Blogs / BobiRoka
Added by BobiRoka, 25-08-2009
Or... how to remember how f**king cool Batman is after 2 hours with this game.
I'm having to pinch myself while I write this, because I still can't believe a game like this exists. It's a game about one of the most iconic fictional heroes of all time - and it's good.
No scratch that. It's not just good. It's as amazing as any Batman game SHOULD be, given the right amount of love, attention to detail and, well... the new Unreal Engine tech makes this possibly the best looking game ever. And not just because it's got ol' Bats in it.
Yeah. If you've ever been a sucker for visuals, then expect to make as slow progress as I did through the games opening moments. This is the kind of game where I'll happily just fuck up on purpose so I can do it again, in a different, perhaps more cinematic way.
Pretty much every touchstone of the Dark Knight mythos is referenced in some way, from the close combat to the predatory detective work. There's a ton of villains, thanks to the set-up (the clue's in the title) and well I could go on and on and on and on and on about this...
Being able to play this a few days ahead of it's official release on Friday makes me a very very very lucky man indeed (otherwise I wouldn't be able to play it until Monday - AAARGH!).
I'll probably start it again though when I next pick it up. I don't really like playing games when I'm tired and have to involuntarily cut off my supply, unsure of when exactly I'll get to play it again.
After the demo I still wasn't completely convinced that it would pull me in so completely, but having spent some time smacking down large groups of thugs, upgraded abilities (yes, it's even a bit RPG), traversed about by grapple gun and sniffed out a few of the Riddler's cryptic challenges I think I can safely say that I want to spend some long leisurely and intimate time with this game.
It's made me remember what it was that made me fall for Batman in such a big (and most certainly hetero) way in the first place and it's made me write all this. It's been a while. In so many ways...
No scratch that. It's not just good. It's as amazing as any Batman game SHOULD be, given the right amount of love, attention to detail and, well... the new Unreal Engine tech makes this possibly the best looking game ever. And not just because it's got ol' Bats in it.
Yeah. If you've ever been a sucker for visuals, then expect to make as slow progress as I did through the games opening moments. This is the kind of game where I'll happily just fuck up on purpose so I can do it again, in a different, perhaps more cinematic way.
Pretty much every touchstone of the Dark Knight mythos is referenced in some way, from the close combat to the predatory detective work. There's a ton of villains, thanks to the set-up (the clue's in the title) and well I could go on and on and on and on and on about this...
Being able to play this a few days ahead of it's official release on Friday makes me a very very very lucky man indeed (otherwise I wouldn't be able to play it until Monday - AAARGH!).
I'll probably start it again though when I next pick it up. I don't really like playing games when I'm tired and have to involuntarily cut off my supply, unsure of when exactly I'll get to play it again.
After the demo I still wasn't completely convinced that it would pull me in so completely, but having spent some time smacking down large groups of thugs, upgraded abilities (yes, it's even a bit RPG), traversed about by grapple gun and sniffed out a few of the Riddler's cryptic challenges I think I can safely say that I want to spend some long leisurely and intimate time with this game.
It's made me remember what it was that made me fall for Batman in such a big (and most certainly hetero) way in the first place and it's made me write all this. It's been a while. In so many ways...
This story has been added to the following section(s): Action, Blog, Consoles, Fighting, PC, Platformer, Playstation 3, Role Playing Game, Simulation, Third Person Shooter, Xbox 360
Comments
Post New Comment
"This is the kind of game where I'll happily just enjoy the scenes time and time again because I'm cr4p at games."
Amended for you. :)
Amended for you. :)
This is definitely on my wanted list now since I played the demo, but probably a few months down the line.
Been gagging to play this weeks. Also been between games for weeks. This is perfect timing for me. All I need now is some f**king time off!
Forgive me for banging on, but this is so the best game ever TM. ;)
Seriously, I know this is true, because every time I've played it I've felt the need to rant about how f**king cool it is.
Played quite a large section tonight, beginning again from the start since on Monday all I could do was be completely blown away by it for 2 hours straight. Am settingly into it a bit more now - if that's even possible.
If nothing else, it makes me want to buy every batman comic written. It's a showcase for the richness of the lore. Imagine the production values of a game like Bioshock applied to an already well fleshed out property. I mean, they don't have to make it up - just deliver it appropriately.
And in this case they've done it with audio logs, unlockable character biogs, many of which are found by pursuing the riddler's challenges, which act as an optional investigative meta game which layers nicely on top of everything else.
Tonight I found myself vering off mission, exploring these epicly detailed environments. It's not exactly open world. The game does kind of block off a lot of areas in an effort to force you through the story - but there seems a lot to do. And the way in which you can grapel all over the place, and find things that you know won't open until later, makes it feel like a very big place. It all kinda interlocks together in a way that makes sense.
Experienced a couple of very cool set-pieces tonight which seemed reminisent of Alice (remember that?) and maybe God of War a tiny bit. Also played through the first major boss, which was OK. The combat engine is fun enough on it's own, and having something bigger to contend with just adds more variety.
This definitely trumps Infamous in the 'best game ever so far this year' stakes. And not just because Batman is the more identifiable subject matter. It would be a decent game even without the license, but the license makes it so much better.
If you like Batman enough to watch the movies, then you seriously have to play this... so p**sed off I'm at Reading Festival all weekend :(
Seriously, I know this is true, because every time I've played it I've felt the need to rant about how f**king cool it is.
Played quite a large section tonight, beginning again from the start since on Monday all I could do was be completely blown away by it for 2 hours straight. Am settingly into it a bit more now - if that's even possible.
If nothing else, it makes me want to buy every batman comic written. It's a showcase for the richness of the lore. Imagine the production values of a game like Bioshock applied to an already well fleshed out property. I mean, they don't have to make it up - just deliver it appropriately.
And in this case they've done it with audio logs, unlockable character biogs, many of which are found by pursuing the riddler's challenges, which act as an optional investigative meta game which layers nicely on top of everything else.
Tonight I found myself vering off mission, exploring these epicly detailed environments. It's not exactly open world. The game does kind of block off a lot of areas in an effort to force you through the story - but there seems a lot to do. And the way in which you can grapel all over the place, and find things that you know won't open until later, makes it feel like a very big place. It all kinda interlocks together in a way that makes sense.
Experienced a couple of very cool set-pieces tonight which seemed reminisent of Alice (remember that?) and maybe God of War a tiny bit. Also played through the first major boss, which was OK. The combat engine is fun enough on it's own, and having something bigger to contend with just adds more variety.
This definitely trumps Infamous in the 'best game ever so far this year' stakes. And not just because Batman is the more identifiable subject matter. It would be a decent game even without the license, but the license makes it so much better.
If you like Batman enough to watch the movies, then you seriously have to play this... so p**sed off I'm at Reading Festival all weekend :(
Played the demo yesterday. Good fun. May well purchase at some point.
Do it do it do it!
Although looking at GAME website the PC version doesn't come until 18th September. WTF!?!?!? This game was finished ages ago. Why is there always such a colossal wait for PC games these days??? Oh yeah. They have to test it with a billion different GFX cards.
Anyway - there's so much that needs to be said about this I might well do a proper review for once. As ever though - I'm not going to rush it.
Although looking at GAME website the PC version doesn't come until 18th September. WTF!?!?!? This game was finished ages ago. Why is there always such a colossal wait for PC games these days??? Oh yeah. They have to test it with a billion different GFX cards.
Anyway - there's so much that needs to be said about this I might well do a proper review for once. As ever though - I'm not going to rush it.
"Oh yeah. They have to test it with a billion different GFX cards and make it look better for the high-end rigs owned by the gaming connoisseurs"
Fixed :)
Fixed :)
It f**king looks utterly fabbo as is m8. And I'm not even playing it on maxxed out 1080p-o-vision.
And 'oh please' @ the 'toys' remark. Why oh why the f**k would you want to play something so obviously built with 'fun' in mind on a alfing keyboard & mouse?
And 'oh please' @ the 'toys' remark. Why oh why the f**k would you want to play something so obviously built with 'fun' in mind on a alfing keyboard & mouse?
Because some of us manage to have fun daily using mouse and keys?
The control method works really well using m/k , plus mouse look means finding stuff a joy instead of a analog stick twee-athon.
The control method works really well using m/k , plus mouse look means finding stuff a joy instead of a analog stick twee-athon.
There's just so much stuff that I can't imagine being any good though - like the button combo fighting, weapon selection etc. There's even this gadget you use to break through security systems and when you use it, Batman holds it almost like a PSP and it got two analogue sticks, and you too, as a player are holding 2 thumbsticks, and as you move them, batman's thumbs move in real-time.
There's no f**king way they'll be adapting that into a keyboard/mouse type setup for batman to use in the game.
Like how massive would his utility belt have to be?
How stealthy would a chunking great grey thing with cables everywhere be?
So. Un. Cool.
There's no f**king way they'll be adapting that into a keyboard/mouse type setup for batman to use in the game.
Like how massive would his utility belt have to be?
How stealthy would a chunking great grey thing with cables everywhere be?
So. Un. Cool.
Uncool?
You sir, are an epeen.
You sir, are an epeen.
Has anyone got this yet?
I need some re-assurances that I haven't gone completely mad and that a licensed game has come out that is actually f**king amazing.
Played it quite a bit yesterday and couldn't put it down for ages. Have the batclaw now and sonic batarang, which can be used to disrupt inmate's suicide collars lol. Batclaw let's you pull enemies towards you, which followed up with a quick 1, 2 biff-pow is mightily satisfying.
Please buy this game before I put you all off with my incessant ranting...
I need some re-assurances that I haven't gone completely mad and that a licensed game has come out that is actually f**king amazing.
Played it quite a bit yesterday and couldn't put it down for ages. Have the batclaw now and sonic batarang, which can be used to disrupt inmate's suicide collars lol. Batclaw let's you pull enemies towards you, which followed up with a quick 1, 2 biff-pow is mightily satisfying.
Please buy this game before I put you all off with my incessant ranting...
Those of you with access to 360/PS3 obviously...
Why? It's available for an adult gaming system as well as the toys ;)
Flatmate is expecting it today for his PS3 - will get back to you re losing your mind.
Flatmate is expecting it today for his PS3 - will get back to you re losing your mind.
It's not out for a couple of weeks on PC.
No probs. Will play the PS3 version should the CO server go down ;)
Do it mate. And you'll see what I mean re: everything above.
Am playing PS3 myself - because that was the flavour the promo came in.
Have downloaded the Playstation Home Batcave and the Joker Challenge Rooms stuff. Joker is very fun to play. It's a timed exclusive. Coming to Xbox and PC eventually...
What's your mate's PS3 username? Have you got your own login for it? Am certain I know quite a few more people with PS3s these days but my friends list is still quite puny...
Am playing PS3 myself - because that was the flavour the promo came in.
Have downloaded the Playstation Home Batcave and the Joker Challenge Rooms stuff. Joker is very fun to play. It's a timed exclusive. Coming to Xbox and PC eventually...
What's your mate's PS3 username? Have you got your own login for it? Am certain I know quite a few more people with PS3s these days but my friends list is still quite puny...
Comment removed by user
OK. So you PC guys get extra Physx bits: http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/batman-arkham-asylum-nvidia-physx
We do. :)
Finished this tonight. Absolutely the most consistently polished and entertaining game I have played since Bioshock.
And even though the story is done, I can still now go back and revisit all those areas that lack of gadgets and the pull of the main story kept me from. And if I get bored of playing detective I can go in the challenge rooms and beat the s**t out of goons, or hang them up by the ceiling... or blow them up with sticking explosive stuff...
I honestly do feel a review coming on. It says here I've done 81% of it and it's still top of the charts after 2 weeks...
I think more Batman, of the Rocksteady kind, is inevitable... Honestly drooling at the prospect... if they could set it somewhere the size of Gotham... with the Batmobile and the f**king awesome flyer he has (but is unplayable in this game) has me foaming at the mouth...
And even though the story is done, I can still now go back and revisit all those areas that lack of gadgets and the pull of the main story kept me from. And if I get bored of playing detective I can go in the challenge rooms and beat the s**t out of goons, or hang them up by the ceiling... or blow them up with sticking explosive stuff...
I honestly do feel a review coming on. It says here I've done 81% of it and it's still top of the charts after 2 weeks...
I think more Batman, of the Rocksteady kind, is inevitable... Honestly drooling at the prospect... if they could set it somewhere the size of Gotham... with the Batmobile and the f**king awesome flyer he has (but is unplayable in this game) has me foaming at the mouth...
This even had ol' Yahtzee gushing... mostly. http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/926-Batman-Arkham-Asylum
Aye, a good review.
Looking forward to the discounted PC version on Steam (when it happens).
Looking forward to the discounted PC version on Steam (when it happens).
Good use of kittens lol
Comment removed by user
Comment removed by user
Comment removed by user
soz, testing stuff :)
Totally agree that B:AA is a cracking game. I finished playing the story mode last week and was very impressed; it’s definitely the main contender for my Game of the Year so far. Even the unholy devil’s plopplop that is Windows Live! couldn’t spoil it for me. Seriously, wtf do I have to connect to the internet to be able to save my progress in a single player game?!? Interestingly, the game mechanics and design were very similar to my old favourite, Rogue Trooper. Eidos were behind that too so it wouldn’t surprise me if some of the designers for RT had a hand in B:AA.
You can't know Windows LivE! around here Radcheck. Apparently its what real gamers use, not us fringe weirdos who like having some semblance of control and choice.
This game is on my list defo. Did you get the Steam version?
This game is on my list defo. Did you get the Steam version?
Yeah, I foolishly assumed the Steam version would be sans Windows Live! I wish I had saved myself some money and got a hardcopy now. Still, the actual game more than made up for it. The combat is very satisfying once you get into the flow of it.
Best game I've played this year too - and probably the best licensed game ever made. Period.
It's a great game - but I'd recommend Red Faction: Guerilla above it in my "Best o the year" list.
Also available via Steam :)
(and also using Games For Windows LiV3! lol)
Also available via Steam :)
(and also using Games For Windows LiV3! lol)
Really? RF:G? Have to say I was suprised by that one myself in the sleeper hit stakes, but it's been sitting on my shelf gathering dust for quite some time now.
I might start it again one day, cos there's no trading in games I have with big 'Promotional Copy' stickers all over it.
Advice from the folk over at Joystiq was to play it on easy, cos it makes smashing stuff up more fun. I do remember the difficulty curve spiking all over the place when I played it.
Love the whole quiet in, loud out approach though. Nothing quite like driving your way through a building to rescue hostages etc...
I might start it again one day, cos there's no trading in games I have with big 'Promotional Copy' stickers all over it.
Advice from the folk over at Joystiq was to play it on easy, cos it makes smashing stuff up more fun. I do remember the difficulty curve spiking all over the place when I played it.
Love the whole quiet in, loud out approach though. Nothing quite like driving your way through a building to rescue hostages etc...
Yeah, really. It's got the very best bits of GTA:4 with a world that feels real, a plot that's standard but well presented, and it looks chuffing excellent (best sun effects award, for sure).
The destruction stuff takes insane to a whole different level - great to just smash a hole in a building and take cover when you're up against it.
It is the game I go back to when I have a little while to kill, and I always end up playing it longer than I should.
Batman is great for the excellent comic-book tie in, but RF:G leaves me more satisfied.
The destruction stuff takes insane to a whole different level - great to just smash a hole in a building and take cover when you're up against it.
It is the game I go back to when I have a little while to kill, and I always end up playing it longer than I should.
Batman is great for the excellent comic-book tie in, but RF:G leaves me more satisfied.
Hmm, I was dithering over buying RF:G but that recommendation has sold me. Currently 18 quid on Play.com and includes the expansion pack.
Speaking of GTAIV, there's a new Xbox 360 XP out this week I think... Like I'll have time to play it anytime soon. Still, MP basejumping sounds fun...
I just completed this game this morning and had obtained 234 of 240 Riddler puzzles. I've just logged in to find my save game gone. I have a horrible feeling I deleted it by mistake.
Stupid port.
I am tempted to do the whole lot again though as I was looking forward to the Challenges. Maybe it'll tale me another year.
Stupid port.
I am tempted to do the whole lot again though as I was looking forward to the Challenges. Maybe it'll tale me another year.
Had yesterday off while awaiting a plumber. Started this again and am enjoying as much if not more than the first time around. This is defo in my top three all time favourite games.
Not long til Arkham City now :)
And yes. I have been away for a very long time lol...
And yes. I have been away for a very long time lol...
