10 "Zero Expectation" Video Games That Blew Everyone Away

10. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

Superhero video games can be incredibly hit and miss. For every outstanding success like 2018's Spider-Man, there's a glorified disaster such as 2004's Catwoman or the notorious Superman 64.

Batman, especially, has seen his share of video game duds. The 2000s seeing the spectacularly terrible Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker and Batman: Dark Tomorrow, which have been recognised as the caped crusader's worst video game outings to date.

Consequently, expectations weren't high for Batman: Arkham Asylum when the announcement dropped. While the now iconic combat and stealth systems that were shown in pre-release footage looked interesting, Batman's stiff animations alongside the vagueness surrounding the plot caused many to take a wait and see approach.

Fuelling the uncertainty that little bit further was the game was being developed by then-unknown British developers Rocksteady, whose only other game was generic shooter Urban Chaos: Riot Response.

After Arkham Asylum was released, though, sceptics were proved pleasantly wrong. Not only was the plot a gripping comic-book thrill ride that put players up against a memorable rogues' gallery of villains, but the gameplay was revolutionary.

Now recognised as a modern masterpiece, the blueprints of this title's satisfying combat can still be seen in games today.