List of Upcoming Games #2

2. Batman: Arkham City

As with Battlefield 3, what got me interested in this game was it's predecessor, Batman: Arkham Asylum, a game that was better than what anyone believed. It set a new standard for it's genre, one that has yet to be surpassed. But perhaps City can be the game to beat out Asylum.

The story picks up about a year after the ending of Asylum, with Batman having access to all the devices and gadgets he had at the end of the first game. It is currently unknown as of yet whether or not there will be a bonus for having Asylum game data already saved to your Hard Drive. The reason behind the name of the game is because a small section of Gotham city is set aside to house the villians captured, due to the fact that the Arkham prison is in no condition to hold them. Two-Face, a mainstay villain of the Batman series, decides to attempt to hold a public execution of Catwoman, springing Batman into action and thus beginning the game.

The gameplay seems to be similar to the gameplay from Arkham, with a few cosmetic adjustments and small changes to the combat system, such as an easier combo system and easier traveling between high and low locations. One of the biggest changes to the game is the introduction of Catwoman as an playable character, with her own unique skills and over 15 extra hours of gameplay. There is also an unconfirmed rumor there will be a free DLC containing an entire storyline for Catwoman, similar to the extra Joker levels in the PS3 version   of Asylum. In addition, it was revealed today that Deadshot will be one of the villains in the game.

There are currently two "higher" editions of the game; the first is a Gamestop pre-order exclusive, with free access to an exclusive map. The second is a Collector's Edition, containing the game, a statue of Batman, a collectible art book, a digital download of the Arkham City soundtrack, an animated film, and exclusive character skins and challenge maps. The price of this is currently unknown, but it believed to be $80, though could also possibly be $100.

I will update my blog with updated gameplay mechanics and my review once the game releases. Until then, always be prepared, and keep a watchful eye into the night.

Pre-Purchase Rating: 9/10.