Alright, let’s talk Batman. Not just any Batman. We mean the brooding, grapple-hooking Batman from the Arkham-verse. You’re ready to dive back into Gotham’s gritty underbelly. Or you might be a fresh recruit answering the Bat-Signal for the first time. But a question lurks in the shadows: Can you even play these games on your shiny new console?
Fear not, citizen! We will shine a Bat-Signal of clarity onto the murky waters of backwards compatibility and platform availability for the Batman Arkham series. We will break down which games play where, how you can play them, and the best order to experience this acclaimed saga. Think of this as your one-stop guide, your Alfred Pennyworth for navigating the digital Batcave of Arkham games.
Backwards Compatibility: Can Your Console Handle the Knight’s Old Cases?
You have a hankering to revisit the origins. Or perhaps tangle with the Joker one more time in Arkham City. The question is: will your modern console play these slightly older games? Let’s dissect this like Batman analyzing a crime scene.
Arkham Origins: Xbox, Discs, and a Blast from the Past
First up, Batman: Arkham Origins. Released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, this prequel shows a younger Batman facing a bounty on his head. It takes place on Christmas Eve. Good times, right?
If you’re using an Xbox and still have your disc of Arkham Origins, you’re in luck. “Batman Arkham Origins is Backwards Compatible on Xbox if you have the Disc,” they say. Pop that disc into your modern Xbox. You should be able to start Gotham’s Christmas crime spree.
A word of caution: this backwards compatibility magic works mainly with physical discs. Digital versions are trickier. In this case, it’s primarily the disc version that works on newer Xbox consoles. Dust off that disc, and you’re golden.
Return to Arkham: PS5’s PlayStation 4 Backwards Compatibility to the Rescue
Next on the detective’s list: Batman: Return to Arkham. This isn’t a standalone game but rather a remastered collection of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. Originally PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 titles, Return to Arkham is a PlayStation 4 and Xbox One package with enhanced visuals.
For PS5 owners, things are straightforward. “Batman: Return to Arkham includes Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. The PlayStation 4 version plays on PS5.” The PS5 excels at playing PlayStation 4 games. You can enjoy remastered versions of Asylum and City on your PS5 without fuss. Just grab the PS4 disc or digital version of Return to Arkham, and you’re ready.
Xbox Backwards Compatibility: A Chapter Closed (But Not Entirely)
A bit of sobering news now, especially for those hoping for more Arkham games on Xbox backwards compatibility. “The Xbox backwards compatibility program ended in November 2021.” Yes, that’s correct. Microsoft concluded its adding of new Xbox and Xbox 360 games to the backwards compatibility library in November 2021.
This means that while games already in the program (like disc-based Arkham Origins) will work, don’t expect new additions to the list. It’s like the Bat-Signal being turned off for older games, marking the end of an era. Cherish the backward-compatible titles we have because that’s pretty much it for Xbox moving forward.
Availability and Platforms: Where Can You Actually Play These Games?
Backwards compatibility is one piece of the puzzle, but what about original platforms and where you can buy and play these games today? Let’s explore the availability of Arkham Origins and its handheld companion, Arkham Origins Blackgate.
Arkham Origins: A Multi-Platform Throwback
When Arkham Origins launched, it spread across multiple platforms. “Arkham Origins launched worldwide on October 25, 2013 for PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows, and Xbox 360.” A veritable Bat-gadget belt of platforms! Let’s look at each one:
- PlayStation 3 (with exclusive DLC): “Batman Arkham origins isn’t PS3 exclusive, but you get PS3 exclusive DLC.” The PS3 was major for Arkham Origins, notably receiving exclusive downloadable content. If you’re a completionist, the PS3 version might hold appeal due to this exclusive content.
- Wii U: Yes, even Nintendo’s quirky Wii U got Gotham’s darkness. It was available on the Wii U as well.
- Windows PC: PC gamers were not left out. Arkham Origins was released on Windows, offering enhanced graphics and performance depending on your rig.
- Xbox 360: Rounding out major consoles of the era, Arkham Origins was also prominent on Xbox 360, cementing its multi-platform presence.
If you want to play Arkham Origins today, you have retro options plus the Xbox disc backwards compatibility route.
Arkham Origins Blackgate: Handheld Heroics
Not to be overshadowed, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate offered a different portable experience. “Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Nintendo 3DS. PC. PS Vita.” This title brought the Arkham formula into handheld consoles and PC.
- Nintendo 3DS: “Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Nintendo 3DS.” The 3DS provided a unique Metroidvania-style take designed for crime-fighting on the go.
- PC: “Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Nintendo 3DS. PC. PS Vita.” Like its big brother Origins, Blackgate also landed on PC, offering a more traditional control scheme compared to the 3DS.
- PS Vita: “Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Nintendo 3DS. PC. PS Vita.” Sony’s PlayStation Vita also hosted Blackgate, giving another handheld option for Arkham fans.
Arkham Origins Blackgate, being handheld, is naturally available on these platforms but surprisingly also on PC, allowing players options for this side story in the Arkham universe.
Playing PS3 Games on PS5: Cloud Gaming to Rescue (Sort Of)
A burning question for PlayStation fans is whether you can play *other* PS3 Arkham games on your PS5. Can you play Arkham Origins? Perhaps even Arkham Asylum and Arkham City? What if you don’t have Return to Arkham?
PlayStation Plus Premium: Your Cloud Gaming Portal (with Caveats)
The answer isn’t straightforward. “You can play some PS3 games on a PS5 through PlayStation Plus Premium’s cloud gaming service , allowing you to stream PS3 games directly from your PS5.” Sony’s top-tier subscription service offers cloud gaming for some PS3 titles.
“The main way to play PS3 games on PS5 is through PlayStation Plus Premium…” You are not running the games natively on your PS5 hardware. Instead, you stream from Sony’s servers. Think of it as remote-controlled Batman, with games running elsewhere while video and controls beam to your console.
Limited Catalog: Not Every PS3 Game is in the Cloud
Before you get too excited about nostalgia, there’s a Bat-shaped asterisk: “The catalog of available PS3 games through cloud gaming is limited to a selection of titles.” Not every PS3 game streams through PlayStation Plus Premium. The selection is curated; it includes some gems but is not complete library of all PS3 titles.
You will need to check PlayStation.
Check the Plus Premium game list for your desired PS3 Arkham game. Look for Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, or Arkham Origins. Streaming is a great option if available. However, do not expect all PS3 titles to be accessible for play.
No Native Disc Play: PS5 Doesn’t Do PS3 Discs (Sorry!)
PS3 disc users face a harsh truth: “No Native Disc Play: The PS5 does not support playing PS3 games directly from discs.” “A: Hi, sorry but unfortunately this disc wouldn’t be compatible with your PS5.” The PS5 can’t read PS3 discs. Inserting a PS3 disc into a PS5 fails. It’s like a batarang hitting a wall – a visual but ultimately futile act.
If you thought to play your PS3 Arkham discs on your PS5, think again. Cloud streaming through PlayStation Plus Premium is the only method for playing *some* PS3 games on the current-gen console.
General Information: Navigating the Arkham Series Bat-Maze
Let’s take a step back and see the Arkham series. It’s not merely four games. It’s a wide-ranging franchise. “The franchise includes four main games, a spin-off, a handheld game, three smaller mobile titles, two virtual reality games, tie-in comics, and an animated film” – the Arkham universe is expansive.
The Core Four: Main Arkham Games
The Batman: Arkham series has four primary games released from 2009 to 2015: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Origins, and Arkham Knight.” Each game offers a unique chapter in Batman’s ongoing battle against Gotham’s crime.
Arkham Origins: The Prequel Prologue
In terms of narrative, “To go through the story in order, your starting point is 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins. ” Arkham Origins is a prequel. It takes place earlier in Batman’s career, showing a younger Dark Knight as he begins his role as Gotham’s defender.
Arkham Origins Blackgate: A Companion Piece in a Smaller Package
And what of Blackgate? “Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2013 action-adventure game from Armature Studio and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It’s based on Batman, serving as both a companion game and sequel to Batman: Arkham Origins (2013).” It acts as a sequel to Origins.
“Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place a few months after Arkham Origins and is set in Blackgate Prison.” Blackgate continues the story shortly after Origins, shifting the focus to Blackgate Penitentiary. It expands on Origins while presenting new gameplay in its handheld and PC editions.
Story and Order: How to Dive into the Arkham Narrative
Are you ready to engage with the Arkham saga? Where do you start? Will you go chronologically or follow the release order? Let’s map out your Arkham journey.
Chronological Story Order: Starting at the Beginning (Sort Of)
“To experience the story chronologically, you begin at 2013’s Batman: Arkham Origins.” If you prefer timeline accuracy, starting with Arkham Origins works. It’s the starting point for Batman’s Arkham timeline and shows his first encounters with iconic villains.
Release Order: Experiencing the Games as They Unfolded
For a different angle, consider release order: “Batman Arkham Games in Order August 2009 – Batman: Arkham Asylum. October 2011 – Batman: Arkham City. October 2013 – Batman: Arkham Origins. June 2015 – Batman: Arkham Knight.” Playing in release order shows game mechanics and storytelling as they developed.
Your perspective shifts from Asylum to City, then evolves with Origins, finally culminating in Knight. This order mirrors the fan experience with reveals landing in sequence.
Skipping Origins: Is It Arkham-Essential?
A common question: is Arkham Origins critical for understanding the Arkham narrative? “You can skip Origins. It doesn’t change the story, and you’ll be fine.” Although Origins adds detail, it isn’t crucial to understanding Asylum, City, and Knight.
Think of Origins as a detailed side story. It adds richness but does not disrupt Batman’s escalating conflict with Gotham’s underworld. For a complete chronological journey, however, Origins provides valuable context.
Other Arkham Considerations: Locations and Legacy
Let’s conclude with some extra points about Arkham knowledge. The locations within Arkham games and the reception of Arkham Origins.
Arkham Asylum vs. Blackgate Penitentiary: Know Your Gotham Lockups
These two Gotham institutions can be confusing. They serve different roles in Batman lore: “Located in Gotham City, Arkham Asylum houses Batman’s foes deemed mentally ill (others are held at Blackgate Penitentiary).” Arkham Asylum is for the criminally insane, where sanity is dubious.
“Unlike Arkham Asylum, Blackgate houses sane criminals like Catman, David Cain, Monsoon, Ernie Chubb, KGBeast, and various mobsters when arrested.” Blackgate is a high-security prison for sane but dangerous criminals. Think mob leaders, assassins, and common thugs. Understanding this helps frame villains’ placements based on their mental states.
Arkham Origins: Not Quite Overlooked, But Deserving of More Love
Finally, let’s discuss Arkham Origins: “Released worldwide on October 25, 2013, for PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows, and Xbox 360. The game received mostly positive reviews.” Often seen as less groundbreaking than Asylum and City, Arkham Origins was positively received by critics and fans.
It expanded gameplay while offering a fascinating prequel tale. It introduced memorable villains and moments. Although it may not be the focus of discussions, Origins remains solid and worth playing for those desiring a complete chronological Arkham experience.
You now hold a comprehensive guide about backwards compatibility, availability, and story order of the Batman Arkham series. Navigate Gotham’s digital depths. Whether revisiting old times or experiencing the Arkhamverse anew, go forth, Dark Knight. Make Gotham safe… or delightfully chaotic.
