http://cdn1.gamepro.com/box/box_142490-hd.jpg?rand=FBBD15A3-A734-2BA6-BCE669C31609E170

The official site (http://www.batmanarkhamasylum.com/) has a ton of stuff to check out.

It's hard for a stealth game to match the enjoyment many people get from the Metal Gear Series, but this game has more potential than most. Mark Hamill is even providing the voice for the Joker as he's done in the awesome animated series.

Check out the impressive trailer (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/46638.html)and see for yourself.

Also, you MUST see this video (http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14273490/batman-arkham-asylum/videos/batman_trl_combat_042909.html)showing off the 'Free-Flow Combat' mechanics.

PS3 exclusive... play as the Joker! Here is a sweet video (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-batman-arkham/49778?type=wmv) for that mode.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEWS

[English Reviews]
GamesMaster: 96%
Game Informer: 9.5 (Second Opinion: 9.5)
PlayStation Beyond: 9.0
The Official Playstation Magazine (UK): 9/10
Playstation: The Official Magazine (US): 9/10
Official Xbox Magazine (Australia): 9/10
Total Film: 5/5
Focus: 5/5

[German Reviews]
ConsolPLUS/Consol.AT: 91%
M! Games: 90%
Play³: 90%
GamesTM: 9/10
PS3M: 9/10

[French Reviews]
Jeux Vidéo Magazine: 19/20
PSM3: 19/20

[Scandinavian Reviews]
Pelaaja: 10/10
Gamereactor: 9/10

(thx to kilongs)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Here's my spoiler-free review:

I've just finished it myself last night (Hard mode) and enjoyed the entire experience. I feel it's the best game I've played so far this year, and is perhaps the best superhero game I've ever romped through.

The first thing I'll applaud are the voice actors and script writers. If I play through this game again it is mainly to hear the back 'n forth banter of the crazy characters stuck in Arkham Asylum. Luke Skywalker continues to be the perfect voice for the Joker, just like in the cartoon show. He is in top form in this game, that almost whenever he popped in to pop off something silly, my wife would come in to chuckle at his antics.

My favorite character however is Harley Quinn. I'm still not a fan of her new sexy design, but I'm really happy they kept the same voice actress from the show. She is AMAZINGLY entertaining in this game, and I could listen to her babble on for hours if she somehow had her own game.

Graphically, the character models are stellar, and they definitely go a long way in immersing you into the action and story. What a fantastic job done by the modelers at Eidos for this title. If I had one complaint about the characters though is that there were too few of them. You will have fought the same two or three henchmen dozens of time before the game ends, which is a little low IMHO for a game so well polished.

The design of the background environment was impressive too, especially since it all takes place on one island. There's a nice variety in all of the locations to avoid a generic copy/paste look that could've crept into this kind of game, even though the same general gothic style is used throughout.

Technically speaking however, the background was merely "very good". The texture work and detail is more than adequate, but didn't impress me as much as, say, Uncharted Drake's Fortune did. It doesn't help that for most of the game (at least first time through) you are using a lot of the detective mode goggles, which brings the graphics down to basically three or four colors. Still, overall the visuals are impressive in this game.

Big props for the music BTW. It either mimic'd or used some of the riffs heard in the Dark Knight films, but either way it captures the atmosphere perfectly. To be honest, my favorite Batman game soundtrack is still Batman Returns on the Sega CD (I still listen to it every now and then), but I have no complaints about what Rock Steady plugged into this title.

On to the gameplay, overall Batman AA shines most with its action elements. The fighting engine is remarkably unique for a genre that's been around awhile, and once you get used to chaining your attacks, it really feels like you're doing something as effective as the real Batman would do (if he were real, lol).

The punches, kicks, and finishers all have a satisfying viciousness to them, and because timing and anticipation are a requirement (especially on Hard), you don't end up feeling like you are merely mashing your way through to be successful. I'm sure that a LOT of companies will start copying their fighting mechanics in some form in the future.

What adds to the fun of taking out up to 20 bad guys in one room at once are the more strategic rooms of armed guards that require you to silently disable your enemies to proceed. The developer gives you a TON of options to get the job done in true Batman style; so much so that a minor complaint is that you don't really need to focus on more than two or three techniques to get the job done. I never used the floor gratings, brought walls down on foes, used the homing batarang, planted proximity explosive gel, etc. Still, for those into replaying a good game more than once (and this is a VERY good game), you'll appreciate the fact that if you think of a unique way to dispatch a baddie, it just might work.

The boss fights were epic and simplistic at the same time. I love the presentation of these encounters, but they weren't all that tough to get through. Minor boss spoilers:
Croc was a crock... you couldn't get more easy than beating that guy despite the ferocity of his character. I also wish Rock Steady let me figure out how to dispose of him at the end. Poison Ivy was perhaps the only real challenge; but with the autosave halfway though, even she wasn't as tough as I would like. Yes, I like a good challenge, but the average gamer will be satisfied

Of course this game isn't all about fighting. There is some detective work and platforming/gliding elements as well. Using his detective mode tools were fine, but as I mentioned before it makes a lot of the exploring gameplay be reduced to a smaller color palatte. There are a bajillion sidequest items to search for (courtesy of the Riddler), and to locate a lot of them you have to put on your special sensors. Even to solve some of the minor puzzles, it helps to put these on.

I say minor puzzles because I can't remember any that stumped me. In fact, the biggest fault I have with Batman:AA is that the game is way too generous with its clue system. It's bad enough that the title is pretty linear, but it will blatantly tell you EXACTLY how to solve a problem from beginning to end. A boss is beating you down? Here's how you beat him/her. I wished I could turn off the contextual hint system, but I just resorted to averting my eyes when possible to keep the challenge up.

The game is also made easier due to the platforming design choices. If you are holding the run button, Batman will launch a perfect jump when you come to a ledge to safely get to the otherside. And if you jump over a dangerous cliff? No problem... simply hit R1 on the way to your doom and Batman will save himself. What abvout that dangerous, toxic gas down below? If you fall in, you can save yourself with a button press. Platforming as a whole is non-dangerous. The only challenge is finding your way, which your map will often generously tell you where to go.

Lastly, the game autosaves everywhere. You won't have to re-do many tough sections since, as soon as you make decent progress (even in boss fights), the game will save for you. There is a LOT of handholding in this game; the only sense of danger and true challenge comes from the fights. Other than that, a six year old should be able to mange her way though the game. Still, I liked the expansive use of gadgets, and the variety of play mechanics and item collecting kept things fresh and interesting.

If you haven't purchased this game yet, you should be ashamed as a gamer. Not since Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on my PC did I have a game experience that at least came close to a quality movie experience that it originated from (heh, Uncharted needs a film). Even though it is only a 1-player game, it has a satisfying length for the money you'll spend on it, and the replayability is as high as you want it to be since you'll have an excuse to re-experience the performances, the fighting engine (I haven't even tackled the challenge rooms yet), or completing the Riddler's sidequests... or even all three. As a PS3 owner, the icing on the cake are the exclusive Joker challenges, which allow you to use him on certain maps.

My score: 9.6/10

This game seems like it has a lot of potential. The combat footage looks very cool, and I think that the stealth aspect might be a interesting twist on the usual third person brawler.

I agree. Check out this video (http://video.thatvideogameblog.com/2009/03/27/batman-arkham-asylum-challenge-mode-walkthrough/) of the gameplay challenges. This game seems like it will be much more polished than most licensed titles. I like what I'm hearing about the enemy reactions and patterns being unpredictable every time you play.

No May release. Already pushed back to June (Amazon says 6/9), I checked out their support forum and they infer most likely later than that.

I will be getting the PC version as it uses the UT3 Engine, so it should run excellently on any moderate setup.

oh man, oh man. i really hope to goodness that this game be decent. i've had my fair share of Batman games and i've cried every single time. Justice League Heroes for me was the best one of them all, followed by Batman Returns on the SNES. but aside from that.. Batman Lego, Batman on the NES, .. that's it. i am really looking forward to this.

Batman Returns on the Sega CD was one of my favorite games from that era. Yeah, the platforming was pretty bad (the only mode available on the cartridge version BTW), but the driving/flying sequences were top tier fun.

Besides that, the game had the best original soundtrack of any game I've played besides Streets of Rage 2. It had a very good Danny Elfman vibe to it. Since it was in the Redbook format, I still have the CD and play the tunes from time to time.

probably the only good batman game we'll see for a very long time

My only concern is that the hand to hand combat isn't too repetitive.

Hopefully there will be diff combo's you can unlock or something. Of course you have bat-arangs and what-not but cqc is batman's bread and butter.

Here's a video i (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/48061.html)ntroducing Harley Quinn... they even used the same voice actress as the TV show.

Now this is cool. Seems they took a lot of inspiration from the animated series and went strait to the source for the voice acting.

If it's any reference to how they thought about the game, then it's definitely good news.

I actually don't like HQ's new look in this game. Her personality is supposed to be more of a soft insanity with just a touch of naivete innocence. She's just another hardcore criminal in this clip, and dresses like a tramp.

Well, I'm surprise at this game. It looks a lot better than I thought.

I actually don't like HQ's new look in this game. Her personality is supposed to be more of a soft insanity with just a touch of naivete innocence. She's just another hardcore criminal in this clip, and dresses like a tramp.

Meh, let's hope it's later in the game after a wardrobe change.

I'm not sold on the look either, but the voice and dialogue is spot on.

This game seems to take most of it's inspiration from the graphic novel Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth

The story is very similar. It basically batman stuck in arkham tooken over by the joker, and he has to go up against his worse enemies one by one to take out J-man

If you haven't read this and are a fan of bats then you are missing out.

I'm glad they are using a lot of the voice actors from the cartoon--they are a million times better than the usual video game voice actors.

Interestingly, Harley Quinn was directly inspired by Arleen Sorkin (the voice actor) and many aspects of her personality were written into the original character in the cartoon.

Had a chance to play the demo at my Gamestop in Naperville, IL. It was just the beat em um mode king of like horde mode in Gears of War except your beating up the baddies by yourself. Graphics were really good and the combat was very smooth. Can't wait till June for this one.

Here's a link to the official site. (http://www.batmanarkhamasylum.com/) It has some impressive stuff there, so check it out!

Also, free DLC exclusive to the PS3 version allows you to play as the Joker through special challenge sequences.

I didn't see this posted already:
http://kotaku.com/5224844/play-as-the-joker-in-arkham-asylum-ps3

It's nice to see ps3 owners getting some exclusive content :p

This game actually has me more excited than I predicted. Looks good so far!

Here's hoping its well done. But as far as "exclusive" content, I'm frankly sick of that kind of service, or pandering. Just release a game, and give the xtras to everyone who purchases, not a "select" few who opted for another system. Its one of the reasons Fallout has been gimped on the PS3.

I guess it might be too much to ask if this game has any vehicle use? Batmobile or the Batwing? Here's hoping..

Does anybody else think that every character model in this game looks like they are on steroids to the 10th degree? I mean come on....Other than that, this game looks pretty sweet, but why does every dude need to look like they are practically the Incredible Hulk or something?

Also, free DLC exclusive to the PS3 version allows you to play as the Joker through special challenge sequences.

I didn't see this posted already:
http://kotaku.com/5224844/play-as-the-joker-in-arkham-asylum-ps3


Read much? :p

Had a chance to play the demo at my Gamestop in Naperville, IL. It was just the beat em um mode king of like horde mode in Gears of War except your beating up the baddies by yourself. Graphics were really good and the combat was very smooth. Can't wait till June for this one.

How are the contols? Are you just putting in combination of buttons to pull of combos?

Read much? :p

Haha, I saw that the moment after I posted, but still thought the Home advertisement was cool, so I left it :D

How are the contols? Are you just putting in combination of buttons to pull of combos?

It's your typical beat em up button mashing. A light flashes above the enemies heads and that's when you can do a counter move. No other specific button presses.

Free-Flow combat update!

Here's a fantastic video (http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14273490/batman-arkham-asylum/videos/batman_trl_combat_042909.html)showing off how the hand-to-hand combat works.

Also, ign.com has this in-depth article (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/977/977698p1.html)on the mechanics of the fighting engine. They have some pretty cool ideas in there:

I am Batman. OK, I'm not really the Dark Knight, but this June everyone's going to get the chance to don the cape and cowl and take on the scum of Gotham City when Batman: Arkham Asylum comes to stores.

However, this game might not be the traditional Batman experience you're banking on. Sure, you're going to be dressed like a badass and using gadgets to take down bad guys, but in this title, the Joker has locked Batman in Arkham and let every crazy out of his cell. What's this mean for Batman's fighting style? Frantic, close-quarters combat, friend. FreeFlow Combat is the feature developer Rocksteady has been touting as the key to separating Batman: Arkham Asylum apart from previous Bat-inspired experiences.

What is FreeFlow Combat? Well, we know it'll let you engage tons of enemies at once, but rather than us stumble through trying to describe it, we've got the video below and an interview with Game Director Sefton Hill.

Answer the signal!

IGN: What is FreeFlow Combat?

Sefton Hill: FreeFlow Combat is designed to let the player experience what it is like to be the master of hand-to-hand combat, allowing them to showdown with huge groups of the Joker's henchmen in brutal melee brawls while chaining together unlimited combos seamlessly.

The player is not limited by which animations can link together or by having to learn a series of button combinations to pull off a move. They are free to perform any move at any time and as long as this move is successful, the player can continue this flow until they have taken down all the villains!

The combat has a unique look and feel. All of the moves flow beautifully together because of the way that Batman reacts to his attackers based on their positions and attacks. Each fight session looks beautifully choreographed, however the player is in complete control at all times.

IGN: How does it work from the player's perspective?

Sefton Hill: The main moves from the start of the game are the strike, counter, cape stun, redirect and ground takedown.

The strike is self explanatory and allows Batman to attack in any direction. The counter button allows Batman to block and then counter incoming assailants. This is definitely one of the most satisfying moves to pull off, as Batman catches an incoming fist or grabs the leg as a thug tries to kick him and then exacts a swift, painful response.

The redirect move causes Batman to vault over incoming thugs or flip out of the way of attacks. This move gives players more space and time when surrounded, and the cape stun move uses the weighted tips of Batman's cape to temporarily stun all thugs within close proximity. Both of these moves become essential tactics for some of the more skilful and well armed thugs later in the game.

Finally, there is the ground takedown move. This is an immediate knockout move that can be pull off after knocking a thug to the ground, but it is risky to do as it leaves players vulnerable while they perform the knockout blow.

The key to successful and powerful combat in Batman: Arkham Asylum is chaining all these moves together. This is done by linking together three attacking moves in quick succession. When this is done, players enter FreeFlow and all moves become much more powerful and cover a much greater range. All of these moves can be used as part of the combo flow, with the long range ground takedown particularly spectacular as Batman summersaults and spins in the air before landing on his target and punching them out. As long as players continue to perform successful moves, this combo can continue indefinitely! However, if they make a mistake, they will lose their combo and leave themselves vulnerable to attack.

Once players have mastered the basics they can introduce Batarangs, the Batclaw, takedowns and throws into their combo flow, all of which increase strategic choices even further and must be used against tougher enemies further along in the game.

IGN: How is it different from your typical button-mashing system?

Sefton Hill: Button mashing will only get you so far because you will quickly lose your combo and attacks will become much less effective. Against the weakest enemies in the game this will mean you will get hit if you do not counter the incoming attacks and just try to strike through these. Against the tougher enemies armed with knives and stun sticks, you will get punished even more if you make the wrong decision at the wrong time.

To take down enemies successfully you need to constantly assess multiple variables within the game: who is my next target, what is the most effective move to use on that target and then get the timing right for that attack. In order to master the FreeFlow system you need to make split second decisions on all three of these areas constantly which takes a very quick assessment of the situation and a lot of skill!

There is also a critical strike bonus which doubles the power of each strike. However, in order to use this power you need to get the timing of each strike perfect. If you mash the buttons you will never get the critical strike bonus.

IGN: Why did it seem like a good fit for Batman?

Sefton Hill: The FreeFlow system was designed with Batman in mind. We wanted a system that makes players feel like the ultimate melee combat master when they pick up and play Batman: Arkham Asylum for the first time. We really felt that it was important for first time players to experience what it is like to be Batman. Batman does not have any trouble dispatching any of The Joker's thugs, so why should the player struggle with this? At the same time we also designed the system to support large brawls with lots of different types of characters because Batman is going to be up against some of the toughest opponents he has ever faced all at once.

Sefton Hill: When we started work on the FreeFlow system our goal was never to make something that would be fun for a few minutes or even hours. We always wanted to create something that could work as a standalone game on its own because Batman's melee combat skills demand that he has a great combat mechanic - this can't just be a novelty experience. To deliver this we developed the FreeFlow in isolation from the rest of the game to ensure that it was good enough to justify its place not just as part of a larger experience, but as a core mechanic in its own right.

In the main story mode you start off fighting a few of The Joker's henchman and things quickly ratchet up as they scavenge new weapons from around the asylum and attack in much greater numbers. This forces players to use more advanced tactics including the evade and cape stun to subdue these henchmen. On top of this, there are more advanced enemies, such as the deformed henchmen (you get a sneak peak of in the combat trailer) that requires its own unique tactics to takedown and changes the overall fight dynamic completely as players figure out how to use the enemies against each other. In Batman: Arkham Asylum the player's constant need to select the best move, the direction of the move and get the timing right keeps the gameplay fresh throughout the entire story. And, of course, players are rewarded after each fight with extra XP for achieving a high combo and also for the amount of variety in move selection.

Beyond the story, the gameplay of the FreeFlow continues in the challenge maps where the goal is to perfect the flow and get the best scores possible. In these maps, each move has a score and this is multiplied by the current combo count. Players must to choose when to perform particular moves to get the best score, but also to keep the combo multiplier going. At the end of each level, bonuses are given for variety and not having taken damage. There is also a special "flawless" bonus for completing an entire round in one single combo flow. Each map is graded by score, and to get the top rank of three medals, players need to keep their combo flow going and pull off a great variety of moves.

Even within the studio, having played it for over a year, scores are still increasing each week as players get better and there's a massive difference between the scores players can achieve depending on how skilful they are. I was actually playing the hardest combat challenge map myself last night to try and get up on the leaderboard. I started at midnight for a quick 20-minute go and didn't finish playing until 4 in the morning!

IGN: Does the fact that there's a focus on the hand-to-hand combat mean that we won't be using Batman's gadgets as much in this game when it comes to taking bad guys down?

Sefton Hill: Batman can use most of his gadgets effectively in hand-to-hand combat in some way. The Batarang and Batclaw can be used as part of the FreeFlow at any time. The Batarang can even be upgraded allowing the player to throw three of these at once, which is really useful for crowd control.

The player can also use the explosive gel to place traps when they feel there may be an ambush. The Line Launcher (a horizontal zip line that Batman can fire out) can also be used as an entrance to combat, with Batman flying in and kicking down anyone in his way while on the launcher.

IGN: How much inspiration for this combat system did you take from the Christopher Nolan films?

Sefton Hill: I am a big fan of classic kung fu films with people such as Jackie Chan, Samo Hung and Yuen Biao, as well as Tony Jaa, and used that as in inspiration to get the flow and beauty of these fight sequences into Batman.

IGN: Could your version of Batman beat up Chuck Norris?

Sefton Hill: There's almost nothing Chuck can't do but even he can't take on Batman.

Interesting...but only because its Batman.

The local Target had a demo up. I got some playtime with the game. It's very cool, very detailed and very grungy. I like it. Chaining combos together was the best part for me since it was a short arena-like beat-em-up demo.

what is the current release date for this game? amazon has it for the 23rd of next month. and ign has it for september 30th

The game has been officially delayed until the end of summer and not for holiday 2009.. Just thought I'd throw that up there. It was set for June 23rd.

Let's hope its for fine tuning and not major issues.

Really?.. Great! June is coming. :)

ign says september 30th...not really sure as amazon DOES say the 23rd of june

Really?.. Great! June is coming. :)

It's no longer coming out in June. That is what it WAS set for.

End of summer 2009, think August/September.

Went to Best Buy today and they have the demo for the game available. They only had the PS3 version (of the demo) available in the store. You can try a couple of challenges and the controls feel good. Since it's just challenges, I can't say if the game is going to be the same.
Graphics looked like a work in progress though.
Are they going to release that demo this Thursday?

Joke trailer from E3: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-batman-arkham/49778

Looks like the PS3 gets an exclusive playable Joker mode! Pretty sweet!

Thanks for the link. Here's a Poison Ivy preview. (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/poison-ivy-batman-arkham/49586) Also, this video explains in GREAT detail how the free flow combat works. (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/free-flow-batman-arkham/49392)

Lastly, a release date has been nailed down... it will be out 8/25 in the U.S., and 8/28 in the U.K.

A demo will be released on the PSN this Thursday. (http://playstation.joystiq.com/tag/@ps3)

A demo will be released on the PSN this Thursday. (http://playstation.joystiq.com/tag/@ps3)

I wonder if this won't be the same demo that is at Target.

A demo will be released on the PSN this Thursday. (http://playstation.joystiq.com/tag/@ps3)

That can only be good news.

We tend to see demo's after release dates due to developers that have no trust in their product, or worse, trying to hide it's shortfalls.

This says the Dev's think they have a winner IMO.

A demo will be released on the PSN this Thursday. (http://playstation.joystiq.com/tag/@ps3)

Nice! Can't wait to try it!

Somewhere, deep down, I was kind of hoping I could just ignore this game but it looks like it'll actually be a good one. I never really cared for the Batman design they're using though. Way too muscle-bound.

Somewhere, deep down, I was kind of hoping I could just ignore this game but it looks like it'll actually be a good one. I never really cared for the Batman design they're using though. Way too muscle-bound.

Yeah, not too found of the over sex'd versions of Quin and Ivy myself, but boy did they get the joker right (and Hamil doing the voice was brilliant).

Still, I think it's in the vain of mixing the Miller comic book images into their own art style.

http://www.titanstower.com/assets/recroom/posters/batmannightwingposter.jpg



Gameplay looks awesome. hopefully the plot holds up.

This game looks fantastic and I can't wait until Thursday to try it out. I hope they haven't revealed all of the villains, as I really enjoy getting a surprise thrown in here and there :D

Hey all, here's a great deal to look into.... get Batman from amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-Playstation-3/dp/B001E8VB6O) for only $48! Simply add this discount code with your order and then select free shipping for the full discount.

5OFFARKM

That's like $18 less (with tax) if I bought it for the normal $60 here in SoCali.

Thanks for the Amazon discount code - I had been holding off 'til they offered the "release date delivery" option, but for $5 extra off their already good price, I can wait a couple days...

Hey all, here's a great deal to look into.... get Batman from amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-Playstation-3/dp/B001E8VB6O) for only $48! Simply add this discount code with your order and then select free shipping for the full discount.

5OFFARKM



Code also works on the collector's edition. $88.99 shipped.

Code also works on the collector's edition. $88.99 shipped.
Does the collector's edition come with a real Batarang? If not, how could they justify charging $90 for it?

Darn you joeblow. I was trying to not buy this game and save some money like Slacker George. But, I am a sucker for a good deal.

Preordered! :)


And yes collectors edition has a batarang.

And yes collectors edition has a batarang.

Holy crap! So I can throw this at my neighbors for being too loud?

Holy crap! So I can throw this at my neighbors for being too loud?

A carton of eggs is cheaper and you won't have to worry about the eggs not coming back.

I wonder if this won't be the same demo that is at Target.

I personally hope they give us a re-tooled demo to go w/ the re-tooled game. The one I tried out in early june wasn't very impressive. This game seems like it would be fun for the weekend at least. I'd rank it higher than Wolverine right now

A carton of eggs is cheaper and you won't have to worry about the eggs not coming back.
Yeah, but if I hit them in the right place, I don't have to worry about them throwing it back at me.

Though, I would probably have to get a lawyer.

Guess I'll need to buy a cowl too.

The demo is on the Euro store right now for those that don't want to wait. Everybody seems really pleased with it from what I've read.

I thought the game looked great from all the videos and trailers that were floating around, and the demo did not disappoint. I'm not a huge Batman fan or anything, so the license has little appeal to me. My only complaint would be the camera could use some work.

i created a euro account to get this demo early. let me tell you, i think only the most jaded gamers will not find this enjoyable. the combat is a little simple, but it is big fun anyway. bats has a nice heavy feel to him unlike some games. he really whips some butt in a satisfying bone crunching manner. the stealth aspect is where this game really shines though. so many different ways to dispatch your foes. i had a lot of fun just toying with the last guy. he was really freaked out. there also seems to be a lot of cool unlockables in the menu. it lets you check out some bios and statues in the demo. they are neat, especially the statues.

p.s. keep your eyes peeled for a riddler statue in one of the vents!

Downloading right now from the EU store, 43%,...waiting

knock me out with a wooden paldle. this game is surprising good.

the intro is awesome. the graphics look good. animation is a bit lacking. but were this game impresses me is gameplay.

i really dig the R2 button were you can look through buildings. go stealth behind an opponent and press triangle button.

also the way how you can use the bathook is nicely done too. clever solution for something that could be problematic.

the fighting is pretty simple though pressing square button, but why sould it be overly complicated.

oh also the audio is great. the voices and music is top notch.

my only concern about this small demo is with the fighting . the last hit you make and everything goes slowmo. i wish they give you the option to put that on or off.

other then that, it really looks like eidos has a winner on its hands. will defintly buy this game.

now i only need to wait goddamn 3 weeks before it hit shops :(

The bullet time is part of the parrying mechanic. Later on, you'll have to deal with more enemies, switch attacks, and block and it helps in timing.

Yeah... was hoping for a good game because I enjoy them, but I was kind of hoping to hate it because my bank account is getting lower and lower with these good games coming out lol.

Well, it is awesome. I am a little disappointed by the fact that Batman can't manually jump, but I can look past it because the rest of the game is quite good.

I really, really enjoyed the demo! I tried not to get my hopes up about this game but it looks like it's going to be a winner! Now how can I spare another $60... :(

I really, really enjoyed the demo! I tried not to get my hopes up about this game but it looks like it's going to be a winner! Now how can I spare another $60... :(

Cough, cough. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16943909&postcount=43);)

Cough, cough. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16943909&postcount=43);)

Ah, I see! Thanks :D

is the psn demo any different than the one that is at gamestop/fry's/etc.? it just had one challenge with varying difficulties on the gamestop demo.

It's a completely different demo.

Is that batarang made of metal? it would look good next to my masterchief head.

I really wasn't expecting much from this game since I have pretty much lost all faith in games that are based on liscenced material. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the demo. The fighting sequences at the beginning are nothing special, but the stealth sections in the second half of the demo really shine. I love having a number of cool ways to take out the enemies (especially the inverted takedown). This game is definitely on my buy-list now.

The inverted takedown is awesome! True that the steath part of the second part of the demo is great with the silent take downs. I liked it when the enemies went all terrified by their attitude, shooting from every possible angle trying to find the batman. Love the L2 feature.

Is that batarang made of metal?Aluminum

http://www.theblackbat.com/servlet/the-17/batman-batarang,-black-batarang,/Detail

Tried the demo last night, and honestly I don't understand what all the hype is about. Every fight is repetitive and nothing but about mashing a single button over and over.

Having played inFamous for the past few weeks, Arkham Asylum just doesn't impress me...

Tried the demo last night, and honestly I don't understand what all the hype is about. Every fight is repetitive and nothing but about mashing a single button over and over.

Having played inFamous for the past few weeks, Arkham Asylum just doesn't impress me...

While they are both superhero-type games, you really can't compare the two. And, btw, I agree that inFamous will always come out on top if you're going to put the two games side-by-side.

While they are both superhero-type games, you really can't compare the two. And, btw, I agree that inFamous will always come out on top if you're going to put the two games side-by-side.

Depends, inFamous and Cole are beat em up superheros, ala Superman / Wolverine,

Batman has always been a stealthy ninja detective, and I believe this is the first Batman game to actually represent that.

It;s the difference between KZ2 and MGS. Both have guns, but vary greatly in gameplay.

Not even close....I've played the Infamous demo and just played through the Batman demo....and Batman is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better and a lot more fun. Better graphics and better gameplay also. If you have infamous...might as well sell it now and pre-order this game.

Not even close....I've played the Infamous demo and just played through the Batman demo....and Batman is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better and a lot more fun. Better graphics and better gameplay also. If you have infamous...might as well sell it now and pre-order this game.Thanks for your expert opinion.

Thanks for your expert opinion.

Counts the same as your "great" opinion. D-bag

Not even close....I've played the Infamous demo and just played through the Batman demo....and Batman is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better and a lot more fun. Better graphics and better gameplay also. If you have infamous...might as well sell it now and pre-order this game.

You've got to be kidding me. inFamous, as of right now, is easily a GOTY candidate. Batman Arkham Asylum is looking good and the demo plays nicely, but I don't think it's even close to breaking into the standards that inFamous has set. In any case, that's your opinion and this is mine. Take it FWIW.

^^ I think he was merely commenting on the fact that you've labeled one game superior to the other without playing either in their entirety. Just a bit premature.

Counts the same as your "great" opinion. D-bagI haven't given my opinion but no, it would hold more weight since I've played through Infamous. If there were someone who's played through both games then their opinion would be better still.

Nothing like someone that speaks with conviction about something they know nothing about.



I played the demo of Infamous and found it "Meh." I still got it and played through it though. After just one play through it's now a GOTY candidate for me as well. The demo of Batman is good but I can't say it's better than Infamous before it's released.

Played through Batman demo last night. I didn't expect it to be any good, but it turned out to be fun. I'll play through the whole game just to listen to Skywalker's Joker though.

Lots of early previews of this game have been very positive. After playing the demo, I see why. Loads of fun.

Whoever posted that combat in this game is just about mashing one button obviously didn't get very far. There's enormous variety in choosing your approach (guns blazing, from above, from below, from behind). Gives a small taste of what the new Splinter Cell will be like. Very impressed.

It's definitely rough around the edges, but I'll absolutley be playing this one when it comes out later this month.

My Amazon order just got automatically upgraded to release date delivery!

played the demo and had fun. really enjoyed it. will play it some more..


and as far as the infamous comparison, why do people get so defensive. its freekin video game, grow up. relax. everyone has a right to an opinion.




by the way i could not stand infamous, one of the few i guess..:confused:

Play nice guys or I'll be forced to step in.

Kyser

played the demo and had fun. really enjoyed it. will play it some more..


and as far as the infamous comparison, why do people get so defensive. its freekin video game, grow up. relax. everyone has a right to an opinion.




by the way i could not stand infamous, one of the few i guess..:confused:

I played it as well and really did not get into it. I liked the short demo of Batman much more then Infamous. I played about 3 hours of Infamous and did not get sucked in.

Me too. I don't see what all the hype is for InFamous. It's Ok. I rented it and got half way thru and sent it back to GF. IMO, very repetitious and is a Mix of Star Wars FU and GTA. Got really boring to me. I would not consider it GOTY material at all.

Aluminum

http://www.theblackbat.com/servlet/the-17/batman-batarang,-black-batarang,/Detail

that batarang in your link doesn't look anything like the one in the collector's edition. not even a little. i'm still saying the ce one is plastic

The first major review appears in the OPM UK edition... a 9/10 score. Click here (http://www.ps3-sense.nl/forum/showthread.php/scans-batman-arkham-asylum-van-opm-uk-9125.html?p=121405) to read the scans.

The demo left me a little underwhelmed.


The fighting is too simple. Varied in its combos, but you had no input into which finishing move you can pull off.

Stealth worked for the most part. But too much drop down, swing up, drop down, swing up....ad nauseam.

Not a buy for me.

Not even close....I've played the Infamous demo and just played through the Batman demo....and Batman is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better and a lot more fun. Better graphics and better gameplay also. If you have infamous...might as well sell it now and pre-order this game.

Thanks for your advice. Based on your post I just sold Infamous and pre-ordered Batman. Seeing as how I didn't finish Infamous yet, I really hope you are right. For now I'll play the batman demo over and over.

Nothing like someone that speaks with conviction about something they know nothing about.



I played the demo of Infamous and found it "Meh." I still got it and played through it though. After just one play through it's now a GOTY candidate for me as well. The demo of Batman is good but I can't say it's better than Infamous before it's released.

demos > full game;)

Game Informer (print mag) gives the Dark Knight a 9.5/10 rating.

Early review scores stolen from neogaf:

[English Reviews]
GamesMaster: 96%
Game Informer: 9.5 (Second Opinion: 9.5)
Xbox World 360: 95%
PlayStation Beyond: 9.0
The Official Playstation Magazine (UK): 9/10
Playstation: The Official Magazine (US): 9/10
Official Xbox Magazine (Australia): 9/10
Total Film: 5/5
Focus: 5/5

[German Reviews]
ConsolPLUS/Consol.AT: 91%
M! Games: 90%
360 Live: 90% (Reader Review: 88%)
Play³: 90%
GamesTM: 9/10
PS3M: 9/10

[French Reviews]
Jeux Vidéo Magazine: 19/20
PSM3: 19/20

[Scandinavian Reviews]
Pelaaja: 10/10
Gamereactor: 9/10

Thanks for the summary. I'll add it to the first post with credit. It looks like a high quality release.

Good scores! seams all worthed!

I thought this was pretty funny. Dark Knight told via TF2 death signs.

http://www.halolz.com/2008/09/16/the-dark-knight-told-in-tf2-death-signs/

http://i32.tinypic.com/2z4mo0y.gif

For those Canadians out there or Americans that live close to the boarder Batman: Arkham Asylum will be $38.83 at Walmart. This is for both the PS3 and XBox version. It comes with a bonus armor for the challenge mode (whatever that means). I'm sure you can price match it at other stores.

PS3:
http://walmart.ca/Canada-FeaturedPage.jsp?selection=listingDetails&assetId=51979&imageId=71725&departmentId=180&categoryId=1024&tabId=22

XBox 360:
http://walmart.ca/Canada-FeaturedPage.jsp?selection=listingDetails&assetId=51978&imageId=70853&departmentId=183&categoryId=1082&tabId=22

For those Canadians out there or Americans that live close to the border Batman: Arkham Asylum will be $38.83 at Walmart. This is for both the PS3 and XBox version. I'm sure you can price match it at other stores.

PS3:
http://walmart.ca/Canada-FeaturedPage.jsp?selection=listingDetails&assetId=51979&imageId=71725&departmentId=180&categoryId=1024&tabId=22


Awesome find... probably saved me $30. Thanks!!

Finally played the demo, this game seems really good!

Finally played the demo, this game seems really good!

Sure is. I'm looking forward to reviewing this game!

played the demo and liked it... may rent to play in the future.

Review at ign.com is up,....and it Good! ;)

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/101/1016585p1.html

for those at work:

Batman: Arkham Asylum Review
Behold the greatest comic book game of all time.
by Greg Miller
August 21, 2009 - It's not often that I'm conflicted about a game. Don't get me wrong, review scores are in the eye of the beholder so I'm sure there are plenty of times that you've read something I have written and not agreed with me. I mean that it's rare for me to play a game during a demo and not have a solid idea of what the final product is going to be. I played bits of Batman: Arkham Asylum a few times before I finally got a copy to review, and I always found myself coming away with mixed feelings. I enjoyed the combat and attacking from the shadows, but the pacing seemed off and Batman's movements seemed stiff. Could Rocksteady really pull everything together to deliver on one of DC Comics' biggest franchises?

After having beaten the game, I can tell you the answer is most certainly "Yes."



It not what I say that defines this video review, but what I do.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is a third-person action game casting you as -- you guessed it, chum -- the Dark Knight himself. The title opens with Batman racing back to Arkham, Gotham's home for the criminally insane, with the Joker in tow. Seems the Clown Prince of Crime broke out a few weeks ago, but Batman was able to track him down and re-apprehend the baddie. However, things are never what they seem with the Joker, so after getting the wiry maniac back into the building -- a building stocked with hundreds of the Joker's goons after a "mysterious" fire at their prison -- Mr. J breaks free with the help of Harley Quinn, takes control of the penitentiary, and releases all the inmates.

Holy plot twist, Batman!

From there, you're off on an adventure that ranks right below The Dark Knight movie in terms of awesome Batman experiences. The actual Arkham campus is a loony bin spread across multiple buildings on one massive rock. With the Joker in charge you're going to have to swing over rooms filled with gas, save doctors, rip vent covers off the walls so you can make a path around locked doors, and move as fast as Batman can to stop the Joker from releasing an army of monsters on the people of Gotham City.

Now, that might sound like your typical Batman story -- and it kind of is -- but it's important to point out that this is a fairly adult title. Yeah, some of the folks from Batman: The Animated Series are back to reprise their roles (Mark Hamill is the Joker, Kevin Conroy is Batman, and Arleen Sorkin is Harley Quinn), but this isn't the cartoon. Harley's wearing a fairly skimpy outfit that shows off her lady parts, Poison Ivy's in some painted-on panties, colorful language like "ass" and "bitch" is peppered in, and there are people getting murdered left and right. Arkham itself is a dark and dingy place that just had every psychopath housed there run through the halls tearing the building apart. Dead guards are laid out on the floor, papers are strewn about, and the facilities have seen better days.

Strike from the shadows. Be Batman.These adult themes tied in with a very, very Batman-looking world really drive home your connection to the story. I don't think I'm ever going to forget Mr. Zsasz holding a knife to a female doctor, her screaming for me to save her, the Joker screaming at Zsasz to kill her, and Zsasz screaming at me to stay back. After years of the Riddler being goofy, I realized Arkham's version of the character was on a different level when he told a Riddle that ended in dismembering a baby. Plus, the segments where you're under the Scarecrow's influence and Batman's worst fears are realized are some of the coolest, most cerebral parts of the game. These are the moments that wrapped me up in the experience and made me feel like Batman on the longest night of his life.

Gameplay in this dark, creepy world breaks down into three main portions -- fist fighting, attacking from the shadows, and exploration. As you move from room to room chasing Harley or Commissioner Gordon's kidnapper, you're going to run into bad guys. Lots of times, you'll find a crew milling about or the Joker will spring a trap with handfuls of guys who are ready to kill you. This is when you'll make use of your straight hand-to-hand moves.

Fist fighting in Arkham Asylum is pretty much the definition of an easy to learn/hard to master combat system. The game allows Batman to move faster than his enemies (He's a trained ninja, people!) and engage them in 360 degrees. You just point your left stick towards whatever enemy you want to attack and Batman follows suit. Through four buttons -- strike, reverse, jump, and stun -- you'll unleash Mr. Wayne's fury on the scum of the Earth. Obviously, you can just mash the strike button and take down the bad guys with a healthy set of animations -- dropkicks, elbows, punches, and more are peppered in -- and reverse when you see the spider-sense icon pop-up above a bad guy's head, but there's a sweet science to this madness.

This system is great. I felt empowered as I knocked these creeps down, grabbed their bats and slammed them back into the attackers. I'm sure it sounds like the process could get repetitive, but the crooks start using tasers and knives eventually, and that leads to you having to fight them in a different way and avoid simply mashing the strike button; you need to get behind the taser-packing guys to strike and daze the knife dudes before socking them in the jaw.

As you ping-pong off people with your savage attacks, a combo meter tallies your strikes on the left side of the screen. As long as each of your attacks is landing (Don't mash the buttons; pick your shots.) and you're not getting hit (Reverse, Master Bruce!), the combo count keeps climbing. I'm sure it sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how good you have to be to link together massive combos. If you can get the count up to eight (five with an upgrade), you can do special moves once you've unlocked them, and I can tell you that I don't do special moves all that often.



Let IGN Strategize be your Alfred.

Still, whatever your largest combo is by the end of the fight, you're going to get a bonus in terms of XP. See, there's this little circle in the upper-right corner of the screen that is your XP gauge. Pulling off moves and besting challenges fills in the gauge, and when the two ends meet, you get to pick an upgrade for either Batman's suit for more health, moves for super-cool takedowns, Batarangs for power and such, or other weapons like your explosive gel.

You're also going to earn XP by taking out your opponents from the shadows. While there are going to be those times where Joker's men ambush you, there are also "Invisible Predator" moments. This is where you get the drop on a roomful of bad guys who are patrolling. These sections are cool because they forced me to play like Batman and not some random action game character. I'd shoot up to a gargoyle, kick on detective mode to see how many enemies I was up against, and then start picking them off one by one. If there was just one dude with a gun in the group, I'd glide in to take him out and then move to the other baddies. If there was more than one gunman, I'd stick to the shadows so as not to get my brains blown against the wall.

There's a lot of freedom on how you want to engage these bad guys, and it's one of the best parts of the game. You could wait for a guy to be alone and then glide kick in and perform a ground takedown, but you've got access to Batman's entire utility belt if you want. Once everything's unlocked, you can use explosive gel to blow out walls and knock guys out, you can through Sonic Batarangs that'll then explode, you can pull people over railings with the grappling hook, and you smash through windows to take guys out.

And all of that is just for starters. There's a line launcher, grates to pop out of, and gargoyles to hang bad guys from. Still, for me, the most satisfying part of these missions are the silent takedowns. This is where you crouch, come up behind an unsuspecting grunt, and choke the guy out. There are a few animations for these moves, and they're so quiet that even a bad guy just a few feet away from the attack can't hear it.

What do you fear?While I enjoy the fact that the AI doesn't notice friends getting silently KO'd, there are plenty of times you'll plop down next to a goon or come right up on his peripheral vision and not be seen even though you would be in real life. Playing on Hard, which is available from the start, makes the AI a bit smarter, but I still could've gone for more attentive henchmen.

Still, Arkham excels despite any miniscule gripe I might have, and a big part of that draw is how much fun it is to explore this place. There are six main buildings on the island and each is cavernous. These places are filled with cells, laboratories, libraries, and more. Most of the interesting rooms are locked or blocked, so it's up to you to use your cryptographic sequencer to hack security panels or the gel to knock down walls and crawl through grates to get where you're going.

The driving motivation behind these quests will be the 240 Riddler challenges in the game. Every so often, the man in green chirps a riddle into Batman's earpiece that pertains to the room the Caped Crusader is in, and it'll be up to you to locate the answer and scan it with your analysis tool. Beyond those word problems, the Riddler's challenges include trophies he's tucked away in the asylum, visual puzzles you can only solve through Detective Mode, and more. It took me about nine hours to finish this game on the normal difficulty, but once I was done, I doubled back and spent another two or three hours polishing off Edward Nigma's challenges -- it was pretty awesome to walk around the empty buildings (there's no aftermath to play through so a completed save just picks up right before the final battle) and get to take in every poster, prop, and sight gag Rocksteady included as a nod to the comics.

Without spoiling anything, finding Ra's al Ghul is pretty cool.

One of the things you'll be collecting as you go off on the Riddler's challenge is patient interviews. These are five-part audio logs for each of the main villains in the game. Each one of these is a mini-story showing you how sick these people are as they converse with the Arkham staff -- Poison Ivy almost kills her doctor, Croc talks about eating people, and the Joker turns Harley to the darkside. Each of them is riveting and really gives you a well-rounded look at who the Scarecrow is and why the Riddler is so crazy. These are stored in the character bio section for each main villain. Even though most don't have audio logs, there are 42 bios to unlock.



Va-va-va-voom.

As if all this story mode content wasn't enough to keep you wrapped up in your Robin PJs, Arkham Asylum also tosses in 16 challenge rooms for you to go nuts in. Again, these are broken up between 360-degree fighting and the Invisible Predator challenges, but there's more pressure thanks to the three medals for every event and the online leaderboards. For the straight fighting ones, you'll need to pull off certain scores to come away with one, two, or three medals. Getting the highest honor of three awards means that you're chaining together insane combos and decimating anyone who gets in your way. Eventually, you'll only have a certain amount of time to finish these fights. Meanwhile, in the Invisible Predator rounds, you'll get medals for pulling off certain feats such as zip-lining into an enemy and knocking him over a railing as well as blowing up three different walls while taking out three different enemies at the same time.

Personally, I wasn't sold when I first heard about these challenges -- I mean, they're in the same environments as the fights in the story, so it's kind of like you're just replaying certain levels again. However, once I started chasing scores on the leaderboards (which are displayed when you're browsing through the different challenges) and hunting the Trophy/Achievement for the 40-hit combo, I could see how great these sections were to just drop in and fight. Again, it's a blast to be Batman and take out crooks with flipping punches and well-timed Batarangs, so it's only more fun to do it as fast as possible and beat your buddy's score.

I've touched on how well-done and important characterization is in this game, but I do need to take a second and tell you how good the voice acting and sound is as well. There were plenty of times I'd find myself just sitting in an air duct listening to the Joker yammer over the loudspeaker. Mark Hamill is excellent in this game -- his inflection, his timing, and everything else is just spot-on. Thing is, he's not the exception to the rule -- Batman, Poison Ivy, the Riddler all sound excellent. Sure, some of the guards are hit or miss, but the characters you care about nail it. Add in the fact that you have an orchestral score that fits the dark, brooding mood of the game, and you have a title that is everything a Batman game's supposed to be in terms of mood.

How would you beat him?In terms of visual fidelity, Batman: Arkham Asylum looks great. The island is that right creepy/cool mix, and the fact that Batman's face and suit takes damage as the story progresses drives home how bad this night has been. Still, there is some screen tearing during the opening movie, CGI stuff has a tendency to get some pixelization, and the in-game cutscenes have guards with bug-eyes and shoddy lip syncing. None of those are giant issues, but they're there and it can hurt the presentation to see Joker wiggling his head around while talking to Batman but clearly never be looking at Batman.

If you want to start a flame war, the graphics tend to be sharper on the Xbox 360 when compared to the PS3, which packs a 1.2 GB install that lasts for three minutes. Still, it's not enough to matter in terms of how great this game truly is so don't expect a score difference in terms of reviews. Of course, the PS3 also has the exclusive ability to take on challenges as the Joker, but I'm not including that in this review because the Joker stuff isn't on the game disc -- it's free DLC you get from the PlayStation Store.

Closing Comments
Batman: Arkham Asylum is the greatest comic book videogame of all time. This is an adult Dark Knight story that is well-told, packs some truly fun gameplay elements, has topnotch voice talent, and feel like it's part of Batman cannon. If I have to nitpick, I wish the cutscenes looked better as they can distract from the tale and that the AI was a bit more responsive, but those are tiny flaws that shouldn't distract from the big picture.

Rocksteady nailed what Batman is supposed to feel like. Fans, rejoice.

Another Take
from Hilary Goldstein
I love the Dark Knight. Aside from the Flash, he's my favorite comic book character. I know, a lot of people say Batman is their favorite, but I really am an all-out Bat-nut. I have more than 100 Batman graphic novels on my bookshelf. I've read just about every Batman story ever written. I'd like to think I'm a tough critic when it comes to all things Batman. Without question, Batman: Arkham Asylum is the best game based on a comic book and the more true to the Dark Knight than any videogame, TV show, or movie. It's better than a lot of Batman comics to boot.
Though there is some combat, the focus is on Batman's stealth abilities and his detective skills. Rocksteady got every aspect of the big bad Bat right -- from his use of gadgets, to his intellect, to his unwavering will to pummel evil into submission. This game has references to Calendar Man and Maxie Zeus, along with a great cameo by Clayface and an amazing performance by Mark Hamill as the Joker. Top to bottom this is an amazing piece of work and a real tribute to one of comics' greatest characters.

What I loved, which Greg didn't really touch on, is that Arkham Asylum doesn't get tied down with traditional boss battles. Sure, there are goons to smack around and some of the bosses are traditional, but there are many you don't truly fight. I won't spoil any of these moments, but, as is the case in the comics, often the real challenge is getting to the enemy. Once Batman is upon them, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that he's going to win. Games in the past tried to force Batman into these ridiculous situations where the Riddler or Penguin are somehow combat equals with the Dark Knight. There's not a single boss battle in Arkham Asylum where I thought, "This is totally out of character."

My gripes are minor. Batman can sometimes still look a bit awkward when he runs into parts of the environment, the AI should be much better for a stealth-heavy game and the Killer Croc sequence is long and repetitive. But otherwise, this is one of the best games I've played this year.

IGN Ratings for Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3)
Rating Description
out of 10 click here for ratings guide
9.0 Presentation
This is what Batman's world feels like. It's dark and gritty. You'll feel Batman's frustration and the terror of hostages. In-game cutscenes and lip syncing could be better.
8.5 Graphics
Batman's forearms are too big and hair tends to look plasticy, but the game looks great in motion. Batman's damage detail by the end of the game is a nice touch.
9.5 Sound
Most of the voice acting is out of the world good. I could listen to the Joker and Riddler talk all day long. The score sets the mood as well. Excellent work.
9.5 Gameplay
At its core, the fist fighting is simple but it is fun. Meanwhile, attacking from the shadows and using bat-gadgets is what being Batman is all about.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
Beating the story and 240 riddles took me 12 hours. If you don't feel like Edward's clues, you'll be done faster. The challenge mode should keep you going if you dig the combat.
9.3
Outstanding OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

Wow, this may be one of the best licensed video games of all time (up there with N64 GoldenEye).

For those Canadians out there or Americans that live close to the boarder Batman: Arkham Asylum will be $38.83 at Walmart. This is for both the PS3 and XBox version. It comes with a bonus armor for the challenge mode (whatever that means). I'm sure you can price match it at other stores.

PS3:
http://walmart.ca/Canada-FeaturedPage.jsp?selection=listingDetails&assetId=51979&imageId=71725&departmentId=180&categoryId=1024&tabId=22

XBox 360:
http://walmart.ca/Canada-FeaturedPage.jsp?selection=listingDetails&assetId=51978&imageId=70853&departmentId=183&categoryId=1082&tabId=22

What stores can I pricematch this with? Will best buy take it even thought it is from a website?

Just picked this up from the Toys R Us in Times Square, got a free $30 gift card for being a Rewards member. (GC's $20 if not a member, but it's free to sign up.) Looking forward to cracking it open.

I got the shipping e-mail from Amazon, should be here today if they bumped it up to same day delivery (I think they did).

Here's a list of the Batman deals: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234492

" * Amazon: $12 cheaper with 5OFFARKM code and Amazons lower price, bonus Comic Book

* Best Buy: $10 gift card, Batman DVD Pack

* Buynextgen.com: $43.95

* Gamestop: Bonus Scarecrow map (25% off any pre-owned games with pre-order, and additional Edge Card Discount is available, too)

* Gamecrazy: Joker T-Shirt

* Toys R Us: $20 gift card, $30 gift card if you are a Rewards R Us member

* Walmart: In-game armor (already unlockable if you complete the game)"


Most important is the Toys R Us deal that only goes from 10am-2pm today. Receive a $30 gift card with purchase, though you have to be a Rewards member (you can register online and print a temporary Rewards card). The card is supposed to expire on 10/31, though some have received gift cards that do not expire.

http://arkhamcare.com/

I went to Best Buy and didn't see any deals there. Is it online only?

For those in Canada, Future Shop is selling for 38.83 until the 27th. I just picked up my copy. Also they have posted the list of "most wanted" trade games with pricing so you know what you'll get before you get there.

Cheers!

Shorty - Looks like it's online

Don't know if this link will work directly:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=6DBCBCCBAC44FB555C8C7C2A785E0F5A.bbol sp-app03-29?type=category&id=pcmcat189800050014

Doesn't Best Buy match their own online prices?

I thought they did...

Here's a list of the Batman deals: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234492

" * Amazon: $12 cheaper with 5OFFARKM code and Amazons lower price, bonus Comic Book

* Best Buy: $10 gift card, Batman DVD Pack

* Buynextgen.com: $43.95

* Gamestop: Bonus Scarecrow map (25% off any pre-owned games with pre-order, and additional Edge Card Discount is available, too)

* Gamecrazy: Joker T-Shirt

* Toys R Us: $20 gift card, $30 gift card if you are a Rewards R Us member

* Walmart: In-game armor (already unlockable if you complete the game)"


Most important is the Toys R Us deal that only goes from 10am-2pm today. Receive a $30 gift card with purchase, though you have to be a Rewards member (you can register online and print a temporary Rewards card). The card is supposed to expire on 10/31, though some have received gift cards that do not expire.

The code for amazon didn't work :(

Amazon code was probably only for preorders.

Sorry; guess most of the deals were pre-order oriented.

Got the Toys R Us $30 deal today. They had some extra gift cards cards left over; I wonder if they will just keep handing them out until the cards are gone, since the deal was supposed to end at 2pm. I'll be using the $30 card to buy Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2.

Only if you do "In-store pick up".

Doesn't Best Buy match their own online prices?

I thought they did...

just got home a bit ago. popped this in. first off the audio is unreal...full use of the surrounds.

the graphics are perfect for the game, very crisp.

later tonite i will be playing for a while on the 106" screen. i will post some pics.

very excited, from what i have read, and played (just the opening) could be a must ps3 buy.

I'm loving the music in the game. I'm not really following the storyline at the moment, I'm more addicted to solving the "Riddler's challenges"... Awesome game!

#1 twitter trending topic

Wow, who'd have thought a comic book adaptation game would be getting such high scores across the board. I can see this game winning a lot of game sites' year-end awards.

Surprised more people don't seem to be playing this? What with the wealth of deals available and the amount of hype, I thought it was a surefire best-seller. Anyway, here's my (lengthy) review, from playing an hour or three last night.

Overall, so far I'd say the glowing reviews are slightly inflated stemming from shock that a licensed game not only doesn't suck, but is actually quite good. What I mean is, it's a bit of a reach to go screaming Game of the Year, but it's a damn fun game anyway. Definitely the best superhero game ever made, and possibly the best licensed game ever made.

The core gameplay is solid and totally character-appropriate. Batman is a guy who can fearlessly wade into a crowd of muscley thugs and easily take them all down in brutal, cinematic fashion. I've heard complaints that the fighting system is a bit too "press one button repeatedly to make random pretty animations happen," but this is how it should be. I hate it in superhero games when the world-beating hero has trouble taking down Street Thug #5 because the player or fighting system is retarded. Here, the challenge is not in beating up the thugs--that's not even in question--but rather in beating them up in as smooth and efficient a manner as possible. That's a damn superhero.

And when guns come into play, you have to use your smarts and seemingly infinite number of ways of being a total fear-mongering creepy dick to survive. Nothing like waiting on a gargoyle above a thug, zipping down and grabbing him, and leaving him hanging for his increasingly jittery buddy to find. And then cutting the rope with a batarang from afar to make him fall on and KO said buddy. That's the most Batman thing I've ever seen. (Buy the "Inverted Takedown" upgrade as soon as you see your first gargoyle.)

My quibbles with the game are all fairly minor: Batman gets snagged on hallway corners a little too easy when trying to run around, making the info readout pop up for an intended target while in "Detective Mode" can be a little finicky, conversations with guards are ultra-repetitive, "Batman? More like Grate-man," etc. And I'm surprised that I seem to be the only one who dislikes the art design, it being this grotesque mishmash of cartoonish anatomy overlaid with "GRITTY, REALISTIC" rubbery textures. Batman himself looks a bit mongoloid, with his ape forearms and giant face; and dammit, don't give Batman pupils unless it's live-action.

Also, do half of the Arkham guards (the Caucasian half) look vaguely like Jake Gyllenhaal, or is it just me?

But all this is counterbalanced by the insane attention to detail and great care taken to do the license justice, which is the game's real strength. There's of course the casting of three of the voice actors from the great cartoon, a script by one of the driving forces of that cartoon (Paul Dini), and just a ton of little things besides. All the guards have names, for one thing. Thugs will chatter about past experiences with Batman if they don't realize you're there. And when the Riddler first makes his presence known and gives you his first (incredibly easy) riddle, if you just dawdle and don't solve it for a while, he'll start issuing increasingly frustrated, sarcastic and transparent "hints" that eventually culminate in his basically screaming the solution at you in disbelief. Stuff like this just shows how much effort went into making a fully fleshed out, cohesive world, which is rare enough for any game, let alone one that could've easily been a licensed garbage dump. The game just screams "effort" and feels like a labor of love, despite being yet another vehicle for a character that's a corporate icon more than anything at this point.

That said, would the game be as cool if you were some generic urban ninja instead of Batman? No, but it'd still be a fun, well-put-together game with solid, innovative--if not quite revolutionary--gameplay. In other words, this is a game that is heavily enhanced by its license, but doesn't completely rely on it. Even if you don't like superheroes or hate stealth gameplay (as I do), it's definitely worth trying. But if you're a Batman fan, there's no question that you should pick this up.

^^^ Thanks for this awesome personal review.

With the $30 gift card deal at TRU and the exceptionally high ratings, buying this was a no brainer to me. For that matter, there was a line of people at TRU to get this game by the time my wife bought it. She was 2nd in line where she got it and apparently a lot of other people showed up after her.

Overall, so far I'd say the glowing reviews are slightly inflated stemming from shock that a licensed game not only doesn't suck, but is actually quite good. This was my experience too. I think review sites are treating this as a "surprise," so their grades get bumped higher than the game really deserves. It's realistically more like a 8.5/10 (or 4/5, or B+, depending on your scoring preference). Still great, but not exceptional. Reviewers love to think they've discovered some unexpected treasure, so they can easily get over-excited about surprises like this.

As most reviews at least point out, the game's got its share of issues, but the good stuff mostly outweighs them.

Sure, and then you got titles like GTAV.... rated to match the hype.

There's only one reviewer that matters, and it's me. From the looks of it and the demo, looks like Batman is as great as everyone says. That's pretty crazy considering how hard it is to reach that sort of consensus.

I played the demo and decided to wait to get the game based on reviews from real people. I have to object to one thing in your personal review(and it was really good IMO). At least based on the demo this is the best thing I have ever seen graphically on the PS3. Much better than Drakes fortune or Madden 2010...which are supposed to be "awesome" graphically. Now I dont play a lot of games but this game graphic wise totally blew me away which is one of the reasone I will get it for sure. Am I alone here ? The graphics and batman inparticular look really, really good.
Its rare the game actually looks like the screenshots...but in this case it does.

at the moment i am at the scarecrow part and it is freak fooking awesome.

i was never much a DC guy always loved the Marvel comics way more. but holycow. best comic to game adaption ever.

the game is huge and some parts you can only get to once you have upgraded your powers. als the riddlers challenges are great too.

OVerall this is the game to get. Eidos sucks a game company with their paid reviews. but cant deny that this game is great. must buy.

best comic to game adaption ever.It isn't exactly an "adaptation." Its using DC's comic IP, but the game owes as much (if not more) to Burton's and Nolan's movies and the cartoon as it does to the various comic interpretations.

Also, that's not saying much. What really good comic-to-game translations have there been?

Regardless, yes, this is an excellent game. I'm so glad they went the stealth action route instead of the predictable action route. This was clearly put together by people who know and love Batman in all his forms. More remarkably, they were able to stick to their vision and give us a quality game. Puts (almost) all other licensed games to shame.

It isn't exactly an "adaptation." Its using DC's comic IP, but the game owes as much (if not more) to Burton's and Nolan's movies and the cartoon as it does to the various comic interpretations

It sure seems like a loose adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name: Batman: Arkham Asylum (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-15th-Anniversary/dp/1401204252/). It's got a lot of differences, but it also takes a lot of imagery and ideas from this book.

It sure seems like a loose adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name: Batman: Arkham Asylum (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-15th-Anniversary/dp/1401204252/). It's got a lot of differences, but it also takes a lot of imagery and ideas from this book.

Agreed. You should all read this book :D

It sure seems like a loose adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name: Batman: Arkham Asylum (http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-15th-Anniversary/dp/1401204252/). It's got a lot of differences, but it also takes a lot of imagery and ideas from this book.Well shut my mouth. Think that earns me a week off of my usual verbal diarrhea. See y'all in a week! :o :o

Yeah this game is a must buy for batman fans. They nailed it finally. Great to hear the animated voices from the series. :D

I also got through Scarecrow last night. That was creepy.

I like how the game is 3rd person, but Batman is off center so you can see better. My biggest PITA is having to hold X to run, which makes it hard to simultaneously turn with the right stick.

The combat is awesomeness. How high of a combo are you guys getting? I get up to 10 occasionally, but usually only 5-6. Need more practice.

Last night I discovered if you go to the movie column of the XMB while the game is in, there are some behind the scenes videos you can watch. This is the first game I've seen do that.

Sure, and then you got titles like GTAV.... rated to match the hype.

That's what is keeping me from buying this. I am sure it's good... but I am so sick of buying games at release only to find I was suckered by the hype. Again. Hell thats why I don't read NeoGAF anymore. I bought so many **** games because the people on there were going nuts over them.

Much better than Drakes fortune or Madden 2010...which are supposed to be "awesome" graphically.

You realize Uncharted is almost 2 years old now right? The fact that the game still looks better than 90%+ of games being out today is amazing.

Deal of the day (expires Sept 5)
you get a $10 video game credit if you buy Batman AA! :) from Amazon.com

Was the Gamestop pre order worth it?

For the extra map..

"OPM gave Arkham a 9/10, citing "Arkham Asylum is comfortably the best comic book game that PlayStation's ever had, and is up there with the system's best actioners, full stop." "

Nice to see reviewers are already trying to use this game to subtly belittle Infamous :rolleyes: I wonder if they get their marching orders from some Microsoft Minister of Propaganda or if they just know intuitively to include these things in reviews.

I have to object to one thing in your personal review(and it was really good IMO). At least based on the demo this is the best thing I have ever seen graphically on the PS3. Am I alone here ? The graphics and batman inparticular look really, really good.I don't disagree. The graphics are awesome; it's the art style I don't terribly care for. But obviously that's totally subjective.

Nice to see reviewers are already trying to use this game to subtly belittle Infamous :rolleyes: I wonder if they get their marching orders from some Microsoft Minister of Propaganda or if they just know intuitively to include these things in reviews.

I don't see it... Infamous isn't even based on a comic book.

That's what is keeping me from buying this. I am sure it's good... but I am so sick of buying games at release only to find I was suckered by the hype. Again. Hell thats why I don't read NeoGAF anymore. I bought so many **** games because the people on there were going nuts over them.

True, but the very early Demo eviscerated any doubts from me. I could tell the devs were serious when they ran off right away to grab the story writer and voice actors from the animated series. Right there you know the guy running the show, or someone close to him, knows his stuff as far as the license was concerned, which just totally blew me away. You don't see that much, especially in this material. Then the demo sealed the gameplay.

I'll be buying this one; just going to beat GB and Bioshock first. Dev's that put in that kind of thought, give us good gameplay, and know what they're doing are few and far between and deserve my cash for their work.

I find it funny that we get a really good Batman game, and a really good Ghostbusters game in the same year. these types of games are usually afterthoughts to make a money grab, and end up being licensed to studios who make them as cheap as possible.

Maybe publishers and owners are starting to realize that that model does nothing but hurt the IP in the long run.

I don't see it... Infamous isn't even based on a comic book.

You play the game? In some ways it *was* a comic book.

You play the game? In some ways it *was* a comic book.

Sure I have. But I think the comparison is being made against established comic book franchises (Uncharted is very cinematic, but I wouldn't classify it as a film-based game).

You play the game? In some ways it *was* a comic book.

I'm pretty sure they're just saying "best game based on a pre-existing comic book that isn't simply the presentation of the game but is, perhaps, something people have read in the past and grown up with"

Maybe they just wanted to use less words.

Or maybe you are right, and they were trying to say "inFamous, on the other hand, blew goats because it was a PS3 exclusive"

Or maybe you are right, and they were trying to say "inFamous, on the other hand, blew goats because it was a PS3 exclusive"

I thought the message was more "Yeah, that InFamous thing was alright, but the multiplatform game was definitely better and you can get it on the 360."

I thought the message was more "Yeah, that InFamous thing was alright, but the multiplatform game was definitely better and you can get it on the 360."

It would certainly make sense for "OFFICIAL PLAYSTATION MAGAZINE" to slyly knock a platform exclusive and push a game that's available on the 360. I'm also quite certain you've cracked their code of taking marching orders from Microsoft....

It would certainly make sense for "OFFICIAL PLAYSTATION MAGAZINE" to slyly knock a platform exclusive and push a game that's available on the 360. I'm also quite certain you've cracked their code of taking marching orders from Microsoft....

Hahaha I had no idea that's what OPM stood for. I guess I'm wrong then...I just don't like the implication that a frachise game is better than Infamous. That game was an amazingly unique experience and deserves credit for it. I want my sequel.

The combat is awesomeness. How high of a combo are you guys getting? I get up to 10 occasionally, but usually only 5-6. Need more practice.

I'm playing the game on HARD. Longest combo I've strung was 19 (missed out on the x20 by 1). I'm usually stringing x10.



I find it funny that we get a really good Batman game, and a really good Ghostbusters game in the same year. these types of games are usually afterthoughts to make a money grab, and end up being licensed to studios who make them as cheap as possible.

Yeah, very refreshing. I just wish that someone would be able to make an awesome Superman game.

I just don't like the implication that a frachise game is better than Infamous.

I don't think that was implied, at all. It's simply saying that it's better than the Wolverine game, Marvel Alliance, The Hulk, etc. You know--games actually based on comic book characters.


As Freud said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."

Hahaha I had no idea that's what OPM stood for. I guess I'm wrong then...I just don't like the implication that a frachise game is better than Infamous. That game was an amazingly unique experience and deserves credit for it. I want my sequel.

A lot of games are better than Infamous.

I'm playing the game on HARD. Longest combo I've strung was 19 (missed out on the x20 by 1). I'm usually stringing x10.


For most games, I usually go through my first play through on Hard these days. I haven't gotten my copy yet (free shipping from Amazon = five day wait); are you happy so far with the challenge?

Also, that's not saying much. What really good comic-to-game translations have there been?


Batman on the NES. That's about it. Spiderman on the 2600 was sweet though. I liked defusing the guys in pink shirts by spider kicking them in the face.



Yeah, very refreshing. I just wish that someone would be able to make an awesome Superman game.

Again a vote for the 2600. Superman was freakin' sweet.

Great game so far (beat the Scarecrow part). It's not as engaging as inFamous, I like the open world and power progression of inFamous. Arkham Asylum is just a bit too linear, they present you with a bunch of badguys in a room and the ways to take them down are limited. The presentation and art direction is excellent, like Bioshock had a child with Splinter Cell.

I'm really liking this game so far. Story mode is engaging, and I actually like the challenge maps - kind of like an old arcade game, short, sweet, and aim for a high score. Pretty addictive.

My friends and I are going to be giving this game a "book club" style treatment on our podcast, talking in depth about our playthrough of the game over three weeks or so. Send me a PM if there are any observations you'd like to add to our discussion. If you want to listen in to the podcast, we're at teamubermensch.podbean.com. [Hm, I'm too new to give a link yet, apparently].

Heh, someone already has a plat for this game...

http://ps3trophyguide.com/t/view/626/0

I really want to know what kind of job affords someone to basically become this:

http://www.thereheis.com/nucleus3.22/media/gallery/20070502-south_park_wow.jpg

Because it's the only way I can see someone getting a Plat on a game like this in 2 days.

Heh, someone already has a plat for this game...

[url]
I really want to know what kind of job affords someone to basically become this:

http://www.thereheis.com/nucleus3.22/media/gallery/20070502-south_park_wow.jpg

Because it's the only way I can see someone getting a Plat on a game like this in 2 days.

C'mon, summer holidays isn't even over yet. Give the kid a break.

Edit: Level 18, 49 platinums?? Nevermind... you probably have this guy pegged.

lol world ranking 13? I guess the kid don't have enough time.

You got him all wrong. Going by the date stamp on his trophies, he started playing the game on Sunday. So it actually took him 4 days to get the platinum, what a slacker. :cool:

lol world ranking 13? I guess the kid don't have enough time.

Yeah, only 61% in Warhawk? He better get on that!

Heh, someone already has a plat for this game...

http://ps3trophyguide.com/t/view/626/0

I really want to know what kind of job affords someone to basically become this:

http://www.thereheis.com/nucleus3.22/media/gallery/20070502-south_park_wow.jpg

Because it's the only way I can see someone getting a Plat on a game like this in 2 days.

He's had the game since Sunday (or, at least, he got his first trophy on Sunday). So, it actually took him 5 days. Probably works at Gamestop, or the equivalent.

http://ps3trophycard.com/profile/duck360/626

Wow this game is not easy when playing on hard difficulty. I actually managed to string together a x29 combo though.

For most games, I usually go through my first play through on Hard these days. I haven't gotten my copy yet (free shipping from Amazon = five day wait); are you happy so far with the challenge?

It's not bad. I mean, the AI could be a little smarter but I've seen a lot worse. Playing on hard requires some patience and planning when sneaking around which makes this game really enjoyable for me.

Hey joe, PM me your PSN ID. I'd love to add you to my friends list.

Has anyone gotten theirs from Gamestop with the bones exclusive where you have to go through waves of skeleton fighters without getting hit once?

Just completed the game. Very fun!

For most games, I usually go through my first play through on Hard these days. I haven't gotten my copy yet (free shipping from Amazon = five day wait); are you happy so far with the challenge?


You didn't select release-day shipping?

You didn't select release-day shipping?

Money vs. free :)

I had to double-check on that. I have Amazon Prime so release date option is free for me.

I had to double-check on that. I have Amazon Prime so release date option is free for me.

Yeah, Prime is nice. SSS is great except when you get stuck waiting for a game that hasn't shipped but released already. My copy of Wii Sports Resort went out 4 days before release with SSS though :)

Man, I really messed up the end of the game. When I went to the party, I entered the doors without fighting the guys with party hats and I don't have the Party Pooper Trophy. Do I have to play again through the whole game to unlock it? I played the game on hard to do all trophies in one playthrough and that really pissed me off. Now I have to get the riddles, challenge mode trophies and that trophy that I missed.

One of my friends is the fifth player to unlock the Perfect Knight Trophy according to ps3trophyguide.com (ReNeGaDe124). He played the game since 25th.

Man, I really messed up the end of the game. When I went to the party, I entered the doors without fighting the guys with party hats and I don't have the Party Pooper Trophy. Do I have to play again through the whole game to unlock it? I played the game on hard to do all trophies in one playthrough and that really pissed me off. Now I have to get the riddles, challenge mode trophies and that trophy that I missed.

One of my friends is the fifth player to unlock the Perfect Knight Trophy according to ps3trophyguide.com (ReNeGaDe124). He played the game since 25th.

Yeah, you pretty much have to play the game again. I didn't get the Party Pooper trophy either. I have completed all 240 of the Riddle Challenges. I really want to get the platinum for this game but the challenge rooms seem to be more of a chore than I want to deal with.

What is it like playing as the Joker?

It looks great on my TV, but I had a question. The back of the box says 720p, and my TV is 1080i, with no upscaler. Does the game have a 1080i or similar mode? Or am I playing it in 480p (which would be amazing considering the detail).

I just have to say the story on this game is excellent. It's a lot of fun to play. It rates up there with Uncharted for visual appeal and good story, IMO.

Money vs. free :)

Heh, yeah. I'm can be a cheapskate when I wanna be. The game came in today (four days after release) and the total price was $46 (no tax or shipping charge), so I'm jazzed.

So far the game is as fun as I thought it might be. Although I didn't play the demo, I'm playing the first time through on Hard and it isn't too difficult so far. Maybe the challenge will pick up later on.

It looks great on my TV, but I had a question. The back of the box says 720p, and my TV is 1080i, with no upscaler. Does the game have a 1080i or similar mode? Or am I playing it in 480p (which would be amazing considering the detail).

If your display does not support 720p then it is only 480p.

Heh, yeah. I'm can be a cheapskate when I wanna be. The game came in today (four days after release) and the total price was $46 (no tax or shipping charge), so I'm jazzed.

So far the game is as fun as I thought it might be. Although I didn't play the demo, I'm playing the first time through on Hard and it isn't too difficult so far. Maybe the challenge will pick up later on.

It really doesn't. There are one or two areas that seem difficult but once you figure out a pattern, it's easy peasy.

If your display does not support 720p then it is only 480p.

It cannot, thanks. But ir does look quite good at that resolution. Kind of surprised SONY did not try to force the upscale issue in a big title like this.

Darn. I have a similar issue. The PS3 doesn't know how to upscale anything? Yeah I think I heard of some problem like this back when 1080i sets were popular. My TV supports 720p, but it likes to overscan everything at that resolution, which is a large bummer. If I use 720p on my computer, the whole bottom taskbar disappears.

Heh, yeah. I'm can be a cheapskate when I wanna be. The game came in today (four days after release) and the total price was $46 (no tax or shipping charge), so I'm jazzed.

So far the game is as fun as I thought it might be. Although I didn't play the demo, I'm playing the first time through on Hard and it isn't too difficult so far. Maybe the challenge will pick up later on.

The challenge is in trying to string together long combos. If you're not concerned about that, combat is very easy in this game. What else would you expect? Some random Blackgate prisoner being able to actually hang with Batman in a fight?

I picked this up yesterday and I'm having a blast so far. The Scarecrow episode was one of my favorite video game experiences of the year based solely on the creepiness factor. Haven't messed with the challenge rooms yet.

The Challenge rooms are the same thing that you got to play at your local Target or GameStop. It's all about breaking into the top 3 scores that game gives you which earns you bronze, silver and gold placements. There are trophies tied to them which I think are pointless (mainly because I don't want to waste time doing stuff that has no bearing with the actual game).

Been playing it since yesterday, but I'm not getting that GotY feeling I've read about everywhere. Yes, it's good (for a Batman game), but it isn't amazing to me. Yet. (hopefully)

Are the challenge rooms ever coming to the 360 version, even in a paid for?

It's just the Joker challenges that are exclusive to PS3, not the challenge rooms themselves. From what I've read, it is not going to 360 at all. But it's not that big a deal, the Joker content, if you ask me.

Been playing it since yesterday, but I'm not getting that GotY feeling I've read about everywhere. Yes, it's good (for a Batman game), but it isn't amazing to me. Yet. (hopefully)

I kept liking this game more and more as it progressed. The story is good, there is a nice variety to all the boss fights, and the hardness really ramps up toward the end.

It is by no means the GotY though. That trophy is already reserved for U2:AT! (That acronym kind of sounds like it should be a Star Wars droid)

Finally bought the game! Will get delivered on thursday. Replaying the demo over and over, reading the reviews,....I had to.

Been playing it since yesterday, but I'm not getting that GotY feeling I've read about everywhere. Yes, it's good (for a Batman game), but it isn't amazing to me. Yet. (hopefully)

I'm with you, great game but not in the this year so far. Batman is polished and original, but the combat and linear gameplay hold it back. The combat is too simple and the stuff you do to "investigate" is too simple and repetitive.

It's a solid 8/10 game being reviewed as a 9/10, I guess expectations were low so it gets a bonus point.

Got the platinum today!

Shock and Awe is easily the hardest and most frustrating challenge. You need to be pretty much flawless on the last round to come in under the time limit. I just barely finished off the last guy as the ground started to electrify and the screen started to go black!

I am amazed at how good this game is. I am playing this game at a slow pace and am enjoying every second of it.

I kept liking this game more and more as it progressed. The story is good, there is a nice variety to all the boss fights, and the hardness really ramps up toward the end.

It is by no means the GotY though. That trophy is already reserved for U2:AT! (That acronym kind of sounds like it should be a Star Wars droid)

U2:AT ????? which game is this???

Picking this up on the way home tonight

U2:AT ????? which game is this???

Picking this up on the way home tonight

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

thanks man

let me guess
you finished batman already?

just got the instore pickup conformation email

the local BB has been sold out

thanks man

let me guess
you finished batman already?

just got the instore pickup conformation email

the local BB has been sold out

LOL... yes, I have finished the game. It can be relatively short if you focus only on the main story. However, I became addicted to solving the Riddler's Challenges.

let me guess

you also went platinum?????

let me guess

you also went platinum?????

Not quite yet. I'm not really finding the challenge rooms fun. They don't drive the story forward but there are trophies attached to them.

I am amazed at how good this game is. I am playing this game at a slow pace and am enjoying every second of it.
I'm playing it slowly as well, not rushing at all and taking time to solve puzzles and such add to that that I only have a couple of hours to play each night.

Just finished the game. If we go into tenths, I give it a 9.2/10 :). Loved it from beginning to end. One of the few games I've ever played where I didn't get bored/annoyed at any point. The pacing of the game was phenominal.

I enjoyed that the game was linear; if it wasn't the story would have suffered and could have confused the gamer along the way. I also enjoyed the combat. It was simple to button mash and hit people, but difficult to NOT button mash and string together some awesome combos (which is where it shined, of course).

Also loved the boss fights because they were not drawn out. The final boss fight wasn't the best, but it didn't bother me; I felt it fit within the context of the game.

I agree. Fantastic game. I didn't expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did. I suck at freeflow fighting. Just god awful.

Yeah, I'm not great at the fighting either. I topped out at a 15x combo in the main game, but then somehow got 38x with Joker on the first try with him in a challenge room. I did get the 40x combo trophy, but only by riding a Titan into a swarm of thugs.

Right now I just have the final fight to do, but I'm going to go after my 40-some remaining riddles first. I usually hate stealth gameplay, but just because it's Batman it's really fun in this game. The room near the end of the game with 8 armed thugs where you have to sneak in and turn off the water pump is the best room in the game; there's so many different ways to take them all down. Please tell me that becomes a challenge room.

So far I've found two contextual triangle-button takedowns that weren't listed in the manual or in in-game tutorials. (While standing on a glass ceiling above a thug, and when hanging on a railing near a thug.) Are there are any more?

Yeah, I'm not great at the fighting either. I topped out at a 15x combo in the main game, but then somehow got 38x with Joker on the first try with him in a challenge room. I did get the 40x combo trophy, but only by riding a Titan into a swarm of thugs.



I just got my copy and started playing last night, but have a total noob question:

Can someone please explain to me the whole combo thing? I've played games like Soul Calibur IV and Prince of Persia where you string together a bunch of button presses to trigger some advanced moves, but usually there is a combo list in the game menus I can learn. I didn't find one here. I am mashing the square, triangle and circle and seeing some interesting things happen, but are there specific sequences to get the longer combo chain trophies? I've only gotten 5x thus far. I know I need to pick up some upgrades before accessing the max combos, but am I missing something on how to do this? Thanks.

I just got my copy and started playing last night, but have a total noob question:

Can someone please explain to me the whole combo thing? I've played games like Soul Calibur IV and Prince of Persia where you string together a bunch of button presses to trigger some advanced moves, but usually there is a combo list in the game menus I can learn. I didn't find one here. I am mashing the square, triangle and circle and seeing some interesting things happen, but are there specific sequences to get the longer combo chain trophies? I've only gotten 5x thus far. I know I need to pick up some upgrades before accessing the max combos, but am I missing something on how to do this? Thanks.

The problem is that you are not supposed to button mash. It's a hard instinct to fight but basically you should only be pressing the button once per attack. When you button mash, the game interprets the additional button presses as "misses" and you lose your combo string. Also, FYI, evasion (double X) will not end your combo string. So you can evade (instead of counter or whatever) and it will continue your combo as long as you attack/counter after you evade. With button mashing the highest I ever got was a combo of 10 and that was sheer luck (5 was more usual). By not mashing I almost hit combos of 20 everytime.

The problem is that you are not supposed to button mash. It's a hard instinct to fight but basically you should only be pressing the button once per attack. When you button mash, the game interprets the additional button presses as "misses" and you lose your combo string. Also, FYI, evasion (double X) will not end your combo string. So you can evade (instead of counter or whatever) and it will continue your combo as long as you attack/counter after you evade. With button mashing the highest I ever got was a combo of 10 and that was sheer luck (5 was more usual). By not mashing I almost hit combos of 20 everytime.

He speaks the truth.

The problem is that you are not supposed to button mash. It's a hard instinct to fight but basically you should only be pressing the button once per attack. When you button mash, the game interprets the additional button presses as "misses" and you lose your combo string. Also, FYI, evasion (double X) will not end your combo string. So you can evade (instead of counter or whatever) and it will continue your combo as long as you attack/counter after you evade. With button mashing the highest I ever got was a combo of 10 and that was sheer luck (5 was more usual). By not mashing I almost hit combos of 20 everytime.

That helps a lot! Thanks! Quick question, will "evading" by just moving the left analog stick end a combo string or should I only be double X'ing with analog stick movement to keep it going?

Just started to play yesterday, awesome game!
Thanks for the tips about the combo. I was mashing like a mad man!

Yeah, I'm not great at the fighting either. I topped out at a 15x combo in the main game, but then somehow got 38x with Joker on the first try with him in a challenge room. I did get the 40x combo trophy, but only by riding a Titan into a swarm of thugs.

40x with Joker is easy on the extreme challenge rooms. It helps that Joker is faster. (and also seems weaker)

Can the mano a mano trophy be earned in challenge rooms? Its the only story mode trophy I didn't get in my first playthrough.

Can the mano a mano trophy be earned in challenge rooms? Its the only story mode trophy I didn't get in my first playthrough.
I don't specifically recall. You could probably get it in story mode when you walk in through the joker door near the end.

That helps a lot! Thanks! Quick question, will "evading" by just moving the left analog stick end a combo string or should I only be double X'ing with analog stick movement to keep it going?

I think it might depend on how long it took you to move that way. Movement is kind of slow by default and I think you basically have maybe 1-2 seconds after each attack to continue the combo. You could try it out on a test run though from my experience even trying to walk a little closer to someone to attack will cause the combo to end. If you hear the "wooshing" sound you know the combo has ended. One thing I did to practice my combos was during the game when I found a big group of thugs I would sometimes restart from last checkpoint multiple times just to see how high of a combo I could get. You could just as well practice in the challenge rooms, though.

Can the mano a mano trophy be earned in challenge rooms? Its the only story mode trophy I didn't get in my first playthrough.

Most likely. I think most of those trophies can be earned on any mode. I got mine during normal playthrough with the very first 2 titans you fight though. It was kind of a bastard since I was playing on Hard but I eventually got it.

Just got the game. Should I start off on normal or hard?

I think it might depend on how long it took you to move that way. Movement is kind of slow by default and I think you basically have maybe 1-2 seconds after each attack to continue the combo. You could try it out on a test run though from my experience even trying to walk a little closer to someone to attack will cause the combo to end. If you hear the "wooshing" sound you know the combo has ended. One thing I did to practice my combos was during the game when I found a big group of thugs I would sometimes restart from last checkpoint multiple times just to see how high of a combo I could get. You could just as well practice in the challenge rooms, though.



Most likely. I think most of those trophies can be earned on any mode. I got mine during normal playthrough with the very first 2 titans you fight though. It was kind of a bastard since I was playing on Hard but I eventually got it.

Thanks again for the tips...time to start practicing!

Just got the game. Should I start off on normal or hard?

I haven't played hard yet, but as someone who will often play games the first time on hard (Dead Space was a mofo) normal is pretty challenging. The game comes right out and says not to play hard the first time through, so I took that advice.

On hard mode you don't have the little cue that shows you a thug is about to attack and that you can counter them, and I think without that you will find the hand-to-hand combat very frustrating and just not as much fun. One of the most fun parts of the game is taking on 10 guys single-handed, and knowing when to counter is pretty key to being successful.

The gameplay is pretty unique, it's worth playing normal so that you get a good handle on the mechanics before diving into hard.

I haven't played hard yet, but as someone who will often play games the first time on hard (Dead Space was a mofo) normal is pretty challenging. The game comes right out and says not to play hard the first time through, so I took that advice.

On hard mode you don't have the little cue that shows you a thug is about to attack and that you can counter them, and I think without that you will find the hand-to-hand combat very frustrating and just not as much fun. One of the most fun parts of the game is taking on 10 guys single-handed, and knowing when to counter is pretty key to being successful.

The gameplay is pretty unique, it's worth playing normal so that you get a good handle on the mechanics before diving into hard.

Hard isn't that bad. The bad guys telegraph their move for a long time before they actually attack, so the little spider sense lines over their heads aren't really necessary. I'd suggest playing on Hard the first time through if you're a big gamer.

^^^ I agree. I'm enjoying the game on Hard for my first play through and the difficulty is not too taxing at all.

Does hitting the circle to stun opponents end the combo?

Does hitting the circle to stun opponents end the combo?
No, stun is part of the combo. It is one of the 9 moves you need to pull off for Freethrow Perfection.

Strike: Square
Counter: Triangle
Stun: Circle
Evasion: X ( Double-tap to jump over an enemy )
Throw: X + Square ( While the combo number is orange )
Takedown: Circle + Triangle ( While the combo number is orange )
Floor Stomp: R2 + Triangle ( While enemy is down on the ground )
Batclaw: R2 ( Double-tap )
Batarang: L1

Thx guys. I want a nice little challenge.

No, stun is part of the combo. It is one of the 9 moves you need to pull off for Freethrow Perfection.

Strike: Square
Counter: Triangle
Stun: Circle
Evasion: X ( Double-tap to jump over an enemy )
Throw: X + Square ( While the combo number is orange )
Takedown: Circle + Triangle ( While the combo number is orange )
Floor Stomp: R2 + Triangle ( While enemy is down on the ground )
Batclaw: R2 ( Double-tap )
Batarang: L1

Thanks. I love the game, need to work on chaining combos.

Hard isn't that bad. The bad guys telegraph their move for a long time before they actually attack, so the little spider sense lines over their heads aren't really necessary. I'd suggest playing on Hard the first time through if you're a big gamer.

^^^ I agree. I'm enjoying the game on Hard for my first play through and the difficulty is not too taxing at all.

I also am playing through just on Hard. IMO the game is way more realistic that way. Yes, you do die pretty fast with gunshots but that is the way it should be IRL. Also, you really don't need the attack indicator. Actually, I found it distracting. You can "see" when thugs are going to attack even before the indicator would pop up anyway. Either they are running toward you or pulling their fist back.

No, stun is part of the combo. It is one of the 9 moves you need to pull off for Freethrow Perfection.

Strike: Square
Counter: Triangle
Stun: Circle
Evasion: X ( Double-tap to jump over an enemy )
Throw: X + Square ( While the combo number is orange )
Takedown: Circle + Triangle ( While the combo number is orange )
Floor Stomp: R2 + Triangle ( While enemy is down on the ground )
Batclaw: R2 ( Double-tap )
Batarang: L1

This is somewhat of a PITA. Yesterday I got up to 7 even though I thought I nailed this.

Finished the game! Found all the riddles challenges.
Now, I will start the challenges and the hard mode for some trophies.

I've just finished it myself last night (Hard mode) and enjoyed the entire experience. I feel it's the best game I've played so far this year, and is perhaps the best superheo game I've ever romped through.

The first thing I'll applaud are the voice actors and script writers. If I play through this game again it is mainly to hear the back 'n forth banter of the crazy characters stuck in Arkham Asylum. Luke Skywalker continues to be the perfect voice for the Joker, just like in the cartoon show. He is in top form in this game, that almost whenever he popped in to pop off something silly, my wife would come in to chuckle at his antics.

My favorite character however is Harley Quinn. I'm still not a fan of her new sexy design, but I'm really happy they kept the same voice actress from the show. She is AMAZINGLY entertaining in this game, and I could listen to her babble on for hours if she somehow had her own game.

Graphically, the character models are stellar, and they definitely go a long way in immersing you into the action and story. What a fantastic job done by the modelers at Eidos for this title. If I had one complaint about the characters though is that there were too few of them. You will have fought the same two or three henchmen dozens of time before the game ends, which is a little low IMHO for a game so well polished.

The design of the background environment was impressive to, especially since it all takes place on one island. There's a nice variety in all of the locations to avoid a generic copy/paste look that could've crept into this kind of game, even though a general gothic style is used throughout.

Technically speaking however, the background was merely "very good". The texture work and detail is more than adequate, but didn't impress me as much as, say, Uncharted Drake's Fortune did. It doesn't help that for most of the game (at least first time through) you are using a lot of the detective mode goggles, which brings the graphics down to basically three or four colors. Still, overall the visuals are impressive in this game.

Big props for the music BTW. It either mimic'd or used some of the riffs heard in the Dark Knight films, but either way it captures the atmosphere perfectly. To be honest, my favorite Batman game soundtrack is still Batman Returns on the Sega CD (I still listen to it every now and then), but I have no complaints about what Rock Steady plugged into this title.

On to the gameplay, overall Batman AA shines most with its action elements. The fighting engine is remarkably unique for a genre that's been around awhile, and once you get used to chaining your attacks, it really feels like you're doing something as effective as the real Batman would do (if he were real, lol).

The punches, kicks, and finishers all have a satisfying viciousness to them, and because timing and anticipation are a requirement (especially on Hard), you don't end up feeling like you are merely mashing your way through to be successful. I'm sure that a LOT of companies will start copying their fighting mechanics in some form in the future.

What adds to the fun of taking out up to 20 bad guys in one room at once are the more strategic rooms of armed guards that require you to silently disable your enemies to proceed. The developer gives you a TON of options to get the job done in true Batman style; so much so that a minor complaint is that you don't really need to focus on more than two or three techniques to get the job done. I never used the gratings, brought walls down on foes, used the homing batarang, planted proximity explosive gel, etc. Still, for those into replaying a good game more than once (and this is a VERY good game), you'll appreciate the fact that if you think of a unique way to dispatch a baddie, it just might work.

The boss fights were epic and simplistic at the same time. I love the presentation of these encounters, but they weren't all that tough to get through. Minor boss spoilers:
Croc was a crock... you couldn't get more easy than beating that guy despite the ferocity of his character. I also wish Rock Steady let me figure out how to dispose of him at the end. Poison Ivy was perhaps the only real challenge; but with the autosave halfway though, even she wasn't as tough as I would like. Yes, I like a good challenge, but the average gamer will be satisfied

Of course this game isn't all about fighting. There is some detective work and platforming/gliding elements as well. Using his detective mode tools were fine, but as I mentioned before it makes a lot of the exploring gameplay be reduced to a smaller color palatte. There are a bajillion sidequest items to search for (courtesy of the Riddler), and to locate a lot of them you have to put on your special sensors. Even to solve some of the minor puzzles, it helps to put these on.

I say minor puzzles because I can't remember any that stumped me. In fact, the biggest fault I have with Batman:AA is that the game is way to generous with its clue system. It's bad enough that the title is pretty linear, but it will blatantly tell you EXACTLY how to solve a problem from beginning to end. A boss is beating you down? Here's how you beat him/her. I wished I could turn off the contextual hint system, but I just resorted to averting my eyes when possible to keep the challenge up.

The game is also made easier due to the platforming design choices. If you are holding the run button, Batman will launch a perfect jump when you come to a ledge to safely get to the otherside. And if you jump over a dangerous cliff? No problem... simply hit R1 on the way to your doom and Batman will save himself. What abvout that dangerous, toxic gas down below? If you fall in, you can save yourself with a button press. Platforming as a whole is non-dangerous. The only challenge is finding your way, which your map will often generously tell you where to go.

Lastly, the game autosaves everywhere. You won't have to re-do many tough sections since, as soon as you make decent progress (even in boss fights), the game will save for you. There is a LOT of handholding in this game; the only sense of danger and true challenge comes from the fights. Other than that, a six year old should be able to mange her way though the game. Still, I liked the expansive use of gadgets, and the variety of play mechanics and item collecting kept things fresh and interesting.

If you haven't purchased this game yet, you should be ashamed as a gamer. Not since Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on my PC did I have a game experience that at least came close to a quality movie experience that it originated from (heh, Uncharted needs a film). Even though it is only a 1-player game, it has a satisfying length for the money you'll spend on it, and the replayability is as high as you want it to be since you'll have an excuse to re-experience the performances, the fighting engine (I haven't even tackled the challenge rooms yet), or completing the Riddler's sidequests... or even all three. As a PS3 owner, the icing on the cake are the exclusive Joker challenges, which allow you to use him on certain maps.

My score: 9.6/10

Great review...

Pass it on
:cool:

My score: 9.6/10

Great review...

Pass it on
:cool:

I finally downloaded the demo last night and played it through...

Amazing.

This is on my must buy list but I wont spend the money on it until AFTER I get my Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 & Uncharted 2 done with. I should be able to pick it up cheap by then...

Great review.
True that the hints were too helpful.
Like you said, graphics are amazing but I spent so much time in detective mode to really apreciate them, maybe 60% of the time to put a number.

I liked that it's pretty much impossible to die from falling. I mean, it fits perfectly with the character and world—it would be almost on the level of Altair not being able to swim if Batman forgot about his grapple gun any time he got pushed off a rooftop.

No 3D platformer has really nailed the controls—either there's excessive handholding or ludicrous mechanics that completely remove the immersion (see Altair's fear of water). Arkham Asylum is challenging enough without becoming a completely different game experience whenever you enter a platforming section. I don't want to suddenly have to concentrate on the controls when for the last half-hour I've been playing without thinking about them.

One thing that would have made the game more challenging and also would have fit in completely is if there was a time limit on detective mode (like a battery drain or something). You could upgrade the battery so as the game got more challenging you could use more detective mode.

I liked that the game provides a map for the riddles, because it allowed me to complete the game 100% quickly, so now I can trade it back in to Toys R Us for $43 and add that to the $30 card they provided with initial purchase. Batman was worth the purchase, but I won't get any replay out of it.

Technically speaking however, the background was merely "very good". The texture work and detail is more than adequate, but didn't impress me as much as, say, Uncharted Drake's Fortune did. It doesn't help that for most of the game (at least first time through) you are using a lot of the detective mode goggles, which brings the graphics down to basically three or four colors. Still, overall the visuals are impressive in this game.


I noticed a lot of the backgrounds seemed fuzzy and "360-ish," like on Gears of War 2 where it looks good but not jaw-dropping, but you don't really see games surpass that level on the 360 anymore.

I own both consoles and with games like Uncharted 2, it makes me wish multi-platform developers would focus on using the PS3's abilities.

I own both consoles and with games like Uncharted 2, it makes me wish multi-platform developers would focus on using the PS3's abilities.

If they start focusing more on PS3 abilities then poor Xbox 360 owners (I own one myself) will be just left to play Halo :D

random question, does reading any of the graphic novels enhance the game in anyway? bought a couple awhile ago but never read them, wasn't sure if now was a good time.

I'm personally thinking of checking out the animated series after playing this.

I'm personally thinking of checking out the animated series after playing this.Me too. I watched them way back when they were on (late 90s?), but I haven't seen them since. I'm not a fan of the pre-Frank Miller Batman stuff, but this game has definitely got me interested in going back to the cartoons.

I didn't think everyone could be right about this game, but it's really that good. Maybe not GOTY material, but it's definitely the big surprise of the year.

Here's a question for all you AC haters: why is it that no one's up in arms about the combat mechanics in Batman, but everyone and their mother tore Assassin's Creed apart for its combat mechanics? They're essentially identical (except there are fewer weapon types in Batman). Just curious. :confused:

Here's a question for all you AC haters: why is it that no one's up in arms about the combat mechanics in Batman, but everyone and their mother tore Assassin's Creed apart for its combat mechanics? They're essentially identical (except there are fewer weapon types in Batman). Just curious. :confused:

Altair didn't have as many moves as Batman, which made combat much more stilted. Also, only one enemy at a time would attack you the vast majority of the time. When a second enemy would attack, it was not nearly as smooth as this game. The biggest difference is simply in the smoothness. Transitioning between moves in Batman is both easier and looks better than AC. While the combat systems are similar, they are definitely not identical.

I finished the main game last weekend and enjoyed it quite a bit. I still maintain the best parts are with Scarecrow esp. the cutscene before the final encounter with him

Altair didn't have as many moves as Batman, which made combat much more stilted. Also, only one enemy at a time would attack you the vast majority of the time. When a second enemy would attack, it was not nearly as smooth as this game. The biggest difference is simply in the smoothness. Transitioning between moves in Batman is both easier and looks better than AC. While the combat systems are similar, they are definitely not identical.I sort of get what you're saying.

"Smoother" in terms of the mechanics maybe, but not in terms of animation. The Batman animations are pretty choppy, and there's a pretty large window where you can counter (making for some strange looking kicks and punches that seemingly materialize out of nowhere). The animations in AC were top-notch.

You're right that Batman's combat can feel a bit more pressured. Enemies never attack more than one at a time, but a second attack comes sooner in Batman than in AC. They always wait for one another to finish (which I finally found a good rhythm for), but they don't wait too long. In AC they do wait a while.

In terms of the moveset, Batman's much more limited in what he can do in combat. But Batman is better at encouraging you to use all of those moves because of the awesome combo system and different enemy types. In AC you didn't have to use all those fancy extra moves, and many people just used the simple counter attack over and over for the whole game. But AC definitely had the bigger moveset.

The more I've thought about this as I've been playing through Batman, the more I think the important difference is the combo system. It's an incredible addition. I'm always going for a high combo, and getting those high combos requires you to think about combining different moves to different situations. I'm playing through on hard, so I think that's limiting how high a combo I can get, but I can still usually get around 30 if there are 5 or more guys. It's great. Doing a counter, then attacking, then sweeping into a stun (for those pesky knife guys), into another attack, into a batarang swipe, into a throw, and so on. Feels great once you find a nice rhythm.

"Smoother" in terms of the mechanics maybe, but not in terms of animation. The Batman animations are pretty choppy, and there's a pretty large window where you can counter (making for some strange looking kicks and punches that seemingly materialize out of nowhere). The animations in AC were top-notch.

Interesting. This doesn't seem to occur on PC or 360. There is a fairly large window for counters, but the animations don't occur until the appropriate time (you can hit the counter button, but Batman won't counter until the other character actually attacks), and I've never seen an animation get broken out of inappropriately. That's one thing that's very nice about the simplified combat system in this game: there are a large number of contextual animations that occur with the same user input.

Here's a question for all you AC haters: why is it that no one's up in arms about the combat mechanics in Batman, but everyone and their mother tore Assassin's Creed apart for its combat mechanics? They're essentially identical (except there are fewer weapon types in Batman). Just curious. :confused:

I've never played AC. I didn't like what I saw in the previews (ACII looks good though).

i agree with joe for the most part, his review is pretty spot on to my opinions. But, I'm not a comic fan, so there were things that irritated me just a little. Some of the voices got on my nerves such as ivy, some of the random enemies and especially that irritating girl that I think was Jokers woman....Harley Quinn? IF that is the voice people were expecting from the comics....then it makes sense to have it in the game though. Joker was awesome, as were most of the other voices. I'm not even into comics and batman anything, but this is a very good game regardless.

As for Croc...I think we will see him again soon. Make sure to watch the video after the credits.

Interesting. This doesn't seem to occur on PC or 360. There is a fairly large window for counters, but the animations don't occur until the appropriate time (you can hit the counter button, but Batman won't counter until the other character actually attacks), and I've never seen an animation get broken out of inappropriately. That's one thing that's very nice about the simplified combat system in this game: there are a large number of contextual animations that occur with the same user input.

agreed. I went through the 360 version and some of the PC version...which looks even better. But I don't remember any broken animations, it was very well done really.

Some of the voices got on my nerves such as ivy, some of the random enemies and especially that irritating girl that I think was Jokers woman....Harley Quinn? IF that is the voice people were expecting from the comics....then it makes sense to have it in the game though.

lol. My GF was in the other room last night while I was playing through some of those scenes with Harley Quinn in the penitentary, and out of the blue I heard her yell, "What the **** is that?"

i agree with joe for the most part, his review is pretty spot on to my opinions. But, I'm not a comic fan, so there were things that irritated me just a little. Some of the voices got on my nerves such as ivy, some of the random enemies and especially that irritating girl that I think was Jokers woman....Harley Quinn? IF that is the voice people were expecting from the comics....then it makes sense to have it in the game though. Joker was awesome, as were most of the other voices. I'm not even into comics and batman anything, but this is a very good game regardless.

Harley Quinn was first introduced in the animated series, and that's the voice she had. She did get her own short run comic later.

As for Croc...I think we will see him again soon. Make sure to watch the video after the credits.

The arm that pops up is randomly Croc, Bane, or Scarecrow, so I don't know how much you can take away for the inevitable sequel.

More free goodies tomorrow (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/free-batman-prey-in-darkness-dlc-detailed-arrives-tomorrow/)... 'Prey in the Darkness' brings two new maps:

The "Heart of Darkness" map will have Bats battling baddies at the Arkham Pumping Station, while "Hothouse Prey" has the detective using his predator skills to silently dispose of henchmen in the conservatory (i.e., the Abandoned Glasshouse).

How do you catch a batarang not sure do you use the remote controlled one?

More free goodies tomorrow (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/free-batman-prey-in-darkness-dlc-detailed-arrives-tomorrow/)... 'Prey in the Darkness' brings two new maps:

Wow! I'm really impressed with the amount of free content (Joker, two rounds of challenge maps) that have been provided for PS3 owners. I'm still wondering when they'll hit us with that must-have $10 DLC.

How do you catch a batarang not sure do you use the remote controlled one?
Yes, you need the remote controlled upgrade. Then throw it and use the sixaxis controls to navigate it back to you. It's easier to do outside.

While I have the 360 versions of both. I feel that the fighting in AC is very sluggish and tedious compared to Batman.

AC was not really about fighting except for saving peasents.

Interesting. This doesn't seem to occur on PC or 360. There is a fairly large window for counters, but the animations don't occur until the appropriate time (you can hit the counter button, but Batman won't counter until the other character actually attacks), and I've never seen an animation get broken out of inappropriately.That is interesting because it happens all the time in the PS3 version. There are contextual animations for the counters. Push early = step behind and push enemy. Push relatively early = step inside guard and back elbow/back fist. Push late = grab arm/leg and counter. But those animations are routinely broken up. Whenever you catch the timing just between one of those contextual outcomes, it will jump to the next one (so you might see a leg magically appear in your arms without the enemy ever kicking, for example).

Hard to believe that's not happening in the other versions, though, since that would be a pretty major difference. Anyone else playing the 360/PC version? I could check the 360 demo version and see how it compares.

That is interesting because it happens all the time in the PS3 version. There are contextual animations for the counters. Push early = step behind and push enemy. Push relatively early = step inside guard and back elbow/back fist. Push late = grab arm/leg and counter. But those animations are routinely broken up. Whenever you catch the timing just between one of those contextual outcomes, it will jump to the next one (so you might see a leg magically appear in your arms without the enemy ever kicking, for example).

Hard to believe that's not happening in the other versions, though, since that would be a pretty major difference. Anyone else playing the 360/PC version? I could check the 360 demo version and see how it compares.

I'll have to download the 360 demo to look at this in detail for you, as my copy is loaned out right now. I think the contextual animations are positional, not timing-related.

I'll have to download the 360 demo to look at this in detail for you, as my copy is loaned out right now. I think the contextual animations are positional, not timing-related.Definitely timing sensitive. Also positional in terms of the direction you're facing, but not distance. I'll check later tonight. Might even pop in AC for comparison.

I always seen previous Batman games as bad jokes.. This one took me by surprise, & is stellar in story, dialogue, & atmosphere.. I'm VERY picking in games I like. If a demo doesn't grab me in 10 minutes it's over. I had my PS3 for over a yr, & the only Demo's that got regular play was NG/Uncharted/Bio Shock/Guitar hero aerosmith/Batman/ & a few more then I have forgot.

Any advice on the final boss fight? Is it really as hard as it seems, or am I missing something? I breezed through most of the game (playing on Hard), but this last fight is kicking my ass. I was stuck for a solid two hours on this fight today to no avail.

I've gotten as far as the third wave (when guys start wielding tasers), but by the time I get there I'm too beat up from those damn guns and knives in the second wave. Is it really that hard?

Any advice on the final boss fight? Is it really as hard as it seems, or am I missing something? I breezed through most of the game (playing on Hard), but this last fight is kicking my ass. I was stuck for a solid two hours on this fight today to no avail.

I've gotten as far as the third wave (when guys start wielding tasers), but by the time I get there I'm too beat up from those damn guns and knives in the second wave. Is it really that hard?

It's a fairly easy fight once you put everything together from earlier in the game. One key thing is to take down the guys going for guns before they get them out. The boxes have alarms that go off when anyone is trying to open them. Also use your instant takedown move on the knife-wielding inmates to quickly get them out of the picture. You could put down some explosive gel in between rounds and detonate it to take a couple of guys down quickly as well. One trick to taser enemies is to hit them a couple of times with your batclaw. This generally pulls the taser out of their hand, making them easy to fight.

You shouldn't take any damage from the Joker. Just pull him down, hit him, and run away until he jumps back up onto the platform.

Any advice on the final boss fight? Is it really as hard as it seems, or am I missing something? I breezed through most of the game (playing on Hard), but this last fight is kicking my ass. I was stuck for a solid two hours on this fight today to no avail.

I've gotten as far as the third wave (when guys start wielding tasers), but by the time I get there I'm too beat up from those damn guns and knives in the second wave. Is it really that hard?

Hmmm if you survived the fight before that (the one in the dark room with the titan) this fight should be super easy? I thought this fight was way easier than that. Just abuse your batarangs and batclaw to knock ppl down and take them out. Just becareful not to pull Joker down until all the thugs are knocked out.

Yeah, not sure what it was. Every other boss fight was pretty easy and took no more than one or two tries. The combination of knives and guns in the second wave was really killing me.

I ended up beating it right away with nearly full health once I discovered a great trick:

I hung out in the top right corner near the gun cabinet and the electric fence. I managed to knock half the dudes into the fence (instant kill) and the rest I just made sure to keep away from the gun cabinet. The knife dudes I got into the fence right away, and I just kept using evade over and over if I needed to get to the gun cabinet to knock some dude out. Ended the game with close to full health.

Now to finish collecting the riddler stuff, then onto the challenge rooms. Really outstanding game. Great combination of Bioshock (setting), Metroid (level layout), and Assassin's Creed (combat). There are some issues with the combat here and there though (occasionally bad camera angles, way too difficult to "aim" you next strike in a combo). Otherwise, nothing negative to say about it.

I finally found all the riddler clues, and am now working on the challenges. I'm not having as much fun as I hoped I would. I usually love score attack modes and leaderboard features, but I just don't feel it in this game. Anyone else feel the same way?

The combat controls just aren't as responsive and tight as they should be for doing a challenge mode like this. The camera doesn't always do what you want it to; your attacks don't always go in the direction you tell them to; animations can be misleading; and a few other things that keep this from having strong combat.

I feel like I'm fighting the controls and camera more than I'm fighting the bad dudes. And since you have to get perfect and varied combos in order to get gold medals, it's a deal-breaker for me if the controls aren't up to the task.

I also wish there was a way to turn off the counter-icon over enemies' heads in the challenge mode. Since I played the regular game on Hard, I got used to fighting without those icons. Now they're just distracting.

The combat challenges are a lot more bearable if you don't worry about using counters or defeating guys toe-to-toe and just abuse the double jump (evade) to jump around and smack guys. Then, once your grab is available use it on a knife or baton dude.

You can rack up a lot of points simply by not getting hit and keeping your combo going the whole round instead of varying your moves.

Also try to use the batarang or batclaw to knock the last 2-3 guys down at the end to do a ground takedown. Those multiply your combo by 100 and will greatly increase your score.