10 Unmissable Single Player Gaming Experiences

A look at the video game sales charts at any point over the last few years, would seem to suggest that online gaming has become increasingly dominant. Popular franchises such as FIFA and Call of Duty have continually outsold all other releases and even Rockstar, a developer that has been more successful than most in creating critically and financially successful single-player titles, seem more interested in supporting Grand Theft Auto's online mode than offering any further content for the lone gamer.

And now, with free to play titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends dominating many people's time, there is a real worry that the single player experience may become a niche market heading into the next generation of consoles.

Of course, there is no denying that teaming up with your mates on the sportsfield or battlefield can be great fun, but it can never offer the same sense of immersion that a truly great single player experience can. So, for those of you that prefer to game alone, here are ten unmissable single player experiences from the last two decades of console and PC gaming that you owe it to yourself to play.

After an assault on Gotham City Hall, The Joker is captured by Batman and taken to Arkham Asylum. It's not long before he gets free however, and when he threatens to detonate bombs around the city should anyone enter, Batman has to work alone to take down the maniacal clown and his posse.

In much the same way that The Dark Knight set a new standard for comic book movies, Arkham Asylum raises the bar for all superhero games to follow, and from the opening scene it is clear that developers Rocksteady have fully captured the brooding atmosphere associated with the caped crusader.

The excellent combat system, that has since been imitated in numerous games, was a revolution at the time, allowing the player to take on large groups of enemies through a series of attacks and counter attacks. Players were given access to Batman's complete array of powers and gadgets throughout the game, and even allowed to play detective through a series of sections. Combine these elements with the aforementioned combat mechanics, a number of villains from an impressive rogues gallery and a rich and detailed story, and this was unquestionably the definitive Batman experience.

Subsequent games in the franchise have since provided larger worlds to explore but this tighter, more focused, experience still remains Rocksteady Studios' best work to date.