Rocksteady Studios’ highly anticipated action-adventure sequel, Batman: Arkham City, is due out on PS3 and Xbox 360 at the end of this week, with a PC release planned for 8 November.

Based on the iconic DC Comics superhero, Batman: Arkham Asylum quickly established itself as the best super hero based videogame released to date.

The sequel looks set to top the critical acclaim of its progenitor, and the Xbox 360 version is currently sitting on a Metacritic score of 95/100 while the PS3 version holds an impressive 98/100, earning perfect scores from the likes of Strategy Informer, 1UP,  VideoGamer and Game Informer.

Batman: Arkham City is an open world action-adventure game that incorporates elements of stealth and tactics. It features all of the gadgets introduced in the first game, most of which have been improved or given enhanced capabilities. Four new gadgets have been introduced, including smoke pellets, a remote electrical charge, ice grenades and a balled rope for tying up enemies.

We should have our own review up in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, here is what other publications have had to say about Batman: Arkham city.

1 UP A

Controlling Batman as he completely terrorizes his victims, whether via the invisible predator gameplay or the brutal combat, is an experience rivaled by few others. From its memorable Bourne Identity-esque opening to its shocking ending, Batman: Arkham City secures its place as my favorite superhero game since Freedom Force. Read more

Videogamer 10/10

It doesn’t take the world’s greatest detective to spot that this is an expertly crafted adventure, one that maintains a breathtaking pace and invigorating rhythm from beginning to end. Dizzyingly extensive and lovingly detailed, Rocksteady has created an intricate, spirited and unequalled playground worthy of one of the most iconic characters in modern fiction.  Read more

Gameinformer 10/10

This game could be one of the biggest and most enjoyable time sinks of the year. Arkham City not only lives up to the standards set by Arkham Asylum, it bests its predecessor in every way and stands tall as one of Batman’s greatest moments. Read more

IGN 9.5/10

Batman: Arkham City isn’t just better than Batman: Arkham Asylum, it’s better than most games on the market. Read more

Gamespot 9/10

From the speedy exhilaration of soaring high above the streets to the atmospheric thrill of discovering long-forgotten secrets in the tunnels below Gotham, this is an unforgettable adventure that will keep you coming back to the cape and cowl long after you’ve seen the credits roll. Read more

Strategy Informer 9.9/10

Arkham City is stuffed to the edge of the disc with content and replay value (in addition to the gigantic campaign there’s an expanded Challenge Mode and New Game Plus), is incredible amounts of fun, is polished to perfection, has had real love poured into every aspect, and most importantly, it makes you feel like Batman. Read more

Joystiq 4.5/5

Rocksteady has made the greatest Batman game ever crafted, and they’ve done that before. But breathing life into a staggeringly beautiful world; one which hums not only with opportunity, but ambition? That’s a new trick altogether. Read more

Eurogamer 9/10

It’s a role-playing game in the most literal sense of the phrase, a game in which you’re encouraged to give in to the fantasy, and to see what life is like when it’s composed of rooftop brawls and zip-line getaways. Animations, traversal mechanics, takedowns: they’re all building towards the same thing. In Arkham City, you become Batman. Read more

Destructoid 8.5/10

It doesn’t quite reach the highs of its predecessor, but Arkham City rarely sinks low. When it’s all said and done, you’ll be begging for more, but not because there wasn’t enough. It is just too damn fun to be The Bat. Read more

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