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Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate |OT| Batvania

T

TheFLYINGManga_Ka

Member
What? Just read on Gamefaqs someone beat the game in 5hrs 22min at 83%.

Thought it was 10hrs! Lies I tell ya! Lies!

Probably the 10 was partly true meaning with NG+. *eyes roll*
 
D

dallow_bg

nods at old men
Oh, this comes out tomorrow?
What's with the weird release day?

I actually have this ordered from Amazon so it'll be nice to play over the weekend.
 
S

Samir Sedlar

Member
Watching that recent walkthrough video, I am not really impressed, for some reason it feels like a diluted version of the console, I am talking about gameplay.
 
P

Peff

Member
TheFLYINGManga_Ka said:
What? Just read on Gamefaqs someone beat the game in 5hrs 22min at 83%.

Thought it was 10hrs! Lies I tell ya! Lies!

Probably the 10 was partly true meaning with NG+. *eyes roll*
Click to expand...

That would be me :p So...

+ As said before, the presentation is fantastic. Native resolution, solid framerate, smooth transitions between rooms, great atmosphere... even if the game takes place in one place, each location still manages to feel distinct, and while the Vita lacks 3D, the camerawork is still appreciated. Voice actors do a good job with what little they have to work with and the music isn't exactly memorable, but it works well in the heat of the moment.
+ Gear gating works nicely. You have to do a fair bit of backtracking to each area, but thanks to the new gadgets you'll be able to open new shortcuts and paths to upgrades, which prevents it from being tedious.
+ Similarly, the area layouts can get dense at times. Metroidvanias are becoming more and more commonplace nowadays, but that feeling of "Alright, which way?" will never get old. That said, sometimes graphics are a little too busy and they can obscure air duct entrances, which might be even worse on 3DS. Hint:
There's no need to backtrack after defeating Grundy
.
+ Some people will probably find the bosses frustrating, but I'd still argue they're a highlight. Other than
Catwoman/Bronze Tiger
they're all unique and represent the only times you're likely to see the game over screen. In particular,
the Penguin's Freeze-like stealth sequence and Black Mask's point-and-click "fight" were among the series' best bosses. Not the highest of praise, but still, they're good
+ There are actual puzzles at some points. It's nothing too fancy, but it adds variety.
+ The hacking mini-game treads that fine line between "annoying mini-game" and "what's the point of even having this?" well. It's quick, it gets a little more complex with each new security code and it doesn't pop up too often.

- I think by far the biggest issue with the game is that it's EXTREMELY easy. I'm not going to pretend the console games were Ghost 'n' Goblins, but even leaving aside the fact that the AI was more aggressive, Blackgate doesn't have the enemy progression its brethren do. You have the fodder, the knife and taser guys (and very rarely do you ever see these two together or more than one at the same time), but that's it for the entire game. Add to that Batman's responsiveness, and enemies are little more than a waste of time. Things get more interesting during bosses, but it's not enough.
- All of that extends to predator sequences, and it's even worse there. They're very far apart, it only goes up to four enemies at a time at best (when Batman can destroy two armed men with ease here) and just like with combat, what you see is what you get. No takedowns from above or other skills that you don't have from the beginning, no detective mode jammers, no suicide collars, nada. It's too bad, because one of the bosses actually does try to push the envelope and it's intense, but also a one-off.
- Optional upgrades are unexciting. You've got several physical power-ups like health or extra damage, which are completely worthless, batsuits (each of which requires five different pick-ups) and hidden items around the backgrounds which serve as side-quests and unlock concept art. There's nothing here quite like finding those first life/missile tanks in a Metroid game, but at least figuring out how to reach some of them is fun.
- Likewise, the new gear you find through the game is not much better, but to be fair it's not really their fault. The problem is that anybody familiar with this series will figure out almost the entire gear tree from barely playing ten-fifteen minutes:
it's pretty much Asylum's, Gel Launcher, Line Launcher, stronger decryption...
. You do get a couple of new twists for some gadgets, but they only come to play towards the end of the game, and there's very little new here otherwise.
- It can take time to get used to how the map works, but I guess a normal map wouldn't have worked well with all the background/foreground stuff.
- Of all the things from the Metroid Prime series to take inspiration from, the pre-ending fetch quest probably shouldn't have been one of them. It's not too terrible, though.
-
Arkham Batman just can't catch a break, it seems. We just can't go an entire game without someone outsmarting him, haha.

Finally, the infamous length :p. I think one extra area/main enemy would have been perfect, but to be honest I didn't really feel that shortchanged. It's probably similar in volume of content to Shadow Complex, perhaps even a little more, so that's a good measure stick. All in all, while perhaps not long/hard enough for a full price purchase, it's still worth a playthrough, especially for people who liked Asylum more than City, and more so if that budget price HD downloadable release ends up happening next year. Certainly a good effort from Armature.
 
E

Eusis

Member
Peff said:
- Of all the things from the Metroid Prime series to take inspiration from, the pre-ending fetch quest probably shouldn't have been one of them. It's not too terrible, though.
Click to expand...
I'm convinced that someone who worked at Retro and left to form Armature is absolutely OBSESSED with this idea and thinks it's great design, and to hell with everyone who disagrees. This will be doubly reinforced if we do get an MP4 from Retro and it's completely absent.
 
Y

Yanikun

Banned
Peff said:
That would be me :p So...

+ As said before, the presentation is fantastic. Native resolution, solid framerate, smooth transitions between rooms, great atmosphere... even if the game takes place in one place, each location still manages to feel distinct, and while the Vita lacks 3D, the camerawork is still appreciated. Voice actors do a good job with what little they have to work with and the music isn't exactly memorable, but it works well in the heat of the moment.
+ Gear gating works nicely. You have to do a fair bit of backtracking to each area, but thanks to the new gadgets you'll be able to open new shortcuts and paths to upgrades, which prevents it from being tedious.
+ Similarly, the area layouts can get dense at times. Metroidvanias are becoming more and more commonplace nowadays, but that feeling of "Alright, which way?" will never get old. That said, sometimes graphics are a little too busy and they can obscure air duct entrances, which might be even worse on 3DS. Hint:
There's no need to backtrack after defeating Grundy
.
+ Some people will probably find the bosses frustrating, but I'd still argue they're a highlight. Other than
Catwoman/Bronze Tiger
they're all unique and represent the only times you're likely to see the game over screen. In particular,
the Penguin's Freeze-like stealth sequence and Black Mask's point-and-click "fight" were among the series' best bosses. Not the highest of praise, but still, they're good
+ There are actual puzzles at some points. It's nothing too fancy, but it adds variety.
+ The hacking mini-game treads that fine line between "annoying mini-game" and "what's the point of even having this?" well. It's quick, it gets a little more complex with each new security code and it doesn't pop up too often.

- I think by far the biggest issue with the game is that it's EXTREMELY easy. I'm not going to pretend the console games were Ghost 'n' Goblins, but even leaving aside the fact that the AI was more aggressive, Blackgate doesn't have the enemy progression its brethren do. You have the fodder, the knife and taser guys (and very rarely do you ever see these two together or more than one at the same time), but that's it for the entire game. Add to that Batman's responsiveness, and enemies are little more than a waste of time. Things get more interesting during bosses, but it's not enough.
- All of that extends to predator sequences, and it's even worse there. They're very far apart, it only goes up to four enemies at a time at best (when Batman can destroy two armed men with ease here) and just like with combat, what you see is what you get. No takedowns from above or other skills that you don't have from the beginning, no detective mode jammers, no suicide collars, nada. It's too bad, because one of the bosses actually does try to push the envelope and it's intense, but also a one-off.
- Optional upgrades are unexciting. You've got several physical power-ups like health or extra damage, which are completely worthless, batsuits (each of which requires five different pick-ups) and hidden items around the backgrounds which serve as side-quests and unlock concept art. There's nothing here quite like finding those first life/missile tanks in a Metroid game, but at least figuring out how to reach some of them is fun.
- Likewise, the new gear you find through the game is not much better, but to be fair it's not really their fault. The problem is that anybody familiar with this series will figure out almost the entire gear tree from barely playing ten-fifteen minutes:
it's pretty much Asylum's, Gel Launcher, Line Launcher, stronger decryption...
. You do get a couple of new twists for some gadgets, but they only come to play towards the end of the game, and there's very little new here otherwise.
- It can take time to get used to how the map works, but I guess a normal map wouldn't have worked well with all the background/foreground stuff.
- Of all the things from the Metroid Prime series to take inspiration from, the pre-ending fetch quest probably shouldn't have been one of them. It's not too terrible, though.
-
Arkham Batman just can't catch a break, it seems. We just can't go an entire game without someone outsmarting him, haha.

Finally, the infamous length :p. I think one extra area/main enemy would have been perfect, but to be honest I didn't really feel that shortchanged. It's probably similar in volume of content to Shadow Complex, perhaps even a little more, so that's a good measure stick. All in all, while perhaps not long/hard enough for a full price purchase, it's still worth a playthrough, especially for people who liked Asylum more than City, and more so if that budget price HD downloadable release ends up happening next year. Certainly a good effort from Armature.
Click to expand...

Mirror of Fate vs. Blackgate?
From those impressions, MoF seems significantly better.
 
S

Skyzard

Banned
Thank you for the detailed impressions Peff, this:

- I think by far the biggest issue with the game is that it's EXTREMELY easy. I'm not going to pretend the console games were Ghost 'n' Goblins, but even leaving aside the fact that the AI was more aggressive, Blackgate doesn't have the enemy progression its brethren do. You have the fodder, the knife and taser guys (and very rarely do you ever see these two together or more than one at the same time), but that's it for the entire game. Add to that Batman's responsiveness, and enemies are little more than a waste of time. Things get more interesting during bosses, but it's not enough.
Click to expand...

I feared... but then I heard there would be a new game + or something? If it exists, does it not affect the difficulty?

Shame you probably can't start like that...or some sort of hard mode from the get go?
 
P

Peff

Member
Yanikun said:
Mirror of Fate vs. Blackgate?
From those impressions, MoF seems significantly better.
Click to expand...

It's meatier and more demanding, that's for sure. They take almost opposite approaches, which means they complement each other well, but if you really like one of them chances are you won't like the other.
 
S

Skyzard

Banned
Peff said:
It's meatier and more demanding, that's for sure. They take almost opposite approaches, which means they complement each other well, but if you really like one of them chances are you won't like the other.
Click to expand...

Assuming you missed my post:

Any new game plus?

Or a hard mode so the combat is more interesting?

Sorry, I'm impatient I know.
 
Y

Yanikun

Banned
Peff said:
It's meatier and more demanding, that's for sure. They take almost opposite approaches, which means they complement each other well, but if you really like one of them chances are you won't like the other.
Click to expand...

Different is fine, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't just the same thing except bad.

I'm definitely buying it, I've been hyped for too long not to, but hearing impressions is good, because my wife would kill me if she knew I was spending money on video games while I'm looking for a job, and unfortunately for me, there's Sonic Lost World and A Link Between Worlds coming out soon... :p
 
T

Takao

Banned
So there's a bonus if you buy Blackgate on Vita, and Origins on PS3:

10466296163_a2b892601a_o.jpg


Get Arkham Origins on PS3 and Arkham Origins Blackgate on PS Vita, and unlock this exclusive “Beware the Batman” costume (modeled after the TV show of the same name) for Blackgate.
 
T

TheFLYINGManga_Ka

Member
Thanks for the impressions!^^

This game could've been more succesful if it was a downloable XBLA/PSN/Wii U game like Shadow Complex for $15-20.

Disappointing a more linear game like Mirror of Fate is longer and with more content. The MetroVania games are at least 10hrs long. With more effort Blackgate could've hit that length.

I'm a bit letdown. Was really excited for it. Still worth a playthrough but $40 kind of steep.
 
S

Skyzard

Banned
Separate game to the console versions, this is 2.5D on 3DS/Vita. The OT for the console/PC version is elsewhere.

Game is up on the UK store...not sure if I want it at £35 quite yet. I know it will be fun but think I'll feel a bit hard done by at full price, with no hard mode.
 
V

VanWinkle

Member
TheFLYINGManga_Ka said:
Thanks for the impressions!^^

This game could've been more succesful if it was a downloable XBLA/PSN/Wii U game like Shadow Complex for $15-20.

Disappointing a more linear game like Mirror of Fate is longer and with more content. The MetroVania games are at least 10hrs long. With more effort Blackgate could've hit that length.

I'm a bit letdown. Was really excited for it. Still worth a playthrough but $40 kind of steep.
Click to expand...

Ehh I think I finished Guacamelee in 5-6 hours. Of course, that game was only $15. :(
 
E

Eusis

Member
majorscud said:
Is this coming out on eshop or PSN tonight?
Click to expand...
eShop - if it's not there now then probably not, they tend to update at Midnight Eastern time.

PSN - I believe Origins is coming at Midnight Pacific time. If Blackgate's coming tonight it will probably be when that hits, else we are the mercy of GCT.
 
N

Nuklear

Banned
dallow_bg said:
Oh, this comes out tomorrow?
What's with the weird release day?

I actually have this ordered from Amazon so it'll be nice to play over the weekend.
Click to expand...

It's better than it coming out on the 29th. I'll take a Friday release anytime instead of having to wait 4 extra days.
 
E

eighty(one)

Member
VanWinkle said:
Ehh I think I finished Guacamelee in 5-6 hours. Of course, that game was only $15. :(
Click to expand...

It can be steep, though I implore:

If we want more games with the production values of C: MOF or B: AOBlackgate; we need to buy them. Otherwise 3DS/Vita get lesser support and we end up in a WiiU predicament.
 
E

Eusis

Member
Nuklear said:
It's better than it coming out on the 29th. I'll take a Friday release anytime instead of having to wait 4 extra days.
Click to expand...
Given it sounded like it was in stores last week I think it's less it would've come out on the 29th and more that it'd have come out on the 22nd. And in that case it's a bum deal.

BUT that may just be Origins, while this came to stores later, in which case I guess it's just synergy or whatever.
 
N

nampad

Member
Played a little bit over an hour o. The Vita and right now, I am not feeling it.

The tutorial felt so tacky with all those camera changes. Oh cool, am I supposed to be amazed by that? Surely, this was something for the 3DS so maybe that's why I am not seeing it but I guess even with 3D I would feel the same.
I also don't like it when movies try to focus too much on 3D effects and I hate games were the camera controls are taken away from the player too much. As it happened, the first real boss fight was annoying as hell because of the stupid change of perspective all the time.

I also would have enjoyed the normal exploration more if they would have left it mainly on one plane instead of trying to do so much 3D stuff. I can see it being interesting for the predator sequences but elsewise I don't get it. It also makes the world map more complex because you constantly move around corners. By the way, no pinch to zoom on the map? The Vita has multitouch, please use it.
Same goes for the backtouch, which would have been perfect for the analyzing detective mode, which I like.

The combat feels very responsive and I can see why Peff said it may make the game too easy. Countering is nearly instant, it doesn't matter if you have made a wrong input shortly before due to button mashing. The input window is very forgiving.
On the other hand, I can't seem to do ground takedowns in combat, only after a glide kick or hatch attack?
It also sucks that there is no free aim for the gadgets because the snap on often takes the wrong target. Should be at least possible on the Vita with it's dual analog sticks.

On the positive side I have to say that the presentation has been good so far. The animated cutscenes work well.
 
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