Batman: Arkham Asylum

Wow, we're impressed. The stuffy-nosed cynic in us had this down to be a mediocre superhero jaunt at best. We Not only is Arkham Asylum the darkest, gloomiest and best-looking Batman adventure ever, it's also the most faithful comic-book 'adaptation' since The Caped Crusader on the Amstrad CPC back in 1988, and you've probably never ever played that.

Fusing classic stealth, kickass combat and cerebral detective play, Arkham Asylum pits your fists against the Joker who's assumed control of a sprawling mental hospital. The eerie setting is immediately reminiscent of the surrealist horror BioShock (which was very brilliant), with unpredictable menace lurking at every dank, explorable corridor. As well as cool Bat gadgets to master, the subtly paced plot throws up plenty of curveballs and DC Comic villains for added Batmania spice.

So, as we say, we're very impressed. Batman games have a history of being hit-and-miss. This one carries the impact of a chromium-plated batarang being thrown point-blank into your face by a man with very large arms. In layman's terms, that means it's very, very good.

*WIN BATMAN GAMES!!!* We've got several copies of Batman: Arkham Asylum to give away. If you fancy one, tell us who played Joker in the 2008 film The Dark Knight, and email your answer and details to chaps@maxim.co.uk. Entrants must be over 18 and live in the UK.