Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
Platforms: iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360
Developers: Splash Damage, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, WB Games Montréal
Publishers: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, WB Games

Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) Review

The Dark Knight Returns to His Roots in an Epic Prequel

Batman: Arkham Origins is a 2013 action-adventure video game developed by Warner Bros. Games Montréal and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It is the third installment in the Batman: Arkham series, and a prequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. The game was released on October 25, 2013, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and Xbox 360.

Arkham Origins tells an original story set several years before the events of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. Bruce Wayne is a young and inexperienced Batman, still learning the ropes of crime-fighting. On Christmas Eve, Batman is targeted by eight of the world’s deadliest assassins, who have been hired to kill him by the mysterious Black Mask.

Batman must use all of his skills and gadgets to survive the night and uncover the truth behind the plot against him. Along the way, he will encounter a variety of allies and enemies, including the Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke.

Gameplay

Arkham Origins retains the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessors, but also introduces a number of new features and improvements. The game’s combat system has been refined, with new moves and combos that allow Batman to take down enemies more efficiently. Batman can also now use environmental objects to his advantage in combat, such as ledges and gargoyles.

The game’s stealth system has also been improved, with new ways to hide from enemies and take them down silently. Batman can now use smoke bombs to create distractions, and he can also use his Batarang to disable lights and security cameras.

Arkham Origins also features a number of new gadgets and weapons that Batman can use to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. These include the Remote Claw, which can be used to grapple onto distant objects, and the Freeze Blast, which can be used to freeze enemies in place.

Story

Arkham Origins tells an original story that fills in the gaps between Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. The game explores Bruce Wayne’s early days as Batman, and his relationships with his allies and enemies.

The game’s main antagonist is the Black Mask, a mysterious crime lord who has hired eight of the world’s deadliest assassins to kill Batman. Batman must uncover the Black Mask’s identity and stop his plot before it is too late.

Along the way, Batman will encounter a variety of allies and enemies, including the Joker, Bane, and Deathstroke. These characters play a significant role in the game’s story, and they help to shape Batman’s development as a hero.

Characters

Batman: Arkham Origins features a large cast of characters, both new and old. The game’s protagonist is Batman, a young and inexperienced crime-fighter who is still learning the ropes.

Other major characters in the game include:

The Joker: Batman’s arch-nemesis, a psychopathic clown who is obsessed with chaos.
Bane: A powerful and intelligent villain who is known for his strength and durability.
Deathstroke: A skilled assassin who is considered to be one of the world’s deadliest mercenaries.
Black Mask: The game’s main antagonist, a mysterious crime lord who has hired eight assassins to kill Batman.
Alfred Pennyworth: Batman’s loyal butler and confidant.
Commissioner Gordon: The commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department.

Setting

Batman: Arkham Origins is set in Gotham City, a dark and dangerous metropolis. The game’s map is larger than the maps of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, and it includes a variety of new locations, such as the GCPD headquarters and the Gotham Royal Hotel.

The game’s setting is fully realized, with a variety of details that bring Gotham City to life. The game’s lighting and weather effects are particularly impressive, and they help to create a truly immersive experience.

Graphics and Sound

Batman: Arkham Origins is a visually stunning game. The game’s graphics are some of the best in the series, and they bring Gotham City to life in all its dark and gritty glory.

The game’s sound design is also top-notch. The game’s voice acting is excellent, and the game’s soundtrack is both atmospheric and exciting.

Overall

Batman: Arkham Origins is a superb action-adventure game that is a worthy addition to the Batman: Arkham series. The game’s story is engaging, the gameplay is refined, and the graphics and sound are top-notch. Whether you’re a fan of the Batman: Arkham series or just a fan of great action-adventure games, Batman: Arkham Origins is definitely worth checking out.