Batman: Arkham Asylum

[CraigO]

Yes on the first point. On the second point, if you don't enjoy the 'optional' challenge of high scores than it can be a lot less satisfying.

Personally I have never been one really enticed by the particular charms of high scores, ratings and time-trails.

Nor have I, honestly. I was just trying to explain that the 'depth' to Batman's combat exists at the higher end of play. My primary motivation for using as many of Batman's moves in a single unbroken combo wasn't the number at the end, but because it looked and felt fucking cool.

[The Grand Pursuivant]

The combat doesn't really have a lot of depth though, does it? People keep saying this, as a standard defence because it seems so shallow at first. There's definitely more to it than meets the eye, when everyone's first impressions are obviously it's one-button beat-em-up, which it's not.

Mastering the combat in this is like mastering a Rock Band song or something, getting the timing right, but once that's down, again, there's nothing left. Against standard goons there's still nothing stopping you just pressing counter continually. You won't get a decent combo or score or a gold medal, but you won't get hit either. That's not a fantastic combat mechanic.

It might not be as shallow as it seems, but that doesn't automatically make it 'deep'.

That's like saying 'They have loads of different tanks in C&C, but you can just build lots of one kind and still win anyway'.

There is depth if you want it. If you don't, then it becomes an alright beat em up/adventure hybrid, which is a shame, because it's such a rewarding game if you put the time in.

[sir stiff_one]

Mastering the combat in this is like mastering a Rock Band song or something, getting the timing right, but once that's down, again, there's nothing left. Against standard goons there's still nothing stopping you just pressing counter continually. You won't get a decent combo or score or a gold medal, but you won't get hit either. That's not a fantastic combat mechanic.

It might not be as shallow as it seems, but that doesn't automatically make it 'deep'.

Funny you compare it to Rock Band as it started out as a rhythm action game, the Batman fighting bits. Makes perfect sense when you think about it in that way. And for what it's worth I think you're right, it isn't in any way 'deep', compared to a dedicated fighter, but it does allow you to fight plain, flashy, plan out your attacks around the room, etc. It's a very rewarding and enjoyable mechanic, and keeping the chain going makes it more exciting still, it really is very much still rhythm action in its soul.

[Vemsie]

Funny you compare it to Rock Band as it started out as a rhythm action game, the Batman fighting bits. Makes perfect sense when you think about it in that way. And for what it's worth I think you're right, it isn't in any way 'deep', compared to a dedicated fighter, but it does allow you to fight plain, flashy, plan out your attacks around the room, etc. It's a very rewarding and enjoyable mechanic, and keeping the chain going makes it more exciting still, it really is very much still rhythm action in its soul.

I can definitely see the rhythm action roots.

With the risk of repeating myself, I still thinks it's deeper than some give it credit for, with the different enemy types, variation bonuses and the risk reward system of the ground takedowns (I found it to be a good tactic to throw an enemy into an open space and follow it up with a flying ground takedown, looks ace as well).

But it's hard to define deep anyway.

To quote a Belgian film critic: if you want depth, you should take a dive in the ocean.

[CraigO]

I think it's fair to say that if you're not going into each fight trying to keep an unbroken chain going, you're not going to appreciate the combat system fully.

[mr_rmg]

the combat system is really good. i love it.

[PlasticToy]

I got this the other day, finished it last night and then spent this afternoon running about finding the collectables. I enjoyed it and it would be great to see a sequel. From looking at the character bios there are plenty of characters that could still appear.

Despite being rather unfamiliar with Batman (I've only watched the recent Batman films) it was good to be able to read more about the characters and I really would like to get into the comics at some point.

[Made of Ghosts]

Finished this the other day and have been mopping up the Riddler challenges since then. (I didn't realise how the riddle-solving mechanic worked until very late in the game. Somehow that bit where it forces you to do it, didn't register properly with me. )

Anyway, it's very good. Strong 8/10 game I reckon. Not really any more than that. Maybe I'm just not enough of a Batman fan (although even as a nonfan I still got a few "fuck yeah I'm the motherfucking batman" moments.) I don't feel that the level design is quite "there" enough for it to be a real classic. Not the individual rooms, they were fine, but the way it all fitted together didn't seem quite as clever as in something like Metroid Prime.

It's one of those games that is so user-friendly that sometimes it almost plays itself - icons for grappling hook points, detective mode to explain all the level furniture and light up the air vents, etc. Some of the abilities are a bit lock+key. Although actually I quite liked the analogue twiddly blow up control panels minigame.

The invisible predator bits were the best. Really unique mechanics at play, and I found that there was no magic formula that you could reiterate over and over again to win, you genuinely had to think on your feet. The gargoyles were a bit ridiculous but they had to be in there really. I do wish they'd had more of this type of gameplay and developed it a bit further. The booby-trapped gargoyles room is a fantastic "shit got real" section, really brought the tension to a new level. They should've taken it further. Well, I guess they do in the challenge rooms. Still though.

The regular combat was less fun. Not that it wasn't good, it's probably the best combat system of its kind I've ever seen in a game, but it still didn't grab me like the predator bits. I guess I just don't like that kind of gameplay so much. It never became a chore, which is impressive. Except the bosses. Even they weren't totally awful though.

Scarecrow bits were good. I even quite enjoyed the Killer Croc section. It wasn't amazing but it was nice to have a change of pace and it certainly got me on edge.

I'll no doubt buy the inevitable sequel(s). They could pretty much remake the same game in a different location and I'd be happy, as long as they mix up the predator sections a bit. Hopefully they'll think of an alternative for the gargoyles.

I've got like three Joker teeth left to find, and I've fucking SCOURED Intensive Treatment for them and no luck. Sigh.

[Pob]

I think, after getting 3 bats on every challenge room, that I even prefer the combat in this to Ninja Gaiden. It takes a totally different approach, of course, but I actually find it more satisfying. It's just so visceral.

The best thing about AA is that each time I get to a room of armed or unarmed goons, I can't wait to get stuck into them. It's the way you have so many fun, useful tools at your disposal. It's a really empowering game.

[DarhkFox]

really enjoyed the riddler challenges, i never go for collectathons... but this game i got 'em all.

[TheSlugFormerlyKnownAsNap]

I've played quite a bit of this over the weekend after buying it on launch and pretty much forgetting about it after completing the bits that were also in the demo.

Absolutely love it, so atmospheric and lovely crafted and full of beautiful polished details. One of those rare games where you don't hurry from objective to objective but actually take the time to look around and sometimes go back just to make sure you haven't missed any of the scenery because it's filled to the brim with stuff like stunning vistas and little details. It surely has the art design you'd expect from some top of the line movie or Disney ride kind of thing.

Totally loving this.

[Guest]

I previously downloaded the demo on 360 yet never played it - with a new PC in tow and BB:AA free with it, I've given it a crack.

Running at lovely high res, and currently using M+K, I'm very impressed. It begins Riddick-esque, and then switches to combat reminiscent of assassin's creed - yet all wrapped around some amazing graphics, great voice acting, and some excellent animation.

So far so good, I need to find that 360 dongle thing...

[Guest]

dp

[Guest]

Guys does anyone know how to take screenshots perchance? I tried prnt screen and no joy - the result is blackness.

Looks great on my PC thought I'd share

[Judgement]

really enjoyed the riddler challenges, i never go for collectathons... but this game i got 'em all.

Did you collect them all?

I love what happens after you do.

[PlasticToy]

Both the combat and stealth in the game were great. Button mashing wasn't very useful (which I usually end up doing in other games) so it was very satisfying to get large combos. I admit I usually only got up to 20 or so throughout most of the game but managed just over 40 towards the end. Even though my attacks were basic it was still very enjoyable dashing about and beating up numerous foes.

There weren't as many stealth opportunities as I would have liked. Taking the armed enemies out one by one was just as satisfying as the combat with unarmed hostiles. I was expecting there to be more related upgrades rather than just the inverted takedown.

[Rudi von Starnberg]

Guys does anyone know how to take screenshots perchance? I tried prnt screen and no joy - the result is blackness.

Looks great on my PC thought I'd share

Give FRAPS a shot if print screen isn't working. It's a luscious game, so screenshots would be great.

[Guest]

Yea couldnt be arsed to get fraps going etc though! I'm lazy like that.

Got a Q, often I see walls that can be blown up with the explosive gun squirty cream stuff - yet they're high up. How do I get my squidge on them? Same goes for vents...spoiler if you need to!

[Guest]

Also I gave up with the pad and stuck to Mouse and Keyboard. Looking around is much easier/quicker with the mouse

[Blue Screen Error]

Yea couldnt be arsed to get fraps going etc though! I'm lazy like that.

Got a Q, often I see walls that can be blown up with the explosive gun squirty cream stuff - yet they're high up. How do I get my squidge on them? Same goes for vents...spoiler if you need to!

Basically you will get a gadget at some point that will cover this.

[rumblecat]

little details...

I love the fact they took time to stick some dead rats in the ventilation shafts. Such a small thing but it adds just another tiny bit to the atmosphere of the game.

[Gloomy Andy]

When trying to complete a combo with all the moves in it do I need to put an evasive roll/jump in there or is it just the claw/batarang/stike/stun/counter/throw/insta-takedown/ground£?

[Vemsie]

When trying to complete a combo with all the moves in it do I need to put an evasive roll/jump in there or is it just the claw/batarang/stike/stun/counter/throw/insta-takedown/ground£?

Jump as well, but it's actually one of the easiest moves to incorporate and keep your combo going.

[Gloomy Andy]

Ah right I just didn't know if I needed it in there.

Will need to give it another go tonight.

[Judgement]

Yea couldnt be arsed to get fraps going etc though! I'm lazy like that.

Got a Q, often I see walls that can be blown up with the explosive gun squirty cream stuff - yet they're high up. How do I get my squidge on them? Same goes for vents...spoiler if you need to!

You get the batclaw when you go to your secret cave after Ivy's plants are all over Arkham.

[Guest]

Cool I got to that bit now

The Bane fight took me about 3-4 goes, annoying that. Still enjoying it, why didn't the reviews say how good this really was! Well, they did, just perhaps without enthusing about it enough.

Perhaps I just can't read

[TheSlugFormerlyKnownAsNap]

Yay, savegame corrupted!

According to the gamespot forum, this happens quite a lot.

Let's say I'm not best pleased about the prospect of having to start all over again, regardless of how good/pretty this game is.

[christaylor]

Yay, savegame corrupted!

According to the gamespot forum, this happens quite a lot.

Let's say I'm not best pleased about the prospect of having to start all over again, regardless of how good/pretty this game is.

Happened to me too, at 23%.

Take comfort in the fact that it'll take you much less time to get back to where you were than your first run through, and you'll be kicking ass from the get-go.

Total pain in the arse though, having to find all the ? and do the teeth again.

[christaylor]

This bloody game completely freaked me out last time I played it.

At about 40% in...

the graphics glitched and froze, sound went funny and the game's intro credits started rolling again. I thought I was going to have to send the 360 off again for a repair! Eventually it fell into place when Batman/Joker swapped places

Slags.

[TheSlugFormerlyKnownAsNap]

Happened to me too, at 23%.

Take comfort in the fact that it'll take you much less time to get back to where you were than your first run through, and you'll be kicking ass from the get-go.

Total pain in the arse though, having to find all the ? and do the teeth again.

Is it possible to copy savegames between slots? I sure hope so, as I don't really trust the game game enough to use just a single saveslot and have it happening again.