Welcome back, Ladies and Gents. For my first real review, I'll be going over Rocksteady Studios' Batman: Arkham City. Now while I haven't played the whole game yet, I have gotten through the a bunch of it. I've played through about 4 hours worth of the 12 hour boasted gameplay and let me say that this game has some WOW factor to it. Before I get to that though, let's go through what you get with the pre-order of the game.
Through GameStop, I got the Batman: The Animated Series batsuit, Joker Carnival mini map, and the Batman: Arkham City soundtrack included in the game. All copies that were pre-ordered were also shipped with the ability to play as Catwoman. From what I understand, Best Buy received the Robin pack as their pre-order bonus. All in all, I'm impressed with the amount of in game content that Rocksteady provided. Enough rewards to pre-order, but nothing that isn't going to be available to everyone in a few weeks.
Now for the game play.
Firstly, the world is amazing. The game is set a year after Arkham Asylum. The asylum has been closed down and the prisoners have been moved to a section of Gotham City specially designed for the inmates. You basically are flying around a beat up section of Gotham fighting waves upon waves of foes who will do anything to take you down.
Speaking of the Asylum, you start with most of the gadgets that were unlocked in Arkham Asylum. Which means favorites like the remote controlled batarang, exploding gel and a few others are bringing pain to the villains from the get go.
One of the major improvements that is noticeable very early in game play is the new fighting mechanic. In Arkham Asylum, fighting 15 enemies was a challenge, but do-able. In Arkham City, with the proper technique, I can engage 25-30 people and manage to take them all down fairly quickly. The improved counter and attack system really makes things fluid and combat is much, much better. With the cooperation of gadgets and combos during the fight, no one stands a chance against the Dark Knight.
The next major improvement is the in-game sound bites that are happening all over Arkham City as you travel from section to section. Right from the onset, Batman hacks into the bad guys' radio frequency, allowing you to listen in on their comms from a distance. The stuff that is said over the radio is not only informative, but occasionally hilarious. You can listen to what the guy right below REALLY thinks about Catwoman as she is hanging over a vat of acid. Good stuff there.
The music is another great addition. While the music from Arkham Asylum was great, this adds in more detailed music throughout the scenes allowing for the drama to really get to you as things are getting intense. The music FEELS like Batman for sure.
Some other things that are very Bat-like are the amount of great, but subtle nods to the bat-fans out there. Just a few are the appearance of Ace Chemicals, Vicki Vale and and even Alfred, who was absent from Arkham Asylum.
All in all, for a beginner to the experienced gamer a like, Batman: Arkham City is a great buy. It will provide you countless hours of fun just in the storyline alone. Take into account the amount of Riddler Trophies(also returning), miscellaneous side missions scattered throughout the map, and the definite release of DLC in the coming weeks and this game will have you glued to the TV for a long period of time.
Pittco Rating:
Each catagory is rated out of a 5 point system. 5 points being the best, 0 being the worst.
Presentation: 4
The only thing that I think was lacking in this game is the proper amount of back story. While it is a sequel, the chance of someone picking the game up simply because they heard that the first one was good is highly likely. That being said, you would have no idea what is going on until you delve a little deeper outside of the game for the back story as to what happened in the Asylum.
Graphics: 5
The graphics are simply amazing. Just the textures alone are rendered so fantastically that while gliding through the City, you can find yourself focusing on the world, rather than your intended destination. The Bat-Suit is also a great piece in the game. After each battle, it gets a little more tattered and torn. A keen eye will also see the effect the story has on Batman as well. Great graphics and even better attention to detail.
Sound: 5
Between the soundtrack and the multitude of inmates talking throughout the game, the track is fantastic. Also take into account that Rocksteady brought in the Batman alumni of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hammill(who voiced Batman and Joker, respectively, in Batman: The Animated Series and are also fan favorites) to lead the all-star voice cast and you have a winning combination.
Gameplay: 4
The only problem I have with the game play is certain areas of the game direct you to do what the game wants. For example: Floating on an ice berg, about 10 feet from the dock. If the iceberg was a ledge, you would be able to jump from the ledge to the dock no problem, but because there is water in between, you can't jump. You have to get it next to the edge. This is prevalent throughout certain levels that it REQUIRES you to use some of your gadgets. While it will helps you to learn to use them and things of that nature, you shouldn't be restricted by the use of these things.
Replay Value: 5
The story is great, the graphics are great, and the game play is great. What else do you need to want to replay a great game?
Overall: 4 out of 5.
With the small amount of flaws in the game, this one will keep you entertained WELL over the 12 hours that it is said to complete it.
