Batman Arkham City named

It may still be a long way off, but at least we’ve now got a name for Warner Interactive’s follow-up to last year’s surprise hit Batman: Arkham Asylum – it’s called Batman: Arkham City.

Developed by Rocksteady Studios, Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City, the new maximum security ‘home’ for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds,” a Warner statement reads.

Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.”

Though it’s not known for sure, the ‘City’ part of the new name could well suggest a more expansive, possibly open-world take on the formula laid down by its predecessor.

The game is due out on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in autumn 2011.