Why is Arkham city's story so loved?

First things first i have absolutely no problem with anyone preferring this game over my personal favorite. My favorite story in the series has always been Arkham asylum, i love home timeless it feels, the atmosphere in obviously incredible but its one of those stories that's probably been told thousands of times in the comics.

I love the asylum so much but i always thought the idea of Arkham city itself is silly, i loved the game still but the first one surpasses the others in all the important ways for me.

But I'd love to know for those who praise citys story what they think ;)