Batman: Arkham Asylum

[Malgon]

Batman: Arkham Asylum Revealed, Hits Next Year
by Nick Breckon Aug 12, 2008 4:18pm CST tags: Batman: Arkham Asylum
Publisher Eidos has pulled back the cape on Batman: Arkham Asylum, an original Batman game exploring the infamous mental facility, according to Game Informer.

Described as a dark and gritty title in the vein of BioShock, Arkham Asylum appears not to be based on the comic of the same name. Instead, the original game's story was co-written by Paul Dini, who is best known for his work as a writer, producer and editor on Batman: The Animated Series.

Powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 3, the over-the-shoulder action and detective game is being created by Rocksteady Studios, developers of Urban Chaos: Riot Response. The title is slated to hit PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2009, going by NeoGAF poster Sallokin.

More information is forthcoming, with an elaborate Bat-counter already ticking down on Rocksteady's website.


I guess a Batman game was inevitable. I wonder how this'll turn out, since I've never heard Rocksteady Studios before. :o

[Thief]

The possibilities of the world of Batman powered by the U3 engine makes me all warm inside.
However, Batman games have never had a good track record.
The best recent batman game is probably Batman: Vengeance, which I have tucked away waiting to be played. Rise of Sin Tzu isn't bad for a brawler, but to compare it to a similar game, Justice League Heroes is better.

I wonder how Lego Batman will be received?

Still though...awesome news. Looking forward to it. :)

[psyborg]

Over the years Batman has had a couple of bad titles, one or two great titles and a handful of decent ones. Thats not bad for a comic/movie license at all.

I'm hopeful, but I am disappointed that the Joker's hair and makeup is so perfect, I'd prefer it all messy and smeared like the TDK look.

[Karthik]

It's from the same development team that canned the PC version of Riot Response. Wonder if this PC version will get canned as well.

[avatar_58]

I don't understand this "dark and gritty title in the vein of bioshock" description. What? So....it's a shooter? Or are you trying to compare the atmosphere? If so, why would Batman feel like a game where you are alone in an undersea utopia gone wrong?

I'm confused.

[Wamplet]

Yeah this sounds very weird, but i am quite interested.
Have they posted any screenshots yet?

[avatar_58]

Ah here we go, some info (from shacknews) -

http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?id=17658514#itemanchor_17658514

Batman: Arkham Asylum

1 Player Action Game, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Publisher: Eidos

Developer: Rocksteady Sudios

Release: 2009

- Clever choice of location moves the game away from an open world Spider-Man clone and more into the dark and gritty realm of The Chronicles of Riddick.

- Packed with Batman's most dangerous archenemies Arkham Asylum boasts a brand new story reminiscent of the depth and twists of Bioshock

- Story is written by Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Detective Comics)

- Wildstorm is crafting the authentic yet distinct new look for all the key characters

- Gameplay places just as much focus on Batman's role as a detective as his combat prowess.

- Game isn't being rushed to tie in with any TV/Film marketing cycles.

- Game runs on Unreal Engine 3

- Most of the game is played through an over-the-shoulder perspective

- You're going to see and get to fight against all the big super villains. Seen so far. Joker, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Zsasz, Penguin, Riddler, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze and others the magazine doesn't want to spoil.

- Allies revealed so far are Commissioner Gordon who plays a big role and Barbara Gordon (aka Oracle) who is your radio contact in the game.

- Game opens with the Joker surrendering himself and subsequently taking over Arkham because of some secret the facility holds

- Magazine teases that this game will be the ultimate Batman experience so the voice cast will reflect that (Think Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill).

- Arkham was chosen as a location because of its limitations including the fact that it's an island prison. It's a persistent location so you can visit any location at anytime including Batman's secret on site Bat Cave etc. Don't think that just because this is an island prison there will only be small hallways. The developers have taken into account all the construction/destruction of the facility over the years so locals will vary.

- Eidos' Batman license includes all 70 years of comic book fiction so they're pulling from all of that.

COMBAT

- Boss Battles won't necessarily be a series of straight pugilistic fights. Each enemy represents a different side of Batman and not all of them can match his wide skill set. Some battles are focused on combat others will focus on gadgets some are similar to giant Zelda style bosses.

- Combat description in the magazine talks about Batman perched on a high ledge in a wide open room as he watches some of the Joker's thugs rifle through drawers. Batman switches to investigation mode using a blue tinted visor that among other things lets Batman see his enemies through walls and identifies things like guns and knives. One thug is carrying a machine gun so Batman jumps of the ledge, spreads his cape and kicks him in the face. He then swipes his cape in a large arc to stun his other enemies and then goes to work on them with a stylish blend of punches, kicks, a knee to the face here a behind the back elbow there. Combat has a gymnastic flourish and is accomplished using only three buttons. Attack, Stun and Throw.

- Combat is only one element of the game so the developers didn't want a bunch of button combos that you'd forget because you'll be doing other things besides fighting.

- During battle a combo multiplier at the top of the screen will increase with every strike. Once the combo expires a colony of bats will swirl around Batman and then contribute to an experience bar on the left side of the screen. In an RPG like skill tree system players will be able to distribute points where they prefer. Think Combat moves, faster takedowns, or gadget upgrades like the ability to throw multiple batarangs at the same time.

- Gadgets are revealed by collecting items in secret rooms. You'll need gadgets to survive as there are very tough enemies in the game that you can't just go head to head with (Think Killer Croc, he's 10 feet tall in the game and super tough)

- There are sections that involve sneaking but the developers call them Predatory gameplay sections as stealth tends to imply weakness, they prefer to think of it as picking off the weak people or people you wouldn't last too long in direct fight with from strong positions. The example they give in the article is Batman creating distractions with bodies and victim's yells and then stalking the guards as they go to inspect.

DETECTIVE

- Developers have come up with a very "sexy" CSI style for forensic puzzles because Batman will always have the very latest gadgets.

- Investigative mode is the centerpiece in Batman's arsenal. The visor can highlight points of interest and much like the Metroid Prime games will scan items into your database.

- They also mention another forensic gadget, a fingerprint tracker that allow Batman to follow trails of fingerprints.

OTHER

- Magazine hints at the ability to play as the villains in the game. Not sure if this is inserted directly into the game or available as a second playthrough option.

- Magazine lists a few suggested reading items. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, Batman: The Last Arkham, and Arkham Asylum: Living Hell.

GRAPHICS

- Game is very gritty looking. The screens in the mag are all inside Arkham and show case a few hallways, The Riddler's cell, A sewer etc. Lots of great lighting going on.

- Character redesigns are pretty good for the most part. Joker looks like classic Joker only with Heath Ledger style make up (long drawn on red lipstick etc.) he still has a the bright purple suit and bright green hair. Definitely more sinister looking than say the TAS Joker. Killer Croc is huge and looks more like Jim Lee's Hush redesign as opposed to some of the more human renditions of him.

- Batman is in the Black and Grey costume. It looks more like armor however his gauntlets in particular look like the ones from TDK. Overall it looks very awesome.

- They show screens of fights and predator segments and all look very interesting and very Batman in scope. Lots of classic poses etc.

- You can control Batarangs from first person mode.

[wayskobfssae]

Wow... there really aren't many superhero games I like, but this really has my interest. Seems like this unlike most, could really capture what it feels like to be Batman.

[Wamplet]

That's a lot of villans.

I can see it now. Batman is actually working as a prison officer and the boss fights are created as a result of Riddler dropping soap in the shower and Joker taking advantage of the situation or Penguin stealing Mr Freeze's helping of mashed potatoes during lunch. :o

[avatar_58]

I hope they get Kevin Conroy for Batman and Mark Hamill for the joker. That would be really funny.

[Cleric]

Wow. I was waiting for news of a Batman game, but I was expecting it to tie into TDK movie. I'm happy to hear that it won't be a movie-to-game adaptation.

[hellchicken]

Sounds very impressive, I'm curious if the developers can really deliver the game they are promising. So far it sounds like a game I'd play even if it didn't have anything to do with Batman.

...but who am I kidding? This game probably wouldn't be on my radar if it wasn't Batman related. :p

[avatar_58]

Screens leaked -

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54203

Holy crap does it look awesome -

http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=10512&game_id=6067&id=124358

[Thief]

Mighty impressive, but as always...graphics aren't everything.

[Amakou]

Any info on a release date, I'm starting to look forward to this.

~Amakou~

[Cleric]

Very nice screens . . .but I have one complaint with the Unreal 3 engine. Is it just me, or do the lines and wrinkles in everybody's faces look like they're carved an inch or so into the skin? Batman looks pretty old around the mouth :confused:

Other than that, it looks like what you'd expect out of a game with this engine. I like that you get to see facial expressions during actions. Stone faces during a fight always looks awkward - that's one of the reasons I thought Def Jam: Vendetta was such a good fighter.

Edit: Upon closer inspection, I don't really care for Batman's head. I can tell that they're going for a more classic look with his suit, but Bruce has one hell of a beefneck. Not to mention that way too chisled chin :insomnia: The rest of the suit looks pretty badass, though, with a lot of little details.

[Vroomfondel]

The screen shots have been removed. Did anyone save them?

[Kalki]

http://kotaku.com/5037545/batman-arkham-asylum-in-pictures
http://blog.differentpixel.com/archives/260-Batman-Arkham-Asylum-Screenshots.html

[Vroomfondel]

Thanks Kalki. I think it looks really good.

[Echo Black]

Reminds me of Manhunt. Awesome.

[slapnutz]

I no Batman expert but I was wondering would having a "intimidation" factor suit this game.

What I mean is the way you choose to approach an enemy can increase your enemies fear and paranoia... thus the more freaked out they are, the easier it is to take them out (along with stealth attacks).

Batman could play with shadows and his environment to unsettle enemies before attacking them. Hope this sorta makes sense.

[Echo Black]

They tried to implement "intimidation" on the Batman Begins game, but as you might imagine, it ended up being a piece of shit.

[slapnutz]

They tried to implement "intimidation" on the Batman Begins game, but as you might imagine, it ended up being a piece of shit.

Ah, I see. Sratch idea #746392 then.

[Malgon]

The info about the game does sound very ambitious, but if they manage to deliver, then it might be something special indeed.

Oh, and those screenshots do look really good. :eek:

[pjohnsonjr]

I'm pretty sure Mark Hamill has been announced as voicing the Joker.

Mark Hamill, You To Appear In Batman: Arkham Asylum (http://kotaku.com/5047657/mark-hamill-you-to-appear-in-batman-arkham-asylum)

[Kalki]

Mark Hamill, You To Appear In Batman: Arkham Asylum (http://kotaku.com/5047657/mark-hamill-you-to-appear-in-batman-arkham-asylum)

From the "You" in that article's title, I'd hoped they had a voice command feature to enable you to play and voice Batman, with nifty sound modification to get those raspy gravel tones. :dopefish:

[pjohnsonjr]

I think it should be bring your own gravel voice. Then have a meter that tells you what Batman you sound like (Deepest to Neutral to Wimpiest: Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, Adam West, George Clooney). Could get a bit silly.

[Karthik]

Kevin Conroy is the ultimate voice for Batman. But then again that's me.

[Kalki]

Kevin Conroy is awesome.

[Ironside]

Batman is awesome! Fingers crossed that this game rocks. :D

[avatar_58]

I'm pretty sure Mark Hamill has been announced as voicing the Joker.

Mark Hamill, You To Appear In Batman: Arkham Asylum (http://kotaku.com/5047657/mark-hamill-you-to-appear-in-batman-arkham-asylum)

They've just sold me a copy.

[Malgon]

I really need to see the cartoon series. I hear good things about it, especially the voice acting.

[Ironside]

I even get excited when this thread gets bumps, lol :)

[MegaMustaine]

I really need to see the cartoon series. I hear good things about it, especially the voice acting.

If you are speaking of the wonderful Batman: The Animated Series, it is a must see for anyone interested in a quality cartoon. Not only the best animated show of all time, but one of the best shows to ever come on television period. All IMHO of course. :D

[Reaper]

But why... why are there so many enemies? I wouldn't think the game was so dull that it needed five million and two boss battles to raise it up..

Also, it's the Joker's nuthouse, right? Shouldn't it just be a game with him in it?

[ZaphodB]

All of Batman's enemies end up in Arkham. Or dead. (using comic books and "Batman the Animated Series"(the original one, not the one out now nor Batman Beyond) as reference)

[Reaper]

Oh, okay. I guess it makes sense then.

[Malgon]

Short preview over at CVG. (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=199196)

[Cleric]

There's a preview in the latest PTOM with some good information. Jamie Walker, Rocksteady Studios' director, says "We didn't start with a genre, we started with a character". They basically thought about what makes Batman who he is and designed the game around that. The game will have hand-to-hand combat, stealth and stalking (which involves psychological warfare, like hanging knocked out foes from the ceiling to scare others), and investigation set in an open world. The whole map will be open to you after the first chapter, which includes the entire island, not just the asylum.

There's a Prince of Persia-like free flow combat system used, allowing you to string any moves together. Combat will be fast, brutal, and cinematic. You gain experience throughout the game which you can use to unlock "signature" combat moves as well as "invisible predator" skills, which involve the aforementioned hanging of the enemies and other stealthy moves that they don't list.

You can enter "detective mode" at any time during the game to reveal some new information about what's around you. So instead of using it in set areas to solve something that pertains to the story, you can experiment with it to find hidden goodies.

Oh, and there's sixaxis batarang control for PS3 owners :p

[MegaMustaine]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/42998.html?type=mov

[Thief]

Yep, the true definition of teaser. Didn't even get a look at the caped crusader, but it still looks good. Hope they nail down the atmosphere.

[avatar_58]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/42998.html?type=mov

That laugh just seals the deal. :D

[Echo Black]

Mark Hamill is awesome.

Also, I recognize one of the screams they used on that teaser as part of a very popular sound pack. I believe it used to come/still comes with Macromedia Flash.

[Damien_Azreal]

The WILHELM Scream. :) yeah, I caught it as well.

[Cleric]

I hear that everywhere, way too much. Other than that it was a good teaser.

[Malgon]

Looks nice. :)

[ShadeEX]

The WILHELM Scream. :) yeah, I caught it as well.

Nope it's not the wilhelm scream.. Although that particular scream in the Arkham Asylum Teaser is also a fairly commonly used scream. But it isn't the famous wilhelm scream though.

You can hear how the wilhelm scream sounds like here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_scream

[Monkey Butler]

Yeah, the scream in the trailer I like to think of as the Command and Conquer scream. :D

[Ironside]

OMG this is going to be a blast!

[MegaMustaine]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14273491/batman-arkham-asylum/videos/BAA_Teaser_HD.html

[Aegeri]

I hope to God this game doesn't suck, because it really sounds promising.

[DerricktheW]

The Joker seems ridiculously skinny. Especially on his arms.

I want to know just how him, and all the other characters, act in this.

And I hope it's not just simple and somewhat stupid cameo boss fights like in Xmen Legends or Marven Ultimate Alliance.

[Wamplet]

Not sure if that xbox video posted about 4 posts back is the same or not, but here is the 2nd trailer from gametrailers, with characters in it.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/43466.html

[Echo Black]

The Joker seems ridiculously skinny. Especially on his arms.

Looks pretty faithful to the comics. Joker has never been buff :confused:

[DerricktheW]

Looks pretty faithful to the comics. Joker has never been buff :confused:

I mean he's wearing like skin-tight clothes on his 3 inch arms. His stuff was atleast loose in the comics.

But that's obviously just a small annoyance I have that I'll get over rather quickly.

[Malgon]

That new teaser looked very cool. Looking forward to this. :)

[superevilcube]

Read all the stuff on the first page... the game sounds pretty interesting. I hope it's good! The teaser looked alright, but didn't seem like anything spectacular to me.

[MegaMustaine]

More good news. Kevin Conroy is confirmed as in!

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/939/939243p1.html

[Malgon]

New 1up (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3171978) preview.

[JobivanHiob]

new trailer http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/batmanarkhamasylum/video.html?sid=6203810

man I'm ******* hyped for this....it looks incredible stylish and I love the Joker in this game due to his Heat Ledgerish character :love:

[MegaMustaine]

Looks fantastic!

[Echo Black]

I love the Joker in this game due to his Heat Ledgerish character :love:

Eh? To me he seems 100% reminiscent of classic Joker (which is a great thing). He's way campier than TDK Joker.

[John]

Yeah, he's nothing like Heath's.

[axion]

This game actually looks pretty slick, I hope that it can deliver.

[Malgon]

Man that video was sick! :cool:

[Kalki]

Trailer gets a thumbs-up. Classic Batman.

[Monkey Butler]

When I try to watch the video it just comes up saying "incorrect date format". The what?

[Malgon]

Yeah, I had the same error. Try here (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/44909.html), to download or stream it.

[hellchicken]

Bring on the Asylum. :love: :love: :love:

[avatar_58]

new trailer http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/batmanarkhamasylum/video.html?sid=6203810

man I'm ******* hyped for this....it looks incredible stylish and I love the Joker in this game due to his Heat Ledgerish character :love:

Am I the only one who thinks Hamil sounds like he may have lost his edge due to his age? I can hear it in his voice. His laugh doesn't have nearly the range it once did. Comparing it of course to TAS, on it's own it's still a damn good choice than some unknown voice actor.

[Cleric]

That's a great trailer. We could finally get a worthy Batman game :D

[Mountain Man]

I have a feeling that this game is going to kick my PC's ass in the minimum requirements department. :(

(Although I can play BioShock without trouble, so who knows.)

Edit: Just watched the trailer. It really does look great, and the voice performances are awesome!

[MegaMustaine]

Am I the only one who thinks Hamil sounds like he may have lost his edge due to his age? I can hear it in his voice. His laugh doesn't have nearly the range it once did. Comparing it of course to TAS, on it's own it's still a damn good choice than some unknown voice actor.

I think he is not trying to do TAS voice. He is going for something different to fit the character. Still very similar but different. Listen to Conroy, it is the same thing. Nothing will ever touch what the two did during the original run of TAS from 1992 to 1995. Conroy really changed his voice. Starting with The New Batman Adventures forward, it was just never the same. The only personality I think he nailed from then on was Bruce Wayne in Batman Beyond. Other than that his work was just slightly better than average to me.

[avatar_58]

I think he is not trying to do TAS voice. He is going for something different to fit the character. Still very similar but different. Listen to Conroy, it is the same thing. Nothing will ever touch what the two did during the original run of TAS from 1992 to 1995. Conroy really changed his voice. Starting with The New Batman Adventures forward, it was just never the same. The only personality I think he nailed from then on was Bruce Wayne in Batman Beyond. Other than that his work was just slightly better than average to me.

Yes but somehow I doubt it's because they choose to do a different voice. I mean you can't argue Hamil wasn't chosen based on that voice. I don't know what Conroy's deal is (he sounded kind of off in the recent dvd/bd release) but Hamil is definately having trouble reaching his old maniacal level.

A minor issue at most though - could you imagine if they just chose some random doofus off the street like many ip cash-ins? The fact that they got these two proves they care about Batman.

[MegaMustaine]

They were chosen based on their previous performances, but I guarantee that both the voice director as well as Hamil and Conroy want to differentiate their characters from TAS. If their voices were identical it might not fit these new versions of the characters and I'm sure that the devs want you to think of their characters when you hear the voice and not TAS.

[Mountain Man]

If anything, Hamil's portrayal is much darker than the cartoon version which fits the look of the game (I particularly like how his voice descends into a growl at the end of the trailer "Over? My dear, delusional dark knight, it hasn't even begun..."). It would be interesting to find out if this change of style was deliberate or if he really can't do the Joker voice like he used to.

(It's also nice that Batman doesn't sound like Grover a'la The Dark Knight.)

[hellchicken]

I'll judge the voice talent when I've played the full game, but in any case I have faith in Hamil and Conroy.:)

[Steve]

Wow... this actually looks like FUN :eek:

Seriously, I didn't expect it :o

[avatar_58]

If IMDB is any indication Hamil hasn't done the voice in 6 years, so maybe that has something to do with it.

EDIT - Btw this game looks damn sexy visually -

http://www.shacknews.com/images/image-o-matic.x?/images/sshots/Screenshot/11390/11390_49836ec395628.jpg
http://www.shacknews.com/images/image-o-matic.x?/images/sshots/Screenshot/11390/11390_49836ebfb1e1a.jpg

[Malgon]

New trailer (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/46638.html) for you guys. :)

[Simon Charles]

That's Mark Hamil?

I hear nothing wrong with this. The game sounds awesome.

[SonnyBonds]

Interesting. I generally don't like superhero stuff but Batman is kinda cool.
Maybe there will finally be a Batman game that I'll like better than my current favourite Batman game (the Caped Crusader) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzB_AT0wv0k

[Boo Boo Juice]

Man, the newest trailer got me really excited. I really hope this game is good. It looks pretty awesome so far.

[December Man]

Metal Gear Batman :p

[axion]

More like Batman Fisher :p. Looks amazing though.

[Montykoro!]

Sold!

I like the "armor" the model is so detailed I see bolts and armor parts...

[Thief]

Mighty impressive. Actually reminds me of the poorly received Batman Vengeance for the PS2, which I enjoyed. Combat looks cool. Glad the grappling gun can be used on more than just buildings/scenery.

[Wamplet]

Looking good. can almost see the lint on the guy's suit.

[Mountain Man]

Looks good, but I remain skeptical. So many big-budget turds have looked great in the trailers.

[MegaMustaine]

This trailer has me worried about the gameplay. It doesn't look very smooth.

[dan2091]

Maybe there will finally be a Batman game that I'll like better than my current favourite Batman game (the Caped Crusader) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzB_AT0wv0k

My favourite Batman game up to now is Batman Returns for the Snes, developed by Konami. That's a good game. The combos you could do and the midi music actually coming from the original film's score. That one was perfect.

But I'm really expecting a good game. Won't deny that with all those Spiderman games where you swing around NY I would have loved a Batman game in Gotham City, swinging and driving down in ya batmobile. :p.

But anyway I hope this to be a very good game. Up to now I like it but i won't deny I was skeptical at first about playing only inside of Arkham.

[Malgon]

Here's a new video (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/47317.html) from GDC showcasing some of the stealth gameplay. Pretty cool stuff. :)

[hellchicken]

Here's a new video (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/47317.html) from GDC showcasing some of the stealth gameplay. Pretty cool stuff. :)

Mega f**kig super cool. :D

No, seriously, I really like the gameplay and the dynamic music, the visuals and the animation are good IMO, if the rest of the game is up to par this is a must buy for me.

[Kalki]

Here's a new video (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/47317.html) from GDC showcasing some of the stealth gameplay. Pretty cool stuff. :)

Excellent!

[Montykoro!]

Again..... SOLD... 1 please?

[Thief]

:eek:
Looks brutal (in the good sense), complex and well thought out. Did he ricochet the batarang, or did it home?
Getting closer and closer to being a release day purchase for me.

[Cleric]

^It looked to me like he curved the batarang around the pillars.

Looks like it's coming along nicely. :)

[Ironside]

Looks like it is fun. Kinda like a ninja game. I LIKE! :D

[Thief]

^It looked to me like he curved the batarang around the pillars.

Looks like it's coming along nicely. :)

Ah, yes. That makes much more sense. Silly me. :D

[Malgon]

Some more screenshots (http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57959) for you guys. :)

[Montykoro!]

Release date? Steam?

[Malgon]

The official site doesn't say, but June 9 seems to be the release date at a few other places. As for it being on steam I haven't heard anything mentioned about it yet.

Also there's a new video (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/47537.html) up which is an extended cut of the silent knight video posted earlier.

[Monkey Butler]

Not really extended, it's a totally new clip, kinda emphasises that everything's procedural. Very cool IMO.

[FullMetalJacket]

New video looks amazing! I'm really excited for this game. :)

[Sayantan]

Damn ..... I - can't - wait. :eek:

[Mountain Man]

Release date? Steam?
I'm still waiting for system requirements to see if I should even bother being interested. I can play games like BioShock and Fallout 3 just fine on my museum-quality rig, so I'm hopeful. Maybe there'll be a demo.

[axion]

It is UE3 which games such as Gears of War, UT3, and I believe Bioshock used, so there may be hope for you yet.

[Mountain Man]

That's what I'm hoping. We'll see.

[Sayantan]

Yeah, I don't think it would perform bad.

[Montykoro!]

The video said "challenge room" so it's another "game mode" and talks about a "need 2 batarang takedowns" to complete...mmm I like... Play the "normal/history" game...and later the challenge rooms...

Thx Malgon for the news post :)

[0marTheZealot]

The animations for Batman are really really good.

I'm pretty excited about this one, hopefully it doesn't suck ass.

[Mountain Man]

One thing about that challenge level video, it makes the game seem rather one-dimensional: zip-line up on top of a gargoyle, wait for a baddie to isolate himself, take him out, zip-line up on top of a gargoyle, repeat.

That could get old really quickly, so hopefully the gameplay is more dynamic than that.

[Ironside]

^Well that type of gamepley worked in Tenchu. Thats what this game reminds me of, Tenchu.

[FullMetalJacket]

Bump:

Just so everyone knows, the demo for this game hasn't hit PSN or Xbox Marketplace yet. BUT, the demo IS out on display PS3s at some stores: I played the demo on the PS3 at a Best Buy in Overland Park, Kansas today. Also saw it on the PS3 at a GameStop as well. It was just 2 separate challenge modes (nothing from the main storyline), but still incredibly fun. Gorgeous graphics, fluid animations and the group fighting system is easily the best I've ever experienced.

And of course, Mark Hamill's voiceover work is top notch. Absolutely cannot wait for this game. 2 more months? Ugh. I'll be in Iraq then. Hopefully I can get it.

[MegaMustaine]

Bane

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/batmanarkhamasylum/images/0/1/

[Damien_Azreal]

Holy crap.

And we're supposed to fight that... nice. :D

[MegaMustaine]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/48038.html

[Orochi Avlis]

I hope he isn't a bumbling idiot in the game. But it is Paul Dini penning the script, and he didn't make Bane into one of those 'all muscle and no brain' characters in the Batman cartoon.

[Mister_Anderson]

After watching that Bane trailer, can someone ask Batman not to put so much starch into his cape next time round?

Its like theres a plank attached to his back when he falls on the ground.

[DerricktheW]

Harley Quinn

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/48062.html

This one I don't like. Both the voice and the model. But thats so far, 1 out of like, what, 8 characters we know of and have seen so far? Thats pretty good.

I also really hope they don't ruin all the villains in these little teasers.

[Orochi Avlis]

Not exactly what I was expecting, but it is the same voice actress and she is wearing that outfit as a gag.

[ShadeEX]

I agree that Batmans cape seems a bit to stiff in the Bane trailer..

Needs to act more like a cape and less like a board..

But other than that, I can't really nitpick at anything.. Looks like an instant buy for me

[Malgon]

That Bane video was cool. It's going to be fun to face off against all these villains. Not long until we get our hands on this! :)

[Cleric]

The Joker will be a playable character in the Challenge Maps (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/975/975942p1.html) . . .but only for Playstation 3 :D

[Orochi Avlis]

the joker will be a playable character in the challenge maps (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/975/975942p1.html) . . .but only for playstation 3 :d
ka-ching!

[DerricktheW]

2 gameplay clips

There is way too much clipping, especially made more evident when its in slow motion.

http://www.epicbattleaxe.com/favs/2009/4/22/batman-arkam-asylum-combat-gameplay-vids.html

[Cleric]

Dead videos :insomnia:

[DerricktheW]

Luckily obsessive paranoid fans know how to upload to youtube.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhO0oOL9YCQ

[FullMetalJacket]

Yeah, I played that demo at Best Buy and Gamestop. Lots of fun.

[Thief]

I wonder if that's a forced brawl...

[Mountain Man]

There is way too much clipping, especially made more evident when its in slow motion.
Yeah, his cape moves great, but it doesn't interact with anything in the environment. That's rather distracting, especially when it completely bisects the enemies.

[Cleric]

Those are some wicked knockouts . . .but yeah, his cape clipping is really distracting.

[DerricktheW]

His arms seem to collide with it somewhat. There was one part where his right arm was swinging backwards, and his acted as it should and started flowing backwards where his arm went through... but his cape seemed to react way too slow, and so his arm ended up moving through it

His arms also seem to go through people's bodies. Thats either one powerful punch, or something that'll be fixed. I mean, look at the graphics and style already. Something like this won't be left in as bad as it is to ruin the atmosphere.

[FullMetalJacket]

I wonder if that's a forced brawl...

Well, it is a challenge mode. You're just trapped in a room with an increasing number of enemies. Rather like the Horde mode in Gears of War 2.

[Cleric]

His arms seem to collide with it somewhat. There was one part where his right arm was swinging backwards, and his acted as it should and started flowing backwards where his arm went through... but his cape seemed to react way too slow, and so his arm ended up moving through it

His arms also seem to go through people's bodies. Thats either one powerful punch, or something that'll be fixed. I mean, look at the graphics and style already. Something like this won't be left in as bad as it is to ruin the atmosphere.

There's a few times where the cape goes through people's bodies as well. I sure hope they fix that.

[DerricktheW]

Nite Owl's cape in the Watchmen game was downright ridiculous at times.

A few times it got stuck on part of Owl and it seemed to thin down to just a single strand. One really long straight single strand.

[Paroxysm]

There's a few times where the cape goes through people's bodies as well. I sure hope they fix that.

I wouldn't count on it the game is practically done. I'm sure they weighed up whether the collision detection on the cape was worth the processing expense. It's not like we have endless processing power, you have to compromise somewhere.

[Montykoro!]

Maybe "capecollide=0"

[Mountain Man]

I wouldn't count on it the game is practically done. I'm sure they weighed up whether the collision detection on the cape was worth the processing expense. It's not like we have endless processing power, you have to compromise somewhere.
True, but in the previews they boasted about how they had hired a guy whose only job was to work on the cape physics, so I was expecting something better than the same clippy cape that we've seen in pretty much every other game.

[FullMetalJacket]

Darth Vader's cape in The Force Unleashed looks, and behaves, absolutely perfect. I don't know if Digital Molecular Matter, NaturalMotion or Euphoria are factors.

[TBZ]

True, but in the previews they boasted about how they had hired a guy whose only job was to work on the cape physics, so I was expecting something better than the same clippy cape that we've seen in pretty much every other game.

When footage/gameplay previews hit the internet, haven't it been through a long approval process, meaning it could be from an older build with not all the features being ready?
So maybe that's why the cape looks the way it looks, because the old build didn't have it implemented properly?

[wayskobfssae]

Darth Vader's cape in The Force Unleashed looks, and behaves, absolutely perfect. I don't know if Digital Molecular Matter, NaturalMotion or Euphoria are factors.

They are... a LOT. TFU is taking advantage of technology that has practically never been seen before in real-time games.

True, but in the previews they boasted about how they had hired a guy whose only job was to work on the cape physics, so I was expecting something better than the same clippy cape that we've seen in pretty much every other game.

The cape interacts with the floor properly, so I don't see why it couldn't be done. Heck, City of Heroes has had collision physics on capes for years. It's not perfect, and it glitches from time to time, but it's as good as what we're seeing in this.

I wouldn't count on it the game is practically done. I'm sure they weighed up whether the collision detection on the cape was worth the processing expense. It's not like we have endless processing power, you have to compromise somewhere.

It wouldn't take that much additional processing power to have better physics working for just the cape. It doesn't mean that every piece of fabric in the whole game has to be equally articulate. Besides, weaker systems are what lower detail settings are for.

[Damien_Azreal]

It's odd... in some trailers and gameplay footage his cape looks and behaves perfectly fine. But then in others... it's stiff like a board.

[Paroxysm]

True, but in the previews they boasted about how they had hired a guy whose only job was to work on the cape physics, so I was expecting something better than the same clippy cape that we've seen in pretty much every other game.

Hmm well perhaps it just not implemented in current build. I guess we'll find out. Actually if they're still optimising and they're sending out demos it makes sense to turn off such a system so that performance is better because they would get far more criticism for bad performance than a clipping cape.

It wouldn't take that much additional processing power to have better physics working for just the cape. It doesn't mean that every piece of fabric in the whole game has to be equally articulate. Besides, weaker systems are what lower detail settings are for.
Well we can't know what the processing hit is. It's far from nothing to have collision detection between cloth an multiple animated, complex characters(whereas your earlier example of it interacting with the floor is quite a simple check). It's going to take a hit. Maybe it meant one less character potentially on screen so they made a decision.

[Malgon]

Some PC specs have been released. Click here (http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58380) for the info. :)

[Damien_Azreal]

So the PC version will use Games for Windows LIVE huh... spiffy. :rolleyes: Giving it's powered by UE3.0 I didn't figure the specs would be to demanding.

[Orochi Avlis]

So yup, PS3 version for me.

And what's up with SF4 being on GWL too? I thought Capcom and Steam were tight.

[hiob]

So yup, PS3 version for me.

And what's up with SF4 being on GWL too? I thought Capcom and Steam were tight.

I think Street Fighter 4 might make it possible for PC gamers to play against XBox360 gamers. At least that's the only logical reason I can think of, why someone would choose Windows Live over Steam.

[Orochi Avlis]

They confirmed that there won't be cross platform play.

[Cleric]

FreeFlow interview and new trailer. (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/977/977698p1.html)

Sounds like the fighting system in the earlier PoP games.

[hellchicken]

FreeFlow interview and new trailer. (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/977/977698p1.html)

Sounds like the fighting system in the earlier PoP games.

Cool trailer.

And check out minute 1:22, looks like the same sequence from the earlier BAne trailer where Batman's cape looked like a stiff board. Looks fine now.

I guess the devs polished and tweaked it. :)


Also, the interview is very good. Especially these parts put a smile on my face.

IGN: How do you keep the experience of fighting fresh? When I got to take on a roomful of bad guys at GDC, it was fun, but how do you keep that feeling alive five hours into the title?

Sefton Hill: When we started work on the FreeFlow system our goal was never to make something that would be fun for a few minutes or even hours. We always wanted to create something that could work as a standalone game on its own because Batman's melee combat skills demand that he has a great combat mechanic - this can't just be a novelty experience. To deliver this we developed the FreeFlow in isolation from the rest of the game to ensure that it was good enough to justify its place not just as part of a larger experience, but as a core mechanic in its own right.

IGN: How much inspiration for this combat system did you take from the Christopher Nolan films?

Sefton Hill: I am a big fan of classic kung fu films with people such as Jackie Chan, Samo Hung and Yuen Biao, as well as Tony Jaa, and used that as in inspiration to get the flow and beauty of these fight sequences into Batman.

Oh yes, and this statement:

Batman does not have any trouble dispatching any of The Joker's thugs, so why should the player struggle with this?

:woot:

Thanks for posting Cleric, good stuff right there.

[Montykoro!]

Delay delay.....delay :( snifff delay :(

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58451

[Mountain Man]

Some PC specs have been released. Click here (http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58380) for the info. :)
Looks like my system's not quite up to par. My processor is a bit on the slow side these days.

[MegaMustaine]

Delay delay.....delay :( snifff delay :(

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58451

Not necessarily a bad thing. There are so many games coming out that look good to me for the summer that this actually might be welcome, especially if it allows the game to be that much better.

[Damien_Azreal]

I was actually expecting it to get delayed sooner or later. Not sure why, just thought it was to good to come out so soon.

[Cleric]

I just got an issue of PTOM in the mail today, and this game is the cover story. According to the article, Batman's suit takes damage during the game, and he actually grows stubble from being in Arkham for such a long time.

[Mountain Man]

Not necessarily a bad thing. There are so many games coming out that look good to me for the summer that this actually might be welcome, especially if it allows the game to be that much better.
Indeed. A delay at this point seems to indicate that the publisher/developer is concerned with quality. Much better than a mediocre game rushed to market to capitalize on some arbitrary deadline.

[DerricktheW]

Not necessarily a bad thing. There are so many games coming out that look good to me for the summer that this actually might be welcome, especially if it allows the game to be that much better.

...but how many unannounced games are coming out in Quarter 4 that will be good?

[MegaMustaine]

...but how many unannounced games are coming out in Quarter 4 that will be good?

Besides DNF? ;)

[Damien_Azreal]

...but how many unannounced games are coming out in Quarter 4 that will be good?

Who knows... they are not announced yet. ;)

[Malgon]

I'm not too worried about the game being delayed. A few months of extra development can't hurt. :)

[DerricktheW]

It was supposed to come out early June

Now apparently its Quarter 4

Please god don't let this be another rush of good looking games in the holiday season.

[Cleric]

Poison Ivy trailer. (http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14273490/batman-arkham-asylum/videos/batmanasylum_trl_poisonivy_52009.html)

Nice character design . . .from the waist up. I don't understand the utilitarian functions of wearing a thong to a fight.

[hellchicken]

Poison Ivy trailer. (http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14273490/batman-arkham-asylum/videos/batmanasylum_trl_poisonivy_52009.html)

Nice character design . . .from the waist up. I don't understand the utilitarian functions of wearing a thong to a fight.

Fits the character though, IMO.

Damn, that's some fine polygons she got. :p

[Needle]

I'm pretty sure they just spoiler'd a boss fight in that trailer.

[hellchicken]

I'm pretty sure they just spoiler'd a boss fight in that trailer.

I can't remember how many times I fought Poison Ivy's Super-Mega-Monster-Plant in a Batman video game.

[Orochi Avlis]

Poison Ivy trailer. (http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/14273490/batman-arkham-asylum/videos/batmanasylum_trl_poisonivy_52009.html)

Nice character design . . .from the waist up. I don't understand the utilitarian functions of wearing a thong to a fight.
The way I see it, she just altered his Arkham Asylum get up. Kept the shirt, put got rid of the pants because she finds them bothersome.

[DerricktheW]

The first 10 minutes

http://www.dailymotion.pl/video/xa0h1g_first-10-minutes-of-batman-arkham-a_videogames

Bad. F'ing. Ass.

[Simon Charles]

The first 10 minutes

http://www.dailymotion.pl/video/xa0h1g_first-10-minutes-of-batman-arkham-a_videogames

Bad. F'ing. Ass.

Nice moody cutscene. The Joker's voice is awesome.

[axion]

That video looks awesome, really looking forward to this one.

[Damien_Azreal]

Looks fecking awesome. :D Can't wait.

Though, I am upset the collector's edition is not available for PC users. :( I wanted a Batarang. :(

[Wamplet]

100 gold, too. YIKES

seems to come with a lot of stuff though

[Damien_Azreal]

I'd almost pay a hundred bucks for a game and a batarang. :p

[Wamplet]

If they had it for PC, I'd get it too.

I have a PS3, but I'd rather get the PC version.

[Damien_Azreal]

I'm still conflicted on what version to get. PC or 360. Since the game is basically a beat em up, mouse aim isn't really crucial.
Plus, will the PC version be top quality, or just a shitty port?

[DerricktheW]

If your talking about a little longevity, pre ordering at Gamestop (I forgot where if your not in NA) gives you some extra challenge maps, and the special edition gives you some more challenge maps.

Although those are probably just short mindless distractions that you play once, maybe twice.

And I'm sure any downloadable content released after launch will cost money on consoles, but free on PC.

Since theres no multiplayer, I had a VERY tough time deciding which version to get, but the batarang was my final decision, so I went console version.

Now if only my xbox gets back all fixed up before the game comes out...

...probably not



Imagine the PC version coming with the BATed. *drools at possibilities*

[Damien_Azreal]

I have a feeling I'll end up going with the 360 version, maybe for the collector's edition.

But mostly because... it's a beat em up, precise aim is not a absolute must for such a game. There's no way to know for sure that the PC version will be top quality, specially since there's been nothing shown of the PC version... and very little talk about it.

Plus, the PC version uses Games for Windows Live. While the program works, I'm not a fan of it... specially when it comes to patching/updating games. Everytime it tries to patch Fallout 3 it locks up and I'm forced to ctrl+alt+delete and manually patch it.

[Cleric]

Wow, Croc's voice is terrible. I want to make fun of it, but there's nothing you can really say. Absolutely horrible.

[axion]

Chances are you could probably snag a Batarang on eBay after the fact and grab the PC version.

[DerricktheW]

Batarang is going to be damn expensive, I'm sure

If its way overpriced, then just buy the xbox or ps3 special edition, then sell the actual game inside for 60 bucks, still wrapped

Also, Cleric, you gotta admit, Zsasz's voice acting more than makes up for Croc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFf6clHJ1k4

[Cleric]

I haven't heard him speak yet until now. Very nice - the voice actor has it down pretty well. Let's hope he plays a bigger role than Croc.

[DerricktheW]

I think the Croc might be a bigger, more involved role with the Joker and his plot.

From what I understand and my opinion, I think the Joker is using Croc at the beginning to help elevate things; Joker wants this big hulking stupid creature to want to kill Batman and to try as hard as he can. I think Joker is forming this whole plan, using Croc, and it shows when they both mention "tic tock" but I've yet to see anyone else.

[Water12356]

That is creepy. :eek:

[FullMetalJacket]

I'm excited for this game! The demo comes out Friday-- http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&threadid=100669

Of course, since I'm in Iraq and we're practically rocking out 14.4K internet out here, in the time it'd take me to download the demo, the full game would be out. ;)

[Orochi Avlis]

They've started the viral stuff at Arkham Care.

It's pretty neat. If you dig around, you can hear audio interviews with Croc and Zsasz.

3 weeks to go...

[Damien_Azreal]

I'm excited for this game! The demo comes out Friday-- http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&threadid=100669

Of course, since I'm in Iraq and we're practically rocking out 14.4K internet out here, in the time it'd take me to download the demo, the full game would be out. ;)

So that means in another week or so people with Silver accounts "may" be able to play it. :p

---------- Post added at 02:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------

Oh yeah, my wife told me to order the collector's edition. She thinks the game looks awesome and thinks I would love having a batarang. :D She's right.

[wayskobfssae]

They've started the viral stuff at Arkham Care.

It's pretty neat. If you dig around, you can hear audio interviews with Croc and Zsasz.

3 weeks to go...

Somebody's a Peter Pan fan methinks. Ok, so it makes for Killer Croc to be using the 'ticking crocodile' metaphor, and he must've done it at some point in the comics. He makes a reference to eating someone's hand and being set on eating the rest of him. There's also the Blackgate prison guard who got burned in the fire. His name is Peter. His wife's name is Wendi.

[Damien_Azreal]

Collector's Edition is ordered. :) Now, I just got to keep myself busy for three weeks until it's released. :p

[DerricktheW]

Hey theres a demo on friday Damien

At last, someone is FINALLY releasing a PC demo of a game. When does that ever happen?

[Damien_Azreal]

Yeah, I saw that a little while ago. :)
I'll have to try the demo on my PC, since I'm a silver member on Live... I won't be able to get the demo for a week or two. :p But, since the collector's edition is only for consoles... I bought the 360 version.

[wayskobfssae]

Yeah, I saw that a little while ago. :)
I'll have to try the demo on my PC, since I'm a silver member on Live... I won't be able to get the demo for a week or two. :p But, since the collector's edition is only for consoles... I bought the 360 version.

I don't know crap about Windows Live, other than that MSN seemed to get WAY worse when it became that.

Silver Members can't get the demo right away? Does that mean you have to be a paying subscriber with a gold account (assuming that's how Live works), just to get access to a PC game demo?

Has exclusivity really become this pathetic?

[John]

Silver members can download demos, but sometimes they have to wait a week or two for the newer and more popular demos.

[Damien_Azreal]

I don't know crap about Windows Live, other than that MSN seemed to get WAY worse when it became that.

Silver Members can't get the demo right away? Does that mean you have to be a paying subscriber with a gold account (assuming that's how Live works), just to get access to a PC game demo?

Has exclusivity really become this pathetic?

Not on PC, Silver Xbox Live members can't play most demos right away. They have to wait a week, sometimes more.

PC silver Live members... no. PC users can download the demo from whatever site they want whenever they want. So, if you are on PC you can get the demo as soon as it's put up this Friday. :)

I pre-ordered the game for my 360, but will play the PC demo since I'm a silver member on Xbox Live. :)

[Orochi Avlis]

I saw the video where it shows the first 10 minutes of the game.

Pretty good stuff. Can't wait to see what else this game has in store.

[FullMetalJacket]

So the PC has gotten screwed yet again...the game's delayed for PC for a whole month just to add PhysX support. (Supposedly.) I haven't met ONE person that actually uses PhysX. What a load of crap.

http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&threadid=100793

[Orochi Avlis]

Demo is out on PSN.

The PhysX stuff is now incorporated in Nvidia's drivers and hardware. So for Nvidia users, this is a good thing. Superficial, but cool.

[Damien_Azreal]

So the PC has gotten screwed yet again...the game's delayed for PC for a whole month just to add PhysX support. (Supposedly.) I haven't met ONE person that actually uses PhysX. What a load of crap.

http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&threadid=100793

Seeing as how PhsyX is now part of Nvidia's normal drivers, and is on by default in the Control Panel... most people use it without even knowing.
The PhysX in Mirror's Edge on PC are amazing and look great.

But yes, this is absolute bull IMO. Why not just release the PC version along side the console versions and add the PsyX support through a patch later on.

[Orochi Avlis]

If anybody has been following the viral campaign, there are now 3 new accounts (between Gretchen and Cassidy) on Arkham Care. However, nobody has been able to crack it yet.

I wonder if the demo has the starting clue we need.....

[Cleric]

Demo is out on PSN.

The PhysX stuff is now incorporated in Nvidia's drivers and hardware. So for Nvidia users, this is a good thing. Superficial, but cool.

Damn myself for living in the Eastern time zone! It's still not up :(

[Orochi Avlis]

I've played through it twice.
The dialog is great.

You are Batman. Make no bones about it, it actually makes you feel like the dark knight.

[DerricktheW]

The demo is great, its a great way at teasing you thats for sure.

But I really, REALLY wish the camera would zoom out when your not in combat. Batman takes up so much of the screen you'd swear you were playing UT99 while the Redeemer was on screen 24/7

http://www.utzone.de/content/images/redeemer2k4_01.jpg

Otherwise, theres not much bad about it so far. A few messups and funny how glide kicks look really awkward when you glide from across an entire map.

[Cleric]

The demo is fun, but it makes me a little skeptical. Picking enemies off while hiding is fun, but I wish you had more options than just gargoyles all over the place to swing to. Also, the combat works great against a large number of opponents (found that out through the GameStop demo), but it feels clunky when only fighting three or four people. Batman just doesn't move fast enough. I'd rather have analog control over movement instead of holding X to run.

I'll definitely try it out. I'm just hoping that the scenarios you're put in and the upgrade system can keep the game fresh.

[DerricktheW]

Besides the first play through, I never used the gargoyles except when it was necessary and was the only way to progress.

Otherwise, I tried playing that same last scenario without using the gargoyles. Running and hiding instead of rappelling away had my adrenaline going. In that one challenge map walk through, I know later on you get this sticky gel bomb stuff that blows away certain walls, so that'll come into play. Plus, theres some areas you can hide in.

Oh, and rappelling onto the walkways instead of gargoyles.

But yes, I kinda dislike how there's gargoyles every which way.

I just tried DLing the 360 demo. It got to 81%, froze for a good few minutes, I turned off the xbox, turned it back on, 1 red light.

Basically, Batman corrupted my hard drive. :(

My xbox was ALREADY broke, but now they're going to kill my hard drive right after my xbox was sent away in the mail just hours ago?

[Cleric]

That sucks about your Xbox . . .ouchies.

I didn't notice that you could rappel to the walkways . . .I must play this again.

[wayskobfssae]

And so, the download begins...

[Damien_Azreal]

And we're off.... 2 gigs to go. :p

Once again I'm reminded why I don't like Xbox Live. You can't try a demo unless you have a Gold Account, and by the time the demo is available the game is usually already out.

Sort of defeats the point of demos... free trials... if you can't try them without paying a monthly fee. :rolleyes: Oh well, I'll just try the PC demo.

[Orochi Avlis]

Sort of defeats the point of demos... free trials... if you can't try them without paying a monthly fee. :rolleyes: Oh well, I'll just try the PC demo.
Yup, you gotta love how MS has made you pay for things that should be free. How else would they justify you paying 5 bucks a month?

[Damien_Azreal]

Which is why I don't pay. :) I'll stick with my silver account, as I don't play online... and there's hardly ever a demo I really want.

The Batman demo is the first one I've been interested in in a long time. But, it's also on PC. So, I can still try it. :)

[FullMetalJacket]

So I tried downloading the demo from Filefront and Gamershell, and got the blisteringly fast download speed of about 5Kb/sec. Said it would take a total of 6 days to download the demo...yeah, not so much.

War is hell. :p

[wayskobfssae]

So I tried downloading the demo from Filefront and Gamershell, and got the blisteringly fast download speed of about 5Kb/sec. Said it would take a total of 6 days to download the demo...yeah, not so much.


Try a Torrent?

[Damien_Azreal]

I got it from fileshack, to a little over an hour.

But, my thoughts...
Just finished the demo on PC.

Nice. :) I'm extremely pleased that I pre-ordered it now. This game is awesome, in the same way as the Ghostbusters game... this is more so for Batman fans than anything else.

Regular gamers that are not into Batman might find the gameplay dull at times, and not like the way some stuff works.
But this really lets to feel like the Dark Knight, hanging upside down... waiting to get a nice silent take down on a baddie. :D
And the combat, the one thing I was really worried about, it works surprisingly well. Being able to chain together attacks in between four or more enemies... very satisfying. :D

And for those wondering, I played the demo at 1600*900 with all settings maxed out, no AA, and it ran silky smooth. A few minor stutters towards the beginning... but after that, no problems. Game also supports widescreen perfectly right out, both 16:10 and 16:9 aspect.
Seems the PC version is pretty solid, though Batman himself is rather large on screen and takes a good portion of the screen... but it's nothing that is going to ruin the game.

Overall... seems great. A truly great Batman game. I'm actually glad I ordered this for 360... as with the combat and most of the controls... there's no real need for a mouse.

[wayskobfssae]

So the PC has gotten screwed yet again...the game's delayed for PC for a whole month just to add PhysX support. (Supposedly.) I haven't met ONE person that actually uses PhysX. What a load of crap.

http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&threadid=100793

Earlier in this thread, I seem to remember a lot of gripes about how the cape moved. This will probably fix that, and perhaps a couple other nuances. For instance, I KO'ed a thug and he fell through the body of a dead asylum guard.

Other than that, I loved it. My only wonder is the same that others have here... will there be more to it than swinging from gargoyles? That could get redundant fast. Though even if it IS that repetative, this still is already the best Batman game, if not the best superhero game ever, in my mind. The attention to detail is stunning, and the characters aren't taking a back seat to what is essentially an combat game.

I loved messing with the emotions of the guards in that room though. I kept picking on this one guy with the batarang and watched him get increasingly annoyed. The shock of the others when they found their buddy dangling from a rope was pretty cool too.

[Orochi Avlis]

Steam people.
If you want the PC demo get it off of Steam. It downloads at blazing speeds.

[DerricktheW]

Theres some PhysX examples here

http://www.youtube.com/user/Zogrim#play/uploads/0/vINH6Z9kqgI

[Damien_Azreal]

Theres some PhysX examples here

http://www.youtube.com/user/Zogrim#play/uploads/0/vINH6Z9kqgI

Not worth delaying the game.

[Paroxysm]

Just downloaded and played through the 360 version. Totally sold on this. PC version might be a bit prettier but I think I'll go 360.

[MegaMustaine]

I liked the demo, but everything seems too easy to pull off. Seems like there is no skill involved. Especially where stealth is concerned. The fighting is definitely fun though. If I wasn't such a huge fan of the Batman universe, I'm not sure that I'd pick the game up, but it seems that they have done the character justice, and that to me alone is worth the price of admission.

[Ironside]

This game is pissing out awesome in large quantities all over my Batman fetish. I will have to buy this, I'm totally addicted. My 3 year old son thinks Jesus christ is here now.

[Damien_Azreal]

I liked the demo, but everything seems too easy to pull off. Seems like there is no skill involved. Especially where stealth is concerned. The fighting is definitely fun though. If I wasn't such a huge fan of the Batman universe, I'm not sure that I'd pick the game up, but it seems that they have done the character justice, and that to me alone is worth the price of admission.

I've read some previews and interviews saying the fighting gets more challenging later on.
As enemies get tougher you have to make use of counter more, and actually pay attention to what the enemies are doing.

[Paroxysm]

Yeah the demo is basically training. I wouldn't judge difficulty from that. Although I admit I did die a few times screwing around. It may seem easy but **** up and you're dead.

[Thief]

Demo was pretty cool. Sound's great. The 8800 GTS is starting to show it's age. :(
I'll be picking it up next month.

[wayskobfssae]

Yeah the demo is basically training. I wouldn't judge difficulty from that. Although I admit I did die a few times screwing around. It may seem easy but **** up and you're dead.

Hopefully they switch things up sometimes. Granted I could just test myself, but hopefully there's 'stalker' rooms that don't have gargoyles. And also some situations in which they can spot you much easier when you're up there.

[Montykoro!]

Downloading from shacks now (pc version) it's the 360 or ps3 capable of screen shoots? I want to compare the 3 versions...

[Morbid]

Demo was awesome. Nice work with the UE3 engine too.

[Damien_Azreal]

Demo was pretty cool. Sound's great. The 8800 GTS is starting to show it's age. :(
I'll be picking it up next month.

Really? My 8800GT ran it perfectly fine.

[Thief]

Don't you have a monitor that can support higher resolutions than 1280x1024 now? That's my max res...older games are spotless, but the newer ones, such as BAA, I can almost hear begging to be played at a minimum res of 1600x900 or whatever. Runs and looks great, but there are a few ugly spots that are more prominent with the lower res.

[Damien_Azreal]

Yeah, I bought a widescreen monitor a while back... I played the demo at 1600*900.

[Orochi Avlis]

I maxed out the demo on my PC and it runs beautifully. I turned off the PhysX stuff though.

I'll see if I can get a screenshot from my PS3.

[Montykoro!]

I can't find the "Screenshoot key" why so noob :p!!!!

SOLD! and i like the inverse take down!!!!

[Orochi Avlis]

I can't find the "Screenshoot key" why so noob :p!!!!

I thought it might be possible.

Some other games like LBP and Wipeout HD allows you to save screenshots to the PS3's hard drive.

[MegaMustaine]

After replaying the demo, I liked the game a bit more. It does feel a bit strange however, the way batman moves. He is always walking, or sprinting and there is no in between which is strange. His movement is especially strange during fights.

[wayskobfssae]

After replaying the demo, I liked the game a bit more. It does feel a bit strange however, the way batman moves. He is always walking, or sprinting and there is no in between which is strange. His movement is especially strange during fights.

With or without the combos?

I like the combo idea, but it gets ridiclous once the enemies are scattered across the room and Bats keeps leaping back and forth between them. It seems way too fast and powerful for a 'human' superhero, regardless of how much training he's been through. They should reduce the knockback effect that BM's attacks have, so that the enemies don't get spread out so ridiculously far. It'd probably make the fights look a lot better.

[DerricktheW]

I'd rather Batman had a combat system where you DID fly around beating the crap out of everyone and not one where you stood in a small circle smacking everyone with a staff because you're too slow to get over to them and hit them yourself.

[Orochi Avlis]

I like the combo idea, but it gets ridiclous once the enemies are scattered across the room and Bats keeps leaping back and forth between them. It seems way too fast and powerful for a 'human' superhero, regardless of how much training he's been through. They should reduce the knockback effect that BM's attacks have, so that the enemies don't get spread out so ridiculously far. It'd probably make the fights look a lot better.
Who cares, really? It's a game based on comics.
How can you take a guy who dresses up as bat fighting crimes realistic?

[DerricktheW]

A rich guy who goes out at night beating up criminals, some of which are an evil clown that has no past history, a DA that gets half his body burnt, a scarecrow, a human penguin thing, and has a little boy sidewalk noone apparently likes.

[Kit]

Has fun with the demo.

Goes to Amazon.

Sees Games for Windows on the box... :doh:

[Kalki]

The demo is short but sweet. Played through it twice in succession. While there's some stuff I'm guessing I can't do like using explosives or climbing to higher vents, I still wonder how the gameplay variety holds up on the whole. I'd buy it for the story and presentation alone. Wish the PC version had a level editor, UE3 is utilized beautifully.

[Orochi Avlis]

Has fun with the demo.

Goes to Amazon.

Sees Games for Windows on the box... :doh:
It's on Steam.

[Damien_Azreal]

It's on Steam.

But still requires Windows Live. Even on STEAM.

[Amakou]

But still requires Windows Live. Even on STEAM.

!?

Whose bright idea was that?

~Amakou~

[Damien_Azreal]

Pretty much all Windows LIVE games are like that. Any of them that are released on STEAM still requires you to log into Live to play.

[Amakou]

Pretty much all Windows LIVE games are like that. Any of them that are released on STEAM still requires you to log into Live to play.

That just seems half-assed to me.

~Amakou~

[Damien_Azreal]

It is.
But that's Microsoft for ya. The worst offense is GTA4, specially for people who bought it through STEAM. You have to be logged into STEAM, logged into Windows LIVE and logged into the Rockstar social club. :doh:

Wow.

Batman on the other hand, just STEAM and LIVE. Still a pain in the ass, almost better off just buying retail. :p

[Kit]

Oh ffs, you shouldn’t be required to use that colossal piece of shit if you bought the Steam version. :doh:

Someone should file a class action law suit or go to trading standards to stop them bundling it with games - I mean, it’s completely and utterly broken!

[Orochi Avlis]

It's amusing how LIVE is to suppose to curb piracy, but it only seems to be increasing it.

[Damien_Azreal]

Oh ffs, you shouldn’t be required to use that colossal piece of shit if you bought the Steam version. :doh:

Someone should file a class action law suit or go to trading standards to stop them bundling it with games - I mean, it’s completely and utterly broken!

LIVE is actually very stable now. MS has done a good job of fixing the problems and making it much easier to use.
Only problem I have with it is it's auto-update system. But it's easy to bypass since the patches are released for download as well.

Making you use both is a bit of a pain, but honestly it's not that big a deal. Most users have STEAM running all the time anyways. And LIVE only logs in while you are playing, and it does it automatically.
So, really, a minor annoyance.

[Kit]

It's amusing how LIVE is to suppose to curb piracy, but it only seems to be increasing it.

It's the only bit of add-on software I know of that reviewers actually deduct points for. How about that lol :D

Part of me thinks it’s an elaborate ploy to move PC gamers over to the console. :p

LIVE is actually very stable now. MS has done a good job of fixing the problems and making it much easier to use.
Only problem I have with it is it's auto-update system. But it's easy to bypass since the patches are released for download as well.

Making you use both is a bit of a pain, but honestly it's not that big a deal. Most users have STEAM running all the time anyways. And LIVE only logs in while you are playing, and it does it automatically.
So, really, a minor annoyance.

I'm glad (and shocked) to hear it’s working fine for someone. My experience has been plagued by updates halving my performance, settings being wiped over and over, and the most annoying of them all, the constant requests for log in details when all I want to do is save; how on earth does that improve the gaming experience?

All in all, any game I’ve bought with the GFW logo has been returned and even though I love the demo I’ll probably give Arkam Asylum a miss too - well, at least until I hear some favourable feedback for the PC version on here. :)

[wayskobfssae]

It's the only bit of add-on software I know of that reviewers actually deduct points for. How about that lol :D

Part of me thinks it’s an elaborate ploy to move PC gamers over to the console. :p

Knowing Microsoft's history... it really wouldn't shock me.

[DerricktheW]

Do NOT watch, I repeat, do NOT watch the IGN or X-Play video previews of the game.

Both of them contain pretty big spoilers, both of them different, and have literally ruined the damn game for me.

[Damien_Azreal]

I watched IGN's preview... and don't know what spoilers you are referring to.