  |
Batman: Arkham Asylum is the latest attempt at taking a beloved comic book character and transposing his world into one which you can control. No doubt buoyed by the recent film incarnations, Rocksteady Studios and Eidos Interactive are currently putting the finishing touches to their version of Batman.
What makes their game different to the other Batman games we've seen before?
Well, this one actually looks like it might be quite good!
Taking the brave plunge of not basing their game on Batman Begins or The Dark Knight films and instead basing it on the comic book mythos (there are differences between comic and film for those not in the know.) Rocksteady look to be creating a world the comic fans will love and recognise. The developers are taking the whole 70 year history of Batman into account, not just a selected period so there will be some interpretation but all of it should be recognisable and not rub the average Batfan up the wrong way.
The game starts with Batman returning a freshly captured Joker back to Arkham Asylum (bet you were wondering about that title huh?) after a recent crime wave which included an attack on Blackgate Prison. As a result of the attack some sane prisoners have also been transferred over to Arkham Asylum while repairs are made. However, shortly after arrival at the Asylum, The Joker launches into a fiendish plan with the help of his sometimes consort, Harley Quinn, who frees all the inmates and puts the asylum into lockdown meaning nobody can get in or out, including Batman and Commissioner Gordon. The clown prince of crime then announces that he's got bombs placed all over Gotham City and he'll detonate them all if anyone tries to enter the Asylum. It's Batmans job to stop The Joker before he can execute his deadly plan.
The game is played out with a third person view of Batman and requires the use of both brain and brawn to get through, it's also got a healthy dose of stealth game play as well which is what Batman should be all about. The Asylum setting of the game naturally makes it a tight environment to manoeuvre in giving the game a claustrophobic feel, but of course you'll have a healthy array of bat themed weaponry and gadgets to help you along your way, including a secret Batcave underneath Arkham Asylum. The Dark Knight is going to have to exercise both brain and brawn if he wants to progress, goons litter the hallways of the Asylum and are going to have to be taken down one way or another. Combat in the game is dealt with by three buttons, assigned to Attack, Stun and Takedown and works wonderfully when encountering multiple attackers, other situations will requite you to swoop down and silently take out a hapless goon before he even has a clue that Batman was there. Obviously, this being Arkham Asylum you can expect to find more of Batmans arch enemies lurking in the hallways; as well as The Joker and Harley Quinn you can expect to find Killer Croc, Bane, Poison Ivy, The Riddler, Scarecrow and Mr. Zsasz along the way all wanting to put the hurt on the Caped Crusader.
As well as the main story of the game, there are Challenge Rooms to be unlocked along the way which should add appeal to the game long after the main game has been completed.
More good news for Batfans is that the game's story is written by Paul Dini whose previously being involved with the Bat-Universe in the form of the Popular Animated Series cartoon and comic books, so, he knows his stuff! Also following over Mr. Dini from the animated world are several of the key voice actors, Kevin Conry brings his Batman voice as well as Mark Hamill for the Joker. Wildstorm, an imprint of DC Comics and run by fan favourite Jim Lee, are working on the art direction of the game bringing even more credibility to the game.
Although the game is to be published on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows, Playstation 3 owners are also getting the option of playing The Joker, albeit not as a separate game but in the Challenge Rooms. The add on will be available from launch, for free on the PlayStation Network. PlayStation 3 owners will also be able to unlock a special HOME add on which will give you access to a Batcave apartment which features a Batmobile and will also hold a Batsuit and various gadgets from the game.
There is already a demo on the PSN, XBL and for Windows which you can download now – If you are a Batfan you aren't going to be disappointed that much I can pretty much guarantee!
The game launches for PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360 on August 25th in the US and August 28th for Europe, the Windows version will launch slightly later on September 15th & 18th respectively for the US and Euro markets.
Fingers crossed the final game will deliver the best Batman experience the videogame industry can possibly have to offer...
