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Batman Arkham Asylum was among my favorite games of 2009 as I am sure it was for many people. Rocksteady Studios did a phenomenal job of combining the classic Batman Animated Series style with the dark/brooding tone of the Christopher Nolan films. Not only did it make Batman relevant again in the video game realm, it put super-hero games on the map in a way that had never been seen before. Immediately following its release, the potential for a sequel was realized and the announcement teaser trailer launched a few months later. The trailer teased at the transition into Gotham City itself and the villain speculation. Since its reveal, this game has been tucked away in the back of my brain, waiting for the perfect moment to explode.
Today, with the reveal of the new Game Informer covers, is that day. I am pumped. I have really been digging the new magazine layout, especially in regards to the cover spread, since the new design launched a few months ago. With the September issue, we will be getting our first glimpse at the newly titled: "Batman: Arkham City" (PS3, Xbox 360, PC). However, there is already plenty of room for speculation based on the beautiful new cover art(s) right now. Take a look:
Here are just a few thoughts that immediately popped into my head:
- The black/white/red color palette suggests that the game may be striving for an ever darker, atmospheric tone than the original. Hell, it may even be hinting at new art direction for the game. Could Arkham City be going for the "Noir" style that has been made popular with titles like the Saboteur and Heavy Rain?
- I love, love, love, love the new design for Catwoman. I have often wondered how Christopher Nolan would adapt such a goofy character to his darker, more realistic style. If it would be anything like this, count me in.
- Both covers suggest a potential romance or at least flirtatious relationship between the characters. Those kinds of interactions have always been interesting to me in the comic book universe. I really enjoyed the interactions between Michael Keaton and Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns.
- The subtle inclusion of Two Face on the Uncle Sam poster in the background might confirm the characters involvement in the story but I am a little worried that he might take a back seat to the other villains. I pray that he doesn't play the role of the elusive Riddler in the sequel. If you can remember, The Riddler was merely hinted at through audio logs and scribbled messages in the first game, he was never actually seen.
Seeing as this game has just made my most anticipated games of 2011, I am curious to hear what your hopes and dreams are for this game. Let the villain speculation run rampant!
Comments
14 years, 3 months ago
I am also quite excited for the game as well. I know I'm not the only one who hopes catwoman plays a big part in the sequel. Possible coop play? Judging on the screens, it could happen
14 years, 3 months ago
I think by the way they are shown together in second one, like they're binded/tied together, shows that there could be co op? And he's wiping blood from his mouth in the top on so aybe he turns into a Vampire Bat...man :p lol
14 years, 3 months ago
The artwork reminds me of Assassin's Creed. I can't really tell alot of a from a teaser but I think you might be able to play as catwoman. I was thinking what it would be like if they added a open world style to it but then i thought "that might be allot like spiderman games"
14 years, 3 months ago
Looks really cool. But what's up with all the blood on Batman's face in the first cover.
14 years, 3 months ago
Cannot wait for this game, really pumped!
14 years, 3 months ago
Loved the first game, definetly getting this one, can't wait to see it.
14 years, 3 months ago
It's kinda sick to see Gotham falling to peices and the Joker connected to a machine now.
14 years, 3 months ago
I'm just as excited for Arkham City. It's nice that Rocksteady is taking their time for this sequel and not rushing. To me I think the visual style of the GameInformer cover could hint in a new detective mode since Rocksteady was disappointed of how players overused it and did not appreciate the visuals of the game. For villains, Mr. Freeze voiced by Maurice LaMarche and Talia Al Ghul voiced by Stana Katic were confirmed by the voice actor/actress themselves to be in. I would love some of the Arkham Asylum villains to make a return and many new ones to make their appearance. Fall 2010 is going to be a long wait.
14 years, 3 months ago
Now is when I kill myself for getting a new laptop instead of a PS3.
14 years, 3 months ago
I'm excited for this as well. I think we're all reading too much into the cover though. I don't think the art or rendering means anything beyond "Hey look at this cover." The red, white and black color scheme is very powerful. It was used in Star Wars to show the strength of the Empire and the Sith which also alluded to many organizations in real life who use those colors. Its common to see this color scheme grace the covers of video games and comic books, but I have rarely ever seen it on a magazine. Imagine the magazine rack at your local book store, department store, or wherever else you happen to see magazines. Now put this cover on the shelf. This will jump off the shelf. Its the kind of cover that you can spot from across the room and go "What's that?" and immediately walk over to it. Its a beautiful cover but I don't think it means anything that will effect the game, other than providing advertisements.
I like seeing Catwoman on there, especially goggles Catwoman. It has always been my favorite design of the character and I'm wondering how she will play, or if we will get to play as her at all. Also if there is some sort of a romance undertone then how will they handle it? Batman and Catwoman's relationship is a little hard to grasp. I hope they get it right.
As for villains, I want to see some Clayface and I'm hoping The Riddler makes a physical appearance this time.
14 years, 3 months ago
The design for Catwoman is how she currently looks in the comics and has looked for a while, since before Batman died in the Crisis.
see: http://acomicbookblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Gotham-CitySirens-Cv4.jpg -a comic cover, not fanart, btw.
I agree with everything in your impressions. Looks amazing and darker and Catwoman there makes me excited. I don't want her to be some playable character though, like a cheap Trish to Dante, although she would totally fit in with Batman's play-style: shadows, stealth, sexiness.
Infact..I would LOVE if she were a playable character, though I think it would be hard to write in her levels and keep the whole game like...on the same level of awesome. Like...millions of people, guys espcially love Batman, but don't feel the same way, if anyway about Catwoman. Plus writing and designing a reason to play as both of them without making it seem gimmicky- ie like Trish in DMC, would be a challenge.
I AWAIT MORE INFORMATION
14 years, 3 months ago
They did an AMAZING job with Scarecrow. I hope he gets just as much screenplay as he did in number one, in number TWO.<3 if not, maybe even more ;)
14 years, 3 months ago
Not a fan of the series, but damn, those coverarts look pretty sweet.
14 years, 3 months ago
The design on Catwoman isn't actually that new. Its the old Jeph Loeb design, most prominently featured in the Batman: Hush Storyline. But, I am eager to see what kind of designs we get for other villains.
14 years, 3 months ago
OMFG what if the game was co-op with Robin!!!!!
But it would be best if there was a separate co-op campaign as not to ruin the atmosphere of the single player.
14 years, 3 months ago
i am assuming since joker seems like he's dying in the trailer, that it's gonna be like someone trying to take over where joker left off? sort of like an heir of madness. hopefully twoface takes over, and catwoman wants revenge or something like that. that would make co-op play seem to fit in the story more.
14 years, 3 months ago
Blood and violence, mixed with sex and romance.
that's what i want in Batman.