Comic-based media is huge in movies and games right now. Following closely behind the 2008 blockbuster The Dark Knight, Batman: Arkham Asylum is in a unique position to not only satisfy fans of the Caped Crusader who can’t wait for the third film, but also to buck the trend of terrible Batman video games (many of which were based on past Batman movies). With all of the right people working under the umbrella of this title, Arkham Asylum has the potential to be one of the best titles of the year.

No other games featuring the Dark Knight have had so many talented individuals behind the game, let alone right from the start. Batman: Arkham Asylum will feature the amazing voice work of Kevin Conroy (who has voiced the protagonist in numerous animated series) and the excellent Mark Hamill as the Joker. Spearheading character design is comic book development team Wildstorm Productions, created by Jim Lee, one of the most prolific comic book artists and man behind the visuals of All Star Batman and Robin as well as Batman: Hush.

The game is set to feature a plot (written by mastermind Paul Dini) seemingly ripped from the pages of a comic book: Batman has captured the Joker and is escorting him back into Arkham Asylum as another (usually poor) attempt at safekeeping. Before the task is complete, the Joker breaks free from captivity and manages to set loose all manners of criminals and superpowered antagonists within the facility. With the threat of fiery death to the citizens of Gotham looming ever-presently, Batman must uncover and thwart the Joker’s plan while keeping himself and the Comissioner safe from the fiends that prowl the halls.

Taking cues from some big-name games of this console generation, Arkham Asylum will use an over-the-shoulder perspective. Rocksteady Studios has also made a point to allow Batman to roam freely about the area, though the entire game is confined to the island on which Arkham Asylum itself is stationed. The main action of the game will focus on stealth elements and the use of what is being called the “Freeflow” combat system, allowing players to string together seemingly limitless offensive maneuvers while engaging multiple opponents.

Experience can be gained in the game, and can be used (in conjunction with items) to employ or upgrade various gadgets, armor, and techniques. Some of the areas within the asylum will only be available once certain gadgets have been acquired. Aside from gadgets used while on the prowl, information can be relayed to a stand-in of sorts for the Bat-Cave, located somewhere on the island. Presumably this is where the upgrade and technique learning processes will take place.

Rocksteady has confirmed not only Harley Quinn, the Joker, Bane, Killer Croc, and Zsasz as villains, but also guest appearances from Clay Face, Calendar Man, Two-Face, and possibly even more. Check out this video below to see just how amazing these characters look.

One of the faults of past games in the franchise is the decision to focus on action and gadgets instead of detective work and solving mysteries. Sure, Batman is a brilliant tactician and martial artist, but he is also one of the most cunning scientific minds in the DC Universe. Developer Rocksteady Studios promises to fill the previously empty void of detective gameplay elements by employing a number of investigative and problem-solving abilities (and complete with the high-tech gadgets that make them possible), effectively covering the gamut of the hero’s standard comic repertoire.

Â

No tale of Batman would be complete without his alter ego, and so far one question that has remained thus unanswered (possibly even unasked) is, “Will Bruce Wayne make an appearance?” Gamers should be able to find out the answer to this question when Batman: Arkham Asylum is released on August 25th of this year.

Tags: Arkham Asylum, Batman, Harley Quinn, Preview, Rocksteady Studios

This entry was posted on Monday, July 13th, 2009 at 10:30 am and is filed under PC, PlayStation 3, Previews, Xbox 360. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.