Batman: Arkham Asylum is now less than a month away (it comes out Aug. 25), and the hype's reached unprecedented levels for a licensed comic-book game.

And for good reason.

All of the pieces of the puzzle seem to be in place. With a story by Emmy Award-winning writer (and fan-favorite comic scribe) Paul Dini, a gorgeous Unreal Engine 3 veneer, a refined stealth/combat system, and Kevin Conroy (Batman), Mark Hamill (Joker), and Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn) reprising the vocal roles that forever linked them to their beloved animated counterparts, gamers everywhere think this could finally be the Dark Knight's triumphant return to the virtual world. And the early preview buzz echoes that sentiment.

Yet for all of the game's positive reports, I can't help but shudder at the track record that other comic book characters have had through the years. Just mention Superman 64 or Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis to any gamer and watch their face cringe as if they had just tasted rancid ass.

However, hope springs eternal for both gamers and Batman fans alike, especially in light of some of his previous outings. Here are four of my personal favorites, plus the one title that nearly crippled Batman for good in the virtual world.

(Image courtesy of ConsoleClassix.com)

1) Batman: The Videogame (NES) -- Based loosely on the 1989 blockbuster film, this side-scrolling platformer from Sunsoft was a commendable (albeit sometime frustrating) effort. Players got batarangs, a spear gun, and giant shurikens as well as an innovative wall-jump and traveled through five stages of action leading up to a final showdown with the Joker.

(Image courtesy of ConsoleClassix.com)

2) Batman: The Videogame (Sega Genesis) -- Another Sunsoft effort, this game unfortunately saw limited commercial success due to Nintendo's policy of exclusivity that prevented its release until 1990, well after the first movie's hype had died. Nevertheless, this action platformer was incredibly fun. Closely following the movie storyline, the game's responsive controls, impressive graphics and sound, and vehicle segments trumped the NES version.

3) The Adventures of Batman & Robin (SNES) -- Released by Konami in 1994, this game was like playing the amazing animated series, one episode at a time. Boasting incredible visuals, full access to Batman's utility-belt arsenal, and a commendable take on Shirley Walker's soundtrack, the game pitted you against almost every major Batman villain through eight innovative and diverse stages.

(Image courtesy of WebWombat)

4) Lego Batman (multiplatform) -- Call it kiddie if you must, but it's still fun. Beating up on thugs and watching them crumble into Lego bricks still hasn't lost its charm; plus, playing as both heroes and villains is a great incentive to replay the game again and again.

And the one game that nearly benched Batman for good is....

(Image courtesy of GameSpy)

Batman: Dark Tomorrow (GameCube) -- The English language doesn't have the words to adequately describe this train wreck; in fact, "train wreck" is giving the game high praise. From Batman's horrid, unresponsive controls to graphics that wouldn't even pass on the N64, this game screams "I'm not finished!" at the top of its lungs. I can only offer my condolences if you were one of the unfortunate few to buy this game.

(I remember listening an old EGM Live* podcast where former EGM Executive Editor Shane Bettenhausen recalled the release party for the game in 2003 and the uncomfortable atmosphere that settled over the attendees. I would've paid anything to witness that firsthand.)

So what about you? What are some of your favorite Batman or comic-related games?