The GameOn Magazine - Free Special Editions Batman: Arkham Special Edition | Page 71

only minor control
mapping changes
as a result of the
hardware. The 3DS’s
second screen will
also be dedicated to a
map, which was only
available at a button
press on the Vita.

return; and in one of the best uses of the
PlayStation Vita’s touch screen technology we
have experienced in our time with the system.
Detective mode is activated simply by
touching your finger against the screen, and
dragging it over the environment highlights
points of interest in a fairly generous radius
around the digit. Hovering directly over
one of these points opens an on-screen text
box displaying useful information about the
object highlighted. It’s an excellent way of
incorporating detective mode directly into
the experience without making it an entirely
separate entity by mapping it to a button press,
and is arguably a better method of integration
than that found it the home console games.
We only got time with the PlayStation Vita
version of Blackgate during our gamescom
experience, but of course we took the
opportunity to make enquiries on the
differences between our demo and that on
offer on the 3DS. Essentially, we were told,
the game is the same on each platform with

71 • GameOn Magazine

Due to hardware
differences, the
Vita version
features a slightly higher resolution than
that its 3DS counterpart. Of course, the
3DS makes up for this with its 3D effects,
so it’s a tradeoff that has to be considered
for those with access to both platforms.
The lack of an open world and the transition
to a 2D play environment means that
Blackgate cannot be accurately compared
to the rest of the Arkham series in terms of
overall experience. However, it is set to be
an extremely accomplished side-scrolling
adventure that successfully captures the
feel of being the Batman, and so is likely
to be a welcome addition to the gaming
collection of those who are seeking to expand
on their experience with the franchise.
Batman: Arkham City Origins Blackgate
is being developed by Armature Studio
and will be released on PlayStation
Vita and 3DS on October 25th 2013.
Ross D. Brown

Batman Arkham Special Edition