Best Gotham Cities In Batman Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Gotham City’s rich history in media makes it a character itself in Batman games, from realistic to cartoonish interpretations.
Video games like Arkham Knight offer detailed, immersive versions of Gotham with flawless environmental storytelling and complex map designs.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes allows players to explore a detailed, open-world Gotham City filled with iconic locations and fun activities to enjoy.

As a lifelong Batman enthusiast and a connoisseur of Gotham City, I can confidently say that each one of these games offers an immersive and unique take on the dark and gritty cityscape. From the Casino-inspired espionage in “Batman: The Enemy Within” to the Lego-fied chaos of “Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes”, each game brings its own flavor to the table.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve always been captivated by the gritty allure of the city I call home – Gotham City. Drawing inspirations from urban giants like New York, Detroit, and Chicago, it also bears the dark, gothic influence of British architecture. Over the years, across movies, comics, TV shows, and video games, my beloved city has been reimagined in countless ways, growing richer in history and more iconic with each passing interpretation. From its hauntingly familiar landmarks to the tales that echo through its darkened streets, Gotham City is not just a city, it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of imagination.

As a dedicated Batman fan, I find that the city of Gotham, in its unique character, often feels like a character itself within the Batman universe. A plethora of Batman video games have crafted their own distinct interpretations of this metropolis, and it’s fascinating to explore each game’s take on The Dark Knight’s home turf. This list dives into the various ways these games have reimagined Gotham City.

10 Batman Begins

The Chance To Explore Nolan’s Gotham

Best Gotham Cities In Batman Games, Ranked

2005 saw the release of Batman Begins for me, a departure from the vibrant, almost surreal Gotham of Joel Schumacher’s universe. This new take offered a gritty, authentic portrayal of Gotham City, resonating more deeply with my sense of reality.

In this game inspired by the film, players had opportunities to crash through the city in the famous tumbler Batmobile from The Dark Knight, as well as moments requiring stealthy navigation through various locations. The visual style of Gotham mirrored the movie’s mood and color scheme. The depiction of Batman traversing buildings with a worn-down appearance evoked memories of certain parts of New York or Chicago.

9 Batman: The Video Game

The Chance To Be Batman In Tim Burton’s Gotham

In the video game titled “Batman”, the setting is Gotham City – a city shrouded in darkness and roughness, mirroring the atmosphere of the 1989 film. The game’s design reflects Tim Burton’s artistic influence as players navigate through the levels.

In these parts of the game, players zip along highways in the Batmobile, causing car explosions, or soar through the air as BatWing, offering stunning views of Gotham’s skyline. Given its 1989 origin, the game offers a detailed and captivating experience. As you navigate the streets as Batman, you encounter numerous elements that contribute to world-building, such as graffiti on walls proclaiming “Dent for District Attorney.”

8 Batman: The Brave And The Bold – The Video Game

A Lighter Take On Gotham

The popular cartoon series “Batman: The Brave and The Bold” is adored because it shines a light on various DC superheroes and offers a cheerful, entertaining environment.

In this video game adaptation, the setting boasts a charming, animated aesthetic, filled with entertaining sights to catch your eye in every stage. As you play, you leap from one rooftop to another across Gotham City, exploring notable spots like the Gotham Museum, Wayne Manor, the clock tower, and even the underground sewers.

7 Batman Returns (SNES)

A Festive Fight Through Gotham At Christmas

The video game based on the film “Batman Returns” turned out to be remarkably well-crafted, featuring intricate stages. Remarkably, it effectively portrays the stark juxtaposition of Gotham’s ominous streets adorned with festive Christmas lights and decorations during the holiday season as depicted in the movie.

In this game, the narrative about the environment excellently conveyed a sense of Gotham being a bustling city. For instance, you’d find election posters, like “Oswald Cobblepot for Mayor,” adorning walls, Christmas trees glowing from windows, and snow blanketing the ground. Additionally, the game offers thrilling segments where players can race through the streets in the iconic Batmobile.

6 Batman: Vengeance

The Gotham City Batman Fans Know And Love

The animated series “Batman: Vengeance” drew inspiration from “The New Batman Adventures”. This show introduced the dark buildings against a red skyline aesthetic that is commonly seen in comic books and cartoons, most notably in “Batman: Year One”.

In the game’s driving segments, players are transported into the 1930s architecture and automobile aesthetic, reminiscent of the time when Batman first appeared. These periods also feature flights in the Batwing, with the Gotham City skyline resembling a comic book illustration.

5 The Adventures of Batman & Robin (SNES)

Close To Pixelated Perfection

As a long-time fan of Batman and video games, let me tell you that this game is truly a masterpiece. It takes us on an incredible journey through the vibrant cityscape of Gotham, showcasing its fun and intriguing aspects in a unique way. The opening level, which has me running through the Joker’s Funhouse, is a rollercoaster ride like no other – literally! Fighting the Joker while hanging onto a roller coaster, all with the breathtaking view of Gotham’s skyline in the background, is an experience that only a true Batman fan could appreciate. With each level I play, I feel more immersed in the world of Gotham and its characters, and I can’t wait to see what other surprises this game has in store for me.

The game had a quirky take on Gotham City, as Batman battled oversized plants in Poison Ivy’s lair and navigated a Riddler-designed labyrinth prior to a chessboard showdown against him. Additionally, the game offered an interesting perspective with its top-down driving segments that allowed players to view Gotham from above.

4 Arkham Origins

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

At Christmastime, Gotham City serves as the backdrop for several Batman tales. The juxtaposition of the vibrant, festive holiday decorations against the ominous, gothic surroundings feels akin to the world blend in A Nightmare Before Christmas.

In this game, players glide through the chilly streets of Gotham City during Christmas. They encounter thugs sporting Santa hats, witness blazing Christmas trees, and sometimes hear faint jingle bells echoing in the night. The snow blanketing Gotham imparts a frosty, unsettling atmosphere, making players hope that Bruce has his thermals on beneath his suit. Arkham Origins is an ideal holiday choice for any Batman enthusiast.

3 Batman The Enemy Within

A Telltale Take On Gotham

In the initial stages of “Batman: The Enemy Within,” there’s a definite nod towards James Bond-style storytelling. Here, Bruce Wayne, much like a secret agent, uses high-tech gadgetry for a covert operation at a Casino. However, things take an unexpected turn when The Riddler makes his appearance, causing chaos. This game masterfully portrays the societal divide in Gotham City, depicting the opulent crime families on one side and the struggling masses on the other. One moment you find Bruce in a luxurious casino setting; the next, he’s blending in with unsavory characters.

In the virtual world of Gotham, we find a society tainted by corruption, where criminal syndicates have seized control of the streets. The narrative immerses us deeply in the environmental decay, with graffiti, broken windows, and abandoned homes dominating the cityscape. Symbolically and literally, Gotham is crumbling under its own weight.

2 Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

An Open-World Lego Gotham

I always find it thrilling to witness famous real-world landmarks transformed into the LEGO universe! In the game, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, the meticulously crafted Gotham City is at my fingertips for me to freely explore and wreak havoc in my very own Lego Batmobile.

As someone who grew up playing video games and has been a fan of Batman for as long as I can remember, I can confidently say that The Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes version of Gotham City is a dream come true. With its endless activities and obstacle courses scattered throughout the map, it’s like stepping into my own personal playground. From riding a gorilla around the zoo to completing challenges that test my skills as a superhero, I find myself lost in this digital version of Gotham for hours on end. It’s a true testament to the creativity and imagination of the game developers, and it’s a must-play for any Batman or Lego fan.

1 Arkham Knight

A Detailed Map To Smash Through In The Batmobile

Through Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Origins, a path was forged that enabled Rocksteady to present gamers with the most intricate and visually stunning rendition of Gotham in any video game. In Arkham Knight, the map is expansive, brimming with numerous secret locations to uncover and offering impeccable environmental storytelling.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be thrilled as I traverse through the captivating expanse of Gotham City in Arkham Knight. Soaring above the metropolis on Batman’s wings, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, or plowing my way through the concrete jungle in the monstrous Batmobile – every moment is a thrilling adventure. The city itself transforms as the game progresses, with Poison Ivy’s flora taking root, debris scattered from demolished buildings after certain missions, and Scarecrow’s gas wreaking havoc, turning the streets into chaos-ridden landscapes. It’s safe to say that not only does Arkham Knight boast one of the most impressive renditions of Gotham City, but its map easily ranks among the finest in video game history.

2024-08-24 08:34