Batman: Arkham Origins

Description

Batman: Arkham Origins is the third entry in the Arkham series, though chronologically it serves as a prequel to Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. The story unfolds on Christmas Eve, when crime lord Black Mask places a bounty on Batman, attracting eight assassins including Deathstroke, Deadshot, and Copperhead. As Batman investigates, he encounters the Joker for the first time, setting the stage for their enduring rivalry. Gameplay builds on the free‑flow combat and predator stealth systems established in earlier entries. Players can chain attacks, counters, and gadgets in fluid sequences, while stealth encounters emphasise fear and tactical planning. Gotham City is presented as a larger, more open environment, divided into districts and accessible via the Batwing fast‑travel system. Side missions include encounters with villains, alongside crime scene investigations that expand Batman’s detective role.

Technically, the game introduces new mechanics such as the “Crime Scene Reconstruction” system, allowing players to piece together events using holographic projections. The Wii U version differs slightly from the release on other platforms. The multiplayer mode, developed by Splash Damage, was removed from other releases. The GamePad integration is the most notable difference. The touchscreen displays Gotham’s map, allows players to set waypoints instantly, and provides quick access to mission objectives and upgrades without pausing the game. This makes navigation smoother and reduces reliance on traditional menus. Players could also use the Wii U Pro Controller, which many reviewers noted felt more comfortable than the PS3 controller. Performance on Wii U is generally stable, with less screen tearing compared to the PS3 version and graphics comparable to other consoles.

Reception of the Wii U version mirrors the broader response to Arkham Origins: praise for the story, combat, voice performances (with Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker), the faithful expansion of Gotham, and general atmosphere of the game. But the game was held back by technical issues and a perceived lack of innovation compared to Rocksteady’s earlier entries. Despite this, Arkham Origins provided an exploration of Batman’s formative years and its darker seasonal atmosphere, contributing to the broader mythology of the Arkham series.