Summer video game preview 2009

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Systems: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Developer: Rocksteady Studios (“Urban Chaos: Riot Response”)
Publisher: Warner Brothers Interactive

What is it? More “Dark Knight” than “LEGO Batman,” this stealth-action game finds the Caped Crusader locked inside the titular mental institution with the rest of the freaks.
Why will it keep you inside? With a script by Paul Dini, and a voice cast that includes Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as The Joker and Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn, this is like a virtual reunion of the great “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Release Date: Late summer.