These are the best Batman video games that lived up to the superhero character.
Batman is arguably the most popular superhero of all time, with a slew of comic books, films, and television shows.
And video games are based on the character. Although the caped crusader has always been a fan favorite, his video game track record only improved in the last decade.
We’ve had Batman movie tie-in games, standalone stories, and games of all genres, including action, 2D platformers, and narrative adventures, since the 1990s.
Here are some of the best batman video games that will keep you glued to your screen for hours.
Batman Begins
Batman Begins is based on the Christopher Nolan film of the same name. Sticks relatively close to the plot of the 2005 film and is a great companion piece to it.
As Batman, you must navigate the streets of Gotham, fighting various thugs to prevent your former mentor Ra’s Al Ghul from destroying the city. Also, similar to the Splinter Cell series.
The game includes a stealth mode in which you can use your surroundings to intimidate bad guys and attack them from the shadows. The actors’ voices from the film are also used in Batman Begins, giving the game a more realistic feel.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
The first game in the Arkham series is still considered one of the best adaptations of the DC comic book character. Arkham AsylumDeveloped by Rocksteady Studios and written by longtime Batman veteran Paul Dini breathed new life into the Batman character in video games.
Furthermore, Players have free reign to explore Arkham Asylum while battling Batman’s biggest foes as they attempt to escape and end The Joker’s plan to detonate bombs across Gotham.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is one of the best Batman video games of all time. Combining stealth elements with rich gameplay, a fantastic story, and gorgeous graphics. And top-notch voice-over actors (Mark Hamill as The Joker is phenomenal).
Batman: Return Of The Joker
This video game Batman: Return Of The Joker is a follow-up to Sunsoft’s Batman game based on the 1989 Tim Burton film. It is an entirely new story that incorporates elements from various comic book plots.
Also, return Of The Joker is a side-scrolling platform game with unique weapon power-ups and the ability to pilot the Batmobile and Batwing. The Joker returns as the main villain.
And the graphics are surprisingly spritely for a game from the early 1990s. Entertaining gameplay and an intriguing storyline help to make this a fun experience.
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is another game in the Dark Knight’s library that you may not be familiar with. No, not Batman: Arkham Origins (more on that later), but a 2.5-dimensional Metroidvania set in the same universe.
Moreover, this game was released alongside Arkham Origins. But it was initially intended for handheld devices such as the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS.
Blackgate takes place after the Origins events and does a decent job translating the beloved Arkham combat into a 2.5D format. Again, this game isn’t spectacular.
But it’s a worthwhile addition to the Batman franchise, particularly for fans of Metroid and Castlevania. This is one of the best Batman video games.
Batman: The Telltale Series
Telltale Games was one of the pioneers of video game storytelling. Batman: The Telltale Series, a game released episodically towards the end of 2016, is one of the best examples of this.
Its strength lies in how it presents well-known characters in new ways, with slightly different backstories than you might expect.
Throughout its five-episode run, it provided a thoughtful, choice-driven narrative that never lets up. Batman: The Enemy Within, a follow-up season, was released in 2017 and 2018 and is worth watching.
Lego Batman: The Video Games
Following the success of the Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones games. It’s only natural that a comic book superhero would be given the same treatment.
With Lego Batman: The Game proving to be one of the series’ best conversions. While the intriguing plot is unique and includes several well-known Batman characters.
The Lego set is the game’s highlight, with players able to smash blocks and construct crazy contraptions while playing as either Batman or Robin.
While the overall gameplay is similar to previous Lego games. The puzzles are fresh and challenging, and the recognizable Gotham locations add a special touch to this entertaining title. This is one of the best Batman Video games.
Batman: The Movie
This game is an official tie-in to the Batman film and features five stages based on scenes from the live-action movie. Each level is unique, with the first being a scrolling platformer.
The second is a driving level in the Batmobile, the third is a puzzle level. The fourth involves the Batwing, and the final level reprises the first’s platform nature as you battle the Joker in a showdown.
Also, it’s a decent and entertaining game that culminates in Batman throwing The Joker off a rooftop to his apparent demise. This one comes to a bleak conclusion.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Many of the Batman games on this list are rated by the ESRB. Indicating that they are intended for older audiences.
While those games are fantastic, it’s always nice to have something that the entire family can enjoy. This is exactly what Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes provides.
This game takes things a step further than the first, with characters from the Batman series and other DC Comics heroes.
Furthermore, Lego Batman 2 is notable for being the first Lego game to feature a fully voiced cast with dialogue. As opposed to the gibberish in previous installments. An open world and two-player co-op are ideal for the whole family.
Batman (NES)
The movie tie-in for 1989’s Batman is the oldest game on this list, and it’s a blast from the past. Sure, it doesn’t hold up as well today.
But Batman for the Nintendo Entertainment System is widely regarded as one of the best superhero games of its time.
It’s a side-scrolling action game loosely based on the Tim Burton film. But it also includes classic enemies such as Deadshot, Killer Moth, and the Joker.
In it, Batman has a plethora of gadgets at his disposal, including the ability to wall-jump. If you enjoy retro 2D games or simply can’t get enough Batman in your life, this game is worth checking out.
Batman: Arkham VR
Batman: Arkham VR is the only game on this list that immerses you in the world of the Dark Knight. Arkham VR is a short experience set in the Arkham universe from developer Rocksteady Studios that sends you on a mission to investigate the disappearance of Nightwing and Robin.
It doesn’t directly involve combat, emphasizing storytelling and puzzle-solving while immersing you in the game’s world.
Thanks to how it’s presented while making you feel like Batman, Arkham VR is one of the standout PSVR experiences. This is one of the best Batman video games.
Batman: Arkham Knight
The story of Batman: Arkham Knight video games is fantastic. Bringing back some of the best Arkham villains, including Scarecrow and The Joker.
As well as some exciting new foes from the more comprehensive Batman lore. Such as Man-Bat and Deathstroke, to fill out the rest of the game.
The game’s namesake, the ‘Arkham Knight,’ is also a unique character. Providing intrigue and mystery as you progress through the story. Sure, if you’ve seen behind the Arkham curtain in some of Batman’s comics.
You’ll see the twist coming, but it still created a lot of suspense. At the very least, they didn’t tread the same ground as Origins or play it safe.
While the story puzzles could be genuine brain teasers that made you feel like a super sleuth. The Riddler challenges weren’t up to par.
Especially when compared to Arkham Asylum, which was doubly disappointing given the game’s very cool true ending required the tedious puzzles.
Batman: Arkham City
Side missions and easter eggs abound, oozing tantalizing lore into every nook of its gritty, grimdark world. Which is complemented by a rogue’s gallery of Batman’s most heinous villains.
However, the more unusual choices, such as Clayface, Hugo Strange, and Ra’s al Ghul, stand out. Of course, Mark Hamill’s Joker makes a triumphant return, delivering an unforgettable performance to the game’s remarkable conclusion.
Even the DLC packs were fantastic, providing extra bursts of excitement for eager players. Like Arkham Knight, the Riddler challenges in Arkham City were changed for the worse.
With more annoying tedium and ‘one-and-done’ boss battles that lacked the zest of Asylum’s more surprising and meaningful cameos.
Batman: Vengeance
As you might expect, many of the games on this list are based on different Batman animated series. Batman: Vengeance is a fantastic game that links The Batman Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures.
With cartoon-style graphics and voice work from those involved with the shows, the game is inspired by both series.
Also, the game’s storyline is of television quality, and the cut scenes are equally so, though the control system can be challenging to master. The final confrontation with The Joker is well-planned and neatly ties up all plot threads.
The Adventure Of Batman and Robin
Unlike the terrible Mega Drive version, the Adventures Of Batman & Robin on the Super NES is a lot of fun to play.
You play as Batman in the Nintendo game and take on all of the big baddies in the Batman universe. With graphics and a look very similar to the animated show on which it is based.
Even though you cannot play as Robin, the game contains excellent sound effects and challenging puzzles, making it a tough game.
Batman: Arkham Origins
The third game in the popular Arkham series is a fantastic effort that takes place five years before Arkham Asylum. The plot revolves around crime lord Black Mask placing a bounty on Batman’s head.
And players must defeat eight well-known villains (including Bane and The Joker) who are out to kill Batman on Christmas Eve.
It’s very similar to previous Arkham games in terms of style and gameplay. With players rely on stealth and close combat to defeat their foes.
Furthermore, Batman: Arkham Origins is a solid entry into the Arkham franchise. With an engaging story and various exciting side missions. This is one of the best Batman video games.
Injustice: God’s Among Us
Everyone loves a good fighting game, so fans were ecstatic when NetherRealm announced that they were teaming up with Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon to create one based on DC Universe characters.
Thankfully, Injustice: Gods Among Us is an excellent game that combines the gameplay of the Mortal Kombat video games with a wild storyline set in an alternate different Justice League universe in which Superman is a villain.
Furthermore, you can play various well-known DC characters (Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern, and Joker), and there’s plenty of downloadable content to keep the game fresh and fun.
DC Universe Online
Although it is not specifically a Batman game, DC Universe Online is worth mentioning because it allows you to create your version of the Batman.
The free-to-play online multiplayer allows you to create a character based on any of the DC universe’s superheroes and villains.
Also, if you want Batman to have superhuman speed like The Flash or the ability to fly like Superman, you can do so. The game has more than 18 million players and is one of the most popular online games on the PlayStation.
This is a fun multiplayer game with endless playability that will keep you occupied for hours. This is one of the best Batman video games.
Batman Return (SNES)
If you’re a seasoned veteran of the gaming world. You’ll recall the significant differences between certain Sega Genesis and SNES games.
In the case of Batman Returns, the Super Nintendo version outperforms the Genesis version by a wide margin. And it’s for that reason I’ve decided to post it here.
Furthermore, you can never go wrong with a good beat ’em up, and the SNES version of this game is no exception. It’s easy to see why this beat ’em up turned out so well, given that Konami developed it.
Walking from left to right to attack a swarm of clowns and engage in wild boss battles was and continues to be a lot of fun here.
Batman: The Brave And The Bold
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is one of the most underappreciated cartoons that delved into the bold and colorful world of DC Comics.
It’s only fitting that the game based on the show is as underappreciated as the show itself. One of the most beautifully animated beat ’em ups ever released is what’s on display here.
However, the art style is very similar to the show’s, making the game feel like an actual love letter to the series. Bat, Hawkman, Robin, Green Lantern.
And Blue Beetle makes up the game’s charismatic roster, so beating random thugs with a friend in tow is just so awesome here.
The videogame Batman: The Brave and the Bold is an underappreciated gem. This is one of the best Batman video games.
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
The final installment of the Lego Batman series ended on a high note. Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is jam-packed with DC goodies to enjoy.
There’s a who of iconic and even under-appreciated DC characters to control during your and a co-op buddy’s adventures in the LEGO-sized DC Universe.
Furthermore, the game’s light environmental puzzles were made even more enjoyable by the swappable costumes. And the marquee characters’ unique abilities paid homage to their comic counterparts.
Also, the number of DLC mini-campaigns included with this game is ridiculous – the Batman 75th Anniversary pack stands out as the best!
Batman: The Enemy Within
Telltale didn’t rest on its laurels while still having the right to make Batman-related content. Batman: The Enemy Within was the film’s equally excellent follow-up.
And this time, Batman met up with The Joker, his most well-known foe and the only person who knew him inside and out.
The Riddler, Amanda Waller, and Harley Quinn appear in this second season of Batman goodness. Which improves on the first season’s main features while also involving players in a wild adventure.
The choices that had to be made here were difficult, but they all paid off in the end by cementing Batman’s archnemesis as a constant threat. The plot of Batman: The Enemy Within is very similar to that of the comic books that inspired it.
