The GameOn Magazine - Free Special Editions Batman: Arkham Special Edition | Page 33

Gadget Tip

aspects of Arkham
City and made it their
own but since none of
them have been able
to replicate them to
the original standards
of greatness, it shows
that even two years
later, the gameplay
of Arkham City still
works. The combat
is still as fast and as
fluid as it was when
This advanced Freeze weapon technology creates a large blast radius
it was first released
capable of freezing multiple enemies at once. Trapped enemies
and sneaking up
are free to move their torsos and can still attack, so Batman must
on guards before
approach enemies with firearms from behind to minimise any risk.
breaking their
necks, blowing up the floor beneath them or
still brilliant: that fact has been mentioned a
dangling them from gargoyles is by no means
hundred times before but it’s just so true.
less brilliant now in 2013. This isn’t to suggest
that gaming has not developed since the
And now, with Arkham Origins hitting shelves
title’s release, however: it is simply proving
later this year, Arkham City has another
how brilliant and well-crafted Arkham City
foe to face against. Instead of following on
was by stating that it has not lost its magic.
from City’s conclusion and choosing to detail
Batman’s early adventures, Origins could
But how does Arkham City stand amongst
go one of two ways: it could be a complete
the new Batman canon? With the release of
disappointment, which is unlikely, or it could
the final instalment to Christopher Nolan’s
knock City off its pedestal as the ultimate
masterful trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises,
game centred on the Caped Crusader.
and a recent announcement that the Caped
When the game comes out this October, a
Crusader will be joining Zack Snyder’s
comparison between Origin and City could
Man of Steel sequel in 2015 - it would be
yield interesting results but for now, whilst
incorrect to say that interest in Batman
everyone counts down the days to the game’s
is decreasing. So with so much brilliance
release, it’s more than acceptable to state
surrounding the franchise, it’s amazing that
that Arkham City is a masterpiece and will,
Arkham City still stands tall amongst all
at least until the next generation hits, remain
the releases, be it on television, the cinema
so. Well done, Rocksteady. Well done.
screen or as a video game. Arkham City is
Adam Woodward

33 • GameOn Magazine

Batman Arkham Special Edition