Style
Arkham Asylum One feature often mentioned in comparisons between these two games is the apparent more attention to detail in Arkham Asylum; and it is visible. Though both games take quite a film noir style to their environments and storytelling style the differences are there and it is perhaps better in Arkham Asylum. The smaller world gives more depth to the environments and more differentiation for each area and boss which is more stimulating than consistent darkness. Although it being set in one complex depicts that the architecture stays similar the game does manage to differentiate its styles for the villains; Scarecrow and Poison Ivy are particular standouts as well as the Botanical Gardens.
Style Rating 5/5Arkham City
The spectacular open world displayed in Arkham City brings with it the drawback that more often than not areas of the city are dull as they resemble so greatly the rest of it. The advantage Arkham City should have over Arkham Asylum when it comes to the style of their environments is the wide scope should give them the freedom to design new areas with different styles and very rarely do they actually do it. The smaller area in Asylum helps give them consistency which they build upon and develop however the environments in City are too similar when they should differ. Some areas, like the Mr. Freeze mission, Ras Al Ghul mission and the docking area near the old steel mill are visually outstanding and lift the game above its predecessor; however so many of the boss battles are told with the same uniform style that they become difficult to differentiate and gives the game less stand out moments than Asylum.
Style Rating: 4/5