View Full Version : [Multi] Batman: Arkham City
Man, what an early surprise that was.
59828
www.ArkhamHasMoved.com (http://www.ArkhamHasMoved.com/)
Looks we get to fight Joker in Gotham City this time around. Can't wait!!
Tommy McClain
tha_con
13-Dec-2009, 06:00
Seriously?
Get it while the getting is good I guess. I'd rather Rocksteady do something new, but you have to build from somewhere I guess.
My motto? "If you're good at something, keep doing it." We've already seen that they did an excellent job with Batman: AA.
Tommy McClain
Mobius1aic
13-Dec-2009, 11:06
Pulling an L4D2 eh?
DieH@rd
13-Dec-2009, 11:57
Hopefully Two Face will be the main villian.
Pulling an L4D2 eh?Yup. Plus Eidos is snubbed this time around. I guess WB wants all the money to themselves this time.Hopefully Two Face will be the main villian.Didn't you see the trailer? It's the Joker gang running amok with a sick Joker overlooking everything. Which is interesting because I thought Hamill said no more Joker since it's getting hard for him to do the voice. But maybe that's why they made the Joker sick. To explain Hamill's difficulty in doing the voice or to explain why Joker sounds different from a different voice actor.
But I do hope we see Two-Face and Mr. Freeze as sub-bosses.
AlStrong
13-Dec-2009, 17:47
Well, at least the website shows the billboard hinting at Two-Face. I was hoping we wouldn't see much of Joker and instead focus on Scarecrow after his escape and how he might work with other big name villains (like Two-Face).
woundingchaney
13-Dec-2009, 17:53
I dont mind them reintroducing Joker, but I as well would like to see the spotlight put on a different villain. The first title ran through just about all of the high profile Batman villians so to keep the pace some of the lesser known villians will most likely make appearances, unless of course the title isnt going to display such a large roster.
A nice twist would be if other heroes from the Batman comic line or DC comics in general were also pursuing Batman.
Well, at least the website shows the billboard hinting at Two-Face. I was hoping we wouldn't see much of Joker and instead focus on Scarecrow after his escape and how he might work with other big name villains (like Two-Face).Oh yea I thought it was just a defaced Uncle Sam poster but it is Two-Face. Awesome. But Joker still seems to be the main villain masterminding everything. I guess they're not comfortable going away from his TDK popularity.
The ending with Scarecrow reaching out to grab the titan also had an alternate with Bane. I wonder which one they're going to go with who escaped. But I personally hope we've seen the last of titan and they were just reaching out to the titan as a buoy and not to use it.
obonicus
13-Dec-2009, 23:33
Rather than TDK popularity (the TDK joker is pretty different from AA joker), it might be because they got Mark Hamill again. Two-face doesn't have as strong a voice-actor.
Rather than TDK popularity (the TDK joker is pretty different from AA joker), it might be because they got Mark Hamill again. Two-face doesn't have as strong a voice-actor.They're different characterizations but it's still the Joker. Just like how different writers write him in different ways and artists draw him in different ways in the comics.
We still don't know if Hamill will be in it he said AA was the last time he'd do it because it's getting hard for him to do the voice. But I'm sure with the success of AA the developers came up with a higher number on the check which he couldn't say no to.
nightshade
15-Dec-2009, 04:33
Itll be funny for this game to be named Arkham Asylum 2, given that it would quite possibly take place in Gotham City itself. :)
Itll be funny for this game to be named Arkham Asylum 2, given that it would quite possibly take place in Gotham City itself. :)
Well considering the events on the island in the first one, I wouldn't be surprised if they had to temporarily move the hospital to the city. ;)
Tommy McClain
Well considering the events on the island in the first one, I wouldn't be surprised if they had to temporarily move the hospital to the city. ;)
Tommy McClainYea or a part of Gotham City becomes a symbolic Arkham because of the crazies running lose. That's the impression I got.
eastmen
15-Dec-2009, 17:34
Of course this could have been in development with the first game and hamill already did the voice work. Or the joker could have a much smaller role than the first one requiring less voice work from hamill with another character two face taking over when joker dies during the stor line.
Of course this could have been in development with the first game and hamill already did the voice work. Or the joker could have a much smaller role than the first one requiring less voice work from hamill with another character two face taking over when joker dies during the stor line.I don't think that's the case. Hamill named that one game as the last time he'd do it. No mention of sequels. I'm also not sure they expected the game to be that successful. WB snubbed Eidos for this second game, guess they want all the publishing money to themselves this time. Eidos had the Batman license so that shows a change of contracts or license running out, they wouldn't have started working on the second game at least not past the pre-production phase. Eidos still owns a quarter of Rocksteady though.
I'm sure if the check was big enough he'll suffer through doing Joker one last time. That's probably why they made Joker sick, to explain why he's having difficulty doing the voice. Or maybe to explain a different voice actor. We'll see. I'm confident DC will not allow them to kill Joker. With big IP like this they're careful about stipulating what cannot be done to the characters and Batman without Joker is like Peter Pan without Captain Hook.
AlStrong
25-Feb-2011, 10:51
mmm... interesting:
http://www.1up.com/previews/batman-arkham-city-twenty-things
Might be some spoilers, which I don't mind. They're kinda harmless, but just in case.
Batclaw can grab items like the Riddler trophy, not just crates.
Batman can do the Super Mario World Cape bounce to extend gliding
smoke bombs. Ninja Vani-
Voice actors for Catwoman and Two Face are different from the animated series
Harley seems to have a new voice actress? :s
Alfred replaces Oracle.
Calendar Man confirmed to be in the game. Unique dialogue depending on the date. e.g. St. Patrick's Day
Enemies can take hostages. I hope this doesn't get too annoying with the Game Over screen.
Batman can now counter three enemies simultaneously instead of two? lol
Weapons in detective mode are more easily identifiable via highlighting.
Some enemies more resistant to standard attacks
Able to get up-close to major characters for some physical interaction.
Alternatively, use throat grab during glide instead of kicking. Why not just let me run around and do that? :p
Batarang can gain electrical charge flying through electricity.
More NPC dialog. More options for stealth. I hope this is done lots. I need my Splinter Cell fix! :|
Fights with up to 25 people. lolwut I guess he's the goddamn Batman afterall.
Batman's Great Great Great Grandpa gets a reference. The article may have spoiled something about the context, but it's probably no biggie.
Random distress signal side-quests from citizens.
Something involving radio-frequencies to be discussed at GDC 2011.
Possible appearance by an unlikely (joke?) villain.
Sigfried1977
25-Feb-2011, 10:57
What I'm hoping for is a detective mode that doesn't render normal viewing mode entirely pointless. There really was no reason in the first AA to ever turn it off.
AlStrong
25-Feb-2011, 11:06
Yeah. :s What they should do is implement multiple vision modes. I know the D-pad is already used, but I suppose they could have Batman cycle through outline rendering, x-ray mode, night vision... thermal optics? heh, Splinter Cell. :p
Batman can now counter three enemies simultaneously instead of two? lol
Fights with up to 25 people. lolwut I guess he's the goddamn Batman afterall.
OMG! The game hints Chuck Norris destroyed Bruce Wayne, disguised himself as him, and continued his legacy against the supervillains in Gotham and Arkham City! (Cause gamers cant play both events simultaneously, Batman: Gotham City will be released later as a side story as he was beating criminal butt in both cities at the same time)
Next he will destroy Clark Kent and go against Doomsday!
AlStrong
25-Feb-2011, 11:56
:lol: I can't wait to see it turn out to be Batman twirling like a ballerina with his arms and one leg sticking out.
Hurricane Bat Ballerina Kick in tha faces!! 360 degree range of pain!!!
Scott_Arm
25-Feb-2011, 14:12
25 enemies at a time with 3 enemy counters? I hope there's a much bigger variety of moves. This is going to be awesome.
AlStrong
25-Feb-2011, 14:47
That reminds me.. I need to check out those challenges again from the first game. I mainly only did the stealth-action ones since I could never quite get super combos. I hope that's something they were tracking from the first game - # of people who actually got high combos, # of people who played X-challenge...
Always felt they should have alternate costume selection for replayability, especially since they are borrowing from a number of comic iterations and not just one.
http://uk.ign.com/videos/2011/03/15/batman-arkham-city-this-aint-no-place-for-a-hero-trailer
That....looks....awesome!!!
That reminds me.. I need to check out those challenges again from the first game. I mainly only did the stealth-action ones since I could never quite get super combos. I hope that's something they were tracking from the first game - # of people who actually got high combos, # of people who played X-challenge...
Always felt they should have alternate costume selection for replayability, especially since they are borrowing from a number of comic iterations and not just one.
I am the exact opposite. The combat challenge is easy to do so but the predator challenges are too much for me. Now the combat challenge in the DLC called the Insane Night Map pack is a tough nut to crack!!!!
http://uk.ign.com/videos/2011/03/15/batman-arkham-city-this-aint-no-place-for-a-hero-trailer
That....looks....awesome!!!
Not doing it for me, and i really liked the 1st.
Ike Turner
15-Mar-2011, 17:18
http://uk.ign.com/videos/2011/03/15/batman-arkham-city-this-aint-no-place-for-a-hero-trailer
That....looks....awesome!!!
Wow nice shitty (console?) footage there! No shadows under any of the characters? Seriously?
I did notice the footage was shitty as well but knowing that its coming out on PC and it will look a gazillion times better than that and Batman has new moves gets me all excited!
Scott_Arm
15-Mar-2011, 18:36
I can't wait for this one. The first one was a huge surprise for me. This one is high on my list of games for the year.
Ike Turner
15-Mar-2011, 18:59
Yeah the AA was/is awesome (still have to finish it!).but I'm getting tired of shittty game trailers done on consoles even though the game is also PC bound. Same for shitty in-game FMV cinematics (in Batman: AA and Mass Effect...) that are obviously recorded console footage and look like shit compared to the actual game (when playd on a PC).
nightshade
15-Mar-2011, 23:59
overreacting...much?
Bigduo209
17-Mar-2011, 19:56
overreacting...much?
Well he is Ike Turner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What%27s_Love_Got_to_Do_with_It_%28film%29) ...
HollovVpo1nt
17-Mar-2011, 21:09
Yeah the AA was/is awesome (still have to finish it!).but I'm getting tired of shittty game trailers done on consoles even though the game is also PC bound. Same for shitty in-game FMV cinematics (in Batman: AA and Mass Effect...) that are obviously recorded console footage and look like shit compared to the actual game (when playd on a PC).
Goes both ways. Most often you see PC footage of a game trailer and people go 'pff PC version console versions will suck in comparison anyways'. Now that they finally show console version in the trailer people want to be deceived by PC footage.. lol
Ike Turner
17-Mar-2011, 23:54
Goes both ways. Most often you see PC footage of a game trailer and people go 'pff PC version console versions will suck in comparison anyways'. Now that they finally show console version in the trailer people want to be deceived by PC footage.. lol
That's a bit OT for here: But it has been the other way around for a while now (Console footage in most trailers). I think that it has started something like 3 years ago. Evey frigin multi-platform game released has its X360 version used for the promo trailers. But like I said that's not the worst. The thing that's totally unaceptable is the use of console footage within the game for the FMV cinematics (Mass Effect 1/2, Batman: AA).
(((interference)))
18-Mar-2011, 00:50
I really dislike their art style, too garish and over the top and Batman looks stupid (he's Batman, not Marcus Fenix!), I would prefer something in the style of Batman: The Animated Series, they would also be able to push more stuff on screen given the stylised, cell shaded look.
And, unfortunately I don't think we'll see game based on the Christopher Nolan film series, which is far and away the best realisation of the Batman franchise - it would have to be by a really talented AAA dev though otherwise it'll prob just end up half assed.
And, unfortunately I don't think we'll see game based on the 60s tv-series, which is far and away the best realisation of the Batman franchise - it would have to be by a really talented AAA dev though otherwise it'll prob just end up half assed.
Fixed it for ya.. ;)
AlStrong
18-Mar-2011, 14:46
Brave and the Bold is based on the 60s. :p
Anybody see the new trailer?
9dXo3MNuJIw
I'm in love. LOL :)
Will be interesting to see if Chris Nolan's Catwoman is any better. Looks like he might have his cut out for him.
Tommy McClain
Anybody see the new trailer?
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dXo3MNuJIw">YouTube Link</a>
I'm in love. LOL :)
Will be interesting to see if Chris Nolan's Catwoman is any better. Looks like he might have his cut out for him.
Tommy McClain
Who's that based on? Lisa Stansfield?
This game is still not for me.
Anybody see the new trailer?
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dXo3MNuJIw">YouTube Link</a>
I'm in love. LOL :)
Will be interesting to see if Chris Nolan's Catwoman is any better. Looks like he might have his cut out for him.
Tommy McClain
Who's that based on? Lisa Stansfield?
This game is still not for me. ;)
(((interference)))
14-Jun-2011, 09:36
Will be interesting to see if Chris Nolan's Catwoman is any better. Looks like he might have his cut out for him.
Tommy McClain
Yea, frankly I don't see Catwoman in Nolan's universe - I don't really think he'll be able to top TDK with the Dark Knight Rises.
Game is coming out Tuesday. Anybody getting it on launch? I messed around & didn't get it pre-ordered, but may try over the weekend. Evidently they are still foing the stupid store specific pre-order content. But at least it's not console specific. Eventually all the pre-order content will be available for sale. I'm considering the Robin pre-order content at Best Buy. Also, in order to play the single-player Catwoman missions you will need the Online Pass code that comes with all new copies. If you get it used or rent it, you'll have to pay $10 for it. Hate you EA for starting that shit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkham_City#Release
Tommy McClain
Kameradschaft
14-Oct-2011, 12:10
Played the 360 version on a friend for about an hour and the game looks great...cinematics are top-notch, the combat's flow is even better than AA's and the characters and environments are filled with detail - gliding also works amazingly well.
Graphics also are really impressive with some slight pop in here and there when gliding (though the game was not installed), frame-rate is smooth with little tearing and the IQ is really good though from what I could tell there was no AA (as Al correctly stated some time ago) - really impressive stuff for an UE3 game if you consider the scale of the city.
Can't wait for my CE to arrive. :razz:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448451
Don't get much better than that!
RobertR1
14-Oct-2011, 19:10
Amazing reviews! Got my free game voucher for buying an nvidia card. I get an amazing game for free and play it on the PC. Double win!
Scott_Arm
14-Oct-2011, 19:18
Amazing reviews! Got my free game voucher for buying an nvidia card. I get an amazing game for free and play it on the PC. Double win!
Better get that 360 gamepad hooked up to the PC. Not sure I'd want to mouse and keyboard that one.
RobertR1
14-Oct-2011, 19:19
Better get that 360 gamepad hooked up to the PC. Not sure I'd want to mouse and keyboard that one.
I have a 360 adapter thing for the PC already. That's what I had planned on using.
AlStrong
14-Oct-2011, 20:47
I dunno what it is, but for some reason I don't feel like picking this up until the price goes down. :s
messyman
14-Oct-2011, 21:13
Really good reviews!
Is this the second game this year to have 95 in metacritic?
Holy crap, that's a lot of 9s, 9.5s and 10s.
Who made the game ? Why is it special ?
AlStrong
14-Oct-2011, 22:41
The first game was awesome. :p
Holy crap, that's a lot of 9s, 9.5s and 10s.
Who made the game ? Why is it special ?
A dev that should tackle Spiderman and Superman next. And it makes you feel like Batman of course. :grin:
The first game was awesome. :p
I have the first game but forgot who made it. ^_^
The scores are for the second game !
RockSteady Studio ?
RenegadeRocks
15-Oct-2011, 06:04
I dunno what it is, but for some reason I don't feel like picking this up until the price goes down. :s
I have exactly the same feeling. I tried Batman : AA after all the hoopla died and it could not get me hooked. It was aver polished hand-held ride !The game made you think you were doing something special, when you were actually just following instructions all the time. No fun, only chore......but with a very well polished atmosphere ! I can understand people loving it. If I had played it when it came out new, I might have loved it too. But I purposely play games after their hype has died down these days to see if they actually can stand up on their own gameplay.
Arkham Asylum could not.
I could be wrong as i played only an hour or so, but it could not make me continue onwards.
Shifty Geezer
15-Oct-2011, 10:10
Looks like Infamous with Batman. The visuals look pretty stunning for a large, openish-world, cross-platform title.
ultragpu
15-Oct-2011, 11:50
Rock Steady sure are under appreciated for what they have done with Batman AA probably because ND stole most of their steam with UC2 couple of years ago. But from what I've seen so far Batman AC is turning out really fantastic looking, I always loved its dark gritty universe with witty villains and sexy female antagonists.
Shifty Geezer
15-Oct-2011, 12:14
The subject may polarise people and lose interest too. If you're not a big fan Batman, there's a good chance you won't even look at this game. I know it's flown completely under my radar, but a casual watch of a GT vid was pretty stunning. The variety in the city was great (considering my most recent experience with a city game was Infamous 1!). I look forward to the DF analysis to what they're pulling off.
assurdum
15-Oct-2011, 16:10
Rock Steady sure are under appreciated for what they have done with Batman AA probably because ND stole most of their steam with UC2 couple of years ago. But from what I've seen so far Batman AC is turning out really fantastic looking, I always loved its dark gritty universe with witty villains and sexy female antagonists.
:???: Not sure what did you talking about... Batman AA is recognized universally how one of the best surprise of this generation ...
Shifty Geezer
15-Oct-2011, 16:18
I for one wouldn't recognise the name Rock Steady, unlike Naughty Dog.
Has anyone read the reviews ?
Is it the same formula as the first game ?
RenegadeRocks
16-Oct-2011, 05:45
Has anyone read the reviews ?
Is it the same formula as the first game ?
Chk out Giant Bomb's review ! Its basically the same formula as the first game, just more of it in a new setting with more characters, new villians, etc etc. If you liked the first one, you'll like this one, if you didn't.......you won't.....!
If it's the same old formula, why do the press score the game so high and so consistent ? I thought some of them look for new surprises and innovation even for sequels ? Perhaps there is something new upon closer inspection ?
ultragpu
16-Oct-2011, 09:33
:???: Not sure what did you talking about... Batman AA is recognized universally how one of the best surprise of this generation ...
Batman AA the game itself may be well heard of but the makers behind it isn't exactly a household name for gamers, at least not yet. I had to do a search before the name comes back to me.
assurdum
16-Oct-2011, 13:58
Batman AA the game itself may be well heard of but the makers behind it isn't exactly a household name for gamers, at least not yet. I had to do a search before the name comes back to me.
Of course but I think Rocksteady coming to a masterpiece how Batman only just in the recent times, not remember any others of the same levels; ND indeed has a long history started on the ps brand...
If it's the same old formula, why do the press score the game so high and so consistent ? I thought some of them look for new surprises and innovation even for sequels ? Perhaps there is something new upon closer inspection ?
For one, the main hub is now the city & not just the Asylum on an island. Second, you get to play against all the rogues that you didn't get to in the first game. Third, there is now a nice portion where you can play as Catwoman in the single player. Plus, you get all the normal stuff you get with a sequel: new weapons, moves, story, challenge maps etc. So I can see how the same old formula could still garner high praise.
Tommy McClain
Scott_Arm
16-Oct-2011, 18:30
If it's the same old formula, why do the press score the game so high and so consistent ? I thought some of them look for new surprises and innovation even for sequels ? Perhaps there is something new upon closer inspection ?
Isn't that pretty much the same for every sequel? Halo, COD, Gears, Uncharted, Killzone, Infamous, GTA, Mass Effect, Ratchet and Clank, Lego Star Wars ... Whatever game you want to pick. Sequels are almost always a refinement of the predecessor. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And if the game is a hell of a lot of fun to play, and well crafted, why not give it a near perfect score? Are games like Geometry Wars and Stardust not worthy of good reviews because they aren't innovative at all?
Batman AA was an awesome surprise. It is a very popular and well-liked game, because it was fun to play. If the sequel is an improved evolutionary step, then I don't see any reason it shouldn't be well reviewed. Hopefully I will like it just as much as the original, if not more.
Based on how they reviewed some PS3 games, I don't think that's how those reviewers work. I remember a few reviewers took a point or half point off for "same as last one" according to their explanation. ^_^
RobertR1
16-Oct-2011, 20:20
Based on how they reviewed some PS3 games, I don't think that's how those reviewers work. I remember a few reviewers took a point or half point off for "same as last one" according to their explanation. ^_^
Likely because there's a global conspiracy against anything PS3 related.
Scott_Arm
16-Oct-2011, 20:54
Based on how they reviewed some PS3 games, I don't think that's how those reviewers work. I remember a few reviewers took a point or half point off for "same as last one" according to their explanation. ^_^
Without knowing which reviews or reading them, I can't comment other than to say sometimes doing the same feels tired and boring, but sometimes it feels right and fun. Why do you even care how high the scores are relative to other games. Review scores will never line up, and it's impossible to argue the numbers relative to one another. All it does is pollute game threads.
Batman AA was fantastic in offering fun, if simple, combat and stealth with a good mixture of exploration for secrets and upgrades. It also nailed the spirit and atmosphere of Batman, from the character himself in the way he moves and fights to the secondary characters, music and mood. It is pretty much Batman the way everyone feels Batman should be. No one exxpected a lot from a DC IP game from an unknown dev, but they delivered in a big way. The most common complaint I heard was that fighting was too easy, but the seamlessness of the counter moves made the fighting look fantastic. It really is a game that makes Batman seem like a total badass. Fighting the hallway full of Joker's minions towards the end really resonated with me. Also, blocking is for losers. Batman doesn'tt block, he counters and takes you out.
BoardBonobo
16-Oct-2011, 23:51
Likely because there's a global conspiracy against anything PS3 related.
That's what they want you to think...:runaway:
(((interference)))
17-Oct-2011, 01:23
I want a Batman game either based on the Nolan trilogy or based on the seminal 90s animated series - I much prefer the minimalist, Dark Deco look of the latter to the rather messy look of Rocksteady's games.
This game is feeling overrated because so many people simply want a great comic book game. That's the feeling I got from the last one which felt decidedly poor compared to its contemporaries. So they opened it up a little bit and made it more like Assassins Creed and inFamous? What sets it apart from them makes it a 9+ rated title?
RobertR1
17-Oct-2011, 04:50
This game is feeling overrated because so many people simply want a great comic book game. That's the feeling I got from the last one which felt decidedly poor compared to its contemporaries. So they opened it up a little bit and made it more like Assassins Creed and inFamous? What sets it apart from them makes it a 9+ rated title?
Your ultimate option is always the same: vote with your wallet. There is absolutely no value is debating the merits by which a game received a certain score.
Metacritic tells me that enough reviewers who played the game found it to be well done enough to give it high marks. Genre descriptions in entertainment are limited in which games can be quickly categorized and even used as a form of dismissal "oh it's just another shooter...."
The difference in the score variances comes from execution. From reading multiple reviews, it would seem Rock Steady has executed well and impressed enough reviewers.
Does 95% mean it's everyone's cup of tea? No. Nothing ever is but it does mean that if you're interested in the genre or looking to pick up a GOOD game, then this game has a very good chance of delivering.
RenegadeRocks
17-Oct-2011, 06:33
I think the division in opinion is mainly due to the melee fighting system. I find it boring,repetitive and meaningless, other people find it smooth, rhythmic and best melee fighting system. The side you fall on regarding this can make or break the game for you.
Sigfried1977
17-Oct-2011, 11:46
I'm actually kind of in the middle. Combat works, but it isn't exactly exciting either. I just prefer having a bit more control over my actions. The biggest problem I had with the combat in Batman AA was the complete lack of challenge. You may have had the means to perform like a fancy martial artist, but why bother when hammering on buttons did the trick just fine.
I'm also not a big fan of the busy and kinda messy Batman of War art style. Especially stealth segments were almost impossible without detective mode because enemies and backgrounds would just blend together.
The whole game was sort of like Metroid Prime with training wheels.
Scott_Arm
17-Oct-2011, 14:35
I think the division in opinion is mainly due to the melee fighting system. I find it boring,repetitive and meaningless, other people find it smooth, rhythmic and best melee fighting system. The side you fall on regarding this can make or break the game for you.
I think this is pretty true. Personally, I loved it. The combat is constant, and one move flows into the next. Because you can't block, standing in one spot blocking attacks in all directions, you have to respond to each movement of the enemies. Counters are very much a button press with an extended animation attached, requiring little skill, but they are seamless, complex and brutal. The disarm counters in particular are fun to watch. What you end up with is a fight with no down time. There is always action and movement. Fighting in Batman AA was maybe more about presentation than skill level, but it worked for me. That said, the combat challenges are actually pretty damned tough. Large numbers of stun sticks and knives require some strategy, especially if you have to manage a crowd to prevent people from running and breaking open lock boxes that contain guns.
Does 95% mean it's everyone's cup of tea? No. Nothing ever is but it does mean that if you're interested in the genre or looking to pick up a GOOD game, then this game has a very good chance of delivering.
...or I can simply wait for the next Assassins Creed that'll be more feature rich coming just 3 weeks later or simply download the new inFamous DLC? No. I think what you meant, is: if your interested in a comic book game that contains Batman, that takes place in this genre, it'll deliver for you on some level.
Scott_Arm
17-Oct-2011, 18:27
...or I can simply wait for the next Assassins Creed that'll be more feature rich coming just 3 weeks later or simply download the new inFamous DLC? No. I think what you meant, is: if your interested in a comic book game, that takes place in this genre, it'll deliver for you on some level.
You can reduce any game into a checklist of features, and try to deduce which is better, but in the end that's totally pointless. It all comes down to whatever people think is fun and enjoyable to play. Sometimes the checklist looks good, but the end result is a POS. Reviewers seem to be very positive about Arkham City. Get over it. You can't compare review scores between games or between reviewers. If you don't like it, that's fine, but don't complain about it, or try to do some kind of mind reading to figure out why people like what they like.
Based on how they reviewed some PS3 games, I don't think that's how those reviewers work. I remember a few reviewers took a point or half point off for "same as last one" according to their explanation. ^_^
Likely because there's a global conspiracy against anything PS3 related.
Heh, I knew this would come up from certain posters.
A simple explanation is I only read PS3 game reviews (if at all !). ^_^
They may very well do the same for 360 and Wii reviews but I just wouldn't know. v_v
You can reduce any game into a checklist of features, and try to deduce which is better, but in the end that's totally pointless. It all comes down to whatever people think is fun and enjoyable to play. Sometimes the checklist looks good, but the end result is a POS. Reviewers seem to be very positive about Arkham City. Get over it. You can't compare review scores between games or between reviewers. If you don't like it, that's fine, but don't complain about it, or try to do some kind of mind reading to figure out why people like what they like.
So, Assassins Creed is going to be a POS? Really?
RobertR1
17-Oct-2011, 18:51
...or I can simply wait for the next Assassins Creed that'll be more feature rich coming just 3 weeks later or simply download the new inFamous DLC? No. I think what you meant, is: if your interested in a comic book game that contains Batman, that takes place in this genre, it'll deliver for you on some level.
Like I said, vote with your wallet (as you are doing) and call it a day. What does Assassin's Creed and Infamous DLC have to do with Batman reviews?
AlStrong
17-Oct-2011, 19:03
...or I can simply wait for the next Assassins Creed that'll be more feature rich coming just 3 weeks later or simply download the new inFamous DLC? No. I think what you meant, is: if your interested in a comic book game that contains Batman, that takes place in this genre, it'll deliver for you on some level.
And you are fully entitled to do that within your right. Lots of people like the game, and you don't. People's opinions differ, that's natural. So what? Who cares if you think it's overrated or if there's something you think is better? What does that matter? People have different tastes. There are different considerations. This is getting unnecessarily off topic.
Complain all you want, but what's the point on shitting on people's views? If lots of people think it's a competent game, then that's that. Overrated just because of your other opinion? Then it's just not your cup of tea. So move on.
AlStrong
17-Oct-2011, 19:11
Topic is Batman the game, not "Reviewers have opinions: News @ 11."
And you are fully entitled to do that within your right. Lots of people like the game, and you don't. People's opinions differ, that's natural. So what? Who cares if you think it's overrated or if there's something you think is better? What does that matter? People have different tastes. There are different considerations. This is getting unnecessarily off topic.
Complain all you want, but what's the point on shitting on people's views? If lots of people think it's a competent game, then that's that. Overrated just because of your other opinion? Then it's just not your cup of tea. So move on.
I hate when people twist my words....
No, I didn't say Batman:AC was overrated....
AlStrong
17-Oct-2011, 19:21
I hate when people twist my words....
No, I didn't say Batman:AC was overrated....
This game is feeling overrated
I'm sorry, then I misunderstood the point of this sentence.
I'm sorry, then I misunderstood the point of this sentence.
I can't actually know if a game is overrated until I played it but it feeling overrated is the perception I'm receiving: it being reviewed favorably because it's Batman; that's the feeling I got when I got burnt paying full price on the previous entry.
Richard
17-Oct-2011, 19:37
Brands generate hype. That's normal. What is also normal is reviewers sometimes marking down a sequel for not living up to the potential laid out by the first game.
What's important is mentioning why you feel the game is being overrated. That will help people engage the discussion. Is it the graphics? Does combat feel monotonous? Is Harley Quinn going to strip down even more? Find out, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!
Brands generate hype. That's normal. What is also normal is reviewers sometimes marking down a sequel for not living up to the potential laid out by the first game.
What's important is mentioning why you feel the game is being overrated. That will help people engage the discussion. Is it the graphics? Does combat feel monotonous? Is Harley Quinn going to strip down even more? Find out, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!
Well, I noticed observing behavior, people here go on full frontal assaults when they come across statements they don't agree with, even asofar creating Strawman and attacking me for statements I didn't even make. People don't want discussion, they want deeply held beliefs verified with varying degrees of agreement. In which I get tagged for being a troll if I don't agree. How do you say: it's not exactly a healthy environment for discussion when you hold a gun to my head.
RenegadeRocks
17-Oct-2011, 20:27
Well, I noticed observing behavior, people here go on full frontal assaults when they come across statements they don't agree with, even asofar creating Strawman and attacking me for statements I didn't even make. People don't want discussion, they want deeply held beliefs verified with varying degrees of agreement. In which I get tagged for being a troll if I don't agree. How do you say: it's not exactly a healthy environment for discussion when you hold a gun to my head.
Well, I don't think thats the case.
I have also disagreed and said I don't like the game in the same thread a syou. I did not get crucified !
So after so many posts, no one answered why the second game is reviewed highly ? Looks like I'll have to do some reading myself. :-)
Well, I noticed observing behavior, people here go on full frontal assaults when they come across statements they don't agree with, even asofar creating Strawman and attacking me for statements I didn't even make. People don't want discussion, they want deeply held beliefs verified with varying degrees of agreement. In which I get tagged for being a troll if I don't agree. How do you say: it's not exactly a healthy environment for discussion when you hold a gun to my head.
Yeah, it's not you, it's everyone else.
joker454
17-Oct-2011, 20:35
So after so many posts, no one answered why the second game is reviewed highly ? Looks like I'll have to do some reading myself. :-)
I loved the first batman game, it was one of the best games I ever played. But my gaming tastes different dramatically from yours so there is no way I could ever explain to you why, and likewise probably no way to explain why on the second game. You'll have to rent it to find out. If the second game is basically just like the first game but with new villians and better graphics, then it's a must buy in my book.
Having said that though it's timing is bad. With Skyrim almost here and the crazy Steam holiday sales a mere 7 weeks away, I'll probably wait on buying any new games right now.
So, Assassins Creed is going to be a POS? Really?
Nope. However, Batman is also feature/content rich as well. It has reviewed favorably because people like the combat mechanics and they're also impressed by the production values. There's plenty to do and everything comes together to make you feel like the bat. Additionally, of course brownie points because so many superhero games tend to be terrible and more often than not don't do their respective licences justice. Other than that not much to say really about why its acclaimed. Except that you really shouldn't even worry about this game because the attention will be short-lived. Unless you don't like ND either. I suggest laying low then because I don't want to see an epic meltdown. :grin:
Scott_Arm
17-Oct-2011, 21:01
I loved the first batman game, it was one of the best games I ever played. But my gaming tastes different dramatically from yours so there is no way I could ever explain to you why, and likewise probably no way to explain why on the second game. You'll have to rent it to find out. If the second game is basically just like the first game but with new villians and better graphics, then it's a must buy in my book.
Having said that though it's timing is bad. With Skyrim almost here and the crazy Steam holiday sales a mere 7 weeks away, I'll probably wait on buying any new games right now.
It'll be interesting to see if this one bests the sales of the previous one in such a crowded fall release schedule. The last one was an August release. I think this one is going to be a good selling game. Making no predictions, but I think it should at least match the last one in total sales. I couldn't find any solid sales data, other than it sold more than 2.5 million copies fairly quickly. Not sure if that was just consoles or if it included PC.
Sigfried1977
17-Oct-2011, 21:51
I think it'll do just fine. Skyrim is probably more of a threat to Dark Souls. Most rpg gamers are most likely going to get one or the other, plus a little weekend treat like Batman or Uncharted 3 (which will have a much harder time I believe) to go along with it.
Well, I don't think thats the case.
I have also disagreed and said I don't like the game in the same thread a syou. I did not get crucified !
.....that's because I articulate my self in a way that makes people want to sic the attack dogs on me. They call it trolling. :lol:
Acert93
18-Oct-2011, 04:25
If it's the same old formula, why do the press score the game so high and so consistent ? I thought some of them look for new surprises and innovation even for sequels ? Perhaps there is something new upon closer inspection ?
So after so many posts, no one answered why the second game is reviewed highly ?
As a parachute lurking monster of bibliographic proportions come in to rain fire onto this amazing thread of derailed excellence I would recommend going back and reading the thoughtful replies from AzBat and then Scott and follow their link recommendations if their 1-2 paragraphs didn't offer enough insight. But essentially they answered the question.
So what do you mean by formula? Mechanics? Story theme? I mean, Mario has been jumping on bad dudes heads and saving the same princess for DECADES now, so the formula is "dated" and yet the new titles often get amazing reviews. Why? because they are amazing games! As Scott said:
Isn't that pretty much the same for every sequel? Halo, COD, Gears, Uncharted, Killzone, Infamous, GTA, Mass Effect, Ratchet and Clank, Lego Star Wars ... Whatever game you want to pick. Sequels are almost always a refinement of the predecessor. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And if the game is a hell of a lot of fun to play, and well crafted, why not give it a near perfect score? Are games like Geometry Wars and Stardust not worthy of good reviews because they aren't innovative at all?
Batman AA was an awesome surprise. It is a very popular and well-liked game, because it was fun to play. If the sequel is an improved evolutionary step, then I don't see any reason it shouldn't be well reviewed. Hopefully I will like it just as much as the original, if not more.
AzBat gave more specifics noted:
For one, the main hub is now the city & not just the Asylum on an island. Second, you get to play against all the rogues that you didn't get to in the first game. Third, there is now a nice portion where you can play as Catwoman in the single player. Plus, you get all the normal stuff you get with a sequel: new weapons, moves, story, challenge maps etc. So I can see how the same old formula could still garner high praise.
More weapons, more enemies, a bigger world, new playable characters, and just a ton of new content and refinement on a good game formula that people are wanting more of is a pretty good place to start.
Based on how they reviewed some PS3 games, I don't think that's how those reviewers work. I remember a few reviewers took a point or half point off for "same as last one" according to their explanation. ^_^
Or it could be: the sequel in question had some broken aspects of the formula and, in retrospect, the formula had grown old in the previous title, so the new twists may have helped give some new legs, a couple hours in when the freshness wore off it was apparent it was more of the same. That has happened a LOT this generation. A sequel indisputably better than the predecessor but due to a) the quality march of the industry and b) a rehashed formula running long in tooth, failing to build forward and better, and not addressing core issues often results in scores going down, not up.
Indeed, if a game comes out 2 years later and is "same as the last one" they are lucky to get only a 0.5 point off! As much as people love to complain about CoD or Halo if you have played those games it is really obvious how many incremental steps those franchises take. Yes, more of the same, but more of everything in the "same" new way.
In the same way of Batman:AC was still basically in one building/complex, didn't have Catwoman, had marginal gameplay changes/refinements and a smaller list of new gadgets and such, it would probably rate as a 7.5 game. THAT would be more of the same--it could even be a much, much better core experience, but one gamers already had. Which isn't always bad, but when you are playing a 6-12 hour game you don't want to fall into the same routine of gameplay over and over again.
Btw, I have no interested in this game. I got a "free" game with a buy 3 get 1 free promo, and I picked up 2 copies of FM4 instead of Batman. I felt hand held like Renegade said and as batty as I am for Batman it just did not do it for me.
This game is feeling overrated because so many people simply want a great comic book game.
I hate when people twist my words....
No, I didn't say Batman:AC was overrated....
Yes, on the interweb we drive large aircraft through the chasm between a game "feeling overrated" and saying a game is "overrated." Excuse me while I get out my English-to-VBulletinboard translator.
Hey, I am not a Semantic Philologist in real life, but I play one on the internet. I would have that one looked at before the interweb spiders bite :shock:
Looking at the gametrailers review I´m actually finding myself excited about this game. It would seem to me like it has that Metroid primeish open world, get a new gadget, reach a new place with that new gadget kind of a thing going on that I absolutely love for some reason. Hell, it even has the scan visor batmanified! But can catwoman roll into a ball and shit bombs? :D
edit: And just as I got the voucher for downloading this game from steam and was hoping for its imminent release, I get the news that the pc version will be delayed. Well... no way is this different from the whole half life 2 voucher experience :D
As a parachute lurking monster of bibliographic proportions come in to rain fire onto this amazing thread of derailed excellence I would recommend going back and reading the thoughtful replies from AzBat and then Scott and follow their link recommendations if their 1-2 paragraphs didn't offer enough insight. But essentially they answered the question.
I read some of the reviews in the GAF official thread. Antan provided the link.
Azbat's post told me what's new. Scott gave his reasoning of why the second game *could* be better than the first game. But he talked mostly about the first game though. ^_^
From the GiantBomb, G4TV and GamesTrailer reviews, it seems that the game is deeper and more fun to play. Enemies are smarter (e.g. they will remove the grappling points, and also switch weapons during melee), Batman has more gadgets, can fly an extended distance, and has more ways to navigate the rooms (since the enemies are smarter now); plus the game world -- 5 times larger -- is full of things to do. It seems that things are carefully laid out and highly polished.
So what do you mean by formula? Mechanics? Story theme? I mean, Mario has been jumping on bad dudes heads and saving the same princess for DECADES now, so the formula is "dated" and yet the new titles often get amazing reviews. Why? because they are amazing games! As Scott said:
Ask the reviewers ! I am just the messenger since I noticed that a few complained about "same old formula" in their own writeup for other games. I am asking questions too. ^_^
AzBat gave more specifics noted:
More weapons, more enemies, a bigger world, new playable characters, and just a ton of new content and refinement on a good game formula that people are wanting more of is a pretty good place to start.
The "more of everything" approach didn't work for quite a few games/sequels. As I understand, despite the increase in scope, all the pieces in Batman 2 are expertly put together. As a result, all the reviews are consistently high since they probably could not find any major flaws.
RenegadeRocks
18-Oct-2011, 09:38
WoW ! The Gametrialers Review sure seems to highlight the game properly. Th eGiant Bomb review didn't mention all that cool stuff at all. GT review seems to project the game to the Darksiders level of stuff to do !
I am intrigued. Someday I'll chk it out, if Demons Souls doesn't devour me completely by then :wink: !
Richard
18-Oct-2011, 14:40
Yes, yes but is Harley Quinn going to strip down further? Inquiring minds want to know!
AlStrong
18-Oct-2011, 15:59
Yes, yes but is Harley Quinn going to strip down further? Inquiring minds want to know!
Don't make me buy this game today. :p
Svensk Viking
18-Oct-2011, 23:52
Just saw that we must wait until the 15th november for the PC version, and it will only support DX9 and 11, no DX10:sad:
joker454
19-Oct-2011, 00:20
Just saw that we must wait until the 15th november for the PC version, and it will only support DX9 and 11, no DX10:sad:
Cool, dx11 support! Don't care about dx10, it's old and we can't have people holding back the pc forever with their outdated hardware.
RobertR1
19-Oct-2011, 00:59
Cool, dx11 support! Don't care about dx10, it's old and we can't have people holding back the pc forever with their outdated hardware.
But they're supporting DX9.
Gotta love having dx11 support. Glad that they had the guts to push the release date back, now they face some stiff competition from many more AAA games.
Anyways, some gameplay with guys dressed as weird versions of batman and a chick dressed as Harley Quinn with nice cleavage. What could possibly go wrong?
http://www.blisteredthumbs.net/2011/10/batman-arkham-city-is-awesome/
joker454
19-Oct-2011, 02:29
But they're supporting DX9.
You need at least one low end spec to handle consoles and outdated pc's, don't need two though. Between dx9 and dx11 they have the low and high end covered.
Scott_Arm
19-Oct-2011, 05:07
The game is really cool so far. Framerate is very good. I recommend playing on Hard if you thought the first was too easy. The multi-enemy counters are great, as are the new context sensitive ones. For multi-enemy counters you have to tape Y the appropriate number of times or you'll get hit. On hard enemies will hit you while you're attempting takedowns. The upgrade tree offers a lot of cool abilities, but you have to know when to use them. Pulling guys in with the grappling hook leads to some really cool attack animations. Overall, there is a huge variety of counters in this one. You can even counter objects that are thrown at you. Still not a huge fan of the roided character designs, but the environments are great. Fights are way bigger than in the original title. So far, so very very good.
Scott_Arm
19-Oct-2011, 15:59
Oh, and the Catwoman code? Dick move.
Svensk Viking
19-Oct-2011, 16:40
Cool, dx11 support! Don't care about dx10, it's old and we can't have people holding back the pc forever with their outdated hardware.
I read in an Anandtech article that DX11 is a superset of DX10.1 and thus targets both DX10 and 11 hardware, that's why I just don't understand why many DX11 games lock me to DX9 instead of letting me play in DX10 or 10.1
Either way, the 18th november couldn't come sooner...I loved the first game and this seems to have improved upon everything
Damn that means I need to have to get my cards upgraded to get the awesomness that is DX 11 for this game?
I doubt there's actually going to be in a way of feature rich support for dx11 seeing as I've yet to see an UE game do it.
nintenho
20-Oct-2011, 07:20
If you have a K-Mart near you, you can get a $30 gift card with the purchase of Arkham City (and also an additional $10 for LOTR: War in the North if you want to buy that).
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1130086/
This deal is in-store only.
Scott_Arm
21-Oct-2011, 06:06
If you do not like this game, we cannot be friends. If you do not have this game, you are missing out on one of the best, if not the best, games of the year.
Sigfried1977
22-Oct-2011, 08:13
I was lucky and got myself a free promo PS3 version including the Catwoman code. Really impressed with it so far. Far and away the most impressive non Epic-games developed Unreal Engine 3 games I've seen so far, particularly on the PS3. Silky smooth framerate with no tearing anywhere to be seen, even when there are literally dozens of characters on the screen at once. I've yet to spot the dreaded texture pop-ins too. And damn, Catwoman has to be the most impressively animated character I've ever seen in a game. The gameplay is ace as well and I really love how the game is structured. It's certainly nowhere near he biggest open world game, but it absolutely packed with content and has this meticulously hand crafted feel you just don't get in most, if not any open world games
assurdum
22-Oct-2011, 12:56
I was lucky and got myself a free promo PS3 version including the Catwoman code. Really impressed with it so far. Far and away the most impressive non Epic-games developed Unreal Engine 3 games I've seen so far, particularly on the PS3. Silky smooth framerate with no tearing anywhere to be seen, even when there are literally dozens of characters on the screen at once. I've yet to spot the dreaded texture pop-ins too. And damn, Catwoman has to be the most impressively animated character I've ever seen in a game. The gameplay is ace as well and I really love how the game is structured. It's certainly nowhere near he biggest open world game, but it absolutely packed with content and has this meticulously hand crafted feel you just don't get in most, if not any open world games
The tearing unfortunately is there, especially compared in the 'crowded' scene, dips too (I have seen a lot of walkthrough on the net & LoT fps analisys, I don't know whether reliable or not, but 360 how ever is more refined compared tothe ps3; nothing new knowing UE3 but the engine is extremely stressed & push over it's limits imho, so ps3 it's turn out extremely well at the end without sacrifice any other features.
Damn that means I need to have to get my cards upgraded to get the awesomness that is DX 11 for this game?
Supposedly it is gonna feature tessellation, so for the full experience you might need an upper end DX11 card. And hey, it seems that this is another Batman with Physx (http://www.geforce.com/News/articles/batman-arkham-city-system-requirements-revealed). Pretty sweet!
Scott_Arm
23-Oct-2011, 02:08
This game is stealing my life. I'm ashamed.
One of the top games this year , excellent work from Rocksteady .
I was really surprised by how it looks - every scene is full of details . Also it's quite amazing seeing dozens of characters on screen at once and the framerate is keeping up at with no problem .
Anyone knows if Rocksteady had access to the latest advances of UE3 that Epic employs on the latest Gears ?
AlStrong
23-Oct-2011, 12:21
There are light shafts. I haven't seen evidence of them utilizing the more advanced motion blur skinning (http://udn.epicgames.com/Three/MotionBlurSkinning.html) that Epic implemented, though from what I understand, their GPU iteration is too slow on RSX, and they haven't bothered with an SPU one. That said, I don't know if Rocksteady even uses the simpler rigid motion blur.
nightshade
23-Oct-2011, 12:32
No motion blur of any sort in the game.
AlStrong
23-Oct-2011, 12:49
Maybe they found it too distracting for the intense fist fighting. :p
I believe there's a bit of motion blur in some of Batman's moves - almost unnoticeable and nowhere near Gears .
Get ready to pay for all the content that didn't come with your pre-order. I got the Robin pre-order at Best Buy. Looks like it was the better deal. Unfortunately I don't think any of alternate costumes work in the single-player. Anybody know for sure?
Tommy McClain
http://kotaku.com/5852498/a-guide-to-batmans-arkham-city-wardrobe/gallery/1
By our count, there are 14 alternate costumes or characters you may play as in Batman: Arkham City, through a variety of promotions, pre-order bonuses, and timed-exclusive downloadable content available now. The "good" news, I suppose, is that all of this stuff will be available at some point—for a price.
So if you're intent on collecting Batman's entire wardrobe, don't run out and buy the NOS energy drink, the Green Lantern DVD, and two copies of the game, one from Best Buy and the other from GameStop. Unless, of course, you really want to.
Of course, the bad news is that all of this stuff will be available at a price. Specifically, $5 will get you the Skins Pack on Dec. 6; $7 gets you Nightwing on Nov. 1; and another $7 gets you Robin's DLC on Nov. 22. Catwoman is included with new copies of the game, and GameStop is even giving out Catwoman DLC codes for used copies. Otherwise it's $10, sort of like an Online Pass.
There was also a pre-order bonus that did not include any skins. The Joker's Carnival, a challenge map, was offered by GameStop (U.S.) and Tesco (U.K.) No word on its availability otherwise. The Iceberg Lounge challenge map was included in the $99 Collector's Edition. No word on its future availability.
http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/xlarge_1batmanskins.jpg
http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/xlarge_batskinsfinal1.jpg
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/kotaku/2011/10/catwomanskins.jpg
http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/xlarge_robinskins.jpg
http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/xlarge_nightwingconcept.png
AlStrong
23-Oct-2011, 20:22
I believe there's a bit of motion blur in some of Batman's moves - almost unnoticeable and nowhere near Gears .
hm... yeah, got some shots of it. Definitely subtle. Probably just so that it doesn't get too distracting during combat.
Scott_Arm
24-Oct-2011, 01:35
A+. This is near to as perfect as an action adventure game can get for me.
Sigfried1977
24-Oct-2011, 12:40
The only skin I'd be willing (begrudgingly so, but still) to pay for would be a Batman skin from the Nolan movies (partciularly the one from The Dark Knight. Love the more practical design philosophy behind those movies. I'm especially fond of the flexible neck portion). Does such a thing exist?
AlStrong
24-Oct-2011, 18:38
A+. This is near to as perfect as an action adventure game can get for me.
Looks like it's at the top of the UK charts for the launch week. :)
http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/62659/Batman-Takes-Over-UK-Charts
joker454
24-Oct-2011, 19:04
A+. This is near to as perfect as an action adventure game can get for me.
The previous one had one thing that bugged me...where you often had to walk around in batman vision to look for clues, which means missing out on the graphics. It wasn't as bad as having to play in black&white 80% of the time like in the last Splinter Cell game...but still annoying. Does the new one still do that?
Yes. Except for the parts where you play as Catwoman. Then you have to walk around in Catvision ;)
To be fair, you don't need to do it quite as much as in the first game. Maybe that's down to the slightly more 'open-world' nature where much of the fun is had from traversing the city. But when you get to key points, it's advised to use the vision thing to scope out the badguys, etc.
Scott_Arm
24-Oct-2011, 19:26
The previous one had one thing that bugged me...where you often had to walk around in batman vision to look for clues, which means missing out on the graphics. It wasn't as bad as having to play in black&white 80% of the time like in the last Splinter Cell game...but still annoying. Does the new one still do that?
I don't think I spent anywhere near as much time in the special vision modes. I did use it. I think being able to use the vision to mark riddler trophies on your map is a big help in that regard. You don't have to spend so much time rediscovering trophies you couldn't access at first because you were missing the appropriate gadget.
I also think the complexity of the map actually forces you to NOT use the vision all the time. In the vision mode you can see enemies, but it's hard to see their line of sight from walls, obstacles or other geometry. So you have to switch back and forth to see their position and then see if you're hidden, or find a covered route.
The navigation waypoint system doesn't guide you in Detective mode. So in order to get from point A to point B you have to turn off Detective mode. So I'll also agree you're not using the Detective mode as much as in the first game.
BTW, there's no Batman Begins or Dark Knight skins, but that would be cool, but considerin EA had the movie rights to the games I wouldn't hold my breath ever seeing it. The closest you could see it would be modders doing it on the PC.
Tommy McClain
The previous one had one thing that bugged me...where you often had to walk around in batman vision to look for clues, which means missing out on the graphics. It wasn't as bad as having to play in black&white 80% of the time like in the last Splinter Cell game...but still annoying. Does the new one still do that?
Still does hinder your ability to appreciate the world, but not like the first game as Scott said.
RenegadeRocks
25-Oct-2011, 06:59
6pHbdCFzN4w&feature=feedu
Wo.....ooooW !!!!!! :shock: The graphics and art seems stellar here !
nightshade
25-Oct-2011, 09:33
That's kind of a huge spoiler, even the picture.
Anyways the game's story is......unexpected, so many things that you normally wont expect it to have.
RenegadeRocks
25-Oct-2011, 12:52
Tagged it. Didn't realise while posting that it could spoils someone's game. I was too awed :wink: !
Sigfried1977
25-Oct-2011, 14:40
6pHbdCFzN4w&feature=feedu
Wo.....ooooW !!!!!! :shock: The graphics and art seems stellar here !
I thought this was far and away the weakest looking part of the game to be honest. Looks flat, boring and rather poorly lit, like they really took the engine way out of its comfort zone. I think the visuals easily are at their best when you are zipping across rooftops. Locations like the Museum or the Subway look absolutely magnificent as well. Good thing then that 95% of the game takes place in places just like that.
Beaten the PS3 version yesterday. Still haven't noticed any screen tearing (I'm sure it's there, but it's so hard to notice it can only be deemed as irrelevant as far as I'm concerned). It's a slick looking game and, the occasional streaming judder aside, moves silky smooth.
Awesome ending, by the way. Unfortnately the main storyline is quite short. That's my only gripe with the game. It's packed with additional content, and some of it is actually very well done, but I'd have gladly sacrificed a whole bunch of the riddler stuff for a slightly meatier campaign.
I played a bunch of this game.
Having been a long time since I played AA and having started AC on hard, I was initially almost defeated by the enormously harder difficulty relative to AA. It seriously took me an hour to get past the courthouse bit. Soon after, I got a couple levels though and once I had a couple armor upgrades, critical strikes, and the thing where you can use special moves at 5x the difficulty dropped dramatically to the point that the hard fights are a challenge, but I can usually just blow the cannon fodder away.
Really enjoying it so far. I'll probably play more this weekend.
For anyone who ordered from Best Buy, does the Robin DLC include gameplay changes? It wasn't clear to me how it all worked.
Honestly, the pre-order bonus crap in this game is one of the most sickening piles of garbage I have ever had to deal with in a game. If the core game weren't so good, I would probably have not bought it just on principal on how huge of a dick move the entire thing was. I really hope the publishers don't take good sales of AC to be a validation of this sort of crap. There's really no excuse for such blatantly anti-consumer behavior.
Sigfried1977
25-Oct-2011, 19:59
I think you can only use Robin in the challenges, and just like Catwoman, he's not quite as versatile as the bat.
Scott_Arm
25-Oct-2011, 20:46
I think you can only use Robin in the challenges, and just like Catwoman, he's not quite as versatile as the bat.
I find fighting with Catwoman WAY easier. Those caltrops are awesome. Catwoman attacks way faster, so you tend to not get hit as much in the middle of an attack animation. The bolas aren't great, but the whip is awesome. Wish she had a few more special moves and takedowns.
Sigfried1977
25-Oct-2011, 21:16
She's faster, but especially later in the game, Batman simply gets a lot of incredibly useful takedown maneuvers and gadgets, like a move that disarms an enemy and also destroys the weapon in the process. He can also disarm enemies from much further away and gets a freezing grenade that takes an assailant out of the fight for the entirety of its duration. Catwoman can disarm enemies as well, but usually the dropped weapon gets picked up by another guy as soon as it hits the floor. Batman also has a good deal more health and his special vision mode separates between regular guys and guys with firearms. He can even disable weapons before the fight even starts. And if everything fails he even has a get out of jail free card in the form of smoke pellets.
Then there's all the other benefits: his grapple has a far greater reach so he can zip instantly to a nearby rooftop or gargoyle. He can even surpress his body heat when he's up there, and of course he gets around the city much quicker.
Don't get me wrong, Catwoman is a ton of fun to use (if only to watch the animations) and I agree that it's easier to take out large amounts of low level thugs with her using basic maneuvers, but as soon as the game introduces guys with tasers, guns and shields, Batman becomes a lot more effective.
The navigation waypoint system doesn't guide you in Detective mode. So in order to get from point A to point B you have to turn off Detective mode. So I'll also agree you're not using the Detective mode as much as in the first game.
BTW, there's no Batman Begins or Dark Knight skins, but that would be cool, but considerin EA had the movie rights to the games I wouldn't hold my breath ever seeing it. The closest you could see it would be modders doing it on the PC.
Tommy McClain
The keyword is had. Those rights expired years ago.
Scott_Arm
25-Oct-2011, 21:33
She's faster, but especially later in the game, Batman simply gets a lot of incredibly useful takedown maneuvers and gadgets, like a move that disarms an enemy and also destroys the weapon in the process. He can also disarm enemies from much further away and gets a freezing grenade that takes an assailant out of the fight for the entirety of its duration. Catwoman can disarm enemies as well, but usually the dropped weapon gets picked up by another guy as soon as it hits the floor. Batman also has a good deal more health and his special vision mode separates between regular guys and guys with firearms. He can even disable weapons before the fight even starts. And if everything fails he even has a get out of jail free card in the form of smoke pellets.
Then there's all the other benefits: his grapple has a far greater reach so he can zip instantly to a nearby rooftop or gargoyle. He can even surpress his body heat when he's up there, and of course he gets around the city much quicker.
Don't get me wrong, Catwoman is a ton of fun to use (if only to watch the animations) and I agree that it's easier to take out large amounts of low level thugs with her using basic maneuvers, but as soon as the game introduces guys with tasers, guns and shields, Batman becomes a lot more effective.
By the end of the game I had all of the specials unlocked for both Batman and Catwoman, but had almost none of the armour upgrades for either. As far as Catwoman goes, in a straight up fight with a large variety of weapons, I still think she's basically a beast. The one ability that Batman has that is invaluable in large fights is the multi-takedown using the batarang. In one particular fight, I think I took out at least 10 guys with that one move. Still. Put Catwoman in a room with 20 armed thugs, and I still think I win pretty easily. It might take a little longer, but I could watch the Catwoman animations all day.
Oh, and not a huge fan of the Catwoman's headgear, or the tacky cleav, but the rest of the suit is fine.
Watching clips of how Catwoman fights, it just makes me feel uncomfortable. =\ And I'm a lesbian, so that's saying something.
AlStrong
25-Oct-2011, 22:38
wat
I'll explain: they've oversexualized her to the point that it's making a woman who likes women(I.E. me) uncomfortable.
Scott_Arm
25-Oct-2011, 22:58
I'll explain: they've oversexualized her to the point that it's making a woman who likes women(I.E. me) uncomfortable.
I don't know. I find it hard to pop a boner over a virtual woman. They definitely went overboard on the cleav, but her fighting is great.
I don't know. I find it hard to pop a boner over a virtual woman. They definitely went overboard on the cleav, but her fighting is great.
You're in the minority with the popping a boner bit, but I'm referring to all of the "sexy" stuff she does. After a while it goes from titillation(And there's nothing wrong with that) to sexism.
BadTB25
26-Oct-2011, 03:00
Now I have to get the game sooner just to see what you are alluding to.
I was going to wait for the inevitable GOTY edition.
Edit: Like Scott, virtual women does not get a rise out of me although I appreciate the visuals nonetheless.
Watching clips of how Catwoman fights, it just makes me feel uncomfortable. =\ And I'm a lesbian, so that's saying something.
I don't have the game but one of the reasons a friend of mine was so enthusiastic about purchasing the game was being able to play as Catwoman that I am worried she might end up thinking the same. She says she is a "cat person", :smile: :cool: and she loved the first iteration of the game, so she was super hyped and happy. I will ask her next time we see each other online.
As for the lesbian thing..., that's so nice. I love lesbian women. In fact deep down I feel like I have a gay girl brain in a male body.
Concerning virtual characters, I don't care at all. My crushes are on celebrities though. Especially one, I always fancied Toni Collette and ever will.
If you want a new friend or If you ever need/want to chat, feel free to PM me.
Take care of you and good luck! <3
Scott_Arm
26-Oct-2011, 05:06
Videogame women, in general, are pretty sexist. Catwoman is probably the same in some respects. If her boobs weren't hangin out it probably wouldn't seem so pubescent male. She's always been kind of a flirty character. Didn't find any of that too overboard.
Sigfried1977
26-Oct-2011, 11:06
I think she's sexy as hell. And what's with the stupid boner nonsense. It's very much possible to be attracted by someone or something without getting aroused to such a degree.
And I also maintain my stance that people who claim that anything but the real deal gets any sort of reaction out of them are just lying to themselves.
AlStrong
26-Oct-2011, 14:41
I'll explain: they've oversexualized her to the point that it's making a woman who likes women(I.E. me) uncomfortable.
Ah ok... haven't played the game yet. :oops:
Scott_Arm
26-Oct-2011, 14:58
I think she's sexy as hell. And what's with the stupid boner nonsense. It's very much possible to be attracted by someone or something without getting aroused to such a degree.
And I also maintain my stance that people who claim that anything but the real deal gets any sort of reaction out of them are just lying to themselves.
I was exaggerating the point that I do not find virtual women attractive. For the most part, the oversexed women in games are completely embarrassing. Some games are cringe worthy. I would rather be murdered than have someone walk in the room when I was playing a game with characters like DOA or something. Uncharted probably did the best job, in the regard. I'm not a prude either. The problem is the girls are not real, which automatically gives it some level of creepiness, and the other problem is they are obviously designed by men with the sexual intelligence of a 13 year old. There is a history of Catwoman, as a character, being seductive, flirty and sexy. Whether that's female empowerment, or male fantasy, or both, I don't know. What I do know, is that this incarnation of Catwoman with huge boobs bursting out of a low-zipped top is pretty much a wank job for "adult" males.
Sigfried1977
26-Oct-2011, 15:12
Well, it's comic book Batman, not Nolan Batman, so uniformly enormous guys and oversexualized females should be expected. Harley and Poison Ivy aren't exatly subtle character designs either. (and there's still a huge difference between the DoA girls and Catwoman in this game) Besides, the enormous guys and grotesque monstrosities you enounter in the game aren't any less immature. And why should they be? It's a game about a guy who beats up bad guys in a Halloween costume. It's a teenager's wet dream.
I'd also like to add that the weirdest look I ever got from bystanders while playing a game was when I chainsawed and curb stomped my way through Gears of War.
Scott_Arm
26-Oct-2011, 15:26
Well, it's comic book Batman, not Nolan Batman, so uniformly enormous guys and oversexualized females should be expected. Harley and Poison Ivy aren't exatly subtle character designs either. (and there's still a huge difference between the DoA girls and Catwoman in this game) Besides, the enormous guys and grotesque monstrosities you enounter in the game aren't any less immature. And why should they be? It's a game about a guy who beats up bad guys in a Halloween costume. It's a teenager's wet dream.
I'd also like to add that the weirdest look I ever got from bystanders while playing a game was when I chainsawed and curb stomped my way through Gears of War.
Don't even get me started on comic books!
Sigfried1977
26-Oct-2011, 16:08
Whatever, I think Catwoman's outfit matches her personality in the game rather well. It's not your typical less clothes equals more armor design philosophy, or simply being near naked just for the heck of it like just about any female in every fighting game ever (minus Street Fighter. Credit where credit is due)
AlStrong
26-Oct-2011, 16:22
Is her suit ever zipped up?
Scott_Arm
26-Oct-2011, 16:25
Is her suit ever zipped up?
I think her breasts are preventing it from being zipped up all the way.
AlStrong
26-Oct-2011, 16:31
She needs to learn to sew better. :p (assuming she makes her own stuff) Just thought it'd be funny if she let the zipper down only in cut-scenes while interacting with certain characters.
People, if you don't like the characters, don't play the game. It's simple.
AlStrong
26-Oct-2011, 22:28
No complaints from me, says the guy who owns DOAX 1&2
>_>
<_<
>_>
The game just isn't clicking with me.....I loved the 1st aswell.
I think she's sexy as hell. And what's with the stupid boner nonsense. It's very much possible to be attracted by someone or something without getting aroused to such a degree.
And I also maintain my stance that people who claim that anything but the real deal gets any sort of reaction out of them are just lying to themselves.
I think you aren't right. Those are my theories and I don't find any other explanation or a better one than the fact that I believe virtual characters are just that, characters that are either be attractive, interesting, strong, weak, dependent, etc, but always following some basic guidelines.
Thinking of myself doing anything to a virtual character is really, really... very weird. But then again, I didn't actually feel much the times I've tried to view or play any spicy stuff. If it's a sensual, well written comic or story then I can kind of leech of the emotions the story presents, but after that it gets to a certain point I just disconnect. I guess it is more about the emotions -I have to be in love to try, in my mind- than anything else, and since it is between those one or two characters it would be weird if I was there... I mean, I am not part of the story.
RenegadeRocks
27-Oct-2011, 18:25
The more gameplay videos I watch of this game, the more I get the urge to buy it over uncharted 3 !!!! I have seen Drake manytime, and I can get it when it goes platinum too, but this is something new, fresh and loaded with awesomeness, or thats the impression i get from the videos!
I am just worried about not liking the combat :huh: !
Watching clips of how Catwoman fights, it just makes me feel uncomfortable. =\ And I'm a lesbian, so that's saying something.
[Screech to a halt]
:lol: Best comment on the entire forum. It's signature worthy !
Cornsnake
29-Dec-2011, 15:17
I finally got around to playing this. It definitely isn't as well paced as AA. Every time is want to quickly check out some side activity, it ends up taking longer then I'd thought, distracting me form the main story line more then I'd like. It clashes with the urgency the story wants me to have when I'm going off flying through hoops and popping balloons. Yet it feels like most of the actually gameplay is in the optional stuff, with tons of things to do seemingly everywhere, compared to the main story line where I'm quickly bounced from one villain to the next. Forcing me to trek across the city again, tempted by things to do at every turn.
Scott_Arm
29-Dec-2011, 17:05
You can keep playing after the main story is over, so if you don't want to derail from the storyline, then don't. You can go back to the side stuff later.
Cornsnake
29-Dec-2011, 17:11
You can keep playing after the main story is over, so if you don't want to derail from the storyline, then don't. You can go back to the side stuff later.
I heard some of it gets locked out if you don't complete it before the main story ends. I don't know what or how much though.
I heard some of it gets locked out if you don't complete it before the main story ends. I don't know what or how much though.
As someone who completed every side mission and collected every riddled trophy (all 440), I can tell you, you heard wrong.
BadTB25
29-Dec-2011, 22:15
As someone who completed every side mission and collected every riddled trophy (all 440), I can tell you, you heard wrong.
Good to know. The wife got me the game a few 3 days ago (late Christmas gift) and I'm almost done with the main story. I was holding off on completing it, because I wanted to do the side missions.
I've only completed 2 off the side stories so far and maybe 30-40% of the trophies (some of them are a real pain.
I've completed all the side missions and all of Batman's trophies, but I have 1 stupid Catwoman trophy I can't get. Starting to piss me off. LOL There's no way I'm going back & doing the whole game in Plus mode. BTW I wasn't a big fan of the Riddler Challenge Maps in the original game & I'm still not much of a fan of them in Arkham City either. Poor substitute for multiplayer. Most likely sell the game once I get the 1 last trophy & a few other achievements.
Tommy McClain
Cornsnake
30-Dec-2011, 13:36
I've completed all the side missions and all of Batman's trophies, but I have 1 stupid Catwoman trophy I can't get. Starting to piss me off. LOL There's no way I'm going back & doing the whole game in Plus mode. BTW I wasn't a big fan of the Riddler Challenge Maps in the original game & I'm still not much of a fan of them in Arkham City either. Poor substitute for multiplayer. Most likely sell the game once I get the 1 last trophy & a few other achievements.
Tommy McClain
So you can no longer play as Catwoman once you complete her story missions? Does she have side missions other then the Riddler stuff?
So you can no longer play as Catwoman once you complete her story missions? Does she have side missions other then the Riddler stuff?
Yes, she has Riddler Challenges(Trophies & Physical) that only she can do. And no, you can play still play as her just like Batman can still be played after the story is complete. In fact, after both stories are complete you can still roam around Arkham City. There are still thugs out there to bust that keep coming back over & over. Granted it is still somewhat empty without the main villains, but remember there is at least one achievement that can only be completed by going back & visiting him on specific days. So there is no way they are going to shut you out of playing once everything is complete.
Tommy McClain
Cornsnake
30-Dec-2011, 13:53
Yes, she has Riddler Challenges(Trophies & Physical) that only she can do. And no, you can play still play as her just like Batman can still be played after the story is complete. In fact, after both stories are complete you can still roam around Arkham City. There are still thugs out there to bust that keep coming back over & over. Granted it is still somewhat empty without the main villains, but remember there is at least one achievement that can only be completed by going back & visiting him on specific days. So there is no way they are going to shut you out of playing once everything is complete.
Tommy McClain
Thanks, that's good to know.
Cornsnake
01-Jan-2012, 12:45
Interesting contrast they have between Batman and Catwoman. Batman is loaded down with so many gadgets you need a ridiculous amount of button combination to make them all work. And Catwoman has so few she literally can't get around. Both end up controlling terribly.
Sounds like this game isn't for you.
Tommy McClain
Cornsnake
01-Jan-2012, 14:16
I don't know. I usually like sandbox games, but the one we have here only makes the game worse because you can't get around with ease. You have rely on those button prompts before you can grapple on to anything. They are never quite where you want them, and the distance they cover is completely random.
The game is at it's best indoors with the villains taunting you at every move you make. But those sections never last long.
I also hate how counter only works half the time. The bigger fights become a matter of luck if they won't fail me enough to kill me.
Scott_Arm
01-Jan-2012, 16:51
There definitely is some inconsistency in grappling ledges. I didn't have much trouble getting around, but at times grappling to the next ledge could get annoying.
Never had any problems with countering, even the double and triple counters. Never really got the hang of the timing on the knife evade.
vBulletin® v3.8.6, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.