What Order to Play the Arkham Games: A Journey Through Chaos and Chronology

The Arkham series, developed by Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. Games Montreal, has become a cornerstone of modern superhero gaming. With its intricate storytelling, immersive gameplay, and faithful representation of the Batman mythos, the series has captivated fans worldwide. However, one question often arises among newcomers and veterans alike: What order should you play the Arkham games in? While the answer might seem straightforward, the series’ narrative structure and release timeline create a fascinating web of possibilities. Let’s dive into the chaos and chronology of the Arkhamverse.

1. Release Order: The Classic Approach

The most straightforward way to experience the Arkham series is by playing the games in the order they were released. This approach allows players to witness the evolution of the series’ gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling.

• Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009): The game that started it all. Set within the confines of Arkham Asylum, this title introduces players to the dark and gritty world of Batman. The Joker takes center stage as the primary antagonist, and the game’s tight, claustrophobic atmosphere sets the tone for the series.

• Batman: Arkham City (2011): Expanding on the foundation laid by Arkham Asylum, this sequel opens up the world, allowing players to explore a sprawling urban prison. The stakes are higher, the villains are more numerous, and the story delves deeper into Batman’s psyche.

• Batman: Arkham Origins (2013): A prequel to the series, Arkham Origins explores Batman’s early years as a crimefighter. While it was developed by a different studio, it maintains the core gameplay mechanics and adds a fresh perspective to the timeline.

• Batman: Arkham Knight (2015): The epic conclusion to the Arkham saga. This game introduces the Batmobile and brings the story full circle, with a focus on the Scarecrow and the mysterious Arkham Knight.

Playing in release order ensures that you experience the series as it was intended, with each game building on the last. However, this approach isn’t without its quirks, as Arkham Origins disrupts the chronological flow.

2. Chronological Order: A Narrative-Driven Experience

For those who prefer a story-first approach, playing the games in chronological order can provide a more cohesive narrative experience.

• Batman: Arkham Origins: As a prequel, this game sets the stage for the events of the series. It introduces key characters like the Joker and explores Batman’s early relationships with allies and enemies.

• Batman: Arkham Asylum: Following Origins, this game picks up years later, with Batman facing off against a more seasoned Joker. The confined setting of Arkham Asylum creates a sense of tension and urgency.

• Batman: Arkham City: The story continues as the events of Arkham Asylum spill over into the streets of Gotham. The stakes are higher, and the narrative becomes more complex.

• Batman: Arkham Knight: The final chapter in the saga, Arkham Knight ties up loose ends and delivers a satisfying conclusion to Batman’s journey.

While chronological order offers a seamless narrative, it can feel disjointed in terms of gameplay evolution, as Arkham Origins lacks some of the refinements found in later titles.

3. Thematic Order: A Deep Dive into Batman’s World

For those who want to explore the series thematically, consider grouping the games based on their central themes or characters.

• The Joker Arc: Play Arkham Asylum and Arkham City back-to-back to experience the Joker’s rise and fall. These games focus heavily on Batman’s relationship with his greatest foe.

• The Origins Arc: Start with Arkham Origins to understand Batman’s early days, then jump to Arkham Knight to see how far he’s come. This approach highlights Batman’s growth as a character.

• The Gotham Arc: Focus on Arkham City and Arkham Knight to explore the broader impact of Batman’s actions on Gotham City. These games delve into the city’s corruption and its reliance on Batman.

This thematic approach allows players to focus on specific aspects of the series, making it ideal for those who want to analyze the games’ deeper meanings.

4. The Chaos Order: Embrace the Madness

For the truly adventurous, why not play the games in a completely random order? Start with Arkham Knight, then jump back to Arkham Asylum, followed by Arkham Origins, and finish with Arkham City. This chaotic approach mirrors the unpredictable nature of the Arkhamverse itself, offering a fresh perspective on the series.

5. The DLC and Spin-Offs: Expanding the Experience

Don’t forget to explore the series’ DLCs and spin-offs, such as Batman: Arkham VR and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. While these titles aren’t essential to the main storyline, they add depth to the Arkhamverse and provide additional context for the events of the core games.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to play Arkham Origins to understand the series?
A: While Arkham Origins is a prequel, it’s not essential to the main storyline. However, it provides valuable backstory and context for Batman’s early years.

Q: Is Arkham Knight the end of the series?
A: Yes, Arkham Knight serves as the conclusion to the Arkham saga. However, spin-offs like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League continue to explore the Arkhamverse.

Q: Can I skip Arkham Asylum and start with Arkham City?
A: While it’s possible, Arkham Asylum introduces key characters and themes that are expanded upon in Arkham City. Starting with Arkham Asylum is recommended for the full experience.

Q: Are the DLCs worth playing?
A: Absolutely! The DLCs add new storylines, characters, and gameplay elements that enhance the overall experience.

In the end, the order in which you play the Arkham games is a matter of personal preference. Whether you choose release order, chronological order, or a more unconventional approach, the series offers a rich and rewarding experience for fans of Batman and gaming alike. So, grab your cape, fire up the Batcomputer, and dive into the chaos of the Arkhamverse!