Gaming Forums => General Gaming => Topic started by: bustin98 on August 15, 2008, 01:07:35 PM
Title: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: bustin98 on August 15, 2008, 01:07:35 PM
Ever since the first time I played Goldeneye, I have imagined other properties being given a similar treatment. Being a comic geek for a big portion of my life, one of my fantasies was for the Arkham Asylum graphic novel to be turned into a game. Its the stuff dreams are made of.
Just recently a game was announced with Arkham Asylum in the title. But its of no relation to the Grant Morrison/Dave McKean classic story.
Pictures have been leaked on the net, with Kotaku being one place to see them. People are saying that it looks like Chronicles of Riddick but with Batman, and I tend to agree. The images of the Joker are great. Batman, I don't know. I'd love to see the little curls on the shoulders like how Dave did them. Batman's suit looks a bit like the tech suit in Mortal Combat. In fact, the first shot I saw I thought someone photoshopped Batman from MK:DC into an old promo of Riddick.
Right now I don't know if I should be excited for the game or not. I'm pretty pleased with the look of the game, but until gameplay impressions come out I'm holding onto the hype.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on August 15, 2008, 01:30:34 PM
I may finally have go 360 or PS3 to play this game.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Morari on August 15, 2008, 04:05:05 PM
Anything called "Arkham Asylum" should be Lovecraftian in nature. Why there aren't more games based on the Cthulhu Mythos is beyond me...
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 15, 2008, 04:14:13 PM
Cuz the ones that tried didn't sell.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on August 15, 2008, 04:25:54 PM
Anything called "Arkham Asylum" should be Lovecraftian in nature. Why there aren't more games based on the Cthulhu Mythos is beyond me...
Because when you make a game based on things that make people go insane just by looking at them, there's no way to make it live up to expectations.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Morari on August 15, 2008, 04:43:11 PM
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth worked out pretty well. It should have had more survival horror elements to it however, like it looked to have in the beginning. The recreation of Innsmouth was certainly impressive if nothing else.
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem is pretty much a Mythos game as well and it was one of the best consoles games of last generation.
They can (and do) work, it's just no one wants to do them because it involves some effort. If it's not rehashed **** like Halo, no one cares. Top that with it being based around literature (from the turn of the century!) and people are even more quickly turned off.
Hastur... Hastur... Hastu--
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: NWR_Karl on August 16, 2008, 04:42:58 AM
Sklens is totally hating on this game, but I've got hope for it. Go Batman!
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on August 16, 2008, 05:00:21 AM
Sklens is the Original Trolling One. I snagged the magazine when I was visiting my cousin tonight. The art style seems a little Gears of War for Batman, but I'm liking the concepts.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Smakian on August 16, 2008, 06:59:05 AM
Much as I hate to say it, there is a long and proud tradition of Batman games not being very good. Now, this one -looks- fantastic. And I want to like it. But, I could have said that about other ones, too. So I can't say I'm optimistic.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Smash_Brother on August 17, 2008, 01:14:06 PM
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on August 18, 2008, 04:23:49 AM
This game looks amaaaaaaaazing.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: redgiemental on August 20, 2008, 06:36:43 AM
Graphics look good. Need to see some gameplay videos before I get too excited though.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: AV on August 20, 2008, 08:23:47 AM
If this game isn't good it will be a huge disappointment so the pressure is on. Everyone expect movie tied games to suck, but games like this SHOULD BE BETTER. Hulk Ultimate Destruction is a great game so I hope its similar to that in bringing comic book characters into a worth while videogame.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on April 30, 2009, 01:07:17 AM
I haven't really been following the game but after watching the new trailers it looks FANTASTIC. Not to mention I felt instantly in love with it when I heard Kevin Conroy's voice as Batman, not only that but Mark Hamil is coming back as the joker!
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on April 30, 2009, 02:08:59 AM
Wow, you really HAVEN'T been following it, huh? Also Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on April 30, 2009, 02:10:42 AM
Wow, you really HAVEN'T been following it, huh? Also Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn.
No. Doesn't look like many have been following it here either since the last post was in August! Can't really explain why I haven't paid much attention, just one of those things.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on April 30, 2009, 04:58:14 AM
It happens. I've been following it, it's just I never thought to look for a thread. It looks pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on April 30, 2009, 12:15:36 PM
What impressed me was how smooth the fighting looks, most Superhero games the fighting system is really choppy and limited but this game actually seems so seemless and "realistic" in how Batman fights.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on April 30, 2009, 04:24:04 PM
It's because he's the goddamn Batman.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: bustin98 on May 01, 2009, 05:00:19 PM
The game has been delayed. A few months? Next year? Perfect Dark? Oh well, now it won't interfere with The Conduit.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Caliban on May 01, 2009, 06:42:11 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I'm mad. It is one of the few games of this year for the HD consoles that I want, like really want. Oh well. I will play other stuff until then.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: TJ Spyke on May 02, 2009, 12:32:02 PM
What is your source for it being delayed?
If that is true, I would be OK with it ONLY if they make Joker playable in the Xbox 360. It's pure BS if the PlayStation 3 version is the only one that lets you play as Joker. I don't want the PS3 version of any multiplatform game, but I want to play as Joker.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ReverendNoahWhateley on May 02, 2009, 01:40:27 PM
I'm not really all that upset about the delay. Ghostbusters and The Conduit are more than enough for me to digest in June.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on May 04, 2009, 03:50:44 AM
I'm not really all that upset about the delay. Ghostbusters and The Conduit are more than enough for me to digest in June.
Indeed. Even with the entertaining Batman: Vengeance on the GC, Batman games have always been very troubled and often crap. I'm willing to wait a few months if it means this development team is going to get it right the first time. No patches...no retooled re-releases...just done right. In the meantime, I still have Ghostbusters on the horizon as well as catalog titles I still need to play and complete like RE5; LittleBigPlanet; and Eternal Sonata. Hell, sometime in the near future I want to replay Dead Space.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on May 17, 2009, 09:27:14 PM
I AM THE NIGHT BUMP
I tried the combat challenge demo of this game the other night. FANTASTIC. I was really suprised how much I like it. The graphics weren't as image comics style as I feared, and the animations were extremely good. Go try it out at the Gamestop PS3 kiosk.
I got to level 4 on hard with a broken controller.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on May 18, 2009, 12:14:41 AM
I tried the combat challenge demo of this game the other night. FANTASTIC. I was really suprised how much I like it. The graphics weren't as image comics style as I feared, and the animations were extremely good. Go try it out at the Gamestop PS3 kiosk.
I got to level 4 on hard with a broken controller.
I don't know, I had a chance to play the demo today and honestly I didn't like it much. The graphics look very rough and there's just nothing Batman (aside from the lovely Mark Hammil Joker lines inbetween bouts) about the demo. You're just battling wave after wave of generic thugs, and while the combat system is perfectly functional combat should be merely a means to an end in a Batman game, as Batman is first and foremost a detective. It bothers me that the devs thought the best way to introduce players to this game is through a strictly-combat demo (and not only combat, but strictly hand-to-hand combat). A lot of Batman games in the past have tried to focus on combat, but none of them got the detective part right. This game looked to change that, but the demo is just not interested. The main game looks awesome, but I wish they had put out a real demo with a brief playthrough of something like the first level of the game.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on May 19, 2009, 04:58:10 PM
while the combat system is perfectly functional combat should be merely a means to an end in a Batman game, as Batman is first and foremost a detective.
Nobody wants to play a Batman game where you collect evidence except you.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 19, 2009, 05:09:26 PM
Quote
Nobody wants to play a Batman game where you collect evidence except you.
Just think though. How fun would it be to pick up a pile of dirt and bring it back to the Batcave and have the Bat Computer analyze it? OK you have a point.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 19, 2009, 05:14:56 PM
But that's a little 2008.
Today's Batman would sprinkle the dirt on his iPhone and Wolfbang Afro would provide the realtime assessment.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on May 19, 2009, 07:08:34 PM
Nobody wants to play a Batman game where you collect evidence except you.
Just think though. How fun would it be to pick up a pile of dirt and bring it back to the Batcave and have the Bat Computer analyze it? OK you have a point.
They could always do what Condemned did with its detective sequences (which were kind of interactive cutscenes of sorts), and it wasn't a problem at all in that game. In fact, most people complained that it was a shame you didn't do more sleuthing in it. Batman is a detective who tends to do more sneaking around and spying than fighting, so we should be doing actual...oh gee I don't know...detecting in this game. From all accounts by the devs, that is in the actual game. So sue me if I wanted to see it in the demo. This demo gives the impression that Batman is the frickin' Hulk or something.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on May 20, 2009, 02:58:16 AM
He's the goddamn Batman
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: nickmitch on May 21, 2009, 03:04:55 AM
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on May 23, 2009, 10:39:24 PM
I realize the demo was combat heavy, but I'm not basing the whole game on them. The videos online have shown more stealth based gameplay. I had guarded expectations of the game and I enjoyed the demo more than I thought I would.
By Images comics I meant the Rob Lefield/Todd McFarlane art styles of the early 90s that were very extreme and generally played into what a thirteen year old would find kewl.
I'm waiting for the Batman free roaming sandbox game. mixed with Lucas Arts style adventure game. With a budget of $60 million, It would be awesome.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Spak-Spang on May 24, 2009, 12:07:11 AM
The game play for this game looks GREAT. However, I can't get past how poor the character design and animations are. I just don't like the art direction, and I feel the animation is even worse.
I am willing to overlook that though IF, you create a game that plays well and has good control.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 24, 2009, 02:35:20 AM
The game play for this game looks GREAT. However, I can't get past how poor the character design and animations are. I just don't like the art direction, and I feel the animation is even worse.
I am willing to overlook that though IF, you create a game that plays well and has good control.
I agree, I think they tried too hard to make everything look creepy, but oh well. In regards to the demo, you want to make the demo as exciting as possible which is why it seems so combat heavy.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on May 24, 2009, 02:52:25 AM
The game play for this game looks GREAT. However, I can't get past how poor the character design and animations are. I just don't like the art direction, and I feel the animation is even worse.
I am willing to overlook that though IF, you create a game that plays well and has good control.
I agree, I think they tried too hard to make everything look creepy, but oh well. In regards to the demo, you want to make the demo as exciting as possible which is why it seems so combat heavy.
At least they got Kevin Conroy; Mark Hammil; and Arleen Sorkin to reprise their roles as Batman; the Joker; and Harley Quinn from Batman: The Animated Series (and its various spin-offs), respectively. Frankly, I've never been fond of the "GRITTY REALISM!" look of the comics, and much prefer the sleek art deco look of Batman: The Animated Series. If only we'd get a kickass Batman game based on that property. It's had a few decent efforts (like Batman: Vengeance back on the GC), but never a game worthy of the exemplary license.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 24, 2009, 02:55:30 AM
Yeah I'm not going to let the art direction bother me because I am ecstatic that they brought back many of the voice actors from Batman: The Animated Series, which is still, IMO, the best incarnation of Batman in either the movies or on TV. It proved you can have supernatural villains while still having a serious adventure.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on May 24, 2009, 03:05:36 AM
You know, on that subject (but a little off-topic) does anyone else find it pretty ironic that Mark Hammil is inextricably linked to his portrayal of Luke Skywalker, but the guy was pretty much born to be a Voice Actor? Just a few memorable roles off the top of my head: The Joker in B:TAS; the Hobgoblin in Spider-man: TAS; and Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: the Last Airbender. No one ever believes me when I tell them he gave pretty much the performance of a lifetime as the Joker...until I play a given episode (or Batman: Return of the Joker) and they hear it for themselves.
Incidentally, GP, if you haven't seen Avatar: the Last Airbender you should because it's completely awesome. In my opinion, it's easily the best animated series since B:TAS, and they even use the same voice director from that series. 8)
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 24, 2009, 04:28:50 AM
I have never seen Avatar. In regards to Mark Hammil, I agree, really once he got in the wreck his acting career was pretty much over (which is sad but in a culture obsessed with looks it hurt him). But as a voice actor he has been amazing, and anytime I hear someone make fun of him as an actor that went nowhere I tell them about the Joker, which is one of the most vivid villains ever because of it. Mark Hammil deserves recognition as a talented voice actor along with Frank Welker (though not as diverse but that is not always a bad thing), Jim Cummings and others.
I'm also a fan of the Superman Animated Series and the Justice League series.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 03, 2009, 08:09:18 PM
With the game's release upcoming it seemed rather appropriate to revive this topic. Besides, in any case anyone's interested IGN and Gametrailers are reporting that the real demo for Batman: Arkham Asylum (not that "challenge mode" demo retail stores have right now) from E3 will be releasing on Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network this Friday, August 7th. While it's odd for any game to release on the PSN outside the usual Thursday release batch, I'll be looking forward to this one. With all the rumors and speculation goinig on right with regarding Eidos allegedly trying to manipulate review scores for this game, the demo will pretty much dictate if I hold on to my pre-order or not for the LE. I have $65+ on reserve for it already, so if the game's mediocre (hopefully not) I'd like to free that up to put towards something else.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on August 03, 2009, 10:34:56 PM
If you haven't seen Avatar: the Last Airbender you should because it's completely awesome. In my opinion, it's easily the best animated series since B:TAS
You misspelled "Batman Beyond".
I'm pretty pumped about there being a demo. I was wondering if we were ever going to get a proper one on more systems than just PS3.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 03, 2009, 11:00:56 PM
If you haven't seen Avatar: the Last Airbender you should because it's completely awesome. In my opinion, it's easily the best animated series since B:TAS
You misspelled "Batman Beyond".
I'm pretty pumped about there being a demo. I was wondering if we were ever going to get a proper one on more systems than just PS3.
Batman Beyond was a very good series with several awesome episodes, but Avatar:TSA (gotta put that subtitle in, thanks to James Cameron) completely blows it away in sheer scope; writing; animation; and epic-ness.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: NWR_Neal on August 03, 2009, 11:33:07 PM
Tangent: The DC Animated Universe is amazing. Justice League Unlimited is easily the best thing to ever come out of a television set and Batman: TAS is, to me, the definitive Batman.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on August 04, 2009, 12:25:19 AM
If you haven't seen Avatar: the Last Airbender you should because it's completely awesome. In my opinion, it's easily the best animated series since B:TAS
You misspelled "Batman Beyond".
I'm pretty pumped about there being a demo. I was wondering if we were ever going to get a proper one on more systems than just PS3.
Batman Beyond was a very good series with several awesome episodes, but Avatar:TSA (gotta put that subtitle in, thanks to James Cameron) completely blows it away in sheer scope; writing; animation; and epic-ness.
No no no. I meant that Avatar was the best animated series since Batman Beyond.
But really I can't even say that, and you'd be pretty hard pressed to say that Avatar is the best animated series since B:TAS, given that Trigun, Cowboy Bebop, and both Ghost in the Shell series came out in that time.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 04, 2009, 12:55:41 AM
If you haven't seen Avatar: the Last Airbender you should because it's completely awesome. In my opinion, it's easily the best animated series since B:TAS
You misspelled "Batman Beyond".
I'm pretty pumped about there being a demo. I was wondering if we were ever going to get a proper one on more systems than just PS3.
Batman Beyond was a very good series with several awesome episodes, but Avatar:TSA (gotta put that subtitle in, thanks to James Cameron) completely blows it away in sheer scope; writing; animation; and epic-ness.
No no no. I meant that Avatar was the best animated series since Batman Beyond.
But really I can't even say that, and you'd be pretty hard pressed to say that Avatar is the best animated series since B:TAS, given that Trigun, Cowboy Bebop, and both Ghost in the Shell series came out in that time.
If I had meant to say "anime" I would have. I consider that stuff (which I love, don't get me wrong) its own separate wing of animation and so has its own term (US= "animated series", Japan= "anime"). Yeah, it's completely arbitrary but it works for me.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on August 04, 2009, 03:12:43 AM
I usually go for "anime" for Japanese, "cartoons" for western, and "animated series" for either. Hence the confusion.
I heard that before they started making Batman Begins, the production team was originally slated to work on a live-action Batman Beyond. I do like Batman Begins and I LOVE Dark Knight, but I would have really liked to see how a live-action Batman Beyond would turn out.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Caliban on August 06, 2009, 11:29:59 PM
Just played the demo on my PS3. I liked it a lot.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 07, 2009, 01:46:35 AM
Yeah, I just finished the demo myself and I really like the game. I have some nitpicks, like how I really don't like this game's voice actor for Commissioner Gordon (they needed to get the guy from Batman: TAS); I wish the Batarangs could interact with more than apparently just enemies and TV screens; and the demo really should have let us fight Killer Croc, but if this snippet of gameplay is indicative of the whole (and I'm still wary of that) this game's going to be awesome. It doesn't seem to be a particularly hard game, but I love how it boils down the essence of what Batman does and then makes it easy to do. I'm a little annoyed that a filter toggle seems to be the extent of the investigative side of Batman, but otherwise they seem to have pretty much nailed the feeling of being Batman. There is just a very simple joy in sneaking around a room, grapping from ledge to ledge by means of a simple button press, isolating a goon, and then jumping down to grab them and yank them back into the shadows for a very Batman-ish stealth finish. By the demo I was doing that non-stop, easily the most fun I've ever had in a Batman game. Hopefully there's a lot more depth to be uncovered, but I'm quite content with what's here.
EDIT: Actually, something I forgot to mention: anyone else bothered by just how close the camera is to Batman in this game? It's like RE4-level closeness and feels really claustrophic when I'm walking around environments. It was bugging me throughout the demo.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Caliban on August 07, 2009, 10:09:37 AM
I noticed that too with the camera, but I got used to it though.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Halbred on August 07, 2009, 12:55:50 PM
This is the E3 demo--nothing has changed. I like it overall, but a few things do bother me about the game, assuming this demo is diagnostic of the finished product.
1) The character designs are a little iffy. Gordon looks like he could bench-press the Joker, and I don't like his voice actor. I also don't like Harley's new costume. With the Animated Series voice cast, the aesthetic is bizarre.
2) I also don't like how close the camera is, but it does zoom out for combat and grappling.
3) This game is powered by the same graphics and physics engine that Bioshock was (I think). Yet objects don't move around when you run into them, like chairs and pots. That's noticable and irritating. Arkham is so damn detailed, I want to be able to mess with stuff!
4) Was that supposed to be The Creeper at the end there?
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 19, 2009, 07:57:37 PM
Yesterday I was at my local Gamestop picking up a fairly-rare PS2 game when I noticed that apparently my local store was doing a midnight launch for Batman, something I hadn't expected given that my area isn't exactly a rich one and it's a somewhat-hidden GS. After the somewhat-underwhelming mess that was the Smash Bros. midnight launch a few years back, I had sworn off ever doing another one again...but then again, that was back before Midnight was roughly the middle of my day. -_-' Besides, I'll need to pick up the Metroid Prime Trilogy anyway.
So, anyone else bothering with going to the midnight launch if they're offering it in your area?
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Halbred on August 20, 2009, 04:01:05 PM
I would, really, but I'm fracking broke. After I blow my load...I mean...store credit...on Metroid Prime Trilogy, I'll have about 20 bucks left over for whatever else. And I want the special edition of Batman. It might have to wait 'til my birthday.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: that Baby guy on August 20, 2009, 04:05:34 PM
The game looks like it could be interesting... But do they have to promote it with that choppy framerate bonus skeleton stage? I understand you want people to preorder it, but that video is very choppy for a prime TV ad. Surely something else could have fit better, anything else.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 20, 2009, 04:29:26 PM
The game looks like it could be interesting... But do they have to promote it with that choppy framerate bonus skeleton stage? I understand you want people to preorder it, but that video is very choppy for a prime TV ad. Surely something else could have fit better, anything else.
Yeah, I would have better appreciated if the "challenge map" was you running through Arkham dealing with the Scarecrow himself rather than just beating down on Skeletons, which just looks silly even if they are supposed to be "illusions".
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 21, 2009, 11:08:46 PM
Well IGN gave it a stunning 9.3.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/101/1016585p3.html (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/101/1016585p3.html) Wow, have to say that is higher then I expected, sounds like an amazing game!
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 21, 2009, 11:11:37 PM
Wow, have to say that is higher then I expected, sounds like an amazing game!
Yeah, gametrailers gave it a 9.0 as well. This is really looking promising. BTW, if you haven't already go ahead and check out the "history" and "retrospective" video features on gametrailers, as they're pretty interesting. The "history" one in particular makes this game sound pretty damn creepy, as it's done in a very "horror" style.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 21, 2009, 11:22:37 PM
Wow, have to say that is higher then I expected, sounds like an amazing game!
Yeah, gametrailers gave it a 9.0 as well. This is really looking promising. BTW, if you haven't already go ahead and check out the "history" and "retrospective" video features on gametrailers, as they're pretty interesting. The "history" one in particular makes this game sound pretty damn creepy, as it's done in a very "horror" style.
Well it is games like this that make me appreciate having 3 of the next generation consoles. Any statements yet on which is the better version?
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 21, 2009, 11:40:51 PM
Wow, have to say that is higher then I expected, sounds like an amazing game!
Yeah, gametrailers gave it a 9.0 as well. This is really looking promising. BTW, if you haven't already go ahead and check out the "history" and "retrospective" video features on gametrailers, as they're pretty interesting. The "history" one in particular makes this game sound pretty damn creepy, as it's done in a very "horror" style.
Well it is games like this that make me appreciate having 3 of the next generation consoles. Any statements yet on which is the better version?
By virtue of having the Joker Challenge maps, the general concensus seems to be the PS3 version. But then again, the Joker maps only went up on PSN on Thursday so they weren't available for the reviews. It's all conjecture right now.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 21, 2009, 11:42:52 PM
Wow, have to say that is higher then I expected, sounds like an amazing game!
Yeah, gametrailers gave it a 9.0 as well. This is really looking promising. BTW, if you haven't already go ahead and check out the "history" and "retrospective" video features on gametrailers, as they're pretty interesting. The "history" one in particular makes this game sound pretty damn creepy, as it's done in a very "horror" style.
Well it is games like this that make me appreciate having 3 of the next generation consoles. Any statements yet on which is the better version?
By virtue of having the Joker Challenge maps, the general concensus seems to be the PS3 version. But then again, the Joker maps only went up on PSN on Thursday so they weren't available for the reviews. It's all conjecture right now.
I think I preordered the Collectors Edition of the PS3 version. Not sure though!
Looking at the voice actors it appears most of the actors from the 90s cartoon are coming back except for John Glover as Riddler. Wonder why they changed him.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 22, 2009, 06:31:25 AM
Wow, have to say that is higher then I expected, sounds like an amazing game!
Yeah, gametrailers gave it a 9.0 as well. This is really looking promising. BTW, if you haven't already go ahead and check out the "history" and "retrospective" video features on gametrailers, as they're pretty interesting. The "history" one in particular makes this game sound pretty damn creepy, as it's done in a very "horror" style.
Well it is games like this that make me appreciate having 3 of the next generation consoles. Any statements yet on which is the better version?
By virtue of having the Joker Challenge maps, the general concensus seems to be the PS3 version. But then again, the Joker maps only went up on PSN on Thursday so they weren't available for the reviews. It's all conjecture right now.
I think I preordered the Collectors Edition of the PS3 version. Not sure though!
Looking at the voice actors it appears most of the actors from the 90s cartoon are coming back except for John Glover as Riddler. Wonder why they changed him.
Assuming that IMDB is right (and from what I've heard it often isn't), damn there ARE a lot of Batman: the Animated Series veterans reprising their old roles. I'm pretty amazed that this hasn't been promoted if it is true, as they've only focused on Kevin Conroy; Mark Hamill; and Arleen Sorken. I'll be especially happy if it's true that Efrem Zimbalist Jr.; Michael Ansara; and David Warner are reprising their roles as Alfred; Mr. Freeze; and Ra's Al Ghul (pronounced "Raishe Al Ghul", damnit!), respectively. We do have some notable names missing, though, with new actors for Commisioner Gordon (his original VA retired); Barbara Gordon; Bane; and the Riddler. The Riddler seems to traditionally be a really hard actor to keep pinned on a series, as The Batman had a really awesome Riddler on for one whole episode and they brought a new actor in for the Riddler's one other appearance in the series. I'm more than a little annoyed to see the original actor for the Scarecrow brought back to reprise him here instead of the far superior Jeffrey Combs (who played him in the New Batman Adventures with the awesome character redesign).
I just have to guess that the actors they couldn't bring back either retired from acting or just weren't available.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 22, 2009, 07:26:14 PM
Quote
I just have to guess that the actors they couldn't bring back either retired from acting or just weren't available.
That probably is true though I did enjoy John Glover as the Riddler.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 22, 2009, 08:28:35 PM
Wow, have to say that is higher then I expected, sounds like an amazing game!
Yeah, gametrailers gave it a 9.0 as well. This is really looking promising. BTW, if you haven't already go ahead and check out the "history" and "retrospective" video features on gametrailers, as they're pretty interesting. The "history" one in particular makes this game sound pretty damn creepy, as it's done in a very "horror" style.
Well it is games like this that make me appreciate having 3 of the next generation consoles. Any statements yet on which is the better version?
By virtue of having the Joker Challenge maps, the general concensus seems to be the PS3 version. But then again, the Joker maps only went up on PSN on Thursday so they weren't available for the reviews. It's all conjecture right now.
That doesn't make the PS3 versions superior. Every non-fanboy report i've seen say the games are identical. The Xbox 360 version actually looks a tiny bit better according to several of them (like the CAGcast). The Xbox 360 also has the superior controller and better reward system (Achievements are easily better than Trophy's). That is why it annoys me that Eidos Interactive made the Joker downloadable only in the PS3 version. Hopefully someone at the compnay has a brain and eventually decides to add him to the Xbox 360 version.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 25, 2009, 12:41:56 AM
I just got back from picking up my Arkham Aslyum Collector's Edition and...I feel more than a little ripped-off. The box is HUGE, literally about the length of my arm. The batarang is incredibly cheap and looks like a child's toy instead of a CE figure I'd be proud to display alongside something like my Bioshock Big Daddy. I haven't had a chance to check out the leather-bound booklet (it's literally a leather cover that just holds a booklet), but the cardboard digipack for the discs themselves is classy. Unfortunately, the digipack isn't built to hold the manual, and as of this post my Dem Bones/Crime Alley DLC code doesn't work. Not worth $100.
BTW, in case you're curious the Arkham Asylum Midnight Release was the total opposite of my experience with the Smash Bros. release. There were maybe a dozen or so of us there, and we all showed up around 11:30 or so. We just stood around and talked about video games till I (apparently the only person watching the clock) told the GS guys there that it was 12:01 and time to go. No rude behavior, no defacing of the storefront, none of that BS I ran into at the Smash Bros. release.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: bustin98 on August 25, 2009, 01:09:48 AM
Thank you for the impressions. I was so close to picking up the RE5 CE when someone's impressions made me think otherwise. Sounds highly dubious that what you have is really worth $100.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 25, 2009, 01:14:42 AM
Thank you for the impressions. I was so close to picking up the RE5 CE when someone's impressions made me think otherwise. Sounds highly dubious that what you have is really worth $100.
In all fairness, I haven't looked at the bonus Blu-Ray disc yet (and probably won't for a while). Unfortunately, with it being Blu-Ray I can't play a game and watch it at the same time since my PS3 is my only Blu-Ray player. I did look at the booklet, though, and it is nice. It's notes from one of the medical doctors at Arkham on what must be the most extensive list of Batman's Rogues Gallery I've ever seen (I've never even heard of some of these guys). It's nice but it's the kind of thing that could be thrown on a DVD and you wouldn't have missed it in paper form.
I'm currently playing the game right now. ^_^
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 25, 2009, 04:56:18 AM
Alright, folks, I'm going to make this simple for you: it doesn't matter which version you get (though I think you get ripped off in the CE), but buy this game. Yes, it is as awesome as the hype suggested. I just completed my first run-ins with both the Scarecrow and Bane, and they were handled masterfully (I actually had a lot of trouble with Bane). Just about everything about this game clicks (and, in fact, this game feels oddly reminiscent of Bioshock for some reason), and this is indeed the Batman game we were all waiting for. I will say this, though: so far I haven't heard any familar voices outside of the primary trio of Batman, Joker, and Harley but I'll keep listening. My only quibble at this point is the same one I had in the demo: the game is very picky about just what objects you can interact with. You can blow up things with the explosive gel, but only things the game wants you to blow up. The same explosive that will take down a wall in one area has no affect against...say...a glass wall. It's very inconsistent and a bit annoying, but it's a very minor problem.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 25, 2009, 05:27:03 AM
Alright, folks, I'm going to make this simple for you: it doesn't matter which version you get (though I think you get ripped off in the CE), but buy this game. Yes, it is as awesome as the hype suggested. I just completed my first run-ins with both the Scarecrow and Bane, and they were handled masterfully (I actually had a lot of trouble with Bane). Just about everything about this game clicks (and, in fact, this game feels oddly reminiscent of Bioshock for some reason), and this is indeed the Batman game we were all waiting for. I will say this, though: so far I haven't heard any familar voices outside of the primary trio of Batman, Joker, and Harley but I'll keep listening. My only quibble at this point is the same one I had in the demo: the game is very picky about just what objects you can interact with. You can blow up things with the explosive gel, but only things the game wants you to blow up. The same explosive that will take down a wall in one area has no affect against...say...a glass wall. It's very inconsistent and a bit annoying, but it's a very minor problem.
You'll probably laugh at this question. But is the game scary? Games that startle me often I tend to not finish!
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 25, 2009, 05:38:07 AM
Alright, folks, I'm going to make this simple for you: it doesn't matter which version you get (though I think you get ripped off in the CE), but buy this game. Yes, it is as awesome as the hype suggested. I just completed my first run-ins with both the Scarecrow and Bane, and they were handled masterfully (I actually had a lot of trouble with Bane). Just about everything about this game clicks (and, in fact, this game feels oddly reminiscent of Bioshock for some reason), and this is indeed the Batman game we were all waiting for. I will say this, though: so far I haven't heard any familar voices outside of the primary trio of Batman, Joker, and Harley but I'll keep listening. My only quibble at this point is the same one I had in the demo: the game is very picky about just what objects you can interact with. You can blow up things with the explosive gel, but only things the game wants you to blow up. The same explosive that will take down a wall in one area has no affect against...say...a glass wall. It's very inconsistent and a bit annoying, but it's a very minor problem.
You'll probably laugh at this question. But is the game scary? Games that startle me often I tend to not finish!
Scary? Well, not really. It is disturbing in places and genuinely creepy at times, particular in the Scarecrow section I've finished. The game's pulled a few "jump" scares in places, such as when I checked a door and...well...something literally jumped at the other side of the door. I'd say the general tone of the game, from the lighting to the imagery, is very similar to Bioshock. If you could handle what Bioshock threw at you in that department, you can handle this just fine. I suppose you can get scared during the "Invisible Predator" sections when you get spotted and suddenly everyone's shooting at you and you're scrambling from hiding place to hiding place to shake them, but that's SOP (Standard Operating Proceedure) for video games.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 26, 2009, 05:20:31 AM
Well, after an exciting marathon of awesomness I have completed my first playthrough with all random stuff found on Normal. Great game with some fantastic boss fights and some utterly phenomenal Scarecrow sections. Seriously, someone at Rocksteady was a fan of Eternal Darkness and it shows. This game will get probably a few more playthroughs in the future on the main quest, but I still have a boatload of Challenge maps to do now. My only big complaint is you don't run into much of Batman's Rogues gallery, but it's obvious from what I guess we have to assume was supposed to be an ending (yeah, another downgrade) that they definitely had sequels in mind. The end of the game can also be really cheap, with you having to take on squads of goons as well as 1 or 2 huge Titan goons at the same time. This just ends up painful, with the goons knocking away at you when you go after the Titans and the Titans beating the crap out of you when you try to turn your attention to anything else. The final boss is also really underwhelming and is actually easier than the fight that comes before him. Still, fantastic game.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 26, 2009, 05:45:32 AM
Not sure how far I am but I just
Got to Batman's Arkham Batcave
The scarecrow sections were extremely well done. Especially the "boss battle" there.
Also Kevin Conroy puts Bale's batman voice to shame (not to mention his overall demeanor when talking), too bad they couldn't have dubbed Conroy over Bale when he was in Batman mode. And of course Mark Hamil is brilliant as the joker, it really makes me wish we could see him play the role in a movie, I think he would do a fabulous job.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ThePerm on August 26, 2009, 06:07:44 AM
if they dubbed Conroy over Bale that would be so weird, Bale does a good job as live action. He is an acting machine. It sucks Ledger died, i loved his take on Joker. For part 3 it just doesn't seem right to totally dump the joker, because he basically set himself up to continue to be the primary villain in the next movie. Although, this does bring back the possibility of Hamil reprising his role in a movie. That was the fan idea, and maybe by now Nolan either sees no choice and will bow to the fans. http://www.gamerhotline.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/mark-hamill.jpg imagine that with some dark knight make up. you'd barely notice the difference. Although, Hamill would have to keep it lower key. He did a GREAT job keeping it grim and low key in Mask of the Phantasm. Mark Hamill is a great actor, i mean star wars..its just his regular acting career he's never been paired with a good direcotr to really bring out a good performance..except Kevin Smith who is a great director who brought out a cartoon performance.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 26, 2009, 07:05:54 AM
I've been trying to make some headway in the Challenge Maps, which are actually pretty damn hard...especially if you're trying to do trophy duty as well. It took me forever to get the hang of the enemy placement and timing to do the total Silent Takedown for the second Invisible Predator scenario, but it was amusing to observe the guards' reactions as I picked them off one by one without making any noise. In fact, I'd say the Invisible Predator maps are well worth investing time in the Challenge maps, as they don't go for that trap of making you race against a clock (unless you care about online leaderboards, and I don't). Instead, each map simply charges you with taking out the enemies with cetain attacks, which really lets you appreciate the map designs and the tools at your disposal.
I do not care for the combat Challenge maps at all, as I never could get above a 27-hit combo (my personal best in the main story) and you pretty much have to be flawless to get all 3 medals for those scenarios (I've done this once for a trophy). Sadly, I experimented a bit with the much-vaunted Joker, and honestly it's pretty lame. You're just going through the same maps as Batman, but with Arkham guards and hero characters as your punching bags instead of Joker goons. Joker himself controls a little differently from Batman, enough that I have some trouble using him. The Joker's much weaker than Batman and attacks in wierd arcs, but he has faster attacks so he can build up combos quickly. His finishers are really hard to pull off in my experience, so it's harder to chain them together. His moves are really amusing, though (I love the joy-buzzer finisher). I haven't tried him out in Invisible Predator mode yet.
In case you're curious, the Crime Alley map is just another Combat Challenge Map (with medals, oddly enough), and Dem Bones is pretty lame as a survival mode where you see how long you can go attacking the Scarecrow's skeletons without taking a hit.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on August 27, 2009, 04:00:28 AM
This is a very good game.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: vudu on August 27, 2009, 02:02:16 PM
As I already did with Halbred (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=29151.msg542627#msg542627), I question your ability to judge this game in a fair light (http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2001/11/26/).
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Ymeegod on August 27, 2009, 05:36:51 PM
Just finished the single player and yeah--it's a great surprise because it's not only a good game but it's a great Batman game. The PS3 does have exclusive download content to if you have both you might as well buy that one.
As for the game itself--the combat level felt a little like smashing "X" all the time. You really don't have to try to beat the baddies unless you're unlocking the metals in challenge modes. That was my only gripe about the game otherwise I simply loved it. The comments made by the Joker had me rolling with laughter.
I can't believe this but I'm actually buying an Eidos game after swearing a blood oath not to. Oh well :)
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 27, 2009, 05:56:43 PM
Just finished the single player and yeah--it's a great surprise because it's not only a good game but it's a great Batman game. The PS3 does have exclusive download content to if you have both you might as well buy that one.
As for the game itself--the combat level felt a little like smashing "X" all the time. You really don't have to try to beat the baddies unless you're unlocking the metals in challenge modes. That was my only gripe about the game otherwise I simply loved it. The comments made by the Joker had me rolling with laughter.
I can't believe this but I'm actually buying an Eidos game after swearing a blood oath not to. Oh well :)
Isn't Eidos owned by Square-Enix now?
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 27, 2009, 06:22:33 PM
The thing that probably surprises me most about the game (aside from completely nailing the Batman experience) is that they took a stealth system and actually made it fun. It is a riot to just zoom around a room, picking enemies off one-by-one and just messing with them. You don't need to waste time hiding bodies because the whole point of the system is to scare the bezeesus out of your foes. I've never played any other game that's managed that.
And by the way, Rocksteady had better be working on Arkham Asylum 2 (or whatever you want to call it). That 5-second ending is such a teaser for another Batman game, maybe Open World this time?
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 27, 2009, 06:26:12 PM
One thing that impressed me was how smooth the fighting and reversal system is. It flows just like Batman does when he is fighting.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Ymeegod on August 27, 2009, 06:44:59 PM
Well it did everything on foot but there wasn't any vehicle missions and there wasn't alot of enemy types. Those are two thing I'll like to see in the sequel--that and Catwoman :).
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: bustin98 on August 29, 2009, 10:57:57 AM
I have played through the demo on both the PS3 and the 360. The 360 one has Batman with a blue tinted cape and cowl, while the PS3 version seems to go a tad darker, with definately black in the cut scenes. Does the retail version correct this color issue?
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: D_Average on August 29, 2009, 04:02:18 PM
Played through the demo last night. I expected a turd sandwich, but to my surprise I tasted lobster egg rolls. I was floored. What really stood out to me was how silky smooth Batmans cape looked, especially while fighting.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 30, 2009, 09:54:21 AM
Has anyone else tried out the Challenge Mode stages yet? I've been putting in some time on them off and on between Metroid Prime sessions, and I've managed to clear out all but 2 of the Invisible Predator stealth missions (which are really fun, but quite hard with some of the insane things you have to do to get the medals). The combat challenges, though, are impossible. You have to be just about perfect nearly every round with every single challenge (and with several of them you have a time limit as well). This entails pulling off a Freeflow Perfection every round, and I've only managed a Freeflow Perfection once for the PS3 trophy...and that took 3 hours of repeated tries and restarts. Oh joy. I'm really not sure how the game wants me to crash through a window into an enemy via the Bat-line as well for one of the Invisible Predator challenges. I'll aim my line at a window and it just won't let me fire it.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: redgiemental on August 31, 2009, 11:13:03 AM
Just completed the story mode this morning. (bank Holiday Yeah!!!).
Not just a great game but a great Batman game. Truly captured the spirit of being Batman in my opinion. From the hand to hand fighting that just flows the way batman does to the sneaking around in the dark and picking enemies off one by one. I don't know that you could make a more authentic batman. They even got some of main voice actors from the anitmated series back along with Paul Dini to write it. I'm quite happy they left it open for a sequel, more please!!
The predator sections were by far the most fun for me. I think someone mentioned the Eternal Darkness influence which was quite evident in certain parts of the game, but equal mention should go to Manhunt. The predator sections were quite reminiscent of Manhunt but much much better, more polished, more possibilities and just more fun.
I enjoyed the Riddler challenges too, though I'm not sure I'll go back and try to solve them all.
Are you talking about the Silent Knight (extreme) challenge map broodwars? Because I had no trouble at all with that medal. Were you directly adjacent? or at a funny angle?
Edit: typo made gave a sentence a very different meaning than intended.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on August 31, 2009, 03:22:36 PM
Just completed the story mode this morning. (bank Holiday Yeah!!!).
Not a great game but a great Batman game. Truly captured the spirit of being Batman in my opinion. From the hand to hand fighting that just flows the way batman does to the sneaking around in the dark and picking enemies off one by one. I don't know that you could make a more authentic batman. They even got some of main voice actors from the anitmated series back along with Paul Dini to write it. I'm quite happy they left it open for a sequel, more please!!
The predator sections were by far the most fun for me. I think someone mentioned the Eternal Darkness influence which was quite evident in certain parts of the game, but equal mention should go to Manhunt. The predator sections were quite reminiscent of Manhunt but much much better, more polished, more possibilities and just more fun.
I enjoyed the Riddler challenges too, though I'm not sure I'll go back and try to solve them all.
Are you talking about the Silent Knight (extreme) challenge map broodwars? Because I had no trouble at all with that medal. Were you directly adjacent? or at a funny angle?
Yeah, I was talking about Silent Knight Extreme, though I've beaten all the Invisible Predator Challenge Maps now. For some reason I just kept getting throw down when I reached the window instead of crashing through it. Something about the angle, I suppose. Anyway, I spent quite a few hours practicing and finally managed to get two of the hardest trophies in the game: Freeflow Perfection (perform a combo that uses every Batman combat move) and Freeflow Combo 40 (perform a 40-hit combo). Damn that was annoying to get. The only challenges I have left to do are all combat, and I hate them. You have to pull of the difficult Freeflow Perfection just about every round to get all 3 medals, something I'm not sure I can do (especially on the maps where you're timed like Shock & Awe). I am currently playing through the game again on Hard Mode, which is way harder than Normal. I'm in the midst of the Poison Ivy fight right now, and I'm not sure how much further I'm going to get since I had a lot of trouble with the pre-Joker mob fight on Normal.
And...Hard Mode's completed! :D Damn that was hard, but surprisingly I had more trouble with the Joker fight than the mob that preceeded him this time. I guess all that practice had me prepared for dealing with multiple Titans and a much smaller mob than in an earlier Titan fight. That only leaves 2 Trophies I'm chasing after: the Freeflow Silver and Freeflow Gold. Perfect Knight and the Platinum Trophy will unlock when I get those two. I'm putting the game up for a bit, though, and moving on to playing something less stressful because I hate those Freeflow Combat Challenges.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Caliban on September 07, 2009, 11:06:58 PM
I just finished the game on Normal. Collected everything, but haven't touched the challenges yet. It's a great Batman game. Oh, and could it be that we're going to get another Batman game? At least that's what the last video bit indicated at, but I'm sure it will be dependent on its sales numbers.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 08, 2009, 03:01:39 AM
I just finished the game on Normal. Collected everything, but haven't touched the challenges yet. It's a great Batman game. Oh, and could it be that we're going to get another Batman game? At least that's what the last video bit indicated at, but I'm sure it will be dependent on its sales numbers.
I think the chances are high, even if you aren't a big fan of VGchatz, it is tracking close to a million sold already between the 360 and PS3 versions. So I think it is safe to say when NPD comes out it will have done quite well which is great!
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on September 08, 2009, 03:06:39 AM
Batman in Gotham city? That sounds awesome.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on September 08, 2009, 04:12:44 AM
Freeroaming Batman game... Nnngggghhh
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on September 08, 2009, 01:38:10 PM
A freeroaming Batman game is too awesome for human beings to pull off without screwing up somehow (in my opinion, they still haven't figured it out yet with Spidey), so I'm fine with a tight scripted game with the ability to explore a small area thoroughly.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 08, 2009, 03:11:37 PM
A freeroaming Batman game is too awesome for human beings to pull off without screwing up somehow (in my opinion, they still haven't figured it out yet with Spidey), so I'm fine with a tight scripted game with the ability to explore a small area thoroughly.
Spider-man pulls it off but the games just need time for polish like Batman AS had. I think it could be done well if given the development time.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on September 08, 2009, 05:37:09 PM
Batman 2 would have to be a next next gen title. That should give it a few years.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: NWR_pap64 on September 08, 2009, 06:11:13 PM
I played the 360 demo yesterday and while it was short I felt compelled by it. There's something oddly satisfying about sneaking up on thugs and taking them out. Gliding across the ceiling never gets old.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on September 08, 2009, 07:05:43 PM
I've moved 3 medals towards my goal of getting all the Combat Challenge Room medals, having gotten 1 more medal in Intensive Treatment Extreme (that's all 3 now), 1 more in Sewer Bat (ditto), and 1 more in Shock & Awe (still 1 more to go there). It seems the trick is to get the most points possible in the first 2 rounds by just going all-out using as many of Batman's 9 combat moves as possible to build up the Variation point multiplier. After the second round, all bets are off so if you're in a good position by then you stand a good chance of getting to that third medal threshold...or at least to the second. It requires a lot of practice and just plain luck, though. I do not understand some of the scores I see on the leaderboard, which far eclipse what you need to get the final medal on each challenge.
I figure if I try to get a few medals knocked out every day or so I'll get them all done eventually without driving me to kill myself from all the repetition. Shock & Awe Extreme seems to be the one everyone hates most.
Oh, and if anyone didn't know we're getting new DLC next week on the 14th. Probably just more Challenge Rooms. Considering none of these DLC Challenge Rooms contribute to either your Medal Count for the Freeflow Trophies or Game Completion, I fail to understand the point of them outside just goofing off (and if I'm going to do that, I'll just replay the game again).
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Caliban on September 08, 2009, 11:12:14 PM
I've been thinking about this all day. You could glide from one end to the opposite end of Gotham city, or you could scare the **** out of people by doing an invert takedown on unsuspecting criminals and leave them there hanging as a message to other criminals. My, my... the potential. Can Rocksteady do it? Will they think of doing it? I hope so, and that they succeed again.
I think the chances are high, even if you aren't a big fan of VGchatz, it is tracking close to a million sold already between the 360 and PS3 versions. So I think it is safe to say when NPD comes out it will have done quite well which is great!
I don't usually follow sales numbers outside of the NWR forums, but I'm glad that it apparently is doing good.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on September 09, 2009, 06:25:54 PM
Platinum GET! Finally, after hours of practice at all three Extreme Combat Challenges I finally did it: I finally got all 3 medals in everything for 100% and a nice shiny digital representation of my badass-edness. ^_^ Now I can finally retire this game or perhaps play the Joker stealth challenges for fun. I'm never touching those combat challenges ever again.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Rize on September 10, 2009, 10:48:06 AM
I'm extremely glad they made a real game instead of an open world game. I'm so sick of open world games. They can be fun (as Red Faction demonstrated), but get old so quickly and easily compared to a real game with real levels.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Caliban on September 10, 2009, 11:11:54 AM
But just imagine a Batman game with an open world with plenty of buildings to go in to and play around with the goons, not only that because then you have enough space to fly around with the Batjet and drive the Batmobile. What I'm basically saying is there's nothing stopping a Batman game from having the good from both types of gameplay.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on September 11, 2009, 02:25:14 AM
They should make a freeroaming Batman Beyond game.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: redgiemental on September 12, 2009, 01:49:24 PM
I'm with Rize, there are so many open world games these days.
Does every game have to be made into open world for you guys? Sometimes I like some structure, I've rarely found open-world games satisfying.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on September 13, 2009, 09:53:46 PM
Batman in Gotham city could be level based. Gotham is on an island or three.
Finished the game with my cousin. Hated the Croc level. HATED IT.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Shorty McNostril on September 14, 2009, 02:42:40 AM
What was wrong with the Croc level? I think it did it's job perfectly. Kept you on your toes the whole time.
I rented it out a couple of days ago on 360. Finished the story overnight. I think it was a great game. One of the best I have played for a long time. This one actually had me excited about what will happen next. I haven't felt that way about a game for a long time. The combat was superb. The very embodiment of easy to learn, hard to master. Looked beautiful, one of the most pleasant looking games I have played thus far. Atmosphere was also very good. Those damn scarecrow levels were a right mess to the brain.
When I find another job i shall be picking this up along with Sacred 2.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Spak-Spang on September 23, 2009, 09:18:49 PM
A free roaming Batman just wouldn't work.
Why is this game so polished? Why does it work so well? Because the world and levels can be tightly balanced and controlled. You don't get that with free roaming games...and in the end the game would suffer. Also, Gotham would be very hard to do, because the city needs to be a character...not just a location. What I mean is Gotham is just as important to Batman as his villains are.
The only way I can see it working is having a highly scripted Linear adventure in Gotham City that is not free roaming, and Gotham City is tightly managed and levels are designed to show of different areas and aspects of Gotham.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Dirk Temporo on September 23, 2009, 09:29:21 PM
"It's never been done before so it's impossible."
Good thing you aren't a scientist or anything.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: Spak-Spang on September 23, 2009, 10:17:58 PM
There are certain elements of design that must go into free roam games that open up the games to different game play. These elements usually are very different from the more controlled linear paths.
I personally do not like the sandbox open world games...but I understand it is my opinion. Though, the games have merit and can be fun. However, I would argue that a better polish and better designed levels can come from linear design. Super Mario Galaxy is a far better game because of its linear level design that without it. Linear level design not only allows for games to be more polished but they help design deeper more immersive stories because you know where and how you will take the character.
So do I believe their is room for both types of games...yes...but I don't think a Batman game will be done justice going that direction.
Oh, and thank you for miss interpreting my original post into a single misquote that I didn't say.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 12, 2011, 01:21:17 AM
I picked this game up during a Steam sale a few weeks ago and damn was that $7.50 well spent. Game beat with 81% 219/240 puzzles and I haven't touched a single extra feature yet.
This game is amazing. I loved every bit of it right down to the last fight. The battle takes lots of practice, and I did skip the 16 person battle just before the end on accident, but I was close to winning (I had 4-5 guys left standing last time I tried).
I applaud the studio that made this game and I look forward to Arkham City near the end of the year. This is how a Batman game should be made. The only improvements that I can think of off the top of my head would be grappling hook while jumping, falling, climbing or gliding, and that is only for extra fun while messing around. But this is seriously a great game and I hope to see other studios take other comic characters and make a game as suitable for them as this one was for Batman.
p.s. Is it just me or did anyone else spend about 90% of the game time in Detective mode and if you saw screen shots of areas you've been to in normal detail you probably wouldn't even recognize them?
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: ShyGuy on March 12, 2011, 01:39:22 AM
Yeah, they should have either made detective have more of a downside or just put it in regular view.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 12, 2011, 01:55:12 AM
Maybe put a battery on your detective mode lens so that it needs time to recharge inbetween uses that way you don't use it 90% of the time.
Seriously the only time I would turn it off is if I was in a fight where they had knives or wands so that I could tell who had what weapon and disarm them accordingly.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: broodwars on March 12, 2011, 02:04:07 AM
I never really understood all the complaining about "always being in Detective Mode". If you wanted to see the environment normally, you can always...say...turn Detective Mode off. Personally, I liked sneaking around with the mode on so I could plan out my assaults. Besides, if I remember correctly you usually had to turn detective mode off anyway to do the Riddler Challenges (especially the ones where you had to line up the question marks).
Arkham Asylum is a classic, though. IMO, it deserved Game of the Year nods over Uncharted 2, which was also an excellent game but it was still just an iteration on a previous installment whereas AA was a whole new game with new concepts.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 12, 2011, 02:10:46 AM
I'm not really complaining about always being in Detective mode (that's how I preferred to play the game), but it's a beautiful game and that is easy to forget when you spend 90% of the time in Secret Blue Skeletal View.
Someone could show me dozens of screen from B:AA and I wouldn't even recognize them, and that's a damn shame because the graphics are great.
Title: Re: Batman Arkham Asylum
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 15, 2011, 09:36:17 PM
The only improvements that I can think of off the top of my head would be grappling hook while jumping, falling, climbing or gliding, and that is only for extra fun while messing around.
Looks like the Dev team had the same thoughts and added it in
Arkham City http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlET0kb5pmw&feature=player_embedded
