The GameOn Magazine - Free Special Editions Batman: Arkham Special Edition | Page 25

sound effects, timed slow-mo and context
sensitive actions gives the combat system
a true sense of power and weight. Despite
his agility, Batman is a bruiser and the
Arkham combat conveys this in style.
For many people, the Freeflow system is
the pinnacle of in-game combat mechanics,
and I’m inclined to agree. To back us up,
there’s a host of games out there that have
been majorly influenced by the Arkham
combat. In many ways it’s started a new era
of hand to hand combat in adventure and
third person games. Assassin’s Creed 3 is a
notable game that combined the Freeflow
mechanic with the pre-established AC style,
it has its differences and feels a lot lighter
but you can feel the inspiration. Sleeping
Dogs’ combat is very similar and also very
satisfying, and you can also play Captain
America: Super Soldier which practically
copies the mechanic. There are a huge list of
games that have been influenced by Freeflow,
and I’ve taken to using Arkham City as a

point of reference in many of my reviews.
Of course, like any great concept, the combat
mechanic in the Arkham games has its critics.
Some feel that the system is too easy, and
can make the player almost too powerful.
Another issue for certain players is that it
doesn’t require a lot of input from the player. I
would counter these arguments by saying that
the system may be easy to start with, but in
order to build up long and powerful combos,
you need to really pay attention to the moves
you make. You also need to be observant for
counter opportunities and unusual enemies.
Personally, I’m interested in Arkham
Origins almost purely because of the
combat system. I want to see how Warner
Montreal handle the mechanics, and if
they can make any real improvements.
Fact is, there’s no way they can ruin it.
The Arkham series has the best, and most
revolutionary, hand to hand combat system
in any game ever. Disagree? I will fight you.
Ryan Davies

25 • GameOn Magazine

Batman Arkham Special Edition