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WB acknowledges Batman: Arkham City save glitch, asks for user reports
Batman: Arkham City players have been experiencing save data loss on Xbox 360 since the launch of the game. Publisher WB hasn't had anything to say regarding the extremely unfortunate bug until last night, when it published a survey on its official forum asking afflicted users for details. In the survey, WB seeks information about the Xbox 360 model, storage method, and system software used to play Arkham City. If you can overcome the rage from having your save data randomly destroyed, please email support@wbgames with the answers to the questions listed after the break. It might help Rocksteady tune its cryptographic sequencer, which it will then point at a computer to fix the issue. I was using a "phat" Xbox 360, running the latest release of the system software (not a preview), and had only the Catwoman DLC installed when I lost all my progress, in case anyone there happens to be reading.
Batman: Arkham City PC receives mini delay
Batman: Arkham City's official November 18 launch date for PC in North America has been slightly shifted to November 22. Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment also stated the PC version will be available November 23 in Australia, November 24 in France and Benelux, and other European territories beginning November 25. Although WBIE wouldn't confirm, a major South African retailer has stated the game won't launch on PC until December in the region. The PC launch will occur just as the "Robin Bundle Pack" hits the digital distribution circuit.
PSA: Talk to Calendar Man in Batman: Arkham City today
Eager Trophy and Achievement hunters likely already know the deal: today is Halloween and Calendar Man, a Batman villain obsessed with holidays and dates, is looking for a little company. If you talk to him in Batman: Arkham City on twelve different specific holidays (you can see the exact dates on a calendar next to his cell in the basement of the courthouse), you can earn the Story Teller Achievement/Trophy. Of course, you could cheat your way through this by changing the date on your console, though we'd hardly condone that. The Batman is not known for taking shortcuts.
EA adds Warner Bros, Capcom and THQ to Origin
EA recently announced a partnership which would bring some fellow third-party publishers' games to its recently launched Origin gaming platform. The list is short, but auspicious: Warner Bros. Interactive, THQ and Capcom will begin adding their major releases to the service, with November heralding the arrivals of Batman: Arkham City, Saints Row: The Third and others. "Additional titles" are also promised for the coming months. These games mark the first non-EA-branded titles to appear on the platform, joining over 100 of the mega-publisher's games currently on offer.
Nightwing DLC footage is electric, sticks Nov. 1 landing
Nightwing, the original boy wonder grown into twenty-something slugger, will be available as Batman: Arkham City DLC come November 1. The pack includes Dick Grayson in Nightwing costume, two additional challenge maps, Wayne Manor and Main Hall, and an Animated Series Nightwing skin for $6.99. As was accidentally revealed a couple weeks back, the "Robin Bundle Pack," featuring the Dark Knight's third Robin (don't ask about the second, it's a sore subject), Tim Drake, will hit on November 22 for $6.99. [Thanks, Garrett M.]
Batman: Arkham City ships 4.6M in first week, 2M sold
Batman is kind of a big deal, with his latest starring role catapulting Batman: Arkham City to astronomical shipping numbers: an approximate 4.6 million in the first week. LA Times reports that among those shipments, Bats has already slipped into 2 million homes. By most accounts, Batman: Arkham City is earning those numbers, with reviewers (including our own) praising the sequel's densely packed open world and attention to detail, among other things. And if the rest of those shipped copies eventually end up in consumer's homes as well, the game will have already surpassed sales numbers of its predecessor (4.3 million). Not too shabby for a development studio whose only non-Batman game is about being a random police dude!
Batman: Arkham City has fourth biggest UK launch in 2011
Batman: Arkham City knocked out the competition last week on the UK charts. Chart-Track notes the caped crusader's time in ol' Gotham town is the fourth largest launch of the year, behind FIFA 12, Gears of War 3 and L.A Noire. Football Manager 2012 debuted in third, only 1,800 unit sales behind FIFA 12, which holds on to second place despite a 35 percent drop in sales. Last week's checkered flag winner, Forza Motorsport 4, slipped into fourth, with Just Dance 3 feelin' the groove in fifth. Two other premieres in the top 40 last week were Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One and Dance Central 2, in spots 24 and 40, respectively. It's an odd start for the sequel to Harmonix's hit dance game, so we'll see where it lands next week. Shimmy on past the break for the UK top ten.
Arkham City gets an official mammal-with-webbed-wings app for iOS
Batman is great at fighting crime, using gadgets and not killing people. He's not, however, that creative in naming things -- Bat cave, batmobile, batarang, batclaw, Batgirl. His wordsmith skills may be lacking, but this predictability makes naming the official Batman: Arkham City iOS app extremely easy. It's the Chiroptera app, obviously. Fine, it's the bat app. Whatever you call it, the Arkham City official map app is a handy tool to help keep track of progress through the game, showing the locations of hundreds of Riddler trophies and item hotspots, and allowing users to mark off the ones they've collected. Developer Dorling Kindersley made a similar app extension for Dead Island. The bat app is available for the same price, $2.99, right now on iTunes.
Batman: Arkham City PC system requirements detected
We may have to wait until the eighteenth of November to get our WASD-lovin' keyboard claws on the PC version of Batman: Arkham City, but the extra weeks have given us ample time to make sure our beefy rigs are up to snuff. Not that we're that worried, mind you: Nvidia has released the minimum and recommended system requirements for the caped crusader's latest romp (after the break), and all told the spec aren't totally outrageous. Maybe we didn't need to spend forty thousand dollars on a replica of Batman: The Animated Series' Batcave supercomputer after all.
Conan thinks Batman is getting long in the tooth
After exposing the non-violent side of Gears of War 3, Conan O' Brien has turned his piercing, beady-eyed gaze onto Batman: Arkham City. Turns out Bats just might be getting to old for this ... stuff.
Snag discounted Batman, Assassin's Creed and more with free shipping at Newegg
Newegg seems to have a pretty good sale going on, offering discounts and free shipping on several games. Using the correct coupon code, Assassin's Creed: Revelations and Saints Row: The Third can be pre-ordered for $48, while Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 will drop to $30. Also, while it's not listed in the actual sale, we noticed a $10 promo code for Batman: Arkham City. Find links to each game and their promo codes after the break. The sale runs through Saturday (except for the Batman promo, which runs through the 24th). Let us know if you spot any eligible games.
Warner solving Arkham City DLC issue with a simple 5 step process
According to a tipster, it looks like Warner Bros. is taking steps to resolve the various downloadable content issues faced by purchasers of Batman: Arkham City. Or, more precisely, Warner is asking customers to take steps -- five of them, actually. Alright, six if you include having to contact customer service in the first place. A Joystiq tipster by the name of Michel contacted customer service, and was told to provide the following: A dated proof of purchase (receipt, invoice) showing the purchase of a NEW copy of the game (not a rented or used copy, nor a copy purchased from eBay) Your gamertag for Xbox Live, or your profile for the PSN Your email address A scan or digital picture of the package and game disc(s) A scan or digital picture of the code sheet (both sides). Upon receipt of the information, customer service promised it would "escalate" Michel's issue "so a code can be produced." Obviously, the whole ordeal once again raises concern for the concept of "Online Pass" or "Project Ten Dollar," which is ostensibly aimed at reducing used game sales and thus increasing publisher revenue. Then again, it's supposed to reward customer loyalty, offering new purchasers something extra for supporting the developer and publisher.
Metareview: Batman: Arkham City
The entire gang is back. Developer Rocksteady studios returns to Gotham City, along with Batman scribe Paul Dini, and Mark "Luke Skywalker" Hamill in what he says will be his "last hurrah" as Joker. And the result is that Batman: Arkham City could very well become Joystiq's top game of 2011, something its predecessor was arguably robbed of in 2009. Coincidentally, Arkham City sees a similar competitive match-up this year, facing new Assassin's Creed and Uncharted entries, whose sequels were the two titles that defeated the dark knight two years ago. At the moment, though, Arkham City is universally acclaimed as one of the best games of the year. Giant Bomb (5/5): "Getting another chance to use Batman's considerable combat talents as you engage in one of the best fighting systems going today is a joy. The city looks terrific, like it's one step away from just bursting into flames as criminals crawl across every single surface doing... whatever it is that criminals do when they're locked in a city-shaped prison." Game Informer (100/100): "The size of the game is daunting. I still have a ways to go to reach 100 percent, but I wouldn't be surprised if I have invested over 60 hours so far. Throw in the new game plus and a dizzying number of combat challenges for both Batman and his feline friend and this game could be one of the biggest and most enjoyable time sinks of the year." IGN (95/100): "Batman: Arkham City isn't perfect, but listing the little things I didn't like gets in the way of all the stuff I adored. The voice acting, the challenges, the amazing opening, the unbelievable ending and the feeling of being the Dark Knight -- these are the things that standout looking back. I've beaten this thing twice and still want to call in sick and chase Riddler Trophies. " Eurogamer (90/100): "If it's lacking something, it's surprise. Arkham City has nothing that beats the first game's brilliant unveilings and fourth-wall mind-tricks (although it has a go at an equivalent) and it can't trump the central, crucial realization that somebody had finally made a Batman game that was enriched by its license rather than subtly crippled by it. Instead, though, you get refinement: better bosses, slicker animation, and more to think about on a second-to-second basis."%Gallery-136482%
Arkham City buyers encounter numerous DLC code issues [update: Warner responds, working on fix]
The mystery of Batman: Arkham City's DLC code issues popping up on the official forums may be more baffling than one of the Riddler's puzzles. Users have reported all kinds of problems, ranging from their copy not including all the promised DLC codes, winding up with multiple codes for the same piece of DLC or, perhaps most bizarre of all, DLC redemption cards that are simply blank. The issues don't seem related to a single piece of DLC, with users reporting problems with Joker challenge map, Robin and Catwoman codes. Given that the DLC was promised to those who pre-ordered or purchased new copies of the regular or collector's edition, what should have been a bonus for early adopters could become a serious issue. The Catwoman DLC significantly alters the story of Arkham City, meaning some may not be getting the entire game they paid for. We've contacted Warner Bros. for a response. For what it's worth, all copies owned by Joystiq staff seem to have their codes intact. Update: Warner hasn't issued an official statement on the matter, though it's asking players to keep an eye on the the Arkham City Twitter account for updates. Thus far the account has stated that players "will get to play as the sexy thief," asking that they "stay tuned for update." [Thanks, Ori. Photo: xxjonoxx]
Batman: Arkham City swoops to PC on November 18
Warner Bros. has deemed today the day to reveal Batman: Arkham City's delayed PC launch date as November 18, one month to the day after its arrival on consoles. The Games for Windows version was delayed last month via a terse WB announcement, which didn't provide an explanation at the time. We can exclusively reveal why today: Bruce Wayne is exhausted, y'all. He's got a lot going on, between film and TV and video games, and he just needed a few weeks to chill. Okay, that and PC version bug fixes.
Drink NOS, get a Batman Beyond skin for Arkham City
The Batman: Arkham City preorder plan is so complicated, with various offers from retailers all over the place enabling different costumes and content, it seems like you need to be the World's Greatest Detective just to figure it all out. And here's another clue to the mystery: That Batman Beyond skin seen so long ago is now being offered as a reward from energy drink NOS. To get it, all you have to do is chug a NOS (or just buy it and pour it out, we won't judge), grab a code from the can and plug it in on the website, and then redeem the point you earn for the skin. According to the NOS rewards page, you can use the skin after you complete the game's main story, or in any of the challenge maps. Was Terry McGinnis always this buff? NOS also notes that this reward is offering "early access" to the skin, so if you can't buy NOS where you happen to be, this (and the other bonus skins) will be available later through normal DLC channels. [Thanks, Ben.]
Batman: Arkham City's Nightwing could use a haircut
Former Robin, Dick Grayson, has moved out from under Batman's cape to go on his own as Nightwing, but we have a feeling that Bruce would just shake his head if he saw these bangs. How are you supposed to fight crime if you can't keep that hair out of your eyes, Dick? At any rate, that's what Nightwing looks like in Batman: Arkham City, as Rocksteady has confirmed his rumored appearance in the title. He and Robin will be available both in preorders and in their own downloadable content packs. November 1 will find Nightwing available for $6.99 or 560 Microsoft points on either Xbox 360 or PS3, along with the "Wayne Manor" and "Main Hall" challenge maps and a Nightwing Animated Series skin. Robin's pack will be available on November 22 for the same price, including "Black Mask Hideout" and "Freight Train Escape" maps -- and presumably an extra skin as well. Both playable characters will have their own tools and moves for knocking out the bad guys. Batman: Arkham City launches on Xbox 360 and PS3 on Tuesday, October 18.
Buy Batman used at GameStop, get free Catwoman code
It is true that all new copies of Batman: Arkham City will come bundled with a code that unlocks Catwoman. Those looking to purchase the game used apparently won't miss out on her nimbly-bimbly antics, Kotaku reports. A supposed internal GameStop memo states that all customers purchasing used will be given a free code, which will be printed on their receipt following purchase. We've contacted both Warner Bros. and GameStop for additional information.
Batman: Arkham City launch trailer doesn't spoil anything
You've read our review, now it's time to watch this launch trailer for Batman: Arkham City -- or don't, no pressure. But if you choose not to, then you may upset the Batman and you probably don't want to be on his bad side.
Batman: Arkham City review: A world of difference
The 72-year-old lore of the Batman universe is about as immutable as comic book icons come. If Batman: Arkham Asylum was evidence of Rocksteady's comprehension of the franchise, then Arkham City is proof of their understanding of its quiescence. The chiropteran hero hasn't introduced many substantial changes to his modus operandi since his last, incredibly well-received video game outing. The world's greatest detective still spends a fraction of a fraction of his time doing actual detective work, and a vast majority of his time alternating between brutalizing and terrorizing different factions of armed and unarmed goons. Sure, he's got a few new gadgets this time around, but the methods remain the same. What's changed in Rocksteady's second stab at the timeless DC franchise is the world that surrounds Batman -- the titular prison colony Arkham City. Conceived by the foolhardy, the prisoner-run district may not be the largest open world ever explored in a game, but with an ecosystem of sidequests, challenges and secrets that blanket every square inch of the region, it might just be the densest.%Gallery-136482%
