Batman: Arkham Origins

- Reviewed on PS3 -

Batman: Arkham Origins released on October 25th, 2013.

WB Games Montreal and Splash Damage (the Developers of Batman: Arkham Origins) did their absolute best to recapture the magic, Batman games possess for its players. 

The developers had quite the challenge ahead of them considering the high standards, Rocksteady Studios, set with Batman: Arkham Asylum & Batman: Arkham City.

Fortunately, for me, WB Games Montreal and Splash Damage, both did their job extremely well and definitely recaptured the magic during my experience. 

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

Batman: Arkham Origins takes place during the midwinter, within Gotham City. 

Adding snow to a dark spirited, superhero (vigilante) universe definitely makes Batman: Arkham Origins standout immediately for its unique / themed setting. 

In the beginning of Batman: Arkham Origins, you are sent to Blackgate, a fictional prison, where a new, mysterious, villain called Black Mask is present. 

Inside this prison is where the game shows you how to "be the Batman". 

The tutorial is very well explained and goes over the various features / skills you will undoubtedly need to beat this 12-and-a-half-hour-long campaign (roughly). 

The tools and skills you will learn include, using your gadgets, predator mode, movement (stealth), interrogating, detective mode, and of course combat.  

You (as Batman) will maneuver within ventilation shafts, high points such as statues, and even underneath floorboards. Stealth is essential for predator mode especially but can be completed differently (much harder though) if preferred. 

Your gadgets that you have, serve a wide variety of purposes that not only help with combat, but also with solving puzzles and collecting collectibles (more on that later). 

Your gadgets include...

    - Shock Gloves
    - Batarang(s)
    - Remote Controlled Batarang
    - Sonic Batarang
    - Gas Pellets
    - Glue Grenades
    - Batclaw
    - Remote Grapple
    - Disruptor
    - Cryptographic Scanner
    - Explosive Gel

These gadgets can also be upgraded by using your skill points, which are earned by leveling up.

You gain experience for a wide variety of reasonings, including puzzles, fighting, and certain mission acts (scenes / segments). 

The fact that Batman: Arkham Origins gives you experience for every single fight you do, which in the overworld can be optional, means that leveling up is very easy if you're comfortable with fighting a lot. 

Back to the plot of Batman: Arkham Origins, once you encounter Black Mask, (SPOILER) you find out that he (Black Mask) has put a bounty on the Caped Crusader, and eight assassins are after Batman for their 50-million-dollar prize. 

These villains are...

    - Killer Croc
    - Electrocutioner
    - Deathstroke
    - Copperhead
    - Bane
    - Firefly
    - Deadshot
    - Lady Shiva

Keep in mind that in the title of this game, is the word, Origins. This means that Batman (in this game) is about to have his first encounter with most of these villains. 

I say, most of, because some of these villains are optional to fight outside the main plot, scattered around Gotham City. 

Not everyone is new to Batman in this game but the whole premise of Batman: Arkham Origins is the backstory of the characters, especially the assassins themselves. 

As you get deeper and deeper into the story, you eventually find out that there is one villain who is pampering with Black Mask's plans. 

This being... The Joker. 

Batman educates himself about The Jokers backstory in this title and with the already hired assassins, Batman has a lot to do on Christmas Eve. 

Now gameplay wise, the PS3 did have some frame rate troubles while flying and even during combat (specifically in the overworld). 

These frame rate drops are my biggest gripe with the game. However, if you can get past this and the repetitive nature of progressing the plot, Batman: Arkham Origins is a great Batman title. 

Frame rates aside, combat is amazing and is still just like the other games in the series. 

Collectibles are a plenty, with the Riddler's Datapacks scattered throughout. 

Finally, the voice cast of Batman: Arkham Origins were absolutely amazing and made their respective characters believable, not pulling me away from the immersion I had as the Batman. 

Pros: 

    - Amazing / Believable Voice Acting
    - Great Setting and Unique Theme from Main Series
    - Rewarding Combat and Puzzles
    - Collectibles
    - Fun and Creative Bosses (and Boss Battles)
    - Unlockable Lore for Characters (such as Bios, Trophies, Statistics, etc.)
    - Batman Themed Music

Cons:

    - Frame Rate Drops (at least for me on PS3)
    - Repetitiveness

My Rating for Batman: Arkham Origins (on PS3):

4 / 5


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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.



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