The 50 Greatest Video Game Villains Of All Time
By Matt Becker
Greatest Video Game Villains – #6 The Joker
Game(s): Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City
Background: Yes, The Joker is traditionally a comic book villain, originating from DC Comic’s Batman universe. But Rocksteady Studios’ own interpretation of the classic villain in the Batman: Arkham game series gave The Joker a new stage. In Arkham Asylum, The Joker traps Batman within the psychiatric hospital of Arkham with several incarcerated villains, forcing him to fight his way out before The Joker detonates bombs around Gotham. In Arkham City, Batman becomes incarcerated in a new massive super prison while fighting to find a cure for himself after The Joker poisons him with his own unstable blood. The game tragically ends with The Joker dying from the poison.
Why He’s One Of The Greatest Video Game Villains: The Joker’s absolutely killer performance and amazing voice acting by Mark Hamill is the icing on the cake for the first two Arkham games. He is still the maniacal, insane clown that everyone is so familiar with. His appearance in such a large licensed game series really solidified how important The Joker is to the Batman universe. The Joker is a true psychopath with zero regard for human life while also mirroring Batman himself in many ways. This duo makes up one of the greatest rivalries in all of comics and video games. The Joker’s tragic departure at the end of Arkham City really shows how indispensable he is to the series. Batman was willing to help cure him of the poison, and his obvious regret over The Joker’s passing can only bring the feels from the player.
Next: 5- The Lich King