Batman: Arkham City Thread

[Fencedude]

GameTrailer's RSS feed is screwy, or I would have known about this 4 days ago.

Anyway...yay! Watch the trailers:

Trailer 1 (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/spike-vga-batman-arkham/59829)
Trailer 2 (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gt-pop-block-batman-arkham/60076)
Trailer 2 Pop-Block (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gt-pop-block-batman-arkham/60076)

[broodwars]

The announcement of this game was one of the few good things about the VGAs, and honestly I don't know how I feel about this. I love the first game, and it's my favorite game of the year. That said, I'm wary of them announcing the sequel so soon, especially when all the other trailers unveiled at the VGAs were for 2010 games. Rocksteady did a phenomenal job with Arkham Asylum, but they had a lot of time to work on the game. The only game I can think of that was great with less than a year's worth of dev time was Metroid Prime (9 months), and that was a freak of nature.

I'm also really concerned about it looking like they've expanded the game into Gotham. I know everyone wants an Open World Batman game, but you know what? After playing Assassin's Creed 2 a few weeks back I realized that I hate Open World design. I hate how lazy it is, relying heavily on cut & paste and a game world that rarely ever changes. I'll take a strong, linear, scripted game experience any day. Also, if they're going to let you backtrack through the city to find hidden items like the first game, how are they going to do that with Gotham city as the environment? Does that mean we have shoehorned Batmobile and Batwing segments to look forward to, which were removed from the first game because Rocksteady couldn't make them good?

Still, it's a sequel to my favorite game of this year, so I am cautiously looking forward to the game. It's also good to see that they seemed to have gotten Mark Hamill aboard again after he apparently had retired his Joker voice.

[Norenia]

It's also good to see that they seemed to have gotten Mark Hamill aboard again after he apparently had retired his Joker voice.

I hadn't heard the supposed interview where he may have said that, but if he said "Arkham Asylum is the last time I'll be voicing the Joker," then technically, he can keep voicing the Joker until the Arkham Asylum series ends for good.

[Rhodes]

wonder if they will release a GOTY edition with all the DLC, Pre-order & Limited Edition Bonuses on the disc... well maybe except for the Joker if that remains a PS3 exclusive.

[Betenoire]

I'm also really concerned about it looking like they've expanded the game into Gotham. I know everyone wants an Open World Batman game, but you know what? After playing Assassin's Creed 2 a few weeks back I realized that I hate Open World design. I hate how lazy it is, relying heavily on cut & paste and a game world that rarely ever changes. I'll take a strong, linear, scripted game experience any day. Also, if they're going to let you backtrack through the city to find hidden items like the first game, how are they going to do that with Gotham city as the environment? Does that mean we have shoehorned Batmobile and Batwing segments to look forward to, which were removed from the first game because Rocksteady couldn't make them good?

The could use the earthquake story line or adapt the Batman Begins island idea of being locked on it to both expand the environment while also limiting the size and scope. That would also eliminate the need for the Batwing...though they may still use the Batmobile unless they write in that they can't damage or criminals setting up barricades or the like. The outside environment and logo make me think maybe the earthquake thing is a possibility.

Edit: which the pop-block points out. :sd:

And is it just me, or are the second trailer and pop block the same?

[untoldsorrow]

I am against open world myself in the next Batman game. It will feel like a darker Spider-man game when I really think about it. Grappling (Web swinging) up buildings and what not doesn't sound fun to me. I prefer the great closed location like in AA.

[Talyn]

I like the idea of announcing production on a game but to rush the game out? eh.... take your time, do it right! I, too, was also hoping for another enclosed environment game... there are other locations in the Bat-verse for it...

[Mazinkaizer]

I recall that when i first read about the game, i was expecting another below average Superhero game...when i watched my friend play the game i realized that this is a super game and bought a copy after i returned from vacation. While i still didn't play the game i am glad that they're working on a sequel already as that the last time i have played a good Batman game IMO was the SNES's Batman Returns ! And never the less with my favorite VAs for Batman & the Joker :)



Another Superheroes game that i liked very much and would surly love to see a sequel (from the same team) for is: Justice League Heroes.

[DeadlyMessiah]

Wait, I thought the VGAs were tonight? CRAP!! Did Uncharted 2 win GotY? It better have.

Anyway, I'm mixed on this. It feels like they are just rushing this out so quickly due to the success of the first one that this is going to be terrible.

[broodwars]

Wait, I thought the VGAs were tonight? CRAP!! Did Uncharted 2 win GotY? It better have.

Uncharted 2 not only won Overall GoTY, but Best Graphics and PS3 GoTY. Oddly, it did not win Best Action/Adventure, which went to Assassin's Creed 2. Sadly, Arkham Asylum only won for Best Studio (an award Rocksteady completely deserves).

[Legion]

Oddly, it did not win Best Action/Adventure, which went to Assassin's Creed 2. Sadly, Arkham Asylum only won for Best Studio (an award Rocksteady completely deserves).

They probably didn't want to give it too many awards. I agree AA should have won more, it is a very worthy game. Uncharted 2 also nabbed X-Play's GotY award and Batman didn't win any so at least it got something from Spike. Reviews on the Run gave their GotY to Arkham Asylum though. It barely beat Uncharted 2. The two were tied and the decision came down to the host Victor Lucas who gave AA the nod.

[leapyear29]

i am kinda picky about my games and I pretty much hate anything that's not action or some kind of sandbox game but this game surprised me..
the best Batman game ever made!!..

[Fencedude]

i am kinda picky about my games and I pretty much hate anything that's not action or some kind of sandbox game but this game surprised me..
the best Batman game ever made!!..

How was this not an action game?

[Talyn]

i am kinda picky about my games and I pretty much hate anything that's not action or some kind of sandbox game but this game surprised me..
the best Batman game ever made!!..

How was this not an action game?

I wonder the same thing, could it be the stealth elements he's referring to? *shrugs* It didn't really slow the game down, but that's the only thing I could remotely think of he might be meaning... :sd:

[Fencedude]

Gameinformer had a big article about the game in their most recent issue, it seems the official title is "Batman: Arkham City", and it looks really, really cool.

[Betenoire]

Forgot Fence made this already. :sd:

Here there be some possible spoilers for the new game as written in Game Informer, so you have been warned.

The GI issue itself is just gorgeous, with Close up mostly B&W Batman shot as he is wiping blood from his face and on the back a chained upside down Catwoman!

Games title is Arkham City and it takes place a year after Asylum as an area of the city has been cordoned off for the inmates to play Lord of the Flies in. The opening has Batman entering the area as Catwoman has been captured by Two Face while investigating Hugo Strange.

Better yet, the combat has been tweaked so Batman can do multiple counters, catch things thrown at him or dodge bullets while in the midst of a fight. And it appears you start with the weapons you had to progress through the game to get before-plus they have new uses. The explosive can be sprayed onto thugs!
Wants this game so, so badly.

[Fencedude]

I'm hoping for Catwoman as an unlockable playable character.

[Betenoire]

I'm hoping for Catwoman as an unlockable playable character.

Even better there is talk of multi-player which would pretty much require that. I could also live if they somehow got Nightwing into the universe (hey, Oracle is around).

[broodwars]

I'm hoping for Catwoman as an unlockable playable character.

Even better there is talk of multi-player which would pretty much require that. I could also live if they somehow got Nightwing into the universe (hey, Oracle is around).

I really hope we don't see multiplayer in this game. I'm really getting sick of multiplayer just arbitrarily being forced on games that don't need it (Bioshock 2, Dead Space 2, etc.). Rocksteady has enough on their plates just making a polished and awesome singleplayer experience that can hold up to and surpass Arkham Asylum. If they have time, they can throw in some kind of online co-op or something, but that's as much as I want in this game.

[Betenoire]

I really hope we don't see multiplayer in this game. I'm really getting sick of multiplayer just arbitrarily being forced on games that don't need it (Bioshock 2, Dead Space 2, etc.). Rocksteady has enough on their plates just making a polished and awesome singleplayer experience that can hold up to and surpass Arkham Asylum. If they have time, they can throw in some kind of online co-op or something, but that's as much as I want in this game.

After the miracle that was Arkham Asylum (and a good Batman game is a miracle) I am willing to give them latitude and trust (till proven otherwise) they aren't just arbitrarily going to throw anything onto this game.

[Talyn]

I'm hoping for Catwoman as an unlockable playable character.

Even better there is talk of multi-player which would pretty much require that. I could also live if they somehow got Nightwing into the universe (hey, Oracle is around).

I really hope we don't see multiplayer in this game. I'm really getting sick of multiplayer just arbitrarily being forced on games that don't need it (Bioshock 2, Dead Space 2, etc.). Rocksteady has enough on their plates just making a polished and awesome singleplayer experience that can hold up to and surpass Arkham Asylum. If they have time, they can throw in some kind of online co-op or something, but that's as much as I want in this game.

I'm going to agree with this... Having multiplayer for the sake of multiplayer is getting old and quickly. Now I wouldn't mind online co-op play at all but that should be after focusing on the singe player campaign. This is Batman afterall, we are playing this game as Batman... I'd rather not be running around a world with a ton of angtsy batman's beating each other up cause it's funny. Bring on the game though! Sounds and looks incredible. Now come on and let's see Harley next to Catwoman... :nosebleed:

[DeadlyMessiah]

The only way I could except multiplayer is under the three following conditions:

1. Nothing is sacrificed for a multiplayer experience.
2. The multiplayer is like RE5 in the fact that the second character can either be a person or AI.
3. The AI is as bright as the partners found in Uncharted 2.

I am just so sick of games that sacrifice the single player experience just for some stupid online multiplayer I will never use. I'm looking at you Modern Warfare 2.

[Fencedude]

WTF Hugo Strange! (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vga-10-batman-arkham/708342)

Anyway, this is going to be so awesome.

[Betenoire]

WTF Hugo Strange! (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vga-10-batman-arkham/708342)

Anyway, this is going to be so awesome.

Fabulous.

Though I don't know if I will be disappointed or not if the final fight is versus Strange in a Batman outfit. :sd:

[Talyn]

For those interested...

Here are some new screenshots for Batman: Arkham City (http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/125456-new-batman-arkham-city-shots)!

I must say, I love Harley's original outfit but hell even this outfit is rather delicious!

[broodwars]

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/114/1149377p2.html

Developer Rocksteady Studios has confirmed, once and for all, that there will be NO multiplayer in Batman: Arkham City. While some kind of co-op mode could possibly have worked, I'm thrilled to see Rocksteady putting their focus on what matters: the single-player mode. I'm looking forward to this game much more now.

[Talyn]

Oh that's a beautiful thing!!!! :bowsmiley: All hail Rocksteady!

[Krate]

Glad to see that there's no multiplayer.

I just finished Arkham Asylum over the weekend and now I'm pumped for Arkham City. I hope there's more riddler challenges or something similiar in the sequel. The easter egg in the Warden's Office was pretty neat to find once you completed the game.

[TheLaughingMan]

Can't wait for this sequel and am extremely happy about the confirmation of no multiplayer. Seems some devs still have Balls.

[untoldsorrow]

I just saw the most recent trailer, and it was awesome. They introduced Two face and cat woman. It also includes gameplay footage and the ability to double silent kill is going to rock. I can't wait for this game's release this holiday season.

[Talyn]

I just saw the most recent trailer, and it was awesome. They introduced Two face and cat woman. It also includes gameplay footage and the ability to double silent kill is going to rock. I can't wait for this game's release this holiday season.

I'll be looking for that trailer when I get home... double silent takedown I believe you meant. Batman doesn't kill. ;)

[Fencedude]

I just saw the most recent trailer, and it was awesome. They introduced Two face and cat woman. It also includes gameplay footage and the ability to double silent kill is going to rock. I can't wait for this game's release this holiday season.

Link?

[broodwars]

I just saw the most recent trailer, and it was awesome. They introduced Two face and cat woman. It also includes gameplay footage and the ability to double silent kill is going to rock. I can't wait for this game's release this holiday season.

Link?

Bask in the awesomeness: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gameplay-debut-batman-arkham/711829

[Fencedude]

I just saw the most recent trailer, and it was awesome. They introduced Two face and cat woman. It also includes gameplay footage and the ability to double silent kill is going to rock. I can't wait for this game's release this holiday season.

Link?

Bask in the awesomeness: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gameplay-debut-batman-arkham/711829

Goddamn thats awesome.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

I just saw the most recent trailer, and it was awesome. They introduced Two face and cat woman. It also includes gameplay footage and the ability to double silent kill is going to rock. I can't wait for this game's release this holiday season.

Link?

Bask in the awesomeness: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gameplay-debut-batman-arkham/711829

Goddamn thats awesome.

And this awesome...October? Dammit - and probably longer for UK...oh well, know what my Xmas present will be already...

[Rhodes]

still waiting to hear if there is any exclusive content for any system... and any preorder bonuses or collector's edition bonuses like with the previous game.

[TheLaughingMan]

New trailer is beast. Damnit october is still so far away...:cry:

[Talyn]

New trailer is beast. Damnit october is still so far away...:cry:

It's friggin sweet! Happy birthday me, be my present to myself cause we all know there'll be a collector's edition!

[broodwars]

New trailer is beast. Damnit october is still so far away...:cry:

It's friggin sweet! Happy birthday me, be my present to myself cause we all know there'll be a collector's edition!

Hopefully, whatever the CE will be will be leagues better than that P.o.S. that they put out for Arkham Asylum. That's one of the few CE's I still regret purchasing.

[Talyn]

New trailer is beast. Damnit october is still so far away...:cry:

It's friggin sweet! Happy birthday me, be my present to myself cause we all know there'll be a collector's edition!

Hopefully, whatever the CE will be will be leagues better than that P.o.S. that they put out for Arkham Asylum. That's one of the few CE's I still regret purchasing.

I made a tough decision not to buy the first one cause I saw it in store and was very unimpressed. I saw the batarang and put it back down.. I'm a huge Bat-fan so that wasn't easy walking away from crappy extras. I'd really like to see something on the level of Killzone 3 CE or the upcoming Mortal Kombat 9 CE (not the TE).

[TheLaughingMan]

New trailer is beast. Damnit october is still so far away...:cry:

It's friggin sweet! Happy birthday me, be my present to myself cause we all know there'll be a collector's edition!

Hopefully, whatever the CE will be will be leagues better than that P.o.S. that they put out for Arkham Asylum. That's one of the few CE's I still regret purchasing.

I made a tough decision not to buy the first one cause I saw it in store and was very unimpressed. I saw the batarang and put it back down.. I'm a huge Bat-fan so that wasn't easy walking away from crappy extras. I'd really like to see something on the level of Killzone 3 CE or the upcoming Mortal Kombat 9 CE (not the TE).

Haha, i think we all agree here. Arkham Asylum is practically the only game i bought and skipped the CE when there was one. I ALWAYS get them CE's. But that already-used cheap looking batarang just failed. I'm sure Arkham City will do better in this area...well i hope.
So Talyn, your Birthday is on the release day?

[Talyn]

Release date is 8 days prior.... but I'll be celebrating early with this game.

[Legion]

Hopefully, whatever the CE will be will be leagues better than that P.o.S. that they put out for Arkham Asylum. That's one of the few CE's I still regret purchasing.

When I bought a copy of the game the Walmart guy was pushing the CE pretty hard. His last pitch was "well, Halloween is coming up..." in reference to the crappy battarang that's included. I'm thinking "dude, I'm almost 30."

[Talyn]

Hopefully, whatever the CE will be will be leagues better than that P.o.S. that they put out for Arkham Asylum. That's one of the few CE's I still regret purchasing.

When I bought a copy of the game the Walmart guy was pushing the CE pretty hard. His last pitch was "well, Halloween is coming up..." in reference to the crappy battarang that's included. I'm thinking "dude, I'm almost 30."

haha... that's funny. I remember laughing at a sales rep when I heard something similar at Gamestop. It's probably because they are difficult to sell and have an overstock on CE's since they can be hit or miss. The original Uncharted (or was it Uncharted 2) had a CE and LE that was amazing beyond comprehension and to this day sells like a bitch on the secondary markets (ebay, marketplace, etc...)...while Bio-shock 2 and Tekken 6 have price cuts, clearance mark downs and still aren't moving... I swear I've seen so many of Bio-shock 2 CE's every store I go to that sells games...walmart, target, gamestop, etc... Either they are overproduced or crappy or both....or they are fantastic but ultra limited for a reason...

but yeah...