Batman: Arkham Asylum

[_____V_____]

August 13, 2008


Eidos Interactive and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today Batman: Arkham Asylum, and new game coming from the 2 companies, and on behalf of DC Comics.

It's going to be coming out for the Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 in 2009.

In Batman: Arkham Asylum, developed by Rocksteady Studios, the player assumes the role of Batman as he delivers The Joker to Arkham Asylum. There, the imprisoned super-villains have set a trap and an immersive combat gaming experience unfolds.

With an original script penned by Emmy Award-winning Batman writer Paul Dini, the game brings the universe of DC Comics’ detective to life with stunning graphics.

“In Batman: Arkham Asylum Eidos and Warner Bros. are building a true action adventure game experience worthy of gamers and fans,” said Phil Rogers, CEO of Eidos Interactive. “Players become Batman, like he has never been seen before in a video game, as he fights through intense circumstances in Arkham Asylum utilizing his intuitive detective skills and aggressive melee attacks.”

“Batman: Arkham Asylum offers players the chance to battle Gotham’s worst villains with Batman’s physical and psychological strength in a graphically distinct and story-driven game,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “We look forward to working with Eidos on expanding DC Comics’ world-renowned character Batman in the game space with a noticeably different feature set in an incredibly dark interactive environment.”

Eidos Interactive and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will co-publish Batman: Arkham Asylum in North America. Eidos Interactive will publish the game in all other territories.

[Despare]

http://jenlars.mu.nu/crossed-fingers.jpg
Please... don't... suck...

[pythagoraz]

if it doesn't suck I'll eat Angra's cat...

[CrimsonFiend138]

Hell YES I wanna see this so bad. Like you said I hope it doesn't suck.

[massacre man]

Some screens.
http://kotaku.com/photogallery/batmanaa/

[_____V_____]

You ever read about a game and went "Woah, sounds too good to be true!"? Such is our reaction after reading up on a Batman game planned for 2009.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PC/PS3/X360) will be developed by Rocksteady Studios, co-published by Eidos Interactive and Warner Bros.

The game sees the player aka Batman escort Joker to Arkham Asylum, where of course, everything goes wrong: Joker takes control of the Asylum and soon Batman is off facing his entire gallery of villians armed with his fists and wits. The game features an original story penned by Emmy Award-winning Batman writer Paul Dini (of Batman Beyond, and Lost).

The game has equal parts melee fighting and detective work, described as "CSI-like".

Think Chronicles of Riddick meets Bioshock.


Here's a leaked fact-sheet, put up on NeoGAF forums:



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.


We think this is a too-good-to-be-true list of elements and refuse to be excited by what could be the best Batman videogame to come out.


EVER.

[CrimsonFiend138]

Well I have faith, I think all of us do, I looks fantastic but frankly that doesnt mean shit. It will be sweet I know it will. I do I do I do. Just looking at it, I feel like they are putting alot of effort into this. Thanks for the Screens Massacre Man.

[_____V_____]

Screenshots :-

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/videogames/226/

[Doc Faustus]

I saw the cover story in Game Informer. Great stuff from the looks of it. What I'd really like to see, though is a Grand Theft Auto type GCPD game.

[_____V_____]

I think this one has enough merits to kick some serious ass on its own.

It could be the TDK of gaming. :cool:

[_____V_____]

Teaser debut... http://www.gametrailers.com/player/42999.html


This looks more kickass by the minute! I hope the gameplay delivers.

[massacre man]

And Mark Hamill voicing The Joker again.

[_____V_____]

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

[CrimsonFiend138]

I agree Doc, It looks awesome but I wish they would have done like Spiderman. An Open World where you can do the Random crimes and check out Gotham City, with collectibles to look for and stuff to unlock....IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK??

[_____V_____]

I agree Doc, It looks awesome but I wish they would have done like Spiderman. An Open World where you can do the Random crimes and check out Gotham City, with collectibles to look for and stuff to unlock....IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK??

Since its based on Arkham Asylum it will be closed. Plus, after TDK people would want an action-packed FPS Batman game more than a RPG.

[Phalanx]

An Open World where you can do the Random crimes and check out Gotham City, with collectibles to look for and stuff to unlock....IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK??
Ha, lego batman?

Yeah, I'd like to see an open-world game based on the detective comics title...could go pretty edgy...different missions as the different members of the "bat-family", would be great too.

[Despare]

Ha, lego batman?

Yeah, I'd like to see an open-world game based on the detective comics title...could go pretty edgy...different missions as the different members of the "bat-family", would be great too.

There was talk of a game like that years ago, using detective work and the computer in the Batcave to find crimes happening along villains that may be lurking about and stop them.

[CrimsonFiend138]

Since its based on Arkham Asylum it will be closed. Plus, after TDK people would want an action-packed FPS Batman game more than a RPG.

I don't get it, When I think of RPG I think of Final Fantasy/Dragonquest type games. I know Spiderman had it where you get stronger but it still wasn't really an RPG. I read about Arkham in Game Informer and they said it will be pretty big not just confined to rows of cells.

I just wish they make an open game, Call your Batmobile(other veichles) from a communicator or something and drive to Wayne Manor/Batcave as your safehouse.

Plus I really doubt people seeing dark knight would care if it was an RPG, if it's an open batman people would love it....I just caught that you said FPS...as in First person shooter???

[_____V_____]

I don't get it, When I think of RPG I think of Final Fantasy/Dragonquest type games. I know Spiderman had it where you get stronger but it still wasn't really an RPG. I read about Arkham in Game Informer and they said it will be pretty big not just confined to rows of cells.

I just wish they make an open game, Call your Batmobile(other veichles) from a communicator or something and drive to Wayne Manor/Batcave as your safehouse.

Plus I really doubt people seeing dark knight would care if it was an RPG, if it's an open batman people would love it....I just caught that you said FPS...as in First person shooter???

And Elder Scrolls, Thief etc.

Yes, basically all action games are FPS or TPS (Third Person).

[CrimsonFiend138]

Yeah I'm just trying to figure out Batman being a shooter.

[_____V_____]

Yeah I'm just trying to figure out Batman being a shooter.

A kicker and a basher, basically. Batman never touches guns.

[Azazel005]

It's the "S" part that can be the problem their, Most do play from a first or third person POV (Isometric view is all but dead nowadays in action games) the "S" just implies shooting a lot. Batman does have lots of ranged gadgets he can use which he essentialy "shoots" spearguns batarangs and whats a whoisits, those will be aimed from first person, as well as him having plently of melee skills from a first person perspective to back his gadgets up.

Or so it seems from what I have read.

[_____V_____]

Exciting news about the highly anticipated Batman: Arkham Asylum game, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill will be doing the voices for Batman, and the Joker in the upcoming video game!

Kevin Conroy has been doing the voice of Batman in many animated Batman films and and in the animated series for over 15 years. And Mark Hamill of course from Star Wars, and has also lent his voice to Avatar, Metalocalypse, and about a million other animated cartoons, will be doing the voice of the Joker.

The story for Batman was written by Paul Dini, who wrote for the amazing animated series. He has also won 5 Emmys. This game keeps sounding better and better. All the pieces are in place, hopefully the gameplay will be as good as everything else.

The game is to be released on the PC, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3 in the summer of 2009.

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/videogames/297/

[Azazel005]

That really is good news V, Conroy does a remarkable Bruce/Batman, and Hammil has always been a stellar Joker.

If they take a lot of the spirit of completely stellar animated series and bring it to the game and will surely be satisfying. I do strongly hope they give us the ability to change perspective to third though, I find that a lot mroe satisfying even in shooter. I still lament Halo's fixed first person camera to this day.

[_____V_____]

New trailer, and its fantastic!

http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/23520

[Despare]

New trailer, and its fantastic!

http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/23520

New trailer looks dirty, I can't wait!

[Azazel005]

I read a preview article from over at gamespot recently, it's shaping up real nice.

I am actually a little excited about this one at the moment.

[massacre man]

I want to see what The Riddler looks like in this game.

[_____V_____]

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/bdtv/2836

[_____V_____]

Harley Quinn - http://www.gametrailers.com/player/48061.html


Collector's Edition - $100. Includes - the game, and these items:

• 14" Batarang with stand
o Matches the Batarang’s in-game design
• Arkham Doctor’s Journal
o 48 pages of notes on Arkham’s inmates
• 2 Sleeve Digi-pack, including:
o Game disc
o Behind-the-scenes DVD
• Code for downloadable Challenge Map
o Exclusive “Crime Alley” map, available immediately
• Full-color Manual


PS3 owners, rejoice! In the upcoming Batman Arkham Asylum game, immediately upon the games release, The Joker will become a FREE downloadable character you can play in the games challenge mode.


Batman Arkham Asylum has been delayed. Originally looking at a June 23rd release date, Eidos and Warner Bros Interactive have said the game will be released by the end of the summer, and fall officially begins September 22nd. The press release states that the additional development time is "to ensure Batman: Arkham Asylum is of the highest quality for gamers."

[_____V_____]

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/bdtv/2995


One hint...

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g12/ravenavi/48.jpg

[_____V_____]

Behind the scenes :-

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/videogames/533/

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/videogames/543/


Villains :-

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/videogames/541/

[VampiricClown]

Hate to say it, but after watching the "Villains" video, I saw a bit of fighting in it, and it looks like a shinier version of Fighting Force.

[Despare]

Hate to say it, but after watching the "Villains" video, I saw a bit of fighting in it, and it looks like a shinier version of Fighting Force.

I don't know if any are still doing it, but you would feel differently if you would head out to a Gamestop and try the combat demo. Damn good stuff.

[VampiricClown]

I don't know if any are still doing it, but you would feel differently if you would head out to a Gamestop and try the combat demo. Damn good stuff.

I haven't played it, and I haven't heard anything about that. It just looks like a beat'em-up game. Kind of like "The Bouncer" on PS2. Maybe I'm wrong. I sure hope so, because the graphics are amazing.

[newb]

downloaded the demo.......looks like a winner

[The Mothman]

Hate to say it, but after watching the "Villains" video, I saw a bit of fighting in it, and it looks like a shinier version of Fighting Force.

which isnt a bad thing, fighting force was a blast.

[Despare]

There are so many "wow" moments in this game it's insane. Best Batman game easily, probably the best superhero videogame of all time.

[_____V_____]

The game has been awarded a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever’!

Gaz Deaves from Guinness World Records states, “We are so pleased to be awarding Batman: Arkham Asylum a Guinness World Record. It is a fantastic new game and due to the reaction of gaming experts we believe it has a well deserved place in the Guinness World Records book.”

So if you are still on the fence, maybe that will change your mind.

The game has gotten an average score of 91.67 from reviews around the world.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is out NOW, and everyone loves it!


http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/videogames/570/

[Despare]

Have you played it yet _V_? The Scarecrow moments are among the coolest moments in any game.

[_____V_____]

Nope not yet.

As with all good things and India, it is getting a delayed release over here, which is sometime next week. Add to it, the price for both PS3 and Xbox discs over here is an outrageous 2400 bucks(!!) ($60 converted into Indian currency), so it will be some time before prices come down and I get to play it. Hopefully Thanksgiving or Christmas at the most...who knows, maybe I ll gift myself a copy come Christmas! ;)

I read about the Scarecrow sequences at plenty of gamer review sites. Everyone swears they kick a lot of serious ass! I so cannot wait till I get my hands on a copy asap.

[Despare]

Nope not yet.

As with all good things and India, it is getting a delayed release over here, which is sometime next week. Add to it, the price for both PS3 and Xbox discs over here is an outrageous 2400 bucks(!!) ($60 converted into Indian currency), so it will be some time before prices come down and I get to play it. Hopefully Thanksgiving or Christmas at the most...who knows, maybe I ll gift myself a copy come Christmas! ;)

I read about the Scarecrow sequences at plenty of gamer review sites. Everyone swears they kick a lot of serious ass! I so cannot wait till I get my hands on a copy asap.

$60 is average for a new game (59.99 really), and it's funny because I remember my mom buying games for the SNES at $59.99 (I also vividly remember her buying Lufia new for the SNES when it came out and she spent $79.99).

[_____V_____]

Well I have bought all my PS3 games for 899-1299 so far, so 2399 is a bit outrageous. As I said, prices will drop and (hopefully) post-Halloween, it should be near the 1299 mark and I ll pick it up.

Not to mention the nearest gamestore is 7 hours away from where I live (another city, really!), so I ll have to make the journey most probably during a spare weekend. So...touchwood!

[Despare]

Well I have bought all my PS3 games for 899-1299 so far, so 2399 is a bit outrageous. As I said, prices will drop and (hopefully) post-Halloween, it should be near the 1299 mark and I ll pick it up.

Not to mention the nearest gamestore is 7 hours away from where I live (another city, really!), so I ll have to make the journey most probably during a spare weekend. So...touchwood!

Ouch, reminds me of the old days... now I live about 5 minutes from a Best Buy, Meijer, Target, and Sears heh.

[Doc Faustus]

$60 is average for a new game (59.99 really), and it's funny because I remember my mom buying games for the SNES at $59.99 (I also vividly remember her buying Lufia new for the SNES when it came out and she spent $79.99).

I paid ninety bucks in Christmas money for the last Final Fantasy 3(6) on the North Shore of MA.

[The_Return]

So I've been searching online for system requirements for this, and I've found about 5 different versions - some of which I meet, others I do not.

Anyone willing to post the legit requirements? I'm dying to play this one and really hope my computer is up to snuff. Thanks!

[_____V_____]

The minimum system requirements are as follows:

OPERATING SYSTEM:
Microsoft Windows XP or Vista

CPU:
Intel Pentium 4 3GHz or AMD Athlon 64 3500+


RAM:
1GB for Windows XP
2GB for Windows Vista

GRAPHICS:
nVidia 6600 or ATI 1300


SOUND:
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista compatible sound card (100% DirectX 9.0c -compatible)

DVD-ROM:
Quad-speed (4x) DVD-ROM drive

HARD DRIVE:
9GB free disk space

INPUT DEVICES:
100% Windows XP/Vista compatible mouse and keyboard

********************************************

The recommended system requirements are as follows:

OPERATING SYSTEM:
Microsoft Windows XP or Vista

CPU:
Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4Ghz) or Athlon 64 X2 4600+

RAM:
2GB for Windows XP
3GB for Windows Vista

GRAPHICS:
nVidia 9800GTX or ATI 3870

SOUND:
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista compatible sound card (100% DirectX 9.0c -compatible)

DVD-ROM:
Quad-speed (4x) DVD-ROM drive

HARD DRIVE:
9GB free disk space

INPUT DEVICES:
100% Windows XP/Vista compatible mouse and keyboard / Xbox 360 Controller for Windows

[The_Return]

Thanks V :)

Excuse my borderline computer illiteracy...but if I meet/exceed all the requirements but my video card doesn't match up, will it work at all? Will it just have less rendered graphics, or would it not play at all?

Probably a stupid question and I am pretty sure I know the answer...just want to double check.

[_____V_____]

If you have a card which meets the minimum requirements, it d play the game on low/medium settings. Most of them set to Low, obviously, but it would play it.

Anything below that is doubtful. The game engine might reject it, or try to play it under Software mode and crash out.

[The_Return]

That's what I thought...no fun at all. Might need to shell out for a new card, because this game looks incredible.

[Despare]

That's what I thought...no fun at all. Might need to shell out for a new card, because this game looks incredible.

You can get the demo off Steam I believe, that should let you know if you can run it.

[_____V_____]

You can get the demo off Steam I believe, that should let you know if you can run it.

I think the demo should be a good indication. Try that first, Return.

[Freak]

Just picked this game up last night and I'm loving it so far.Great gameplay and the voice over work is fantastic.

[_____V_____]

Batman just came out, it kicks major ass, and it's about to get even better. For free.

Eidos and Warner Brothers announced the Insane Night Map Pack, which will be available for download September 17th for free. You'll be able to get it for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Games For Windows.

In the ‘Totally Insane’ FreeFlow Combat map, players will be tested to their fullest as scores of escaped lunatics bear down upon BATMAN as they make their escape through the asylum’s secure records facility. These fast-moving foes will challenge all but the most practiced players, with quick reactions and expert timing needed to fend off wave upon wave of insane inmates, bent on taking down the DARK KNIGHT.

In the ‘Nocturnal Hunter’ Invisible Predator map, players take on a wholly different approach, practicing their predatory skills to remain in the shadows, utilizing the Arkham watchtowers and Batman’s arsenal of gadgets to gain the upper hand on The Joker’s army of goons patrolling below.

[Freak]

Even the normal combaty challenges are hard.Not actually beating the enimes but getting the score required.I can imagine how thesewill be.

The Predator challenges on the other hand weren't to bad.I was actually pretty good at them.

[Despare]

Even the normal combaty challenges are hard.Not actually beating the enimes but getting the score required.I can imagine how thesewill be.

The Predator challenges on the other hand weren't to bad.I was actually pretty good at them.

The Predator challenges are a blast but getting the scores required in the combat rooms is a bit daunting. Perfect free-flow combos and not getting hit once is rough...

[_____V_____]

The "Prey in the Darkness Map Pack" was released on September 24th FOR FREE, and you can get it on Xbox Live, PSN, and Games For Windows.

The 2 new challenge maps in the Prey In The Darkness Map Pack are -

In the ‘Heart of Darkness’ FreeFlow™ Combat map, players will battle a mob of relentless and maniacal enemies at the Arkham Pumping Station. Even the most seasoned Batman: Arkham Asylum player will enjoy stepping into the boots of BATMAN to take down increasingly difficult waves of insane inmates.

In the ‘Hothouse Prey’ Invisible Predator™ map, players will have to rely on their Predator instincts to silently and effectively take down enemies at the Abandoned Glasshouse.