One of the most famous and popular heroic figures of our time. The story of a child that the murder of his parents had experience with and since then with manic, ans perverse bordering devotion, self-contempt and intransigence leads his war against the crime itself was so often told and varied like no other. Add this story still new facets and interesting aspects is far from easy. Nevertheless, the boys and girls of Warner Brothers Games Montreal have tried it. The question: they have succeeded.
The answer: For the most part yes. But not entirely.
But first of all the technical aspects:
1. Graphics
Right from the beginning (and from the first look at) is clear: it is de facto the same graphics as it was already used in Asylum and City. To make matters comes the Unreal 3 Engine is either way out of date, and it shows quite clearly. The close-up view of objects reveals detail poverty and simplicity in design, the coarseness is becoming clearer as compared to more modern engines. This does not mean that the graphics would not fulfill its purpose. Gotham is like a certain reporter from Metropolis said it once, a nightmare of steel and concrete, and WB manages very well to convey this atmosphere on the screen. The neo-Gothic architecture of the city and the typical for the Batman universe retro-surreal nature is rendered credible. Finally remains to say that the graphics work, but for the next part there may finally be a new engine.
2. Sound
As much as I hate to say it, but here I am really disappointed. After I read the Christopher Drake, in his capacity of composer excellent soundtrack of Batman: Under the Red Hood, would take over the musical accompaniment of Origins I was very positive. Wrongly, as it now appears. The sound ripples to mostly without significant heights in front of him and can compete in almost no time with its direct predecessor. Ingenious tracks as the Main Theme of Arkham City, or I think you should do as he says you will not find. Clear deductions in this category
3. Gameplay
Again, you have to expect any earth-shattering changes, but as they say on the other side of the pond: if it aint broke dont fix it (if it is not broke do not fix it you have to). However, it is not as if you had made any changes. One of the biggest problems of the two predecessor was thankfully tackled: the fighting was too easy. I do not know if it was only so, but Batman was his opponents, especially in the fighting, always far superior to, and also the hunters sections were rarely a challenge. Here you have rectified properly. In close combat, the enemies are faster, more aggressive and have a longer range. The variations have also increased. There are normal enemies, armored, heavily armored, Enforcer (also with armor) ... not to mention enemies on the Venom martial artist. However, they are prone to glitches because must be improved still by Patch. When the hunter missions now see significantly more enemies per room, Gargoyles are sometimes mined, and to get to the really good techniques and equipment is no longer enough stubbornly to himself to level, but want to challenge to be completed.
Special attention deserve the encounters. These include scenically the best thing I've seen. I started the game on the highest difficulty and am already one or the other come sweat times. By the way, to the already known from the previous New Game + is now also a New Game ++, which is already promising much gnashing Wutgebrüll and teeth. I'm happy for that ;-)
Negative is the fights are too repetitive and can last a long time sometimes. Many elements were fairly obvious copies of the two predecessors. The If the game however is only an offshoot I am personally ready overlook about it since is in principle denied to the faster, more action production before a proper way and I hope for further progress in terms of variety for the next part.
The same can be said, in what you have to adjust an already perpetrated crimes on the basis of evidence to find out more details about the course of action also on the new scene of the game mechanics. A great idea, although it is a bit too often taken by the hand here (What the game but in principle tends), and all now and then slipping into the ridiculous if you look closely the trajectory has to track a key card, for example, although this is already the whole can see time clearly. Overall, very atmospheric and great integrated, but still expandable.
4. Content
The collection freaks among gamers can look forward to the way. Riddler had a jump in the dish before it was Riddler, and hid in the city enough Collectibles. So I can clear the way for the faith which give the game would not have enough Contenct: The is definitely not the case. The Main Story is (felt) a lot longer than City, but needs some time before it gets going. But then properly. Furthermore, there are things to scan to thwart crime, educate murders, and wait in the tradition of the series Challenge Maps and campaigns abound. You get definitely something for his money.
5. Story
The basic framework should be known to most: BlackMask has offered out initially unknown reasons a bounty of 50 million for the death of Batman and thus lured some of the biggest job killer of the DC world to Gotham. Batman, not exactly known for his self-preservation instinct, goes along the lines of attack is the best defense outside to Black Mask bring his operation and to end the madness before it can begin. The course this does not work and a lot different than it seems it should be clear. As such, the story is well written and staged, but I had just to the selection of the main characters hoped more fresh air in the reference. If there is no shortage of the Batman universe at one are lunatics and psychopaths give off good opponent, here you have been IMO too conservative. As described above, the story takes a few hours before it really gets going, but then you want to not stop by voltage.
A great attention is paid to the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Alfred. The story takes place at a time on the Bruce is active as Batman only since just two years. His actions and strategies are abysmal rage and inexperience drawn what Alfred increasingly crashes worried about his foster son. One often reads the Alfred Batman`s Batman is. Just at the time in playing the game acts as a final safety barrier Alfred in Batman's psyche, the only thing that prevents him up completely in a world of violence, hatred and madness to lose. The game time (If the player is ready) take to illuminate this relationship and look at. One can during the game, if one is currently active in a mission not in a, at any time in order to talk in the Batcave with Alfred to change the suit or directly access the Challenge Maps. A great idea of who would look more like in future parts.
6. Negative
You can tell the game's short development time so far in that I could find a higher rate Glitch. Ground Pounds and takedowns are every now and then just not done that but can martial arts opponents and Batman staring at the now and then just stupid countering what is bearable in the Main Game is a real pain in the Challenge Maps. The video sequences are prone für`s stutter. Crashes or freezes, I had only two, but may be because I have the game installed on a stick.
7. Conclusion
Arkham Origins is over long distances to a successful outstanding game. Great staging, improvements where they were needed, credible development of the characters and a compelling story. The fear the WB Montreal the template would not do justice turns out to be unfounded. However, one must be clear that, despite all the positive is just an offshoot of the series, which is clearly reflected in the many elements taken over from the two predecessors (who fights for the first time with or against Slade will see what I mean) , I would be very sorry if the Arkham series the same way, the Assassins Creed go and would inundate us with all too frequent uninspired upgrades and hope for proper sequel to a complete overhaul of the current system. Glowing Batman fans like myself am one I can recommend a purchase without restriction, all the other might want to initially play sample or wait until the price descends.
