Summary
Highlights
The Arkham series, especially Arkham Asylum, is praised for its richly detailed environments, often foreshadowing future events or referencing comics. One notable Easter egg is the Ra's al Ghul body tag in the morgue, which disappears later, implying his revival. The game's combat system was intentionally designed to be simple, reflecting Batman's natural ability. The visitor center's mannequin twist and the Scarecrow segments, with their subtle fear toxin indicators, are highlighted as brilliant narrative and atmospheric elements. Players can even find stashes where Scarecrow created new fear toxin. An often-missed detail is that the initial group of enemies before the first Scarecrow encounter can be skipped, which leads to a moral dilemma.
One of the final encounters with Joker in the Botanical Gardens reveals gifts for other villains, implying the spread of Titan, foreshadowing Arkham City. A functional metal detector in Arkham Mansion can be triggered by Batman or thrown gadgets. The discussion around Jason Todd's potential cell in Arkham and its inconsistencies with comic iterations are explored. Pauly's Diner, a significant location in Arkham Knight, makes a brief appearance in Arkham Asylum's opening. Players can choose to fight Victor Zsasz longer in his tutorial, encountering knife enemies earlier than intended. The game accounts for players taking too long on riddles, offering hints, and a unique game over screen for Bane showcasing his iconic backbreaker move. The secret room in Quincy Sharp's office was present from the start, not added later, laying the groundwork for Arkham City.
The Joker's mural, evolving with each villain defeated, mirrors the cover of 'Batman Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth.' The game's atmosphere was inspired by BioShock. Guest Arkham Tuber, Arkham Analysis, points out a 'G for Gordon' carved into a pipe and the inclusion of rain in the remake, which enhances the atmosphere and was a cut feature from the original due to technical limitations. The Arkham logo is subtly embedded in the warden's jewel. The Joker's PA announcements feature Three Stooges references, and a specific red-eyed cowl during Scarecrow segments references classic BTAS episodes. Environmental storytelling through bullet casings and bodies adds to the eerie atmosphere. The song 'Irresistible You' by Mark Franklin, played near the end, symbolizes Batman and Joker's complex relationship. A Riddler trophy in Arkham City connects to a mention of an Italian place in Arkham Asylum.
Frank Boles can be seen with the flask Batman tracks him with. The Arkham tone preceding announcements becomes more distorted over time. Batman's suit shows increasing damage, scuff marks, stubble, and even a bloodshot eye as the night progresses. Killer Croc will actively cut off Batman if he tries to run during their encounter. Batman's explosive gel during Ivy's defeat forms an 'R,' possibly for Robin. The iconic explosive gel sound effect was created by spraying three cans of whipped cream. Arkham Asylum's influence extended to a comic run, 'Batman Incorporated,' as confirmed by Grant Morrison. Ra's al Ghul's body disappears in Arkham City, similar to the Asylum's Easter egg.
Calendar Man in Arkham City is unique for being imprisoned while other villains roam free. The alternate ending for abandoning Batman as Catwoman was developed in two days and can only be triggered once. Harley Quinn's costume evolution is noted, with her initial teaser showing her old outfit and pregnancy test Easter eggs hinting at a false positive or miscarriage. Joker's unique dialogue if Batman delays jumping out of the window during the sniper scene is revealed. Azrael watches Batman from rooftops throughout the game, often going unnoticed. Scarecrow has hidden messages in the cryptographic sequencer, predicting his return. Spinning the sticks on the sequencer activates 'big head mode'.
The Joker's twist involving Clayface is subtly hinted at through body doubles, goon dialogue, and the absence of bones in his detective mode scan. Joker's reference to 'Lost' is a nod to writer Paul Dini's involvement with both. A Dr. Strange interview tape references Joker's 'multiple choice' origin story from 'The Killing Joke.' In Arkham City's opening, Deadshot is seen, and a guard checks his nose after being headbutted by Wayne. Players can detour to save Jack Ryder, who offers unique dialogue. Repeatedly being hit by characters like the Penguin and guards is possible, and Bruce takes damage for failing to counter Wonder City ninjas. A death screen hint about 'his expectations' foreshadows Ra's al Ghul's involvement. Two-Face's courthouse is half-burnt, mirroring his appearance. Joker's heart rate rises when Batman is losing to Clayface, showing his twisted admiration. An Arkham City album features indie bands.
Batman's grunts intensify with declining health. Charles Cardi, another Arkham Tuber, shares five facts: Killer Croc smoking in the Iceberg Lounge challenge map. A secret encounter with Killer Croc can be triggered after fighting Ra's al Ghul by returning through the sewers and hitting a switch with a remote Batarang. During the Mr. Freeze boss fight, destroying Nora's eye sculptures angers Freeze and creates takedown opportunities. Azrael can catch Batarangs, indicating his combat prowess. Hugo Strange's brainwashed tiger guards are immune to fear effects, explaining their relentless pursuit.
Harley Quinn has a dedicated dodge animation for gadgets. Thugs in the train station foreshadow the Solomon Grundy fight. A League of Assassin member meditating in the museum foreshadows her appearance, along with Penguin's audio log about her. In the Solomon Grundy fight, the remote electrical charge heals him, and his jumping attack can be countered. Batman's veins temporarily heal after drinking demon juice in Ra's al Ghul's sanctum. Players can destroy Ivy's plant as payback for previous events. Batman and Catwoman echo each other's 'chipped a nail' line. Batman knew about Arkham City's development from a secret room in Warden Sharp's office in Asylum. Joker's voicemail after leaving the sewers explains hallucinations, foreshadowing the Mr. Freeze fight's ending. An audio log mentions Judge Harkness, connecting to Calendar Man's Christmas Day dialogue. A sign for Jonathan Crane asks for patience.
A 'worst nightmare' bat suit for 100% completion was cut from Origins. Penelope Young's room in Lacy Towers hints at her role in developing Titan. Joker singing 'Cold Cold Heart' at the end foreshadows the 'Cold, Cold Heart' DLC. Batman was originally designed to occasionally trip and miss in Origins to show inexperience, but this was cut for gameplay. Copperhead's gender change in Origins was a conscious choice hoping for comic book adoption. Penguin's ship in 'Final Offer' references 1960s Batman actor Oliver Bergus Meredith. Batcave tools like the line launcher and Batmobile from Arkham Knight are seen in development. Batman's canonical height discrepancy is attributed to intimidation or the length of his ears. Joker's facial structure on cards in the Royal Hotel reflects his Asylum appearance, potentially an early design asset. Killer Croc's appearance changes based on stress levels. Bane accurately returns after one minute in a cutscene. A hidden message in Enigma's hideout says 'TD was the easiest thing I ever did...', suggesting a new Riddler. Kale Anderson's Pharmaceutical references Veronica Dale, a Wonder Woman villain. Blueprints for the Iceberg Lounge are in Penguin's office.
Arkham City landmarks like Catwoman's apartment appear in Knight with claw marks. Owl-like statues and a poem reference the Court of Owls. Hugo Strange's office in Park Row is in the same spot as in Arkham City. Flyers for 'funny faces' feature Basil Carlo (Clayface). The shock gloves debuted in the Wii U port of Arkham City, predating Origins. Gotham Paladin shares Origin's facts: ground takedowns can be canceled with quickfire Batarangs. Dr. Crane frequently signs into a room, hinting at his surveillance. An exclusive skin in Origins references Jean-Paul Valley's Azrael. Batman tells Freeze to 'take a seat, humanitarian,' referencing a line from Batman: The Animated Series. A thuggist's conversation mentions Captain Boomerang, subtly referencing Suicide Squad. Warner Brothers Montreal prioritized gameplay over lore consistency in Origins, explaining continuity breaks like the grapple boost. Origins' boss fights are designed to teach or test mechanics, like Killer Croc teaching about brute enemies or Deathstroke about countering. Killer Croc's claw marks foreshadow his appearance in Blackgate. Batman's combat stance in Origins reflects his early discomfort. Bane's facial scars outline his original mask. Alfred's dialogue in the Batcave provides unique insights. The Red Hood gang on a bulletin board indicates Batman's prior tracking. A Christmas card from Dr. Harleen Quinzel adds character depth. Origins' VSYNC issue caused framerate problems.
Officer Boles' corruption is subtly hinted at with 'Frankie Bee's omelette' on a menu. Rigged slot machines in the Final Offer showcase Penguin's deception. Players can repeatedly be hit until death in Origins. Two special interactions: Batman comments on a drone from Blackgate and Joker's ambulance. The opening words 'Robin's Son' in Arkham Knight refer to Jerry Robinson, co-creator of Joker. An Italian restaurant sign solidifies continuity across games. The polygon count of one Arkham Knight character model exceeds Arkham Asylum's entire environment. Paulie's Diner menu contains various Easter eggs. Criminals in Paulie's Diner represent different gangs, including a bunny mask possibly referencing the Mad Hatter. News reports in Arkham Knight are affected by player actions. Officer Owens can be seen recovering from fear toxin. Most Wanted posters feature game developers. A recurring character taunts Batman with a broken hand and can be intimidated. The Clock Tower has Barbara's outfits and a training facility poster. A sign with a shocked hand might be an Electrocutioner reference.
Intelligent design clues, such as converging signals at Ace Chemicals for Scarecrow's toxin location, and a perfect rectangle for placing the Batmobile ramp, guide the player. Scarecrow's old mask from Arkham Asylum is found in Ace Chemicals. Jim Gordon's flashback shows the carnival from 'Matter of Family' and lightning. The Flying Graysons are referenced. Another flashback shows a newspaper about Batgirl and a training facility poster for Kaira Tanago. Joker's hat changing from 'flashback' to 'liar' is a subtle detail in the flashbacks. Unlikely extra dialogue from Catwoman while investigating Poison Ivy, revealing her involvement with Riddler. If the orphanage riddle is too hard, Riddler will solve it out of frustration. Similar frustration from Riddler occurs during the Panessa Studios keypad puzzle. Bruce Wayne's phone messages reveal calls from Kate Kane (Batwoman), Vicky Vale, and Lex Luthor. Not hearing Joker's messages in the 'Friend in Need' quest subtly spoils the fact that you aren't playing as Bruce. A pullable head in Wayne Tower reveals a batsuit and gadget. Nightwing's disruptor reveal is spoiled if Batman finds it early.
Arkham Knight's lounge shows clock tower blueprints. Gordon's cracked bat-phone is given to Poison Ivy. A Joker hallucination about purifying the gene pool echoes Henry Adams's statement, implying Joker's motives are not just fear-induced. Radar network animations are similar to Arkham Asylum's cryptographic sequencer. Militia can detect Batman in detective mode, and a unique interaction occurs if Batman stands directly behind the militia member using the machine. A shark statue in movie studios might reference the shark in Arkham City. Johnny Charisma and Albert King argue about who Batman should go after next. A movie poster for 'Isle of Mutants' references Dr. Laurian from BTAS. Barbara's 'death' is a fear hallucination because Joker moves the gun, which he shouldn't be able to do, highlighting the game's attention to detail. Jack Ryder investigates a cult in the GCPD, foreshadowing the Deacon Blackfire side mission, and the ceremonial dagger is visible. A theory suggests the four infected Jokers represent his personality traits.
Clown Puncher 139 joins to share more facts. Abandoned cars can be jump-started with the remote electrical charge, implying Batman's gadgets are lethal. Players can 'kill' the Arkham Knight during the Ace Chemicals chopper fight by aligning the Batmobile correctly. Riddler's head glows slightly brighter in detective mode, indicating his higher intellect and active escape planning. Man-Bat can be seen flying in the distance if players skip a call and move quickly. Professor Pyg's final victim has an extra finger, cleverly hidden by the environment. Two-Face's burns show pulsating veins, a grotesque detail. Arkham Knight is the only game where Bruce doesn't grow stubble. A final 'useless' piece of information is 'Happy Unicorn TV.' Taking out thugs with the remote electrical charge in Arkham Knight's final segment kills them. Joker hints at using the disruptor for difficult encounters. Specific militia groups celebrate when called out in meetings. A room with toys and a Riddler trophy is likely a hidden Riddler hideout. During the Arkham Knight boss fight, he increasingly refers to Batman as 'Bruce,' showing a degree of care. The freeze grenade in Panessa Studios is next to the container that held Batman's suit in Arkham City. If Batman attempts to leave after being forced by Scarecrow to take off his utility belt, Scarecrow and Joker have unique dialogue, with Joker expressing satisfaction over 'another dead Robin'.