Developers of Batman games often forget that, above all, the Caped Crusader is a detective. To reflect this, Arkham will see you investigating the asylum and using forensics tools to track down the Joker. Think Condemned 2. You’ll be able to use batarangs in combat (controlled from the first person) and access a mini batcave filled with high-tech goodies.

In keeping with the dark, grimy imagery, Arkham Asylum will show Batman at his most brutal, using his martial arts skills to smack down goons. He also has Dark Knight Style blades on the side of his arms to injure foes. Most Batman games tens to focus on the animated series, the film or the campier comic book stories, but this is pure Frank Miller style dirt, with Batman looking like a grizzly 50 years old in a dank, dingy setting. With Batman’s penchant for hovering in the shadows and standing atop huge gothic structures, he should be in his element at Arkham.

In the game the Joker is captured and imprisoned in Arkham but it’s all actually a deadly ploy to take over the island. He escapes his confinement with the help of his hired goons, taking over the asylum and making it into his own personal, madman-filled fortress. It’s Batman’s job to stop him and liberate the island. It wont all be gloomy corridors, though; the game will take place outside too, around the island, on rooftops and possibly even in the bay of Gotham City.

[via IGN]