Batman: Arkham City

- Reviewed on Switch 2 -

Batman: Arkham City released on October 18th, 2011.

Developed by the phenomenal team at Rocksteady Studios, Batman: Arkham City is an absolute masterclass in superhero gaming — and in my opinion, a near-perfect sequel to the already excellent Batman: Arkham Asylum.

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

As someone who’s been a massive fan of Batman for years — with Gotham’s lore, heroes, and villains being the universe I’m most invested in — Arkham City is everything I could ask for in a Batman experience. It’s pure fan service in the best way possible.

Set in a walled-off section of Gotham turned into a massive prison city, Batman is thrown headfirst into a political conspiracy, a power struggle among criminals, and a deeply personal ticking time bomb tied to both Hugo Strange and The Joker. 

The scale is huge yet still grounded in what makes Batman who he is: detective, fighter, and symbol of hope.

From the opening moments — especially Catwoman’s intro scene, where the facial animations immediately stood out to me on the Switch 2 — to the devastating ending, Arkham City grips you tight and never lets go. 

Playing this again after my original PS3 runs, I was genuinely blown away by how amazing this game looks, feels, and sounds on Nintendo’s new hardware.

The combat is a major upgrade over Arkham Asylum. The free flow system is smoother than ever, and the additions to countering, gadget integration, and enemy variety make every fight feel fresh. 

Whether you go in fists flying or take the stealthy predator route, the game gives you the flexibility to play your way. This is Batman at his peak — a brawler, a ninja, and a tactical genius.

Playing as both Batman and Catwoman adds even more depth. Catwoman’s movement is lighter, faster, and more acrobatic, while Batman’s heavier, tank-like combat style feels powerful and precise. 

Both characters feel distinct, and switching between them is a great change of pace during key moments in the story.

Arkham City is packed. The open-world design never feels empty. Riddler trophies and puzzles are everywhere — and while the Riddler isn’t my favorite villain, I have to admit his challenges are some of the most satisfying and creatively implemented in any game I’ve played. 

Side missions feature fan-favorite characters like Zsasz, Deadshot, Hush, and Bane, and each one fleshes out the city and Batman’s role in it. These stories are more than just filler — they matter.

The longevity of this game is insane. With New Game Plus, Challenge Maps, and the included Harley Quinn's Revenge DLC, the Switch 2 eShop version is the complete package. 

All DLC characters, costumes, and modes are here. It’s a Batman bundle of greatness.

Honestly... very few cons. If I had to nitpick, the boss fights — while iconic — can sometimes feel underwhelming. 

Hugo Strange, in particular, doesn’t get the intense showdown I was hoping for after all the buildup. Some boss fights lean more into cutscenes than gameplay, which may be a letdown for players expecting more direct control during those climaxes. But even then, those moments are few and far between.

Batman: Arkham City is one of the greatest superhero games ever made. Period.

The story, the combat, the characters, the music, the world-building — it all blends together into an unforgettable experience that respects both long-time fans and newcomers. 

As a Batman fan, I couldn’t have asked for more. Rocksteady Studios delivered something truly special here and replaying it on the Switch 2 was a joy from beginning to end.

Pros: 

    - Incredible Combat System
    - Open-World Gotham Done Right
    - Excellent Visuals & Facial Animations (especially on Switch 2)
    - Tons of Side Content & Easter Eggs
    - Playable Catwoman with Unique Playstyle
    - All DLC Included
    - Outstanding Sound Design
    - New Game Plus and Challenge Maps Add Replay Value

Cons:

    - Some Boss Fights (like Hugo Strange) Are Underwhelming

    My Rating for Batman: Arkham City (on Switch 2):

    5 / 5


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    Disclaimer

    All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.



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