It's a good time to be Batman. Refreshed and rebooted thanks to Batman Begins and The Dark Knight he's now in a new game that's got everyone very excited. Okay, so his parents are still dead and half of Gotham either wants him in the ground or behind bars but you can't have everything.

Batman: Arkham Asylum follows the caped crusader as he is unwittingly drawn into the hostile madhouse that is home to his most fearsome enemies. Opening with a seemingly routine handover of the Joker (impeccably voiced by Mark Hamill), all hell breaks loose when the inmates take over and slaughter the hapless guards and staff. Marooned on Arkham Island and cut off from the support of the authorities, it's up to Batman to face his inner demons and bring order to the madness.

Avoiding old licence pitfalls, developers Rocksteady have made a wise decision in designing this Batman game from the ground up, rather than cashing in on the recent movies or comic plots. Arkham Asylum sits comfortably in classic Batman territory, pulling in a staggering amount of iconic foes, allies and some fantastic cameos. Not satisfied with being a mere fan-service, however, Batman: Arkham Asylum is also the perfect way to get budding fans into the murky world of Gotham. There is a wealth of background knowledge on memorable characters and key moments in the Dark Knight's history just waiting to be uncovered by collecting the many trinkets hidden around Arkham Island by the enigmatic Riddler.

Rocksteady should be praised for the rounded experience they've created. Every element feels complete and, while it wears its influences on its Kevlar-clad sleeve, there is something distinctly unique about each gameplay feature. The most striking aspect is the combat. It would have been so easy to go over the top with overcomplicated combos to be used against endless drones, running in suicidal waves at the unstoppable Bat. Instead, we have a wonderfully simple but nuanced system consisting of four basic moves - hit, counter, stun and dodge. Combine this with a range of varied enemies capable of fighting together and the FreeFlow combat system becomes something very special indeed. While you can still chain attacks together in impressive displays of strength and agility, it takes more than idiotic button-mashing. On-screen indicators provide early warnings of potential threats and, with quick reflexes and careful planning, it's possible to keep the fight moving without a break until everyone but you is on the floor. This, as well as the addition of some spectacular boss fights makes for a heart-racing brawler.

There are also more discrete methods of dispatching foes. Eschewing the usual stealth mechanic of cowering behind cover, Rocksteady have branded their sneaky side 'predatory' to reflect the menacing power the Dark Knight wields when lurking in the shadows. Bruce Wayne may be known for his prowess on the dance floor but Batman prefers to avoid attention, perched in the rafters until a criminal unwittingly wanders into his trap. They never see what's coming until he has swept down and engulfed them or worse, strung them up by their ankles in an agonising snare. Never before has avoiding direct confrontation (and for good reason - he may be a superhero but Batman is still weak against bullets) managed to feel so empowering rather than cowardly.

When you're not doling out punishment to the countless miserable goons running around the island, there are plenty of opportunities to pit the wits of the world's greatest detective against the many puzzles and traps that the Joker and friends (if one can say the Joker has friends...) have set. Using the high-tech Detective Mode, Batman's signature cowl turns him into a one man crime lab. Again, simplicity is key in making this more than a gimmick. While the investigative aspects boil down to swapping vision modes in order to pick up a trail, once you start looking through walls to spot enemies, assess threats and uncover secrets, you'll never want to turn it off.

Stay in Detective mode too long and you risk missing out on some stunning visuals, however. While not as polished as some other big name titles, the world of Arkham Asylum is realised with such astonishing detail that the odd jagged edge is easily forgiven. Modelled in the style of Christopher Nolan's films and the exquisite animated series, Arkham is a dark, foreboding locale and every filthy surface exudes spite and sorrow. Even in such a hostile environment, Batman cuts an imposing figure with every flash of lightening elongating his trademark silhouette and his cape billows realistically in the harsh winds when creeping about the asylum rooftops. A hero is nothing without his nemesis, though, and the Joker, clad in garish, filth-encrusted clothes is the perfect match. Harley Quinn's redesigned outfit is equally eye-popping for very different reasons!

It's this diabolical pair that helps highlight another major victory in game design. There are few games that match the care and attention that has been put into Batman: Arkham Asylum's soundtrack. Music is muted, yielding to the never-ending screams, moans and harsh industrial soundscape that threatens to drive even the strongest minds to madness. With an all-star cast of voice actors, many from the animated series, and a script that manages to remain fresh and original while also pulling in so many welcome familiar elements, you'll find yourself thoroughly engrossed in the constantly twisting story.

With a campaign lasting around fifteen hours (longer if you really enjoy exploring), Batman: Arkham Asylum certainly doesn't disappoint in terms of longevity. This is further enhanced by the many combat and stealth challenges that can be unlocked to hone your skills. With the possibility of new maps being released as DLC in the future and the 240 mysteries hidden by the Riddler in the story mode, there is plenty to do and see and you'll be thankful the experience lasts so long without becoming tired. Arkham Asylum has an irresistible pull and you'll find yourself a die hard Bat-fan after becoming immersed in this gripping world. Not only a success as a licenced game, Batman: Arkham Asylum is a modern classic and an essential purchase for anyone looking for a solid, enthralling adventure.

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