Review: Batman Arkham Asylum

HOLY sardines! I'm crazy about Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Yes, lock me up with all the other gaming loonies - just so long as there's a PS3 or Xbox 360 built into the padded walls.

Because just like one of the caped-crusader's colourful KERPOWS!!, this one has left the gaming world gobsmacked.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is brilliant. It's like a mish-mash of all the greats - Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, BioShock, and Resident Evil.

And it's dead scary too - the kind of 15 cert scary that would have little Robin quaking in his Batman jim-jams.

The new Eidos game finds B Man trapped inside Gotham's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. Enter The Joker - voiced by lightsaber nut Mark Hamill - who has set a trap for his old foe in the hope to eliminate Batman once and for all.

Boy oh boy, where to start on the action? Fighting is intense, with loads of Bat whacks and combos which are entertaining and satisfying.

The more baddies you beat, the more Batlike you become, picking up numerous upgrades along the way.

Gamers can also enjoy a detective vision (like NG goggles) where B Man can see his opponents through walls and work out the best way to pick off his prey.

You can also swing around the open plan gameworld, hiding in the shadows before swooping down for the silent kill. The visuals - as you can see from our ace pics - are astonishing and the gameplay seamless.

There's no hanging around admiring your bat cape while waiting for loading screens.

Bloomin' big end-of-level bosses remind you that you're playing a video game while the storyline keeps you hooked.

And as if that wasn't enough, the PlayStation 3 version lets you control The Joker in eight Challenge Maps online.

Now Bats entertainment . . . 9.5/10

WE'VE teamed up with Eidos to give one lucky reader the chance to win a PS3 console and copy of Batman: Arkham Asylum.

Two runners up will also get a copy of the game.

Just answer this question: Who is Batman's faithful sidekick? Is it a) Robin, b) Sparrow or c) Peregrine Falcon. Send a text to 63388.

Start with the word GO, leave a space then your answer (a, b or c) followed by your name and address. Or call 0904 040 0727.

Ts&Cs: You must be 18 years old or over. Texts cost £1.50 plus standard msg rate. Calls cost £1.50 from standard BT landlines. If you call or text in after the closing date/time of this competition, you will not be entered but you will be charged. Competition closes at midnight on Saturday September 5.

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