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Warner Bros has announced the third entry in the Arkham series will be a prequel focussing on a younger and less experienced Batman. It's scheduled for release on October 25th this year for PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U. It's being developed by Warner Bros Games Montreal.

They've also announced a handheld game called Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate which will be released for the Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita, also on October 25th. Apparently this one's being developed by some of the people who worked on the Metroid Prime trilogy and is described as a "2.5-D Metroid-style exploration action game".

More details here: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/04/09/batman-arkham-origins-announced

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http://www.batman-online.com/gallery/3346/game-informer-cover-batman-arkham-origins

10/25, i.e. in 6 months. How long has it been in development, I wonder. A Metroidvania game by people from Retro Studios (they also did Donkey Kong Returns, also 2.5D) sounds fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d0geMX4nWA

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/09/assassinating-batman-in-arkham-origins

Oh, this sounds good. Really, really good!

Love the random crimes, the (basically) full Gotham to explore, also the "Arkham City" area before it becomes so. Totally digging the Christmas Eve angle and the (sounds like) very high focus on detective work!!

Considering Rocksteady consulted on this and gave WB Montreal their full assets and engine, along with Paul Dini not writing it, I'm excruciatingly excited. There's no reason it shouldn't play exactly the same, and they've probably been working on it for over a year, and there's still 6 months to go. Hell, using the exisitng engine saves a lot of time. As long as we have Conroy again and there's unlockable costumes, this'll be the BEST Batman game.

My only irk: Dislike the adjusted character designs a tad. Batman's suit looks more robotic.

I loved AC except for the loss of atmosphere from AA and also the "Bale-ization" of Batman later in the game with him trying to ditch saving lives for Talia. The Batman I know knows his priorities and doesn't have to be reminded. I'm also thrilled that the Joker doesn't appear to be in the game. He's so overused I want him to have a break. Also hope The Riddler is involved, his stuff in AC was my favorite aspect.

Being able to visit Arkham Island would also be cool!

It's gonna be a LOOOONG six months...

This is going to have to be awesome to top Arkham City! Can't wait.

I made a gallery here

http://www.batman-online.com/gallery/Video-Games/Batman-Arkham-Origins_2013

feel free to upload new images to it if you can

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Best news I've heard all week!  8)

This is what the story includes so far:

• It takes place seven years before Arkham Asylum.
• Black Mask has put a bounty on Batman's head: will include assassins such as Deathstroke. I thought I saw Deadshot as well in one of the picture though I could be wrong. Penguin is also involved - that "little accident" hadn't happened yet. ;)
• Gordon is Captain of the GCPD.
• "Remote claw" allows you to grab two objects together - sounds the same as the double Batclaw function from the first game.
• "Fast-travel" - travelling around in the Batwing and Batmobile (ALTHOUGH these sound like cut scenes if anything).
• "Crime in Progress" side missions - helping the police in hunting down lowlifes, and even more emphasis on crime scene investigations. Each case that gets solved includes a video narrative unlocking clues.

[/list]


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_arkham_origins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_arkham_origins)

Can't wait!

QuoteI loved AC except for the loss of atmosphere from AA and also the "Bale-ization" of Batman later in the game with him trying to ditch saving lives for Talia. The Batman I know knows his priorities and doesn't have to be reminded.

That part didn't bother me - it actually impressed me that Batman loses focus here and there till his supporting cast puts him in place; reminding him of the larger picture. "Batman must save Gotham" sounds far better than "You're not Batman anymore, you have to find your own way". What I find a little crappy about the end, though, is that Batman carries Joker's body out of the theater when it should've been Talia al Ghul. THAT to me came across as Bale-ish. I get that it's symbolic between the rivalry between the two characters, but Batman wasn't going after Talia for nothing, you know,  ::)

Arkham Origins is a very good title. I am really loving the sound of this. The younger Batman should lend a raw, gritty type feel.

The absence of Rocksteady doesn't really bother me if they are using the same engine as the other two games. I'm sure we will see the continuation of the Arkham storyline after AC. Probably saving that up for the next generation consoles.

Twice the size of AC's map. Just wow. Old Gotham - grimier section, and New Gotham, classier skyscrapers. Sounds fantastic, and the chance to see the Wayne Enterprises building.

I like the inclusion of the vehicles, even if we don''t fly them outselves. This makes me think we'll see Wayne Manor and the Batcave.

Bring it on. It's going to be a long wait. This is MY type of Batman.

Since there will be eight assassins hunting for Batman, let's have a guess who they might be. So far I can only come up with five:

• Deathstroke
• Deadshot
• Talia al Ghul
• Bane
• Red Hood  :-\

The Penguin is a lock. But the synopsis suggests we will be getting pre-Joker types. I think after AA and AC, which heavily featured The Joker, we're going to get a big scale back. I think he'll be there, but as the Red Hood. Which would be fine by me. It really would be his raw, original form. Batman won't know who it is at the time, but the audience will.

QuoteHow long has it been in development, I wonder. A Metroidvania game by people from Retro Studios (they also did Donkey Kong Returns, also 2.5D) sounds fun.

I recall the Arkham Asylum logo featuring at the unveiling of the 3DS back at E3 2010, so the Blackgate game could have been in development a lot longer than the main console game.

Retro Studios is one of the best developers around, and if these guys cut their teeth working for them on titles like the Metroid Prime trilogy (one of the best game trilogies ever and a big influence on the previous two Arkham games) and Donkey Kong Country Returns, then we're in for a real treat.

QuoteSince there will be eight assassins hunting for Batman, let's have a guess who they might be. So far I can only come up with five:
1.   Deathstroke
2.   Deadshot
3.   Talia al Ghul
4.   Bane
5.   Red Hood   

I was wondering this myself. A few other possibilities:

•   David Cain
•   Lady Shiva
•   KGBeast (or possibly his successor, NKVDemon)
•   William Cobb/The Talon
•   Flamingo
•   Gunhawk
•   Headhunter

There does seem to be mob vibe with the game, possibly doing the whole 'before the freaks took over' angle. Which makes me wonder in what capacity Arkham Island is being used.

It will be interesting to see just how raw they make this Batman, in comparison to AA and AC.

Quote
Batman: Arkham Origins Will Have Multiplayer, Sources Say

The newest Batman game will have a multiplayer mode, we've heard from two independent sources. Batman: Arkham Origins, a prequel announced earlier this month, will be the third game in the Arkham series, and the first to have any sort of multiplayer.

We've also heard details about at least one multiplayer mode from a tipster, although we haven't been able to confirm them.

In early March, before Origins rumours started swirling, we heard from a tipster who claimed to have details about the Dark Knight's newest game. The game would be called "Batman Origins," he claimed, and the box cover would have a snowy, Christmas-themed background. We couldn't verify any of the information he gave us, so we sat on it.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, Game Informer revealed their cover for the April issue of their magazine. It's Batman: Arkham Origins, and the cover is indeed full of snow. The game is set during Christmas Eve.

Our tipster had also shared some details about multiplayer in Arkham Origins, so we reached out to a number of industry sources for confirmation. Although we were unable to corroborate the specifics, we did confirm with a second source that the game will indeed have multiplayer. (Warner Bros declined to comment for this story.)

As for the details, according to our tipster: during at least one section of multiplayer, you play as a member of Joker or Bane's gang while trying to take down Batman and Robin. The villains involved — who may be playable and customisable — include Killer Croc, Deadshot, Firefly, Black Mask, Deathstroke, and "some kind of Electroman character," our tipster said. (Maybe Electrocutioner?)

That's all unconfirmed, but we feel comfortable sharing it, since our tipster was spot-on about the name and cover. This could be one multiplayer mode, or it could be the only one. We don't know. We'll find out more later this year.

Warner Bros has shown interest in Batman-themed multiplayer before: Gotham City Impostors, a downloadable game that came out last year for PC and consoles, was a multiplayer shooter where players dressed up as fake Batmans and Jokers to duel online. This is the first Arkham game developed by a new studio: WB Montreal will develop Origins, taking the bat-mantle from the London-based Rocksteady Studios.

Batman: Arkham Origins is out October 25 for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/04/batman-arkham-origins-will-have-multiplayer-sources-say/ (http://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/04/batman-arkham-origins-will-have-multiplayer-sources-say/)

I never cared about playing mutiplayer, but the prospect of playing villains does sound interesting.

Quote
Tons of new Batman: Arkham Origins Details, Kevin Conroy won't reprise his role
It has been officially confirmed via (South African publication, NAG) that Kevin Conroy won't reprise his role in Batman: Arkham Origins. However name of the new voice actor was not revealed.
Source: http://www.gamepur.com/news/10939-tons-new-batman-arkham-origins-details-kevin-conroy-wont-reprise-his-role.html (http://www.gamepur.com/news/10939-tons-new-batman-arkham-origins-details-kevin-conroy-wont-reprise-his-role.html)

Disappointing to hear that Conroy won't be voicing again if this is true. I wonder who they'll replace him with? I'd like to hear Bruce Greenwood again.

Quote
From Videogamer:

• Batman is impulsive, overconfident as he still has to encounter an opponent on par with his strength. He is clever but does not think of everything, for example when interrogating a thug he can be dominated by violence and stun the thug before getting the information he wanted. The major difficulties he will have to deal with in the game will have a strong impact on his psychology and will make him change to the more realist and stoic Batman from the previous games.
• Rupert Thorne is mentioned (as well as Falcone)
• Some of the 8 assassins will be side missions, and we will not be finished with them from the first encounter.
• Unlocking location for the Batwing is a whole side mission : an unknown hacker has jammed the radio system and Batman needs to restore it.
• New combat move : Batman can rush toward an enemy while knocking another one on his path.
• Freeze boss fight from Arkham City is the main model for Origins boss fights.

Source: http://www.gamepur.com/news/10939-tons-new-batman-arkham-origins-details-kevin-conroy-wont-reprise-his-role.html (http://www.gamepur.com/news/10939-tons-new-batman-arkham-origins-details-kevin-conroy-wont-reprise-his-role.html)

Greenwood would be a good replacement.  He was solid in Under the Red Hood.  But I have a feeling it'll be someone younger.

As long as it's not Year One's Ben McKenzie...  ;)

No Conroy? That's majorly disappointing.

The game'll still probably be awesome though. But the lack of Conroy won't instill the fickle fans (ie: all of them predicting doom for Origins) with confidence.

QuoteGreenwood would be a good replacement.  He was solid in Under the Red Hood.  But I have a feeling it'll be someone younger.

Greenwood's a terrific Batman, both in Under the Red Hood and the Young Justice TV show. I'd love it if they could get him back for this game.

And I don't know if it's just me, but I think he looked a little bit like Michael Keaton back when he was younger. It's not a really striking similarity or anything, but I've definitely noticed a vague likeness around the lower half of their faces. Does anyone else see it?


If he wore the cowl, I reckon he'd look a lot like Keaton's Batman.

^ I can see it.  Would've been interesting to see him take on the cowl back then, if things had gone differently.  Give him a haircut and he's got a nice look for Bruce Wayne.  And his vocal performances prove he would've done a good Bat voice.  I still remember his self-criticizing "Stupid!  And careless" moment in Under The Red Hood and thinking, "Yep.  That's how Bruce would say that.

QuoteBut the lack of Conroy won't instill the fickle fans (ie: all of them predicting doom for Origins) with confidence.

Tell me about it.  Seems like every animated Batman who isn't Conroy gets treated with disdain.  Whenever a clip gets posted of, say, Peter Weller in TDKR or Greenwood in Under The Red Hood, there's bound to be a "This guy sucks.  Bring back Conroy" comment.

I love Conroy as much as the next guy, but it gets ridiculous.  We've had a ton of great Batman voices since Conroy's time in B:TAS (really, the only one that's bothered me is McKenzie in Year One) and we'll continue to get more in the future.

(The above also applies to Hamill and Joker).

QuoteI love Conroy as much as the next guy, but it gets ridiculous.  We've had a ton of great Batman voices since Conroy's time in B:TAS (really, the only one that's bothered me is McKenzie in Year One) and we'll continue to get more in the future.

(The above also applies to Hamill and Joker).

Reminds me of when it was announced John DiMaggio would be voicing Joker in Under the Red Hood and the fans went nuts. They couldn't accept anyone other than Hamill in the role. Which is a shame, because DiMaggio did a great job. I thought his deeper, more gravelly voice was better suited to the way Joker was drawn in that film than Hamill's voice. And that's not a slight against Hamill, who is probably my favourite Joker of all. It's just nice to have a fresh take on these characters from time to time.

The same applies to Greenwood. In my opinion, he and Diedrich Bader have both nailed the role just as well as Conroy did. And looking back on the films/TV shows they starred in, I'm glad we got to hear their fresh takes on the character instead of the familiar Conroy interpretation. Again, that's not a dig at Conroy. Not at all. I think Conroy's a legend. But some people act as though he and Hamill are the only actors to get Batman and the Joker right, and that simply isn't true.

I agree about Ben McKenzie though. He did his best I suppose, but it didn't quite resonate with me. I can't comment on Emerson's Joker because they still haven't released The Dark Knight Returns Part II over here yet. I wish they'd get on with it.  ::)

What's funnier is that these fickle, nostolgia-fueled fanboys forget about the men that have voiced the characters before and after Conroy and Hamill. Before the Arkham games, Hamill and Conroy were on their way out voicing them.

To me, if you throw a tantrum about the idea of another actor playing a role that wasn't their invention (ie: Bill Murray with Peter Venkman), you're not a true fan. The role of Batman and Joker are bigger than any one actor, and they should only be disliked when they do a bad job (I agree with the McKensie grievance). And I personally think that many of these picky people are also Nolanites--they share the same traits that I've noticed, such as a "be-all, end-all" attitude about a take on Batman they like, as opposed to being appreciative of all facets of the franchise.

Quote from: Silver Nemesis on Sun, 28 Apr  2013, 18:05

QuoteGreenwood would be a good replacement.  He was solid in Under the Red Hood.  But I have a feeling it'll be someone younger.

Greenwood's a terrific Batman, both in Under the Red Hood and the Young Justice TV show. I'd love it if they could get him back for this game.

And I don't know if it's just me, but I think he looked a little bit like Michael Keaton back when he was younger. It's not a really striking similarity or anything, but I've definitely noticed a vague likeness around the lower half of their faces. Does anyone else see it?

(https://www.batman-online.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi396.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp42%2Fsilver-nemsis%2Fkeatongreenwood_zps8ab050e4.jpg&hash=df366133d7508f3c87e5807a27c42b9fb7b6b76f) (http://s396.photobucket.com/user/silver-nemsis/media/keatongreenwood_zps8ab050e4.jpg.html)

If he wore the cowl, I reckon he'd look a lot like Keaton's Batman.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Bruce Greenwood is just as good as Kevin Conroy, I reckon. And I have no doubt that Greenwood could've challenged Keaton for the live-action portrayal too.

I won't deny I'm disappointed by this news. But, WB Montreal have made their decision. They're doing things their way. The voice acting is only one part of the video game experience. I respect the guy, but I'm a bigger Batman fan than Kevin Conroy fan.

Concept art for the Batwing. Looks nothing more than an ordinary stealth jet.

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And it looks like Branden, the corrupt cop from Year One, will be making an appearance.

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http://www.batman-online.com/news/2013/5/16/arkham-origins-trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq9bKYfyM-o

Gameplay footage is what it's all about. But the winter/Christmas setting is going to be fantastic. This trailer gives off a cold, BR vibe.

Kevin Conroy IS voicing Batman in Arkham Origins

http://www.batman-online.com/news/2013/5/19/kevin-conroy-will-voice-batmans-origins

Excellent! That and the design of the Batwing were my only qualms, and Conroy was more important anyway!

Deathstroke to be playable...via a DLC

http://www.batman-online.com/news/2013/5/19/deathstroke-dlc-for-arkham-origins

Very happy that Conroy is indeed voicing this game. He's a voice actor. While he's alive, use him. He's the voice of this series.

Conroy NOT returning after all!
http://www.batman-online.com/news/2013/5/19/kevin-conroy-will-voice-batmans-origins

QuoteA Warner Bros. spokesperson provided IGN with the following statement: "Roger Craig Smith is confirmed as the voice of Batman and Troy Baker is confirmed as the voice of The Joker in Batman: Arkham Origins."

It seems this will be like a spin-off game, a "Batman Gaiden", a sidestory to tidy up fans until Arkham 3 comes along for the next gens (this doesn't mean Origins won't be good!). Batman will be played by Ezio Auditore/ Chris Redfield and the Joker was Dent in Arkham City and Batman in Lego 2.

Roger Craig Smith: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1886746/
Troy Baker: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1684869/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krVbj475Z9I

Full cinematic trailer now online for those who haven't seen it yet.

Source: http://www.batman-online.com/news/2013/5/20/1st-full-length-arkham-origins-trailerc (http://www.batman-online.com/news/2013/5/20/1st-full-length-arkham-origins-trailerc)

I know that trailers like this have nothing to do with the quality of the actual game, but I don't care. If a future Batman movie shows imagination like this then I'm at the cinema. By the way, does anybody else think that the skyline of Gotham City looked similar to what was shown at the start of Burton's first movie?

More relevations about Kevin Conroy's involvement


http://www.batman-online.com/news/2013/5/19/kevin-conroy-will-voice-batmans-origins - story updated!

QuoteKevin recently joined twitter (@realkevinconroy) and yesterday he put both bat-boots in it by posting "Confusion in Dallas! I am in new ARKHAM GAME coming soon, NOT ARKHAM ORIGINS coming this fall."

(https://www.batman-online.com/news/1369131798_kevin-conroy-arkham-slip-tweet.jpg)

The twitter post was soon after deleted (luckly Batman-News.com grabbed a screenshot), but it seems we have another Arkham-verse game to look forward to.

^^ Yet another Arkham game.  8) :)

I wonder if it will follow any of the subplots from Arkham City i.e. Hush trying to frame Bruce Wayne for murder, Azrael's foreshadowing of chilling events to come...or maybe both?  ;)

Quote from: The Laughing Fish on Tue, 21 May  2013, 15:42
^^ Yet another Arkham game.  8) :)

I wonder if it will follow any of the subplots from Arkham City i.e. Hush trying to frame Bruce Wayne for murder, Azrael's foreshadowing of chilling events to come...or maybe both?  ;)

I'm hoping for both. And possibly Cadmus labs having cloned Joker, ala that hint in Harley Quinn's Revenge.

Rocksteady are undoubtedly at work now for AC's sequel, and we're getting this too. What's not to like?

New trailer, this time with more on the story and bits of the new Batman & Joker voices:
http://batman-news.com/2013/06/10/batman-arkham-origins-e3-gameplay-reveal-trailer-video/

Fantastic trailer. I also believe that these voices are younger versions of Conroy and Hamill. Especially with Joker.

By the way, there's a PS3 exclusive with a Knightfall/Azrael batsuit and a 60s TV show batsuit.

I'd love to see an official skin based on either B'89 or BR...

The demo is out there, and you know what? Once again I am anticipating an Arkham Batman game more than any Batman or Superman movie. It looks sensational. The detective mode is actually improved under the Montreal team. As Batman is younger he's rougher, and the Christmas winter setting is just like Batman Returns. Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS3upAxmLaY

I saw the gameplay trailer yesterday. By the looks of things, the gameplay looks the same as Arkham City's but with minor changes. If the game feels like a repeat of AC, I'd be more than happy.  :)

Quote from: SilentEnigma on Sat, 15 Jun  2013, 21:29
I'd love to see an official skin based on either B'89 or BR...

I'm not too fussed about it to tell you the truth. The mask for the default skins in the last two games looked identical to Burton's version, and I thought that the Batman Inc skin in AC was the closest thing to what Keaton wore in the movies. Besides, if a skin was released based on Keaton's Batsuit,  I'd like to see his likeness as well, although that would be very unlikely since there would be legal issues as well.

Woah..where have I been?!

I hate to be 'that guy.' but this game looks more and more like a fairly hollow cash grab. It seems at every turn to prove itself as such, even in it's basic reasoning.

For instance, Batman's recasting. I understand why younger actors were cast as Batman and Joker. Younger iterations, no problem. And 'I'm sure most people will accept that. But, I'm sure I'm not the only one who considers the possibility that this 'Origin' storyline was crafted just to avoid having pay a hefty fee for Conroy. Plausible deniability, isn't it grand.  Smart, but it's one more thing in a long line of corner cutting for this Arkham City reskin. They'll get away with it of course. With propagandists like Screenrant.com (gamerant) ready to tear the throat out of anyone who 'bashes' the game, the faithful will prevail.  And besides...I'm buying the darn thing away.... and will probably love it.  :)

New trailer, revealing a female version of Copperhead as one of the opponents:
http://batman-news.com/2013/07/18/batman-arkham-origins-copperhead-trailer-video/

I will say that it's cool that current Batman adaptations are attempting to bring out more of the Rogues Gallery, whether it's with the Arkham games or with the new Beware the Batman show.

Quote from: BatmAngelus on Fri, 19 Jul  2013, 04:48
New trailer, revealing a female version of Copperhead as one of the opponents:
http://batman-news.com/2013/07/18/batman-arkham-origins-copperhead-trailer-video/

I will say that it's cool that current Batman adaptations are attempting to bring out more of the Rogues Gallery, whether it's with the Arkham games or with the new Beware the Batman show.

Agreed. Also looks like the game is going to reference the fact this character is a male. This version of the character possibly making people *think* she's a male for secrecy, etc. I'm cool with that, given the character isn't well known in the first place. It's not like Joker or Bane.

Really looking forward to this game.

http://comicsalliance.com/batman-arkham-origins-multiplayer-robin-video/

Looks like the previous reports weren't true- Robin is in Arkham Origins and you can even play as him in the multiplayer part of the game.  I assume this is the Dick Grayson Robin since this is meant for the early days of Batman and his suit doesn't have the hood that Tim Drake's did in Arkham City.

Liking Mad Hatter. It's funny, I like that the rogue gallery looks neater in this. I realize times were tough in Arkham city, but everybody looked like they needed a bath... :)

Online multiplayer? I dig it. I have online video gaming capabilities, and when I log into the AA/AC game - it's only the ranked leaderboards. This is better. Do something else with the series.

anybody pre-order the big baffo edition yet?..besides this easy mark? :)

No. To tell the truth, of all these items pictured below, only the game itself and the artbook seem interesting...  8)

(https://www.batman-online.com/images/13765651496063.jpg)

New trailer, featuring Alfred, Gordon, and Firefly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks4tY8dXaVU

The influence of The Dark Knight (2008) is evident in this trailer: Batman's costume, the younger Year One-era Gordon, the knife-wielding Joker, and especially the music at the 1:34 mark. I hope there are some Burton nods in it too. The previous game had plenty of those.

Funny that Gordon looks so much more vibrant and young in this...maybe I'm off base with his age, but he looks late 30's early 40's...and this is supposed to be 5 years before AA where he looks like he's ready for an applesauce and bayer cocktail. Oof...Gotham does put on the mileage, doesn't it? and Agreed, very TDK/TDKR so far. Nice to see the batcave. Hope to see more of the manor.

Quote from: SilentEnigma on Sun, 18 Aug  2013, 20:01
No. To tell the truth, of all these items pictured below, only the game itself and the artbook seem interesting...  8)

(https://www.batman-online.com/images/13765651496063.jpg)

I completely agree. The art book appeals, but I'm not buying a whole set of other stuff just for it. I'll just get the game case. All of the DLC will be made available eventually. And in that time, I'll have put a big dent in the story and side missions, etc.

Just popping in again. I watched the E3 demo again. The crime scene reconstruction is growing on me. The nakatomi building...i mean the royal hall looks great. I wasn't really on board with the injection of a slightly 'more real' approach to the design, because so much of it harkened to Nolan's trilogy(Costume, etc), but seeing this once more, I like the 'Die Hard' look their going with for the heightened reality aspects. Still looks too smooth for an Arkhamverse game, but it works for 'flash back' appeal. "Everything was less trashy back then."

http://www.exophase.com/game/ozzy-codename-xbox/achievements/

Apparently, the achievement list has leaked. Among other things, looks like the Riddler will be returning in some form with his trophies..er or rather trophy. Seems you get the first when you "collect every collectable." Maybe a first appearance scenario, where you'll probably be asked to unravel the mystery of his identity? Maybe it'll play out like Hush...flag for further investigation.

Normally I'm not too fussed about bonus costumes. But the prospect of playing as the Adam West Batman has got me fired up for this game. I just wish they could have got West to record an alternate voice track for when that costume is equipped. Onomatopoeic text to punctuate his attacks would have been cool too. But the costume itself looks great.

Not sure if anyone's mention this yet, but an "I am the Night" will be a new mode unlock, available after game completion. In addition to game plus, it act as a speed run, I suppose. No saves, permadeaths...I sure hope it doesn't have a special unlockable. Probably the "nightmare skin."  >:(

Joker voice actor Troy Baker reading from "The Killing Joke" at New York Comic-Con!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAn49oUtHJE

Also, they announced the Electrocutioner as a new assassin. Haven't seen him in a Batman game since the 1989 NES movie game!

Quote from: Paul (ral) on Sun, 13 Oct  2013, 17:57
Joker voice actor Troy Baker reading from "The Killing Joke" at New York Comic-Con!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAn49oUtHJE

Brilliant - Troy may as well be Mark Hamill. He's got the voice down pat.

This is for all the fans that think a Batman game can't be done without Conroy or Hammill.

TV spot for Arkham Origins

http://youtu.be/InUj9BT8KCc

Quote from: Paul (ral) on Thu, 17 Oct  2013, 14:38
TV spot for Arkham Origins

http://youtu.be/InUj9BT8KCc

Loved it...even bald Bruce is a bamf

Right, so this game is coming out next week. I will be getting it ASAP - and playing it over the weekend and beyond.

AA will always have nostalgia, but I actually think this could be the best Arkham game yet.

Not one, but two great OSTs by Drake this month. Both are IMO his best Batman scores yet. I think TDKR (http://www.batman-online.com/forum/index.php?topic=1938.msg37102#msg37102) has the edge when it comes to listenability without the film, but I've yet to play Origins, so how the music works with the visuals, it remains to be experienced. One thing in common, though..

The Joker (http://youtube.com/watch?v=k4RtvPe5wY0) has the best tunes (http://youtube.com/watch?v=r30LB8dr6n8)

Game arrived yesterday. its the baffo edition. The art book is tops. If anyone wants pics of anything specific or anything, let me know and I'll upload 'em.

Alright folks, I have played the game through and here's my verdict.

All the environment and gameplay staples of an Arkham game are there. I found the story solid enough - however for me it doesn't hit the same heights as AA/AC. Don't read this as me bagging Origins, or labelling it a disappointment. It's not. It's a very good game and other fictional characters would love to have it in their library.

As soon as I assumed control of Batman, I noticed the difference. It's effectively the same open world as AC, however it *feels* different. I think it's in part to the graphical style WB Montreal went for which is evident on the main menu, loading screens and everywhere.

There are some very nice moments in the game indeed. I won't type them here yet out of courtesy. I enjoyed Gordon in this too, and Barbara's cameos.

WB Montreal did add to the Arkhamverse, even though some will call it a cut and paste job. They finally showed the real batcave, the electric gloves were a good addition and the forensic kit is much improved. They also did a fine job with Bane, setting up Rocksteady's template.

In short, Origins is not earth shattering. But it is solid and doesn't make any mistakes. There are bugs in the game that will freeze cinematics and gameplay minutely, though. From what I have experienced they are not bad enough to be a deal breaker.

I still have to do the side missions and other things. And I will, though I don't have the same hunger as I did with AA/AC. I would rank AO third in the series, though as I emphasise, it's not a disappointment. I just think the others had that added spark.

I was pretty critical of this title in the beginning (card carrying knee jerk club member.) All in all, I'd say if you distance yourself from the hype and the expectations, and just accept what this is supposed to be IE an inbetweenquel, you'll come away sated. It doesn't break new ground, but it doesn't trip up by reinventing the wheel. The story is sturdy but a tad hollow. 

My only grip is the glitches. Been pretty bad. Freeze and save issues( I had to beat Deathstroke four or five times, though the last time was satisfying because I made him look like a chump.) have plagued me.

I have noticed there is even more of a Zimmer influence this time around with the soundtrack. The main title cue starts of with subtle elements of 'Imagine The Fire'. The rhythm of the drums is almost exactly the same as the Bane theme in Gotham's Reckoning. The main melody, featuring no electronics, is hands down the best part.

The Night Before Christmas and Winter Comes to Gotham are my favourite cues. Nice wintery gloom vibe. I Have Left Enough Life in Him for some final Words is also quite good, particularly the end statement of the main theme.

Carol of the Bells is effectively the end of Elfman's Face Off/Beddy Bye stretched out over a cue.

Arkham Origins End Titles begins very similarly to 'Why Do We Fall?' from Zimmer.

I'm only at 20% completion but my thoughts so far;

not as enjoyable as AA or AC.AC had the close quarters going for it, AC had the outstanding open world concept.

That being said one improvement is that detective skills get used quite a bit more here.

The prequel aspect is pretty good too, it takes place around year 3 or 4. Gordon is a lieutenant. I like the gotham aspect of it.

man this game is glitchy. it keeps knocking me back one save every time I return to story. Snipers can follow my movements through walls (x-ray vision...etc

Backing-up the save game (PC users - Game Save Manager is good for doing it with two clicks) before playing is almost mandatory. It's recommended for any game, but especially for this.

Didn't have much time to do a full playthrough yet... Maybe will finish in late December, quite fitting for the season.

Loved the city - maybe just me, but it definitely has a Batman Returns vibe.

I wonder what role Thieving Magpie plays - the performance on the OST album sounds very similar to a certain movie.

I finished playing story mode on PC a few days ago.

I personally enjoyed playing this game as much as I enjoyed playing the other two, and even go far as saying gameplay-wise it is up there with Arkham City. Of course, it helps if the gameplay does borrow heavily from City too. Although Origins does invent new ideas i.e. replaying crime scene footage to work out key evidence and electric shock gloves, which might have been inspired by the Wii U's Armored Edition.

That being said, the game's glitches does hurt it. For example, I'm nearly finished with this side-mission, yet the map insists that I have one more item to collect in order for me to complete the whole mission. The problem? I have already collected that item, but the game doesn't remember it. So unless a patch comes soon and fixes that problem, I can't complete that side-mission. That's nothing compared to most complaints I heard on the internet; some people couldn't even complete the game at all because of unfinished levels that hadn't loaded properly, and in some unfortunate cases people couldn't even play the game at all. It wouldn't surprise me that these glitches may have contributed to the less-than-glowing reviews. Apart from that problem with the side-mission, I haven't had too many glitches thankfully.

I have the Deathstroke DLC, which came with my PC copy for free. It's okay, but the character's movements and mechanisms are a little too identical to Arkham City's Robin for my liking.

Despite this, none of this takes away my enjoyment from the game. Favourite moments would be (mild spoilers below):

Quote

• Investigating all the crime scene investigations using instant replay.
• Playing as the Joker as you fight a stand-up comedy audience, albeit for a short period of time.
• Fighting Bane as a boss - a complete pain in the ass and totally complicated unlike the way he was in Arkham Asylum.
• In fact, I thought the improving boss fights in Arkham City continue on here as well. Deathstroke was fun but is in the game a lot less than I thought.
• Infiltrating the GCPD, from interrogating that crook to fighting corrupt cops lead by Branden.
• Flying around Gotham City - it felt more complete and satisfying than in Arkham City.
• Alfred fearing for Bruce's life in the Batcave, but Bruce stands his ground.

The only negatives I have are the glitches that I mentioned, the dialogue isn't as memorable as the first two games (except for Alfred's), and that there aren't any civilians in the streets. It does feel like that Gotham is still a police state. Nonetheless, if most people enjoyed City, I'd say they would enjoy this one too, bugs-free of course. Game developers should really delay the release of their products and get rid of these problems the first time though.

Old news (like that Kevin Conroy quote), but something to look forward to. The real Arkham 3.

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/525062/20131126/batman-arkham-origins-sequel-game-thrones-mass.htm

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/527895/20131206/batman-arkham-origins-injustice-gods-ios.htm

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you are all enjoying the break.

It looks like a new story mode will be released as a DLC - hinting Mr. Freeze.

(https://www.batman-online.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.gawkerassets.com%2Fimg%2F19b7ieuk34tecjpg%2Foriginal.jpg&hash=e17afc1579837127f05ac8f83612fe4249f24e26)

Source: http://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/01/everything-freezes-in-batman-arkham-origins-story-dlc/ (http://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/01/everything-freezes-in-batman-arkham-origins-story-dlc/)

Seen this before but it's still hilarious:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGJlXqI5gt8

Quote from: The Dark Knight on Wed, 26 Mar  2014, 12:38
Seen this before but it's still hilarious:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGJlXqI5gt8

This is Christopher Nolan's legacy he left behind to the Batman franchise...makes Clooney look great in comparison.  ::)

So, did anyone else get to play the Cold, Cold Heart DLC for Arkham Origins?

It's heavily inspired by the BTAS Heart of Ice of course, since we're introduced to Mr. Freeze for the first time. Bruce Wayne holds a ceremony for Ferris Boyle at his mansion, until Freeze ambushes the place and kidnaps Boyle. There's a cool moment where you need to make Bruce fight Freeze's henchmen before entering the Batcave and change into Batman, and you must rescue Alfred, Vicki Vale and other hostages before returning to Gotham.

Penguin is revealed to be working with Freeze, but he ends up trying to double cross him instead - until Freeze gets a hold of him. Batman investigates the connection between Freeze and Boyle further and found out that Boyle had betrayed a promise he made to Freeze to help cure his wife from his coma which lead to Freeze becoming what he is today.

The boss battle with Freeze in the end is similar to the Arkham City fight at the abandoned GCPD HQ...except it's crawling with henchmen too. Not to mention that you have to throw batarangs at this cryo-generators before you get to confront Freeze head on. It's tricky, but not impossible.

It's only forty five minutes long to finish, but it's worth it if you've got spare time to waste.

Yes, it's probably the best DLC of the Arkham series. Although the Ras Al Ghul and Mr Freeze DLCs for Arkham Knight are also high quality. But I find myself preferring Cold, Cold Heart because we get to play inside Wayne Manor, the Batcave and greater Gotham. Plus, we get the ice suit. It's a solid little episode.

Honestly, Arkham Origins is my favourite Arkham game.

Quote from: The Dark Knight on Fri, 26 Feb  2016, 13:24
Yes, it's probably the best DLC of the Arkham series. Although the Ras Al Ghul and Mr Freeze DLCs for Arkham Knight are also high quality. But I find myself preferring Cold, Cold Heart because we get to play inside Wayne Manor, the Batcave and greater Gotham. Plus, we get the ice suit. It's a solid little episode.

Honestly, Arkham Origins is my favourite Arkham game.

I still haven't played Arkham Knight yet. :-[

But I have played Arkham Origins: Blackgate. ;D :D :-X :-[

I value AO and AC as my joint-favourite Arkham game. I understand the complaints about AO is a cut and paste game from City because it has near identical gameplay and background environment, but AO has minor differences that makes it equally enjoyable for me.

AO has this double/triple counter move which requires you to block on time and with precision, which makes the Deathstroke boss fight even more challenging.

The sidequest missions are more interesting to me because we're given more to do, e.g. solving the Cyrus Pinkney case, investigating Anarky's agenda, entering deeper into Mad Hatter's twisted Alice in Wonderland world on the way to saving a hostage, retrieving data packs as we see the Riddler's origin story and so on.

And of course, you get to play as Joker for a brief period of time as he beats up the entire audience at a comedy club! Not to mention that you get play the Killing Joke/chemical waste origin.

My only complaints are that I would've preferred that AC's extra-accelerating grapple gun didn't appear as it would've maintained continuity better. And that flash grenade would've been useful instead of making it a waste of time to collect before entering CCPD HQ.

As much as people get tired of seeing the Joker in these games, I think this game is better written for introducing him for the first time as he deceives everyone in trying take over Gotham territory. You could see how Batman was disturbed by meeting the Joker the first time, and that ominous feeling would often repeat for the rest of his life. And the tension between Batman and Alfred during the latter stages of the game made for great drama. Alfred fearing for Bruce's life and initially believes that his crusade is foolish, but he knows that he can guide Bruce carefully during dire situations, i.e. convincing Bruce that he must serve Gotham's best interests in stopping Protocol 10 ahead of Talia's rescue during AC.

I enjoyed playing Cold, Cold Heart, but I think Harley Quinn's Revenge is better. Mainly because playing Robin is a novelty.

Looking back at the post-credit scene of Amanda Waller meeting Deathstroke at Blackgate Penitentiary makes me lament over the alternative Suicide Squad game that never came to fruition. It couldn't have been any worse than Kill the Justice League.

Maybe the team roster could've consisted Deathstroke, Deadshot, Killer Croc, Black Tiger (who appeared as a boss in the Arkham Origins: Blackgate game), and maybe Copperhead, Captain Boomerang and Rick Flag. I'd include Harley Quinn, but if the planned game was going to take place sometime after Origins then maybe it wouldn't have made sense in the timeline because she hadn't been victimised and transformed by the Joker yet. Nonetheless, the characters I mentioned served as a decent team.

Instead of having the team fight superpowered targets, just have it as a straightforward espionage type of game, in the style of Splinter Cell. If the scope of an open world is too hard for these characters, then why not have it as a linear game with four chapters each for every Squad member? Whatever ideas one can come up with, surely they're much better than whatever that hideous cash grab came out this month.