It's not as in-depth as the console games, but this handheld spin-off has plenty to offer.
The gameplay works quite well, even with the shift from a 3D perspective to a quasi-2D one. The fighting is almost effortless as Batman jumps around and beats up thugs, even if you don't have the 360 directional tactics as the console games. The utilities work very well, as the Detective Mode uses the touch-screen to excellent effect. The other items pretty much use a cut-and-dry approach, such as knowing where to grapple with your gun and swooping in to take out enemies. No matter, it feels like Batman overall, and Armature deserves praise for that.
Not everything is as easy as a swoop of the cape, though. The game does take its time during certain segments, requiring you to find a solution or backtrack a little. That's just part of the experience, though, and once you get to some of the better moments in the game – like the boss fights – it makes it all worthwhile.
While Blackgate doesn't tell the most compelling of stories – how do you top Arkham City?! – it does serviceable, and keeps you entertained throughout. The cut-scenes do a really good job of pushing it along, especially with their comic book-style cut scenes.
As for presentation, it's excellent considering the mobile platforms. The Vita version has a slight edge when it comes to visual superiority, but the 3D effect of the 3DS version is very cool in its own right. No matter which one you go for, they both look great. The sound is also top-notch, with devoted voice acting that's just as good as the console counterparts – even without Mark Hamill – and a Batman-esque music score.
