That image made me remember how much I miss Freakazoid.
Everyone misses Freakazoid. But in all fairness he is a hairs breadth away from being a Batman villian. Ofcourse that would mean we'd get to fight him in Arkham Asylum!
Cronus on
"Read twice, post once. It's almost like 'measure twice, cut once' only with reading." - MetaverseNomad
since we're talking about the comics, can we talk about the current state of Batman? I am so fucking confused. I've read most of the major Batman arcs of the last few years (except War Games, but I've read Hush, Jason Todd's return, No Man's Land, Batman and Son, Ra's' resurrection, Black Glove, RIP), and now there's this battle for the cowl or something? So what happened at the end of RIP? Batman escaped the memory-sucking machine and died in Final Crisis? Do I need to read Final Crisis to be up to speed? Do I need to read Infinite Crisis/52 (whatever that is?) I just wanna be able to get the TPB's that say Batman on 'em and be up to speed, but with all the crossover events the continuity/timeline is pretty damn confusing. What do you guys recommend I pick up?
You could get Final Crisis, but honestly, the whole damn story is confusing, so it might not be much help.
As far as bruce, the short, least-complicated version is basically:
Darkseid zapped Bats with his eyebeams, everyone thinks it kills him but it actually sends him back in time. Bruce is now stuck in the stone age or something. So back in Gotham, everyone thinks he's dead, and the Battle for the Cowl mini event has spawned from that.
If you plan on waiting for trades, there's not really much out now that you can get. I think Final Crisis is out today but I don't know if I'd really reccomend you pick it up. Battle for the Cowl just ended, so it'll be a bit of a wait to pick it up in trade form. If you haven't read Paul Dini's run on Detective Comics yet, get those...it's collected in a few trades, including "Heart of Hush". From here, Grant Morrison has started his new series "Batman and Robin" while Paul Dini will go on to start "Streets of Gotham" and "Gotham City Sirens"...the latter stars Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn, and appears to be continuing the Hush plotline as well. Batman and Detective Comics took a short break, but are now coming back, with Batwoman now starring in Detective.
Since it looks like you've read all of Morrison's run, I'd say get Dini's run next, which was going on at about the same time. It's collected in "Batman: Detective", "Batman: Death In The City", "Batman: Private Casebook", and "Batman: Heart of Hush".
Hmmm... I'm a HUGE Dini fan, but the original Hush thing left me cold. If that's the case, will I enjoy his Hush work?
I should also point out that Dini wrote an episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold... Legend of the Bat-Mite. Fantastic if you love the show, and fantastic even if you hate the show. Seriously, if you dislike the show you should watch this one for special chuckles. That scene that ends in "meh." You know the one. So damn good.
Edit: I'll image spoil it for you if you doubt me.
Heart of Hush was pretty good...Dini made him a better character, IMO. Dini's whole run was pretty solid. I'm really looking forward to Gotham City Sirens because I loved his Ivy and Harley stuff in BTAS.
In the world of Gotham and The Joker, Batman's greatest strength isn't his fists, wealth or technology, it's his brain.
Despite his moniker as the World's Greatest Detective, the Dark Knight's video game appearances rarely tap into his vast skills as a sleuth.
While Batman: Arkham Asylum is certainly no comic book CSI, and who would want it to be, it certainly remembers that Batman is a detective first and a slugger second. Asylum asks gamers to think their way through the game not only when trying to solve puzzles, but when quietly taking out a room full guards and even busting heads.
What Is It?
Batman: Arkham Asylum is a third-person action game with a heavy emphasis on fighting, stealth and good old-fashioned detective work. The game isn't based on any particular existing story in the world of Batman, but rather taps into the vast history of comic books, movies and TV shows to create its own storyline set in the infamous asylum.
What We Saw
While I played through the first two chapters of the game, there are some strict rules about certain chunks of the game's story that I cannot talk about.
How Far Along Is It?
Due out in August, the build I played was set to me in May to help me judge the game for an E3 Game Critics award. Eidos later said judges could write previews based on the build.
What Needs Improvement? Polish: The game is shaping up nicely, but it still needs a bit of polish to smooth out the rough edges. Specifically, I'd like to see a bit more done on character models to deal with things like the occasional flesh-colored mohawks on bad guys, lip-syncing and general lighting issues.
Bats: As much as I've been enjoying the character design and aesthetic of this latest Batman, there is one thing that really bugs me. Every time you take out a bad guy a camp of bats appear and swirl around him for a second Initially it looks kind of neat, but the effect quickly loses its charm.
What Should Stay The Same? Vicious Fights: The fighting system used in the game is pretty straight forward. One button delivers an attack, another delivers a stunning attack. A third button is used for counter-attacks. You can also double tap a button to dodge. These simple single-button attacks are all weaved together with a heavy reliance on timing and the ability to shift between targets by moving the thumbstick in different directions. The results can be stunning when dealing with a room full of enemies, which is typically the case. This whole fluid combat system is back-up with stunning slow-mo finishing moves delivered to the final bad guy in a room, which gives the game a cinematic flare.
Fun Stealth: I'm not a huge fan of stealth, it's not my style and I don't like have it forced upon me. Batman's take on stealth, though, is a whole other story. Instead of slinking around trying to avoid the bad guys, Batman uses his arsenal of gadgets and the shadows to stalk and take down enemies one at a time, leaving those still standing quaking in their bad guy shoes. Take downs including gliding from the shadows to deliver a face full of Bat boot, sleeper holds, and hanging upside down to knock an enemy into unconsciousness.
Light Detective Work: One of Batman's cooler gadgets is his cowl vision, which allows him to scan an area for enemies, trails, scents and clues. You can activate the cowl at anytime in the game. While active, it shows an X-ray version of everyone on screen. If you look directly at a person it will also tell you their current heart rate and even state of mind. This is great when you're trying to sneak up on people, letting you know if they're relaxed or scared out of their minds. You can also use it to follow trails. At one point in the game, for instance, you have to follow a bad guy by searching for the smell of the alcohol on his breath. The detective work in the game is delivered in such a simple, straightforward way that it manages to add a little nuance to what would otherwise be a straight-up action game without distracting from the central theme of the game.
Voice Acting: Batman: Arkham Asylum is a joy to listen to both for fans of Batman and those new to the hero. The game features voice work by Kevin Conroy, Arleen Sorkin, Tom Kane, and even Mark Hamill as The Joker. Everyone involved delivers in the game.
Story: Instead of latching on to the latest movie, a TV show or plucking a story from the vast library of Batman comics, the developers decided to create something wholly new and it's the right call. Arkham Asylum opens with Batman escorting The Joker back to his favorite high-security mental ward. Shortly after his arrival though, things go sideways and Batman finds himself trapped in an asylum run by the inmates. The game takes place not just in the asylum but in the wider world of Arkham island, a perfect setting for this open-ended adventure game.
Challenge Modes: These modes are outside the single-player campaign, adding a bit of replayability to the single-player game. There are two types of challenge modes. In one you fight a stream of bad guys, taking on as many as you can until you finally succumb. In the other you use the stealth mode to try to quietly clear a room as quickly as possible.
Final Thoughts
Batman: Arkham Asylum's individual elements of fighting, stealth and detective work can all stand on their own as fun elements of gameplay, but put together they provide an experience much better than the sum of its parts.
Sounds like it's shaping up well, hopefully the delay actually let them polish up a few things abit more and wasn't just for marketing purposes. Either way this comes out in what, two months? So I guess we'll all find out soon enough
I played the Demo tonight after so long. I forgot how glorious the combat feels, just dancing through a room tearing shit up. This really needs to be out already.
SAW776 on
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
PSN: SAW776
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KalTorakOne way or another, they all end up inthe Undercity.Registered Userregular
edited June 2009
Yesss, sounds great. I passed on Prototype (probably pick it up after a price drop), but this one's still on my A-list.
I played the Demo tonight after so long. I forgot how glorious the combat feels, just dancing through a room tearing shit up. This really needs to be out already.
Is there a demo on psn or is this some kind of witchery?
AbsoluteZero on
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KalTorakOne way or another, they all end up inthe Undercity.Registered Userregular
I played the Demo tonight after so long. I forgot how glorious the combat feels, just dancing through a room tearing shit up. This really needs to be out already.
Is there a demo on psn or is this some kind of witchery?
So far I think the only available demo is in kiosks at Best Buy/other stores.
I played the Demo tonight after so long. I forgot how glorious the combat feels, just dancing through a room tearing shit up. This really needs to be out already.
Is there a demo on psn or is this some kind of witchery?
I had to stop by Wal-Mart on my way home from work today and was drawn in by the PS3 demo kiosk.
I played the Demo tonight after so long. I forgot how glorious the combat feels, just dancing through a room tearing shit up. This really needs to be out already.
If you liked its combat, I'd suggest you check out Yakuza 1 and 2. Arkham Asylum's combat takes a LOT from Yakuza 2.
Also, since I skipped over your question before, the pre-order code should just be inside the pack. At least that's how Prince of Persia and inFamous worked for me.
I played the Demo tonight after so long. I forgot how glorious the combat feels, just dancing through a room tearing shit up. This really needs to be out already.
If you liked its combat, I'd suggest you check out Yakuza 1 and 2. Arkham Asylum's combat takes a LOT from Yakuza 2.
Also, since I skipped over your question before, the pre-order code should just be inside the pack. At least that's how Prince of Persia and inFamous worked for me.
Unfortunately all I have is a PS3 and a Wii. No PS2. So no Yakuza for me.
As for the pre-order question, I just hope I don't get screwed. Since I'm getting the CE, its not like I can just pop open the box while I'm in the store to check it out and make sure I got it.
I just played the kiosk demo for the first time myself this past thursday. I'm in love. Not perfect, but definitely good enough, especially considering the scope of the game will be larger than "room full-o-dudes".
Woodroez on
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-Loki-Don't pee in my mouth and tell me it's raining.Registered Userregular
edited June 2009
I hope I can tie up Prototype before this hits. It'll be the ultimate few gaming months. infamous, then Prototype, then this. Super hero overload.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 25G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 10G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 25G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 25G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 50G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 50G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
Secret Achievement 50G - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.
I don't know what a Riddler challenge is, but I like the sound of it (and there must be heaps of em)
Also I guess that big abomination thing is the beast?
I hope playing a harder difficulty unlocks lower trophies, I am not going to play through it on Easy after Normal or Hard just for a trophy. Also sad theres no Joker related trophy.
I hope playing a harder difficulty unlocks lower trophies, I am not going to play through it on Easy after Normal or Hard just for a trophy. Also sad theres no Joker related trophy.
I think the Joker ones will be part of the secret (story?) ones, though I found the list off an xbox website, so there's a possibility there will be some extra joker ones on the ps3
Hitsuraptor on
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-Loki-Don't pee in my mouth and tell me it's raining.Registered Userregular
I hope playing a harder difficulty unlocks lower trophies, I am not going to play through it on Easy after Normal or Hard just for a trophy. Also sad theres no Joker related trophy.
I think the Joker ones will be part of the secret (story?) ones, though I found the list off an xbox website, so there's a possibility there will be some extra joker ones on the ps3
Yeah, this is a 360/GFWL achievement list. Assuming the Joker actually is PS3 exclusive, it's only going to show up on the PS3 trophy lists. Though there's also the chance they won't bother with Joker trophies at all.
-Loki- on
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Olivawgood name, isn't it?the foot of mt fujiRegistered Userregular
Of course Arkham Asylum is far from the first game to commit this, but I'm a little tired of seeing several 'cheevements that are just tiered. Three different achievements for beating the game on a certain difficulty and fucking four tied to a certain size combo is just insanity.
Woodroez on
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Olivawgood name, isn't it?the foot of mt fujiRegistered Userregular
edited June 2009
Achievements are icing on a cake
Actually, that's a poor analogy. Achievements are what is written on the cake in delicious frosting
They are completely pointless and don't matter at all, but it's sort of nice to have something pretty written on your cake
Just, you know, cut down on the repetition a bit. If there's an achievement for beating the game on hard, then everyone that cares about gamerpoints is going to jump straight to hard anyway, so putting one for beating the game on easy in is just redundant, unless the developers are dicks and make it where only actually playing on easy will unlock the easy achievement (which almost never happens).
Enough with picking nits, though. Does anyone that played the combat challenges know what exactly has to happen to make the takedown prompt come up?
Man this game has a Windows version which usually means the game will be pretty good on the 360 but the PS3 version has the extra Joker missions right off the bat and who knows how the DLC will work once that embargo is done for the 360. Lately from what I have seen is that PS3 versions games are noticeably worse then the 360 ones.
Decisions decisions on which to preorder...
HyperAquaBlast on
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-Loki-Don't pee in my mouth and tell me it's raining.Registered Userregular
Lately from what I have seen is that PS3 versions games are noticeably worse then the 360 ones.
Decisions decisions on which to preorder...
Lately? Lately most developers have been getting good at making them nearly identical, with mainly things like the different rendering engines producing some slightly different looks. I can understand back near the PS3's launch 360 games being noticeably better, but it's pretty indistinguishable now.
Lately from what I have seen is that PS3 versions games are noticeably worse then the 360 ones.
Decisions decisions on which to preorder...
Lately? Lately most developers have been getting good at making them nearly identical, with mainly things like the different rendering engines producing some slightly different looks. I can understand back near the PS3's launch 360 games being noticeably better, but it's pretty indistinguishable now.
While the trend has certainly decreased slightly since the beginning, it is still around. There are rare exceptions, though.
They compare multi-platform releases, and fairly judge both versions. Screenshots included.
(PS: if you notice the PS3 screenshots in some articles have a slightly different contrast level, that is the PS3's own unavoidable black level setting over component. It has nothing to do with the game and is considered normal and not picked on.)
Theres only been Ghostbusters which has caused any uproar and noone can quite explain what happened there but throw in the 30 seocnd load times, its easy to just call the develops not all that competent.
Yeah I dunno. Guess I'll just get the 360 version and hope for the best. They have shown more demos of that one then of anything right? So maybe more comfortable. And load times have been worrying me lately on the PS3 vs 360 debate. Its just weird how the PS3 has that problem.
Yeah I dunno. Guess I'll just get the 360 version and hope for the best. They have shown more demos of that one then of anything right? So maybe more comfortable. And load times have been worrying me lately on the PS3 vs 360 debate. Its just weird how the PS3 has that problem.
Actually, I've only seen PS3 versions of the demo out in public kiosks.
SAW776 on
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
PSN: SAW776
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FencingsaxIt is difficult to get a man to understand, when his salary depends upon his not understandingGNU Terry PratchettRegistered Userregular
Lately from what I have seen is that PS3 versions games are noticeably worse then the 360 ones.
Decisions decisions on which to preorder...
Lately? Lately most developers have been getting good at making them nearly identical, with mainly things like the different rendering engines producing some slightly different looks. I can understand back near the PS3's launch 360 games being noticeably better, but it's pretty indistinguishable now.
While the trend has certainly decreased slightly since the beginning, it is still around. There are rare exceptions, though.
They compare multi-platform releases, and fairly judge both versions. Screenshots included.
(PS: if you notice the PS3 screenshots in some articles have a slightly different contrast level, that is the PS3's own unavoidable black level setting over component. It has nothing to do with the game and is considered normal and not picked on.)
Aren't they the ones who basically don't even attempt to try to have equivalent settings on their machines? I'm not talking just about contrast.
Yeah I dunno. Guess I'll just get the 360 version and hope for the best. They have shown more demos of that one then of anything right? So maybe more comfortable. And load times have been worrying me lately on the PS3 vs 360 debate. Its just weird how the PS3 has that problem.
Actually, I've only seen PS3 versions of the demo out in public kiosks.
I meant like the game videos and trailers they have shown.
Anyways I pulled the trigger and went PS3 for $36.
If you're in London and would like to play some Arkham Asylum this Saturday, pop over to GAF. For the rest of us, take solace in the confirmation of a demo in the works. http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368345
Hi, I'm a Community Manager at Eidos (for my sins). Eidos would like to invite you to a Batman: Arkham Asylum community event in central London this Saturday the 18th of July. (EviLore gave me the go ahead to open this thread).
The aim of the day is to let as many people as possible get their hands on Batman: Arkham Asylum and hopefully go home happy with some free stuff. I'd like to extend the invitation to any local GAFfers that are interested in B:AA (apologies to those not in the London area - there is a demo in the pipeline if that's any consolation, the date of which we'll be announcing later this month).
WHAT?
* A load of pods so people can play the game.
* Rocksteady are coming down mob-handed (including Sefton Hill the Game Director) and will be on-hand to answer as many questions as they can.
* Some goodie bags to give away.
* Presentation of Batman: Arkham Asylum from Sefton.
* Some free foods.
* Me, most likely at the bar.
Posts
That image made me remember how much I miss Freakazoid.
Steam ID XBL: JohnnyChopsocky PSN:Stud_Beefpile WiiU:JohnnyChopsocky
Everyone misses Freakazoid. But in all fairness he is a hairs breadth away from being a Batman villian. Ofcourse that would mean we'd get to fight him in Arkham Asylum!
"Read twice, post once. It's almost like 'measure twice, cut once' only with reading." - MetaverseNomad
I miss Pinky and the Brain. I believe they were laboratory mice, had their genes spliced.
Did you know that their twilight campaign was easy to explain?
Also, to keep this somewhat relevant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y_psiP76SA
I loved that bit.
Heart of Hush was pretty good...Dini made him a better character, IMO. Dini's whole run was pretty solid. I'm really looking forward to Gotham City Sirens because I loved his Ivy and Harley stuff in BTAS.
My Let's Play Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2go70QLfwGq-hW4nvUqmog
Sounds like it's shaping up well, hopefully the delay actually let them polish up a few things abit more and wasn't just for marketing purposes. Either way this comes out in what, two months? So I guess we'll all find out soon enough
PSN: SAW776
Is there a demo on psn or is this some kind of witchery?
So far I think the only available demo is in kiosks at Best Buy/other stores.
I had to stop by Wal-Mart on my way home from work today and was drawn in by the PS3 demo kiosk.
PSN: SAW776
If you liked its combat, I'd suggest you check out Yakuza 1 and 2. Arkham Asylum's combat takes a LOT from Yakuza 2.
Also, since I skipped over your question before, the pre-order code should just be inside the pack. At least that's how Prince of Persia and inFamous worked for me.
Only rumours. I'm hoping that if Sega doesn't want to publish it, a smaller publisher like Atlus, Ignition or XSEED will.
Unfortunately all I have is a PS3 and a Wii. No PS2. So no Yakuza for me.
As for the pre-order question, I just hope I don't get screwed. Since I'm getting the CE, its not like I can just pop open the box while I'm in the store to check it out and make sure I got it.
PSN: SAW776
I just played the kiosk demo for the first time myself this past thursday. I'm in love. Not perfect, but definitely good enough, especially considering the scope of the game will be larger than "room full-o-dudes".
For Games for Windows Live but it should be the same for ps3/360
Secret Achievements
Text Version
Secret Achievements
I don't know what a Riddler challenge is, but I like the sound of it (and there must be heaps of em)
Also I guess that big abomination thing is the beast?
I think the Joker ones will be part of the secret (story?) ones, though I found the list off an xbox website, so there's a possibility there will be some extra joker ones on the ps3
Yeah, this is a 360/GFWL achievement list. Assuming the Joker actually is PS3 exclusive, it's only going to show up on the PS3 trophy lists. Though there's also the chance they won't bother with Joker trophies at all.
Awesome
PSN ID : DetectiveOlivaw | TWITTER | STEAM ID | NEVER FORGET
Yes.
Of course Arkham Asylum is far from the first game to commit this, but I'm a little tired of seeing several 'cheevements that are just tiered. Three different achievements for beating the game on a certain difficulty and fucking four tied to a certain size combo is just insanity.
Actually, that's a poor analogy. Achievements are what is written on the cake in delicious frosting
They are completely pointless and don't matter at all, but it's sort of nice to have something pretty written on your cake
PSN ID : DetectiveOlivaw | TWITTER | STEAM ID | NEVER FORGET
Just, you know, cut down on the repetition a bit. If there's an achievement for beating the game on hard, then everyone that cares about gamerpoints is going to jump straight to hard anyway, so putting one for beating the game on easy in is just redundant, unless the developers are dicks and make it where only actually playing on easy will unlock the easy achievement (which almost never happens).
Enough with picking nits, though. Does anyone that played the combat challenges know what exactly has to happen to make the takedown prompt come up?
Decisions decisions on which to preorder...
Lately? Lately most developers have been getting good at making them nearly identical, with mainly things like the different rendering engines producing some slightly different looks. I can understand back near the PS3's launch 360 games being noticeably better, but it's pretty indistinguishable now.
While the trend has certainly decreased slightly since the beginning, it is still around. There are rare exceptions, though.
http://www.lensoftruth.com/
They compare multi-platform releases, and fairly judge both versions. Screenshots included.
(PS: if you notice the PS3 screenshots in some articles have a slightly different contrast level, that is the PS3's own unavoidable black level setting over component. It has nothing to do with the game and is considered normal and not picked on.)
Actually, I've only seen PS3 versions of the demo out in public kiosks.
PSN: SAW776
Aren't they the ones who basically don't even attempt to try to have equivalent settings on their machines? I'm not talking just about contrast.
I meant like the game videos and trailers they have shown.
Anyways I pulled the trigger and went PS3 for $36.
PSN: SAW776
Oh well its 10% off at toysrus.com and I had a $20 gift card from them after buying Ghostbusters.
New villains trailer.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368345
Seriously doubt they're making a new playable villain and only giving it to Gamestop.