That’s funny that you say it’s nothing like games from the 90’s when to me it specifically IS, because the games that the Arkham series reminds me of most are Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night...both 90’s masterpieces. The Arkham series rewards exploration and curiosity, and creativity in the way you handle battles and stealth sections. And it has a beautiful focus on atmosphere and tone, while also giving you a dearth of optional content if you want or a clear path to the story goals if that’s what you’d rather do. “Shallow” and “unfocused design” as descriptors are just flat out wrong on so many levels to me, as the combat is incredibly deep (try those higher difficulty combat challenges, I dare you), and each design decision is so well fleshed out and explored in so many different facets and contexts throughout the game that I just find it downright baffling that someone could feel that way.
It almost feels hypocritical that you look for interesting designs or focused gameplay yet you heap praise on the most barebones, copy+paste, stick-with-the-status-quo franchise in gaming history aka Dynasty Warriors. I mean dear god. Arkham Asylum is one of the most innovative titles of the 21st century. How could one desire “interesting” games and then love something like Dynasty Warriors or ****ing arcade shoot ‘em ups. At least be consistent with what you like.
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