Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate - PlayStation Vita

When I bought my Wii U last December, the very first game I purchased (not counting Nintendo Land) was Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition. I was incredibly impressed with all of the unique features added to the game via the Gamepad, including the radio chatter being played through the Gamepad's speaker (which made the game more immersive), the map being placed on that screen (which eliminated the need to pause every time I lost my bearings), the placement of character bios, challenges, upgrade menus, and gadget access on the lower screen (making it much easier to read text, especially), and the use of the touchscreen for most of those functions (whether playing on the TV or on the Gamepad itself). Hacking felt more like hacking with having to use the touchscreen to find and activate hidden nodes. Aiming certain gadgets was made butter-smooth by using the built in gyroscope. Blowing up individual explosive gel placements (one at a time) was made possible (and easier) with the touchscreen. And of course playing the entire game on the Gamepad screen with extreme ease was probably the best feature of all. All of these things made the Armored Edition of Arkham City the DEFINITIVE version of an already amazing game.When I heard that Arkham Origins would be coming out for Wii U, I was expecting the same features. While the game definitely kept the best features like off-TV play, radio chatter through the Gamepad speaker, and the map being displayed on the touchscreen, the majority of other features that made the Armored Edition so much better than other console versions have been taken away (in fact, all of the Gamepad features I had listed as positives for the Armored Edition of Arkham City with the exception of the few I mentioned as actually being in Origins are in fact gone). If you've played the Armored Edition of Arkham City, you won't realize how much you miss those features until they're gone. I do realize, however, that none of the extra features are available in ANY of the other versions of the game (and unlike with Arkham City, they weren't adding new features to a completed game but doing certain things with a game as it was being developed), so this doesn't really affect the score.I should be clear though. I gave this game 5 stars because I still think it's great. It's basically what you'd expect from an Arkham game. Fun and fluid combat, pretty much all of the usual gadgets (you start off with the batarang, remote controlled batarang, grappling gun, explosive gel, cryptographic sequencer, and another gadget or two I can't remember) and it doesn't take long to get back into the swing of things. Once you get out into Gotham City, there is a TON of stuff to find and huge environments to explore. There aren't a lot of people out (apart from thugs), but considering the storm warning at the beginning of the game and the fact that it's night time (early on in Batman's career when crime is still rampant everywhere)...on Christmas Eve, it isn't really all that shocking.While there aren't Riddler trophies/riddles to find, there are still collectibles and other Enigma puzzles to find throughout the city. You also get crimes in progress in which you can intervene and plenty of other side quests that I personally have yet to discover (as I've only played a couple of hours so far). My review is based more on the first couple of hours, but I can already tell that this game is going to be great.If you enjoyed either of the other two Arkham games, you'll enjoy this one. While the Wii U version doesn't use the Gamepad in as many unique ways as the Armored Edition of Arkham City, the features it does have (as well as the improved frame rate and the removal of the completely unnecessary and mediocre multiplayer) still make it the best version to own.Update 11/4/13: I wanted to update my review to point out a couple of things for those who may be wondering (after having made a lot more progress in-game). First off, please be aware that this game is very, very similar to Arkham City when it comes to environment, mechanics, and overall gameplay. Where Arkham City was quite different from Arkham Asylum, Arkham Origins is not nearly as different. Much of what you do is very similar and it doesn't feel nearly as unique as the first two games did from one another.But I still think it's a fantastic game. It may not be as great as Arkham City, but it's still well worth playing. You just have to go into the game recognizing that apart from differences in what Batman is like as a character and the fact that the city is about double the size, it's not dramatically different.Finally, I want to point out that while the framerate is consistently smooth, there are occasions where the game will stop for a few seconds to load while gliding. In about 10 hours of play time so far (give or take), the game has frozen completely on me only once.Overall, I would make my rating 4.5 out of 5 rather than 5, but that's only because it isn't as unique.

The first two Batman games were nothing short of amazing. I was definitely buying Arkham Origins, regardless of the things I was hearing and reading about it. I'll admit that my expectations were lowered due to the fact that a different group made the game. However, might I be so bold as to say this is the best Batman game I've ever played? Lets find out.Combat - It's pretty much the same combat system as before, which will always be a good thing in my book. Some have argued the combat feels a bit 'stiff', but I didn't notice that. The only difference that kind of stood out is the difficulty of some of the fights. I really looked forward to fighting huge groups of enemies in Arkham Asylum and Arkham City because it became easy once I got the hang of things. Arkham Origins' fights are lengthy and difficult, and at times feel like a total button masher. I'll explain what I mean: I've played more than my fair share of action games on the PS3. There's only been two games that caused me to experience forearm fatigue because of the button mashing fighting. Those games are Heavenly Sword (demo version) and now Arkham Origins. This is a prequel, so perhaps the fighting is difficult because they're wanting to emphasize that Batman is early on in his career, I don't know. At any rate, it gets a little easier when you acquire a certain gadget that I'll discuss in the next paragraph.Weaponry - If you've played any of the previous Batman games, you'll know he mainly uses gadgets as opposed to weapons, and that trend continues. The usual gadgets are present, so I'll focus on the new additions. We all know about the remote controlled batarangs; well now there's a remote controlled batclaw! Awesome, right? It doesn't really directly affect combat, I mainly used it to connect to far away grapple points. The concussion detonator actually does affect combat. It'll cause enemies to be momentarily dazed, giving you the chance to move in and put in work! The glue grenade is used to shut off those ever so annoying steam valves (or you can use the grenades on enemies too). Now to my favorite addition - The shock gloves!!! Here's how they work: You build up the battery by pounding on bad guys. Once fully charged, each melee strike will be accompanied by an electric shock. This made the tougher combat more enjoyable and a little easier :-)Enemies - I noticed a few new enemy types sprinkled here and there. The ones that stood out were the ninjas, the dudes with the venom filled canisters on their backs, and the brutes. The ninjas were different because you'll have to plan your strikes against them, as opposed to straight button mashing. I've been hearing a lot of negative things about the boss battles, and I don't understand why. In my opinion, each one was a little different and required some technique. Ok, the first one was a button mashing affair, but the others really weren't. You probably recall me saying I've played several PS3 action type games. Well, the final boss battle is the most terrifying boss battle I've ever encountered! I'm tempted to explain why, but I can't do so without giving spoilers. Some people are smart enough to give details without spoiling the game, but I'm sure in the hell not...Miscellaneous - Don't worry guys and gals, there's plenty of sidemissons with some pretty cool enemy encounters. You will not see the usual Riddler puzzles (thank God), but there are still collectables around town. Also, you'll get an opportunity to solve crimes, similar to how it's done in LA Noir, if you're familiar with that game. If you're into multiplayer, that feature is available in a Batman game for the first time. Arkham Origins didn't feel quite as long as the others, but it took me about 28 hours to complete (that includes the sidemissions and me screwing around in the city).The only negative thing about the game is very minor, but I still thought I'd mention it. The graphics are not as good as the previous two games, but that's not a big deal to me. After finishing Arkham Origins, I felt it was the best Batman game I've ever played. I had tons of fun, and was constantly looking forward to what might happen next. I'll be honest, if you play this game and you don't think it's at least 4 stars, I'll be shocked. Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, you're up next!

PERFECTION! Arrived on time, was in its case and sealed! 10/10 would recommend.as a young kid I didn’t have the ability to get many 3ds games for the DS I was lucky to have gotten as a gift from a family member years ago, I now decided as an adult to buy another DS and try to get games I would’ve wanted to play, and still do!