How Much Time Passes Between Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City?
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The events of Batman: Arkham City occur a precise 18 months (or one year and a half) after the conclusion of Batman: Arkham Asylum. This time jump is significant, as it allows for the setup of the entirely new environment and narrative of Arkham City. The shift sees the focus move from the isolated confines of Arkham Asylum to a walled-off section of Gotham City, transforming it into a sprawling prison complex for the city’s criminal element. The intervening months see a substantial change in Gotham and its key characters.
Setting the Stage: The Transformation of Gotham
From Asylum to City
The story transition isn’t just about a change of scenery, but a complete transformation of Gotham’s criminal landscape. Arkham Asylum was a pressure cooker, a contained environment that highlighted the psychological battle between Batman and his rogues’ gallery. Its events, featuring the Joker’s uprising and the chaos it caused, directly fuel the need for a new, larger solution—leading to the creation of Arkham City.
Following the events of Arkham Asylum, former warden Quincy Sharp, basking in the undeserved hero’s glow, leverages the situation to become mayor. Using his newfound power, Sharp closes down the asylum. His solution to Gotham’s ever-growing problem of incarceration is to wall off a section of the city, transforming it into Arkham City, a massive open-air prison where the inmates are given free reign. The 18-month time gap allows this massive and complex transformation to take place, a significant change that shapes the gameplay and narrative of the sequel.
The Significance of the Time Gap
This year-and-a-half difference is not just a minor plot detail; it is crucial for several reasons:
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Development of Arkham City: The creation of Arkham City, from a section of the city to a fully functional (albeit chaotic) prison, takes time. The 18 months account for the construction, security measures, and the complex social dynamic that has evolved within its walls.
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Character Development: The time gap allows for character growth and change. Batman has been operating and honing his skills and crime-fighting tactics, while the villains have had time to consolidate power, form alliances, and plan their next moves.
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Plot Development: The plot of Arkham City builds directly upon the consequences of Arkham Asylum. The time gap provides narrative tension and builds up expectations of the new conflicts that will occur in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much time passes between Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum?
Batman: Arkham Origins is set approximately eight years before the events of Arkham Asylum. It depicts a much younger and less experienced Batman in the second year of his crime-fighting career.
2. How long after Arkham City does Arkham Knight take place?
Batman: Arkham Knight takes place around one year after the events of Arkham City.
3. In what order should I play the Batman Arkham games?
The chronological order for the main Arkham games is:
- Batman: Arkham Origins
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Batman: Arkham City
- Batman: Arkham Knight
There are other spin-offs and VR titles, but this is the main story sequence.
4. Is Arkham City longer than Arkham Asylum?
While the main story of Arkham City might feel slightly shorter than Arkham Asylum, the sheer amount of content, side missions, and collectables make it a considerably longer experience overall.
5. What time of year is Arkham City set?
The in-game evidence (a plaque found in the game) and canon sources confirm that Arkham City is set around December 21st, 1997.
6. What is the shortest Arkham game?
Batman: Arkham Asylum is generally considered the shortest game in the main series, given its more linear design and limited side content.
7. What is the best-selling Batman Arkham game?
Batman: Arkham City is the best-selling game in the Arkham series, selling over 12.5 million copies.
8. What is the timespan of Arkham Knight?
The events of Arkham Knight, not counting Origins, take place within a timespan of about 15 months. The bulk of the game action transpires during Halloween in Gotham.
9. Is Arkham City a direct sequel to Arkham Asylum?
Yes, Batman: Arkham City is a direct sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum. It follows directly from the events that occurred in the first game and builds upon the characters and storylines that were introduced.
10. What happened to Quincy Sharp after Arkham Asylum?
Following the events of Arkham Asylum, Quincy Sharp exploited the situation to his advantage and won the mayoral election. He took full credit for stopping the Joker, leading to his rapid rise in political power.
11. What will replace Arkham Asylum in a real-world setting?
In real life, the Arkham Asylum themed area at a theme park is set to be replaced with a Wizard of Oz precinct, which will include new rides and attractions and is set to open in 2024.
12. Is Arkham City suitable for a 12-year-old?
While Arkham City has minimal blood and gore, some mature themes and mild language exist. It is generally recommended for ages 13 and up.
13. Which Arkham game is considered the hardest?
This is somewhat subjective, but Batman: Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum are often cited as having a higher difficulty level compared to Arkham City or Knight.
14. Who is the Arkham Knight?
The Arkham Knight in Batman: Arkham Knight is revealed to be Astrid Arkham, the daughter of Jeremiah Arkham who grew up in the asylum and developed a vendetta against Batman.
15. What is the darkest version of Batman?
Many different dark versions of Batman exist across various media. Some of the darkest include characters like The Grim Knight, Red Rain Batman, and the Red Death.
Conclusion
The 18-month time gap between Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City is more than just a detail; it is an essential narrative device. It bridges the two games and gives a solid base for a sequel. It allowed for the transformation of Gotham’s landscape, provides context for the character development and prepares the way for the new challenges that lie ahead. By taking the time to understand these timeline details, players can appreciate the intricacies and complexities of the Arkham series’ storytelling, which has captivated fans of the Dark Knight.