Batman video games have brought Gotham City’s Caped Crusader to life with epic vocal performances and Freeflow Combat techniques that guarantee an adrenaline rush. Batman was first introduced in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. But since then, The Dark Knight has evolved into a timeless franchise that includes live-action blockbuster films, anime series, animated films, and the best Batman video games since 1986.
At Voice123 – where you’ll find terrific Batman voice actor styles – we understand the impact of professional voice actors on video game characters. So here, we’ll explore the popularity of Batman video games, Batman video games in order, and how you can use the Batman video game voice style in your next project.
Send out the Bat-Signal cause it’s time to explore Batman video games!
The popularity of Batman video games
The popularity comes from the immersive gaming experiences that allow players to become the Dark Knight, explore Gotham City, tackle complex puzzles, and fight against some of the most iconic villains in the Batman universe. From 1986 to 2000, Batman video games had a basic 2D side-scrolling interface and featured villains like Penguin in Batman: The Caped Crusader (1988) and Joker in Batman: Return of the Joker (1991). In the 2000s, Batman video games evolved to include 3D worldbuilding, acrobatic combat, advanced weapons and stealth tactics, and powerful voice overs – creating the Batman Arkham series. These games were successful with fans because of their gripping narratives, faithful character portrayals with accurate voice overs, and their dark, gritty version of Gotham City that’s iconic to the best Batman video games.
The best Batman video games
- LEGO Batman: The Videogame (2008)
- Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
- Batman: Arkham City (2011)
- Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
- Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
- Batman: The Telltale Series (2016)
- Injustice 2 (2017)
1. LEGO Batman: The Videogame (2008)
Robin and Batman round up escaped asylum convicts in Gotham’s LEGO City. Steve Blum voices Batman, playing up the hero’s humorous side to suit a younger audience and delivering sarcastic lines with a deadpan tone. James Arnold Taylor voices Robin with a mischievous, energetic, youthful voice.
2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
The Dark Knight takes on dangerous inmates when the Joker orchestrates an asylum takeover. Kevin Conroy voices Batman using a textured, gravelly tone to amplify the Bat’s commanding presence. Mark Hamill’s voice as the Joker is a symphony of madness, with sinister hisses and his iconic villainous cackle.
3. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
In Batman Arkham City, Batman battles supervillains and criminal masterminds inside Gotham City’s fortified prison. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their Batman and Joker voice roles. They’re joined by Tara Strong as the evil, quirky voice of Harley Quinn, Grey DeLisle as the cunning, feline voice of Catwoman, and Troy Baker as Robin’s youthful, tenacious voice.
4. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Arkham Origins is a prequel story that follows Batman’s early years as a crime fighter. Roger Craig Smith voices a younger version of Batman, adding a raw intensity that highlights Batman’s menacing nature as he builds his reputation as the Dark Knight. Mark Rolston voices the assassin Deathstroke with a chilling, gravelly timbre that echoes menace and authority.
5. Batman Arkham Knight (2015)
In Batman Arkham Knight, Batman uses stealth abilities, detective skills, and gadgets to face off against Scarecrow. Kevin Conroy returns as Batmam’s voice, creating a smokey, deep-throated tone for the Arkham hero. While Troy Baker voices Bataman’s latest adversary – the mysterious Arkham Knight – with a vengeful, guttural tone.
6. Batman: The Telltale Series (2016)
In this point-and-click adventure game, various player choices shape the narrative. Troy Baker voices Batman and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne. Baker effortlessly switches voice tones from the suave, charismatic billionaire to a dark, tortured vigilante. Travis Willingham voices Two-Face using a smooth, charismatic tone for this cunning villain.
7. Injustice 2 (2017)
Batman tries to restore society when Superman’s Regime falls. Kevin Conroy voices a hardened, tougher version of Batman, who’s forced to fight his friends. Phil Lamar voices Aquaman, Green Lantern, John Stewart, and Lucius Fox, expertly switching his tone, pitch, and pace to create four unique character voices.
How to use voice styles from the Batman video games in your project
Batman’s vocal style is typically raspy and intimidating – it works for heroes and villains. From gravelly to brooding, it projects authority and attention, so it’s best suited to voice over projects that need an intimidating voice to convey determination, commands, and mystery. While it won’t work on promos and elearning, it’s a great addition to audiobooks, commercials, animated videos, and especially video games!
Why not listen to samples from our best Batman voice actors to get an idea of which voice style from the Batman video games would suit your next voice over project? Or, post a project on Voice123 with a detailed brief explaining the tone and style you want for your project. For example, ‘We need a voice over for an antihero protagonist in a video game; the voice needs a low timbre and gravelly tone that can create an intense, nuanced delivery with commanding authority.’
Get more info on voice over scriptwriting in our guide on how to write a voice over script.
Final thoughts on Batman video games
Batman video games are about more than just a comic book hero. With action-packed battles, gripping detective work, and incredible voice acting, Batman video games capture the essence of what it means to be Batman. From the Joker’s chaotic cackle to Batman’s gruff, mysterious tone, the best Batman video games in order take players on a crusade for justice through the streets of Gotham City.
So, if you want to add similar voice styles to your next project, you’ll find the best vocal talent on Voice123 or hire our professional Managed Services to produce and deliver your entire project.
Get ready to bring the Batman Arkham City hero to your next project with Voice123!
FAQs
There are over 30 different Batman video games.
Fans and critics consider “Batman: Arkham City” the best Batman game.
It’s the conclusion to the Arkham trilogy, but it isn’t the last Batman game.