When the first shots of Batman: Arkham Asylum started to leak out, I was excited. Then I remembered that it was a licensed video game, one based on a DC property, and that generally doesn't turn out so well. But I remained optimistic, everything about it looked good, and sounded better. Then there was the sudden 2 month bump in the release date that raised my eyebrows. Then the rumors of Eidos trying to buy top notch reviews made me leary. I decided to take a wait and see, or so I thought.

Well, I waited, and I saw, and this is without a doubt the best comic book based video game ever. Not only that, but this is a legitimate game of the year contender.

I plan on doing a full review next week, when they're available for this game, but you owe it to yourself to check this game, whether you're a Batman fan or not. It's not very often that a licensed game manages to actually capture the "escense" of the licensed property, for lack of a better term. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction pretty much nailed it, but it was mostly just mindless destructive fun - which is what a Hulk game SHOULD BE, IMO. Some of the Spider-Man games have come close over the years, but never quite nailed it. The X-Men Legends games, as well as Marvel Ultimate Alliance are FUN dungeon crawlers, but they never really managed to convey the characters and environments in a way that appeals to anyone but hardcore Marvel fanboys.

But Arkham Asylum has nailed the Batman character and all the mythos surrounding him. It's brought the Joker, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, and others to life in a way I never thought possible.

I absolutely love this game. Rhino, PLEASE make another one.