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Batman Arkham Origins Blackgate review: Dynamic 2.5D
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is the latest in the excellent Arkham series, and its first handheld game. It's also the first original game from Armature Studio since it was formed by Metroid Prime expats in 2008. Because both sides of the family tree are so distinguished – and seem so likely to make beautiful children together – my expectations were, perhaps, unrealistically lofty for Blackgate. No, Blackgate isn't an event on the level of the first Arkham Asylum or Metroid Prime. But it is a game that accurately transfers the feeling of Arkham Asylum into a new, smaller format, and a game that embodies both the best and worst of the "Metroidvania" genre.
Young Justice: Legacy canceled for Wii U, Wii because of 'several factors'
Cartoon Network's Young Justice won't be leaving a Legacy on Wii U or Wii, after developer Little Orbit and publisher Warner Bros. opted to cancel the spin-off for the two Nintendo consoles. According to a statement on the game's Facebook page, the decision was made because of "several factors," including quality issues and low interest from retailers. The cancellation comes in the month before Young Justice: Legacy is due, but the action-RPG remains set for PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and 3DS. The game will star the show's league of precocious heroes, chronicling the events between the first and second series.
Bats in the top of UK chart belfry
Batman: Arkham Origins topples GTA 5 to become the UK No. 1, although it does so with only around half the first week sales of Arkham City. Chart Track says Origins' opening week "almost exactly" matches that of first Arkham game Asylum. Some bat-stats: City shipped 6 million units by the close of 2011, and Asylum 4.3 million at last count. We should note those Origins sales do include the Blackgate Vita game, but no other platforms beyond Xbox 360 and PS3; the Wii U, packaged PC, and 3DS versions are all delayed in the UK until November 8. Holy technicalities, Batman! As for the rest of the charts, it's the kind of week where one big name game shifts all of the top 5 down one place - a bit quiet. However, everything changes next month, starting this coming week. We'll soon see the arrivals of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4, Super Mario 3D World, A Link Between Worlds - and those are just the games coming out on consoles already out. In a word, next month is going to be loco.
Watch 17 minutes of Batman: Arkham Origins on this bat-channel
Warner Bros uncowled (it's a word) a walkthrough video of Batman: Arkham Origins, ahead of the dark knight's new adventure coming to retail shelves this week. WB Montreal Senior Producer Ben Mattes and Gameplay Director Michael McIntyre are your tour guides, taking you through a fulsome 17 minutes of the studio's prequel chapter in the Arkham saga. Spoiler warnings ahoy: The vid introduces iconic elements like the Batcave and Batwing, and takes you through a mission in which the Bat has to deal with a corrupt SWAT team who, like the villains, are also after the bounty placed on the hero's head. Arkham Origins swoops into stores on Friday, October 25, on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and PC. UK heroes-to-be will have to wait until November 8 for the Wii U and boxed PC versions.
Wii U, 3DS and boxed PC Batman: Arkham Origins delayed in UK, not North America
The Wii U and boxed PC versions of Batman: Arkham Origins have been delayed to November 8 in the UK, CVG reported. The Xbox 360, PS3 and digital PC versions of the game will still launch on October 25. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate has also been delayed to November 8 on 3DS, but not on Vita. That's not the case for North American players, however. A Warner Bros. representative told Joystiq that "Batman: Arkham Origins will launch on all platforms in North America on October 25." Warner Bros. did not provide a reason for the delay for its UK audience.
Have an early knight with Batman: Arkham Origins iOS brawler, out now
Injustice dev NetherRealm released its free-to-play companion sidekick app for Batman: Arkham Origins, and it's available now as a free download on the App Store. The iOS brawler precedes the game proper coming to PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and Wii U next week. I suited up for a brief go this morning on my iPhone 5, and the app looks to be a mobile adaptation of the combat, albeit in one-on-one scenarios. The controls are simple enough: You tap to punch, put three taps together quickly to pull of a combo, and hold two fingers down to block. There are QTE-like swipes that appear as you put together moves, and you can switch combat stances as you deal with successive goons. Progress along and you can upgrade Batman's skills and stances, as well as unlock Batsuits, some of which are exclusive to the mobile game. The App Store blurb also notes "cross-platform unlocks" to tempt those planning to reunite with the Dark Knight next week. On that note, check out Arkham Origins' TV commercial after the break for some full-on, hardcore Bruce Wayne staring.
Infinite Crisis trailer introduces Atomic Green Lantern
Sometimes, being a hero is more than a difficult job, it's a downright painful experience. Such is the case for the newest champion to join the Infinite Crisis line-up: Atomic Green Lantern. Hailing from a destroyed civilization, this Hal Jordan's ring has been powered-up with a radioactive isotope after being mysteriously deactivated (and the subsequent loss of his right arm). Unfortunately, that new power source comes with a cost -- a shorter, more painful life. In game, Atomic Green Lantern is a melee bruiser with skills that inflict that deadly radiation on others, such as Scorched Earth and Meltdown. Catch some tips and hints for using these skills and more in the Atomic Green Lantern spotlight video after the break. [Source: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment press release]
Troy Baker kills it with Joker monologue from The Killing Joke
Troy Baker, amateur opera singer and voice of the Joker in the upcoming Batman: Arkham Origins, gave a live demonstration of his vocal talents to New York Comic-Con attendees, and the results are ... well, skip to 2:12 in the above video and see for yourself. The speech Baker reads in the video is from a one-shot Batman comic called "The Killing Joke," written by Alan Moore. In the comic, the monologue begins while Joker tortures Commissioner Gordon by chaining him to a carnival ride and forcing him to view pictures of his daughter Barbara Gordon (who at the time was also Batgirl), naked and paralyzed from a gunshot wound Joker inflicted on her. So yeah, it's kind of dark material. If you watch before Baker gives his performance, you'll also see him describe the audition process. Apparently, Baker didn't even know who he was auditioning for until part-way through. "I remember that, walking into an audition and I think that, actually, it wasn't even Joker, it was a character whose name was just 'Jack,'" Baker said. It wasn't too long before Baker realized what he was reading, as well as the pressure he was under. Baker also sings a little jingle at the end of the video, which we'll recite for you now: "Some say I am good. Some say I am evil, even more so than the Sith. But I suppose you'll all find out on October 25th."
Batman: Arkham Origins mobile game for iOS, Android revealed
Fisticuff enthusiast NetherRealm Studios is developing a free-to-play adaption of the upcoming Batman: Arkham Origins for release on iOS during the "console game launch window," Warner Bros. announced in a press release yesterday. An Android version will surface later on "in the holiday timeframe." The mobile version will stage fights between Batman and "a number of DC Comics' most deadly assassins" within Gotham City. Besting bad guys will reward players with a "number of unique Batsuits" as well as "in-game currency and rewards." Those who register both the mobile and console versions with a Warner Bros. ID account will also gain access to exclusive content.
Infinite Crisis takes a deep look at blowing up cars
Superheroes don't fight clean. When a battle happens, you don't expect just a couple of guys punching each other, you expect people being thrown through buildings and cars being flung around like nothing. You expect destruction across the whole landscape, in other words. The developers working on Infinite Crisis understand that and know full well that part of the superhero equation is making sure that you get to have a major impact on the environment, and that's the subject of the newest behind-the-scenes video for the game. Both the destructible environments and the catastrophic event system seen in the game are meant to help players feel the impact of actions and of changing strategies. The battlefield isn't the same at the end as it is when you start. Walls get smashed, meteors fall and block off passages, and players adapt to new options and new circumstances. Take a closer look at what these systems mean in the video embedded just past the break. [Source: Turbine Entertainment press release]
Infinite Crisis amplifier set preview lands with October update
October's Infinite Crisis update brings a small preview of big changes. Turbine is adding an "early version" of the game's augmentation system, an addition that should help players to learn the basics of character enhancement before the full system goes live. Augmentation is accomplished via amplifier sets, which are collections of items designed to enhance champions in a variety of ways depending on role and play style. Each amplifier set is composed of four augments and three mods. Augments enhance stats, while mods enhance artifacts. Every amplifier item will be associated with a brand; each brand benefits specific champion roles. While the complete amplifier system will allow players to build their own sets from scratch, the sets introduced this month are package deals. Turbine has plans to release hundreds of augments and mods as Infinite Crisis grows. Check out the video after the jump for a quick look at amplifiers, or hit up the official post for a detailed breakdown.
WB Games Montreal gets $1.5 million investment from government
Quebec's government has invested $1.5 million in WB Games Montreal, developers of the upcoming Batman: Arkham Origins, as part of a five-year, $63 million expansion which will create 100 jobs at the company. WB Montreal Studio Chief Martin Carrier predicted the studio would play host to 500 people and "be one of the best-known studios in the world" by 2018, CTV News reports. Premier Pauline Marois, who announced the grant, also said that the game development scene in Montreal was the top market in Canada, and that Montreal itself is one of the top three cities in the world leading game development.
Batman: Arkham Origins Season Pass adds skins, story expansion
Those of you planning to pick up Batman: Arkham Origins may want to earmark an extra $20 for the game's Season Pass, as it includes a host of bonus content and even additional story. Included are the Millennium and Infinite Earths Skin Packs, which each feature five new costumes for Batman and one for Robin. The Gotham By Gaslight and Brightest Day packs deliver two additional Batman skins, while the Initiation DLC pack allows players to battle the forces of evil as Bruce Wayne. Most notably, the Season Pass also grants access to an as-yet unnamed expansion pack which is said to expand the plotline found in Batman: Arkham Origins. Batman: Arkham Origins debuts on the PlayStation 3, PC, Wii U and Xbox 360 on October 25. The Season Pass should appear at the same time.
Superman meets his match in Scribblenauts Unmasked launch trailer
Scribblenauts Unmasked is now available to the public and to celebrate, publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released a trailer proving that not even Superman can compete with the powers of an imaginative child.
Infinite Crisis spotlights Catwoman in newest champion profile
"Former pickpocket turned master thief, Catwoman gave up a career of crime to exact ferocious justice." That's how the newest champion spotlight video for Infinite Crisis starts out, highlighting the backstory of Catwoman. The agile medium-ranged damage dealer uses her whip and cat-like reflexes to win against her opponents. Turbine's super-hero MOBA is still in the beta stages, but you can sign up for free at the game's main website. Be sure to check out the video after the cut for more details on Catwoman and Infinite Crisis. [Thanks to Johnny for the tip!]
Injustice: Gods Among Vitas, according to German rating [update: next-gen, PC too]
Warner Bros. may be planning a Vita port of DC fighter Injustice: Gods Among Us, if a new classification is accurate. As Siliconera spotted, German ratings board USK has a Vita version listed as of September 6. This isn't the first time a Vita port has cropped up; as PlayStation LifeStyle reports, Amazon France listed a Game of the Year edition in the summer for PS3, Xbox 360, and the Vita. When approached about the USK rating, a Warner Bros representative told us, "We have no comment." Injustice, developed by Mortal Kombat studio NetherRealm, landed on Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii U back in April. It notched four and a half stars in our review, Jordan saying "its dark thematic overtones and mature ideas explore the psychological dangers of power, the temptations of absolute authority and the effects of grief on the psyche of metahumans, all while delivering a polished, thrilling fighting game experience." Update: Brazil's rating board (via @lifelower) lists Injustice GOTY for Xbox One, PS4, and PC as well as Vita and the three original platforms of PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii U. Eyebrow raised, Injustice, eyebrow raised.
Infinite Crisis introduces Arcane Green Lantern in new video
One thing you can count on with Infinite Crisis is the addition of new champions from alternate dimensions of the DC Multiverse. But the surprise always comes in exactly what hero is added to the ranks. Today, Turbine introduced the newest iteration of an energy-manipulating favorite: Arcane Green Lantern. Arcane Green Lantern combines support and enforcer, offering shields, crowd-control, and boosts to teammates. Active skills include the AoE Emerald Lantern, Construct Champion Shackles, and Deny the Black; the champion's passive is Emerald Light. For more details on these skills, along with some tips and tricks on how to best play this hero, watch the video just after the cut. You can also get a gander at the mug of Arcane Green Lantern in a close up shot. [Source: Turbine Press release]
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate features Mega Man-style boss progression
Batman won't be squaring off against eight Robot Masters created by Dr. Wily, but his upcoming game Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate will still take some lessons from old-school platformer Mega Man. Players will choose the order of boss fights, a la Mega Man, which will lead to more gameplay variety on repeat playthroughs, director Mark Pacini said during an interview with Polygon. The Mega Man comparisons don't stop there, either. Defeating a boss will earn you a specific item tied to that character, which Batman can subsequently use to make future engagements easier. Unfortunately, it's unlikely Bats will get to summon a flying robo-dog during his adventures in Blackgate.
Batman: Arkham Origins free with select Nvidia graphics cards
Here's a dynamic duo for you: Right now, when you buy a qualifying Nvidia graphics card, you'll receive a copy of Batman: Arkham Origins for free when the game releases. That's good news for PC and Batman enthusiasts, as the PC version of Arkham Origins will boast Nvidia-specific tech like PhysX and TXAA antialiasing, as well as DirectX 11 tessellation and HBAO+ graphics options. It may even make omelettes if you ask nicely. Pick up a GeForce GTX 660, 660 Ti, 670, 680, 760, 770 or 780 to take advantage of the Bat-bundle. Nvidia pulled a similar move last month, when it announced that, as part of an "alliance" with Ubisoft, it would bundle Splinter Cell: Blacklist free with the same cards.
Get a behind-the-scenes peek at Infinite Crisis in new video
Sometimes when you look at an aspect of a game, you think, "Wow, where did the devs get that idea?" Other times you wonder "What were they thinking?" In both cases, a nice behind-the-scenes look at things can at times help answer those questions. And Turbine Entertainment has released one such video for Infinite Crisis wherein the development team talks about how the DC Multiverse is integrated in the game design, from various champions to the items available in the artifact foundry. For your own peek behind the dev curtain, check out the video after the break. And if you want to join the closed beta, head on over to the official site to sign up. [Source: Turbine Entertainment press release]
