3D Review - Batman: Arkham City

Game: (4.5 out of 5)

I'm still working my way through the main story but I can say one thing for sure, this is one helluva long game. I've been playing for hours and hours, yet I've only completed about 16% of the game (including side missions). So this game will definitely give you your money's worth.

I have yet to play the original Batman game (Arkham Asylum), so the controls took a little getting used to. Once you spend a few minutes it becomes second nature, but there are a few subtle differences in the controls vs. your standard FPS games like COD or Uncharted. As well there seem to be a few references to the characters or the plot of the original game, but it doesn't really take away from the enjoyment if you haven't played the first game.

The graphics are slick and the game is a lot of fun to play. The voice acting as well is quite good. The fighting (which there is a lot of) never seems to get boring. And the boss levels, while hard, are varied and enjoyable. If definitely not the same thing over and over again.

My only complaint is what happens when you die during the game. In most games when you die the game automatically does a quick reload and sends you back to the last checkpoint. In Arkham City you first get the pleasure of one of the bad guys mocking you for 5-10 seconds, and then you have to select whether you want to retry the level (or quit), and then finally it reloads the game to the last checkpoint. Unfortunately the load times for restoring a checkpoint are too long, which can get very frustrating when one of the bad guys keeps killing you over and over again.

Overall, however, there's very little to find fault with in Batman Arkham City. I can't wait to finish the game and see what other surprises the game has in store.

3D Effect: (4 out of 5)

I've been playing this game in 3D on my Sony55HX800 and I have yet to see even one instance of minor ghosting/crosstalk. The resolution looks fantastic, even in 3D, and I've experienced no issues with the brightness in the game.

Arkham City just might be the best looking 3D game I've played on the PS3 as far as picture quality goes. The 3D effects themselves are pretty good, but I think there's less depth and popout on average vs. some over titles like Uncharted 3 (which is maybe why there's less crosstalk). That being said, there were a couple scenes where bad guys/monsters jump out at you where the 3D really adds to the realism.

Overall I am really enjoying playing this title in 3D. Definitely one of the top 5 3D games for the PS3!

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