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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%
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment talks strategy, new Hobbit game and other upcoming titles
The release of Batman: Arkham City this week marks a nice success for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of the movie studio that started out with the less than popular The Matrix Online, and has slowly built up an empire that includes the Batman franchise, the Lego video games, and the Mortal Kombat series. The LA Times has a short profile of the company, and goes into detail on how it worked with studios like Traveller's Tales and Netherrealm to build up popular video game franchises that stand on their own even compared to the movie products. That's not to say that the plan always works (remember the Green Lantern game?), but Warner Bros. seems to have built up a few solid properties independent of tie-in movies. The next, then, is apparently a Hobbit game -- the article says there will be a game based on Peter Jackson's movie sometime next year. The company will also release a Lego Batman sequel, and some other casual online games featuring Warner characters. Oh, and there's one more: an unannounced game based on a different DC superhero. Has anyone else been J'onzzing for a Martian Manhunter escapade?
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%
Pre-order Batman at Blockbuster, get a month of free game and movie rentals
Next week, the Dark Knight himself comes out from the shadows and into your home -- and if you haven't already pre-ordered Batman: Arkham City, you may want to peep this Blockbuster deal. If you put down $10 on the game at any Blockbuster store, you'll get a free month of movie and game rentals when you go to pick it up. Simple as that! We'd say that's a hard deal to pass up, but then again we think it's probably more difficult to find an actual Blockbuster nowadays.
Catwoman unlocked in Batman: Arkham City through online pass
Within every new copy of Batman: Arkham City resides a code for an online VIP pass, which grants access to Catwoman content. If you pick up the game used, there's an option to purchase the VIP pass for 800 MS Points ($10) on Xbox Live and $9.99 on PSN. But have no fear if you're trying to save a few bucks and want to pick it up used: "Playing as Catwoman is not required to complete the game," a Warner Bros. rep told Eurogamer. Catwoman is just one of the playable characters on offer in Arkham City. Two different DLC packs will also unlock Robin and Nightwing (who is also Robin) for play in the game. Then, of course, there's the fifty different skins for Batman that can be purchased. So rest assured: if you're really against the vanilla Batman, you can purchase the right outfit that fits your needs.
How Batman: Arkham City hopes to avoid villain clutter
Arkham Asylum's expansion into a city has given the Dark Knight a much larger gothic playground, and enough room for an elaborate roster of power-tripping psychopaths. But is Batman: Arkham City's expanded lineup of rogues bordering on bloat? Rocksteady's Lead Narrative Designer, Paul Crocker, confidently shot down my concern over villain clutter in a recent interview. "We're not worried about clutter at all," he said. "The main difference between us and film is that we're 25 hours long [laughs], and everything is in there to give the player more to do, more reason for every action, and to make their actions feel meaningful." In a way, Crocker considers the peril faced by Batman as an elegant, appropriate embellishment of what's really at the heart of Arkham City: a series of objectives that prod you into different areas and challenges. "We want you to feel like everything you do as Batman is meaningful." And when you're Batman, that meaning is found not in advancing to the next stage, but in foiling Joker's schemes or planting a fist in Edward Nigma's face.
Report: GameStop outs Arkham City DLC dates, prices
Batman: Arkham City's DLC launch dates and prices were apparently posted on GameStop.com before somebody came along and ruined the party. The bat-eyed (roll with it!) folks of ArkhamCity.co.uk, who have been ever-vigilant of Arkham City details, captured the information before the web pages were taken down. A "Nightwing character pack" was dated November 1, for $6.99. The site also listed a "Robin bundle" will hit on November 22 for $6.99, with a nondescript "Skins pack" to swoop in on December 6 for $4.99. With the convoluted way Arkham City character skins are being distributed among retailers, it's only a matter of time before all that fashion is consolidated and sold to the ravenous masses. Update: PR confirms some of the details after the break. [Image credit: Fan-made]
Green Lantern Extended Cut Blu-Ray combo pack to include Batman: Arkham City Sinestro Corps skin [update]
Well, that's one way to boost Blu-Ray sales. A devastatingly handsome tipster has sent us pictures of the unreleased Green Lantern Extended Cut Blu-Ray combo pack due out on October 14, and wouldn't you know it, right there on the cover is a sticker proclaiming yet another Batman: Arkham City costume. For those unfamiliar with the Green Lantern mythos, the Sinestro Corps are a team of baddies lead by the ex-Green Lantern Corps member Sinestro (natch). The Sinestro Corps did, at one point, attempt to recruit Batman into their ranks, so we suppose this Sinestro Corps skin isn't entirely non-cannon. No word from our incredibly popular and good-looking tipster on whether or not the promotion is exclusive to a specific retailer, however it is exclusive to a specific console: Seeing as this is a Blu-Ray and all, the included code is a PSN code, and therefore only functional on PS3 copies of the game. Update 1: According to our source, the skin-packed copies of Green Lantern will be limited edition and exclusive to Best Buy, however there's a chance the costume will eventually be converted into DLC. Update 2: Best Buy exclusivity is, according to our source, no longer on the table. While they did not name specifics, "certain other stores" will also be receiving costumed copies.%Gallery-136091%
Batman: Arkham City copies available early at Times Square TRU event
The Times Square Toys R Us location will hold an event on Monday, October 17, where 500 copies of Batman: Arkham City will be available a day early. The first 100 customers who pre-purchase a copy of the game through the store's "Personal Shopping Department" (starting now, we guess?), will receive a ticket reserving their copy, and can have their game autographed by Jim Lee (co-publisher at DC Entertainment), Kevin Conroy (the voice of Batman) and Sefton Hill (B:AC Game Director from Rocksteady Studios) at the event. The other 400 copies will be available for purchase at the event, which officially starts at 4PM, but who knows when people start lining up? The event will include photo ops with actors dressed up as Batman and Catwoman, and game demos. Obviously, keep your eye on the prize. You could get Batman: Arkham City a day before everyone else, or those with Amazon Prime who longingly stare out the window for any glimpse of the UPS man.
Batman: Arkham City's Robin in new Boy Wonderful footage
A video that appears to have leaked from GameStop UK (it's not on the GameStop site, anyway) shows the Batman: Arkham City pre-order exclusive Robin character in action. He looks a lot like Batman, except with a shorter cape and a big stick.
New Batman: Arkham City villain found in Qore
Batman: Arkham City's character roster is starting to get a little crowded! The new episode of Qore, added to PSN last night, offers a look at yet another villain that will stalk the locked-down streets of Gotham. YouTube user MrKQGaming captured the relevant segment of Qore, which you'll have to watch closely to catch the new villain (amongst all those other villains). We've got a screencap after the break, just for those of you daring enough to see the villain's identity before the game launches later this month.
Achievements reveal playable Nightwing in Batman: Arkham City
More Achievements for Batman: Arkham City have swooped dramatically out of a dark corner, this time for DLC. Two achievements make reference to a "Nightwing Bundle Pack," featuring a playable version of Nightwing (the original Robin, Dick Grayson, all grown up). The (unofficial) reveal of Nightwing brings the playable cast to four, including Batman, Robin, and Catwoman, with Robin and Nightwing exclusive to downloadable content. If you're concerned about too many characters crowding out your brooding time as Batman, you can always ... just not get the DLC. [Image: DC Comics]
Nielsen taps most anticipated games, Modern Warfare 3 on top
The Nielsen firm has compiled a list of the top twenty most anticipated games this holiday season. The survey ranks games based on the percentage of players that ranked them in their top five choices for the holiday. Unsurprisingly, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was at the top of the list, with fully 27 percent of those surveyed placing it in their top five. Rounding out the top five, Gears of War 3 and Madden NFL 12 both pulled 19 percent, Assassin's Creed Revelations made 17 percent and Batman: Arkham City reached 15 percent. The holiday's major Wii exclusive, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword made the sixth slot with 14 percent. Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3's major competition, reached number seven at 12 percent. Also worth noting: Dead Island, at 7 percent, marks the only game on the entire list that isn't part of an established franchise. The survey also includes a fascinating peek into the psyche of various players, making note of the online conversations surrounding each title. For example, Modern Warfare 3 fans are looking forward to launch parties, and Skyward Sword devotees are hoping to rekindle that old Ocarina of Time feeling. Madden armchair quarterbacks, meanwhile, are planning to call in sick in order to squeeze in a few more touchdowns.
Catwoman's Sins in Batman: Arkham City
So, why Catwoman? I know it's something nice and extra for the fans, and in the context of Batman: Arkham City's story, I'm all for Catwoman, but why? Why include just about every Batman character ever this time around? Dax Ginn, marketing game manager for Rocksteady, told me that players nowadays don't always want to be the good guy. "It's not always fun being the righteous arm of justice, so we wanted to explore what it was like to be a criminal within Arkham City, as well. Catwoman became a great option to explore that." But maybe it's simpler than that. "We kind of look around at other games," Ginn said, "and it's obvious that some players like breaking the rules."%Gallery-135245%
