The GameOn Magazine - Free Special Editions Batman: Arkham Special Edition | Page 69

sense of style to
proceedings that made
this iteration stand
out from its peers.

still (based on our short time with the game)
present in this title, and players familiar
with the franchise will have no trouble in
picking this up and fighting like a pro.
Batman’s gadgets will also make an
appearance and can be found scattered
throughout the game. Our demo was,
presumably, set in the early part of the
game and our inventory limited; but we
had the Grapnel Gun allowing us access
to out-of-the-way locations and the ability
to tear open hard to reach air vents.

Of course, a significant
effect of the move
away from the 3D
environment is
the loss of a fully
open, explorable
environment and,
if the short section
we played is any indication, Blackgate will
play very much as a linear experience. It’s
a lamentable loss, as a significant part of
the Arkham experience was tied into the
exploration and discovery element (Riddler
trophies anyone?). Blackgate attempts to
alleviate this loss by introducing several
hidden locations to find. It’s not the same,
but it’s a nod in the right direction.
To assist you in finding these hidden locations,
and in solving the various puzzles throughout
the game, detective mode makes a welcome

We also enjoyed the
cut scene sections,
which in Blackgate
are presented as in a
comic board style as
opposed to full-motion
cinematics. While
this steps away from
the style of the home
console series, they
were well designed
and injected a fresh
69 • GameOn Magazine

Batman Arkham Special Edition