Irrespective of Batman knowledge, it is going to be a treat all the enemies are gripping screen stealers, stylishly supported by environment design that really enhances character and narrative. Aficionados will be aware of Hugo Strange and Talia Al-Ghul, but for many this will be a first foray into lower echelons of the Dark Knight’s rogue gallery. Marquee names like Joker and Two Face loom large, but writer Paul Dini wasn’t afraid to promote some of Batman’s less well known foes to top billing. The sheer volume of of content, the constant radio chatter, the side missions and, glaringly, the amount of villains that Batman has to beat down. STORY: One of the great strengths of Arkham City is how dense it is. This game is available for a 30 minute demo via OnLive, by clicking the banner below: Utterly commendable, the RIGHT thing to do?īut has it made the game better? Is change, however admirable it may be, always for the good? Rocksteady opted for the noble route, challenged not only themselves as a developer but also the willingness of gamers to adjust and embrace change. In a world governed by profit margin, marketing only what is familiar and bolting features onto an otherwise carbon copy of the original, Rocksteady have taken The Bat in a new direction and tried to enhance the incredible Arkham Asylum concept in every conceivable way.īut Harvey Dent isn’t right. Rocksteady opted for the latter, to their eternal credit, they decided that they could do more with Batman’s world, and they have attempted to deliver. Clean side up, the glowing face of lady liberty. The game looks the same, but fundamentally, it is different. The new Batman can choose fight or remain in the shadows? Stalk the streets or hunt from the rooftops. But the bricks and mortar of the structure are torn down, Metroid-style levels replaced by a largely open world.

The characters, distorted and exaggerated to the edge of recognition, persist. Brutal, rhythmic, dominating combat remains. Keeping only what makes the game a Batman experience. Perhaps they could take their creation, a game that remains underrated even with a Metacritic score in the low nineties, and take it to pieces. There would be no shame in it Zelda recycles the same tropes and patterns every few years, telling the same broad tale to the delight of fans across the world. Rocksteady created an instant classic with Batman: Arkham Asylum, a bruising, Metroid-style tribute to Grant Morrison’s dense, symbolic graphic novel.Īrkham City was the British developer’s chance to cash in, to empty the Dark Knight’s utility belt and give us the same adventure with a different back-drop, new setting and new villains. The defaced coin is thrown skyward, spinning in the air. Stick to the familiar, dare to be different. Interactive EntertainmentĪvailable on: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, OnLive (Reviewed on Xbox 360)

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