Speaking of Batman, Game Informer has just announced that Warner Bros. Montreal are making Batman: Arkham Origins, a prequel to Rocksteady’s Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. The game will be released on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and PC this fall. It will be set years before the first two Arkham games and include the villain Deathstroke. What’s a little concerning is that someone other than Rocksteady are making the game, considering how proven Rocksteady is, but I’m still optimistic. Read more…
So there is good news and bad news when it comes to the Batman: Arkham videogame series. Surprising everyone, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City turned out to be really well-made games; they’re some of my favorite games of this console generation. So the good news is that Warner Bros. has confirmed the next game is in development and will release later in 2013. But unfortunately, this game might not be in the hands of previous developers Rocksteady. Read more…
Mark Hamill may have gotten famous portraying Luke Skywalker, but his acting career never quite took off afterward. Hamill found another route to the hearts and minds of a new generation, though — portraying the Joker on Batman: The Animated Series. Say what you want about Nicholson’s or Ledger’s or even Romero’s Joker, but TAS Joker is the defining Joker for most people my age, and at the very least the very first voice that comes to mind when someone says “The Joker.” Now, Hamill’s ready to say goodbye to the role after his performance as the Clown Prince of Crime in the recently-released video game Batman: Arkham City. For those who’ve been following along at home, Hamill also said this after he wrapped up Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009, but he ended up sticking around for the sequel after its developers promised him that this Joker role would be something special. Everyone give Joker a nice buzzer handshake on his way out. Read more…
Rocksteady has revealed their latest trailer for Batman: Arkham City featuring none-other than everyone’s favorite snow-cone enthusiast, Mr.Freeze. Unfortunately, Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t lend his voice this time around, though it’s probably for the best. After all, Schumacher’s Batman & Robin certainly killed its fair share of careers. Still, I’ll miss those terribly awesome puns. It’s just not the same without the Austrian accent, right? At least the gameplay is looking solid as ever. Batman: Arkham City hits stores this October.
Last night, we posted the teaser for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rising. Though I’m excited for the film, it’s not the only Batman title I’m looking forward to. Later this year, Warner Brothers and Rocksteady Games will be releasing their long-awaited sequel to 2009’s Arkham Asylum, titled Batman: Arkham City. The sequel features a larger cast of villains, larger areas, tougher puzzels, and even the ability to play as Catwoman and Robin for portions of the game. What’s more, Warner Brothers just released the details for their special collector’s edition. In addition to the game, the $99 set will include a custom Batman statue from Kotobukiya, a collectible Arkham City art book, access to the Iceberg Lounge challenge map, a unique Batman: The Dark Knight Returns in-game skin, an official soundtrack, collectible cards, and finally a copy of the Gotham Knight anime which, if you recall, was produced by some of the same studios who worked on The Animatrix — though, I’m told it’s much better than that.
IGN’s given us the first good look at Batman: Arkham City, the follow-up to 2009’s critically acclaimed Arkham Asylum. Until now, we’ve only seen a live-action teaser introducing Dr.Hugo Strange, however this new trailer features quite a bit more. Not only do we get a glimpse at the actual gameplay, but we’ve been given our first look at Catwoman, and Two-Face. I’m also pleased to see The Joker — Mark Hamil — making his return after having been the focus of the last game. In recent weeks the developer has stated that they’ve opted to avoid an online mode — a feature that has been heavily requested for whatever reason — in favor of focusing on the single player aspect, and making sure it’s nicely polished when the game hits stores later this year. Personally, I can’t wait.