Celebrate Batman Day with these Cool Video Games

With the 2014 San Diego Comic Con (#SDCC) set to kick off this week, it makes sense to enjoy some pre-festivities with everyone’s favorite Caped Crusader. July 23 is officially Batman Day (#BatmanDay), and fans should celebrate 75 years of the Dark Knight before heading to the show. Read some of his greatest DC Comics adventures, watch all the movies (even Batman Begins) and of course, play Batman video games.

Unfortunately, Batman: Arkham Knight was delayed to 2015 (pre-order Arkham Knight), so we’ll have to wait a while to enjoy his Xbox One and PS4 debut (the above trailer will have to do). For now, be sure to check out the following games, even if it means dragging your older console from the closet or attic.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Criminals, including the nefarious Joker, run amoke within the infamous Gotham City hospital. Throughout this outstanding adventure, Batman squares off against some of his greatest foes, including Killer Croc, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow. Buy Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham City (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U)

Batman leaves the Asylum and glides through the thug-infested Arkham City, dealing with the likes of Harley Quinn, Two-Face and Mr. Freeze. Buy Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham Origins (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PC)

As the title implies, this is a prequel to Arkham Asylum, and what makes it interesting is the fact that Batman meets certain villains for the first time. During the course of this enjoyable action romp, you’ll find out what the creep Black Mask is up to. Buy Batman: Arkham Origins

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (3DS, Vita)

Definitely play this Arkham Origins companion game that adds further insight into the birth of the Dark Knight. A cool 2.5D perspective gives it a sweet Metroid and Castlevania vibe, while a variety of cool puzzles will keep you guessing. Buy Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Return of the Joker (NES)

It may be old (1991), but this side-scrolling action game kept us glued to our TV sets while frantically mashing the A and B buttons. The Joker escaped the Asylum, and naturally, it’s Batman’s job to prevent Gotham from descending into anarchy.

Batman Returns (Super Nintendo)

To be fair, there was a Batman Returns video game for just about every system in the 90s, but the SNES version wins for essentially copying the Final Fight and Streets of Rage beat-em-up formula, while at the same time featuring impressive looking 16-bit graphics. That said, you’ll also enjoy the Genesis and even Game Gear versions; don’t forget about the Atari Lynx edition.

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (iPhone, iPad, Android)

Easily one of the best-looking mobile games for your smartphone or tablet. This Infinity Blade inspired beat-em-up lets you frantically tap the screen to beat up The Joker, Two-Face, Deathstroke and a variety of goons. Download Batman: Arkham City Lockdown for iPhone, iPad and Android.