Everyone wants to be a certain superhero above all others, and for me it's always been Batman. Sure, Superman is strong and practically indestructible but he's too run of the mill [But he can fly! And the x-ray vision - surely that's worth the price of admission alone! Pervert-Ed]. Spider-Man may be able to swing about New York and use his superhuman spidey-senses, but I was never that into Mary Jane. Nope, for the best combination of strength, gadgets and mystery, not to mention some of the most original villains to grace the pages of any comic book, Batman wins hands down.

He's always been lacking when it comes to videogames, though; while the other heroes have at least the odd average title (let's just forget about Superman 64, for all our sakes!), the Dark Knight's outings have all been atrocious. However, developers Rocksteady, in conjunction with the writers and artists at DC Comics, aim to do finally the tortured vigilante justice in their latest title, Batman: Arkham Asylum - and it looks like they've finally managed it, because the short preview demo (available on Steam, Xbox Live and PlayStation Network) is beautifully crafted and painfully tantalising.

After capturing the Joker in a suspiciously easy confrontation, Batman drags him back to the sinister Arkham Asylum where, not surprisingly, all hell breaks loose. As clownish goons rampage through the complex, killing guards and freeing inmates, Batman is forced to give chase, hoping to end the madness before it spills out to the rest of Gotham. With hundreds of angry maniacs baying for blood going up against Bruce Wayne's menacing alter ego, it may even be a fair fight - but only just. As Batman you have access to a subtle but dynamic range of combat abilities. You can attack, counter and perform takedowns in the wonderfully fluid FreeFlow combat system by just pressing a button. Simply aim yourself at a chosen attacker and let loose. This offers the liberating button-mashing joy of the God of War series but allows for much more control when required. Precision counter-attacks and brutal takedowns both require extreme awareness of your enemies, who always take advantage of any moments of weakness when your focus slips. Grab an attacker at the wrong time and his buddies will make short work of you, outflanking the caped crusader and striking with all their might. The combat system is quick to learn and upgrades to each ability are promised, too; my only concern is that what is initially a satisfying mechanic might become too easy in the long run, much like Prince of Persia's free running system. These fears may prove unwarranted though, as Rocksteady have promised to offer more than just a simple brawler.

As well as the intuitive combat, you have Batman's other vital tool - fear - with which to overcome your enemies. Weak against bullets, you have to rely upon alternative methods when dispatching armed opponents. Introducing a little vertical exploration, Batman can use his grappling hook to zip around the Gothic masonry in the high, vaulted roofs of the ancient asylum. Once invisible, you're free to stealthily take out lone guards or swoop down majestically, rendering anyone in your path momentarily stunned with terror as you deliver a rib-crushing aerial kick. It's also possible to sneak up behind oblivious gunmen and silently put them down while their companions look the other way. The developers prefer that these elements be known as "predatory" rather than stealthy - and it's easy to see why. It never feels like you're hiding in the shadows out of fear of being discovered; you're waiting, like a dangerous carnivore, for the opportune moment to strike.

There's also a more cerebral side to the game. While only used to spot targets in the demo, the Investigative Mode promises to be an essential tool throughout the game. Contained within Batman's intimidating cowl are a number of upgradeable gadgets for sniffing out clues, following the trail of the Joker and his cohorts, spying through walls and identifying threats and potential opportunities such as vantage points and hiding places. Batman may be the world's greatest detective, but without his endless supply of technology he'd be just another man. In tights. Not that campy costumes are to be found anywhere in this game, oh no! Borrowing from the design of Christopher Nolan's recent movies and the gorgeous subtlety of the original animated series, the characters all retain an air of outrageous charm while still appearing suitably weathered, muscular and very, very dangerous. It's as though the filth and decay of Gotham has encrusted every environment and, even with its high tech makeover, Arkham remains a repulsive and oppressive setting, executed in perfect detail. With such importance placed upon sneaking and concealing yourself, the lighting is thankfully spot on, allowing you to seamlessly melt into the shadows or strike as a dominating silhouette whenever necessary.

There's no hint of a BIFF! or a KAPOW!, either - the sound is exactly what one would expect from such a dark adventure. Rain smashes against the windows, rats scurry inches away from you and the clangs, screams and echoes of the asylum are enough to put even the hardiest crime-fighter on edge. The voice acting is a real labour of love and the Joker and Harley Quinn (voiced by their original Animated Series actors Mark Hamill and Arleen Sorkin) steal the show with their fantastic, manic dialogue.

With additional features including a lifespan-extending challenge mode and only a few villains hinted at so far (including the terrifyingly brutal Killer Croc), Batman: Arkham Asylum may finally break the bat-curse and provide an example of a truly spectacular superhero game. This is definitely one to watch when it swoops down upon unsuspecting store shelves!

Previewed by Henry Osadzinski for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).