Since 1986, there have been roughly 19 Batman-inspired video games. Nearly all have been mediocre interpretations of the Dark Knight’s exploits in Gotham City. The new Batman: Arkham Asylum, from Eidos and Warner Bros., looks to change that reputation by combining Bat-lore with a sophisticated action game.

The most compelling element in this Batman game is its seriousness. It’s not just a collection of cartoonish characters engaged in a battle of good and evil — the environments are all a little darker and the characters are a little more sinister than …