Batman: Arkham Origins - Part One (No Spoilers)

Batman: Arkham Origins is taking us back to the very beginning; anyone who has played the first two, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, will be a little confused to find the story not continuing on from the cliffhanger at the ending of City. Instead, we’re starting out as the 'nobody'; a caped figure that thugs fear, police hate and the mastermind criminals want dead. You’re plunged into gameplay almost immediately, there’s no tutorial to play or any easy opportunity to learn your combat controls or gadgets; instead it’s learn as you go.

This isn’t exactly a bad thing though, you feel immersed within the first scene as you fight it out against a thug who gives you a short yet sweet introduction into what the different attack moves can offer. From there, well you’re on your own. There are hints and tips along the way, alongside the traditional ‘focus points’ that the other two games specialised in. These assist those players who can’t quite work out the best advantage point to do a takedown and those who are experts in the game can easily switch off this function if they don't require it.

The combat style continues from the previous games; you gain experience from the combos you carry out, leading towards points for levelling up that in turn allow you to upgrade your weapons, armour or gadgets – a system I personally love. I’m more of a “detective” Batman than the all-out-brute-melee kind, (something my better half generally prefers) so being given the opportunity to level up through detective work and gadgetry is a bonus point for Warner Bros. and the design team.

Speaking of the investigative side of the game, hidden secrets must be discovered to help Batman gain further access to Arkham City and prevent his gadgets from being locked away by none other than the ‘Riddler’. A huge favourite for fans of the games have always been the Ridder trophies, and these continue to play a big part, though he’s aptly known as Enigma in Origins as he’s yet to be given his infamous nickname.

On that note, it’s a pleasant surprise to discover how closely written the game is to the Batman lore and comic books the game is based upon. There are a few parts in the story that the hardcore fans will pick at, but generally the designers have done a fantastic job for the script and graphical layout of Gotham City. The visuals are beautifully portrayed and bring to life the feel of the game, especially during the close-ups when encryption solving; the finer details, from Bruce’s chin hair or the breath clouds forming due to the cold temperature really adds to the overall presentation.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pnK8akbd2M

There’s been a few times in the game where the voice acting does overlap, which has caused some issues when trying to decipher where one mission leads to whilst Batman discusses the options for another, but the use of subtitles has combatted this. So far this has been my only negative concern, though I am only a short way through the gameplay so I will keep my opinions open and give a more focused pointing system within the next review. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve a city to save!

CLICK HERE FOR PART TWO