Game News: Batman Arkham Origins Updates

After reviewing the first two Arkham games, and writing down the news on the upcoming installment Batman: Arkham Origins, I figured I'd post some updates on that game, as there's been a lot of new and exciting info. coming out about it. Kevin Conroy revealed he's been working on a new Arkham game, despite not appearing in this game. Roger Craig Smith (known for his roles as Ezio Auditore in Assassin's Creed and Chris Redfield in Resident Evil) voices the younger Batman, and he pulls of the younger Conroy voice perfectly. Troy Baker, a voice actor who has had two video game breakout roles this year: as the lead heroes in The Last of Us (Joel) and Bioshock: Infinite (Booker), as well as voicing the animated Hawkeye and Batman in LEGO Batman, joined the cast as The Joker, and does a really good Mark Hamill voice, it's astounding considering he's known for rugged hero voices. Joker also has a slightly new look in this game, including getting rid of his receding hairline, not having his purple suit (instead having a slightly violet trench coat), and not having a huge gang, as well not having a beat-up face. Deathstroke isn't the only announced assassin, either: Deadshot and Bane (who appear more like their comic-book counterparts than in previous games) have been confirmed as well as an unnamed female assassin, who fans have speculated could be Catwoman (unlikely, as she's a thief, not a trained killer), Lady Shiva, Cheshire, or Talia al Ghul. Commissioner Loeb has been confirmed, as well as Alfred (who is said to clash with Batman throughout the plot) and the anti-establishment vigilante Anarky, who serves as a Riddler-like character in the game. Fans noticed that Bane's known associates have slightly different names than in the comics, but his gang consisting of "Bird", "Zombie", and "Trogg" from Knightfall might make an appearance, as they are in his "known associates" list, and Deathstroke's butler Wintergreen was in his contacts list, so he may make an appearance. Since Deathstroke (like fellow DC supervillain Prometheus) is Batman's criminal counterpart, Wintergreen is the counterpart for Alfred. PS3 gamers get exclusive skins, including the Azrael Batman from Knightfall and the 60's Adam West Batman skin, which looks more bad-as on the Arkham Batman. The Penguin hasn't been played up as much as he was in early articles, so he might have more of a minor role, or a supporting role like he did in Batman: Arkham City. One nitpick fans have had is that WB Montreal has added new tech and better weapons to improve the gameplay, but it doesn't fit the story because it's a prequel. Speaking of which, creative director Eric Holmes and the team at WB Montreal have done an amazing job authentically replicating the look, feel, and gameplay system of the other games. In the game, a hacker (who's identity is yet to be revealed) will block certain areas, preventing the Batwing from venturing near them, so Batman must deactivate his bad signals, and other villains are slated to make appearances, but WB Montreal doesn't want to reveal too much yet. They also revealed a new type of thug, the "Martial Artist", who is more difficult to defeat than the common thugs (like the blade thugs in Asylum, or the armored/weapon/shield thugs in City), as he can counter you, but you can counter his counters, making him an interesting foe to defeat. The game is set before Robin appears, and is set approximately 5 years before Asylum, and 2 years in Batman's career, making it almost 8 years before City. It is unknown how large Joker's role will be, but it is expected to be as it was in City, not the main villain, but a major role, and Batman must deactivate bombs around the city he has placed. It's also shown they might already have a past together, but this might be the first time they meet. Eric Holmes has also stated that certain boss fights will mimic the Mr. Freeze boss fight from City, (the best boss fight in the game) in that they utilize different takedown techniques and strategies, making them interesting, a little different than the rinse-and-repeat boss fights we saw in previous games (with the exception of Mr. Freeze and Scarecrow). I'll keep you guys posted if I find out anything new.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BatmanArkhamVideos The "Batman: Arkham" Channel, which constantly posts news and rumors on Arkham Origins and the possible sequel game, as well as the other games' Easter Eggs. It includes the new trailers, trailer analyses, rumors, news, the full gameplay demo and Holmes interview, and much more!

http://mattcottermovies.blogspot.com/2013/04/game-review-batman-arkham-asylum-and.html My review of the first two games.

http://mattcottermovies.blogspot.com/2013/04/gaming-news-batman-arkham-origins.html My original news article on Origins

 (Images: cinemablend.com comicbookmovie.com, geeksofdoom.com)