Arkham Asylum Hands On Impressions

I haphazardly wandered into my local Gamestop the other day, looking for the infamously cheap inFamous (they were on sale for $30!!!). Needless to say, I was disappointed, but to my pleasant surprise, I noticed Batman Arkham Asylum sitting all by its lonesome in the corner of the store on the PS3. So I gave it a whirl. And whirl I did.

Not since the likes of Shenmue or Urban Reign have I played a beat-em-up this enjoyable. Nor have I played a Batman game this good since the days of 16-bit yore. Combat is fluid and satisfying, and most of all, fun; and while I didn’t get a chance to play with the bat-gadgets, I did manage to pull of some bat-kicks and bat-flips, not to mention bat-combos and bat-counters.

Batman: Arkham Asylum Melee Combat Footage

Continuing with the trend of Batman related news on this site, I thought I’d share with you a trailer that I recently came across on IGN’s website showing off the shiny new combat system that will be a major part of the new game. They call it freeflow combat, and as the name implies, you can deftly maneuver Batman’s fists of fury and feet of, um fury, into the faces and appendages of several enemies at once in a beautiful ballet of pain. Poetic no?

Upon first glance, the system is somewhat reminiscent of the Assassin’s Creed system of combat, however when you look closer, the transitions between opponents seems a whole lot smoother. The other major difference will be the fact that you will be able to utilize some of Batman’s wonderful toys during close combat, with as the batarang, bat hook thing, a zip line that you can use to use to drop down on unsuspecting crazy’s as well as that explosive gel that we’ve seen in previous vids.

The combat system is going to be combo driven, with additional XP and damage given out when the player successfully completes a chained attack using various strikes. The player is rewarded for timing the strikes well and varying up their moves. But this is no button masher, no no. During the later stages, you will need to be able to string together combos in order to defeat some of the more difficult foes which will undoubtedly extend the playability of this game.

But I’ve been a flappin my gums way too much. Check out this footage and weep with the possibility that you may finally get a Batman game worthy of the name.

Joker Will be a Playable Character in Arkham Asylum…

… but only on Playstation 3. Eidos has announced that the Joker will be a playable character on the PS3 version of the title. Though not shipping on the physical disc, he will be available as downloadable content, and can be used through the challenge modes in the game. There’s no word yet on what the counterbalance will be for the Xbox360, but if it’s Harley Quinn, I’m gonna be PISSED.

Arkham Asylum – Silent Knight Challenge Gameplay

I shan’t think I need comment any further.