4.5/5 ★ – Isaac_Ashley's review of Batman: Arkham Knight.

If you’ve ever wanted to be Batman, Arkham Knight is the closest you’re going to get. From the moment you take control, everything about the game makes you feel like the Dark Knight—the way he moves, fights, and glides through Gotham is just perfect. I’ve played a lot of superhero games, but none capture the feeling of being a legendary crimefighter quite like this one. Gliding around Gotham is easily one of my favorite parts of the game. The city is dark, moody, and absolutely stunning, filled with details that make it feel alive. Whether you’re swooping between skyscrapers, perching on a gargoyle to stalk criminals, or diving down to break up a street fight, traversal is just so smooth and satisfying. And when you don’t feel like gliding? The Batmobile is there to tear through the streets, even if the game relies on it a little too much at times. The combat is another highlight. The Arkham series already had some of the best fighting mechanics in any game, and Arkham Knight takes it to another level. Every punch, counter, and gadget-based takedown feels fluid and impactful, and it never gets old taking on a group of thugs and effortlessly dismantling them like a true martial arts master. The stealth gameplay is just as fun—stalking enemies from the shadows and picking them off one by one makes you feel like an unstoppable force of justice. Visually, the game is gorgeous. Gotham has never looked better, with its neon-soaked streets, pouring rain, and eerie atmosphere. The attention to detail is insane, from the way Batman’s suit gets more battle-worn over time to the reflections on wet pavement. Even years after its release, Arkham Knight still holds up as one of the best-looking games out there. The only thing keeping this from a perfect score is the story. While it has some great moments and the Joker’s presence is handled brilliantly, the overall plot feels like it could have been stronger. The Arkham Knight himself is a bit underwhelming as a villain, especially considering how much buildup he gets. That said, the twists, emotional moments, and incredible boss fights still make for a compelling experience. Despite that minor flaw, Arkham Knight is an amazing game and the perfect send-off for Rocksteady’s Batman trilogy. The gameplay, combat, and open-world Gotham make it an absolute blast to play, and if you love Batman even a little bit, this is a must-play.